It is only normal that we, as members of the human family, form bonds and connections with special people, places, things, even special music. And Choctaw County author, Benny Graves, believes that maybe without realizing it we connect with trees, as well.
In his first ever book, Dancing with Trees: A Family Journal, Graves has put together a collection of 28 short stories, each story dealing with a different tree on his family farm in Ackerman.
The stories, along with Graves’ own photography, are an exploration of how his family has journeyed through life under the watchful eyes of these individual trees that have almost become soul mates. Graves tells how the trees have served as witnesses and companions to love, laughter, disappointment and milestones that are common to all people, everywhere.
The chapter entitled Go Skinny Dipping recalls how a Sweetbay tree near a swimming hole watched the wonderful moment when young boys did not see race as a barrier to sharing life’s adventures and became life-long friends. A Magnolia tree reminds us of the sacrifices a relationship might undergo to strengthen love.
Not a writer by trade, Graves grew up on the 120-acre farm which has been in his family for five generations, and through the process of time and experience he formed a deep connection with nature and especially to plant life.
Graves graduated from Mississippi State University with a Masters in Plant Pathology and an emphasis on Forest Health. He worked as a Regulatory Plant Pest specialist with the Mississippi Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce for 33 years and as a crop consultant for seven years. As a young man he worked his way through college by working summers and holidays with the U.S. Forest Service.
A self-taught naturalist, Graves came back to Ackerman in 1982 to operate the family farm. He and his wife, Deanie, have been married for 33 years.
Graves said, “At my age I’m interested in having fun, and this is something I’m interested in. I enjoy trees and I’ve got some wonderful stories to tell about them.”
Authoring Dancing with Trees was a five year process that began with the first story, The Big Oak. It was an interesting journey for Graves who stated that he actually had to learn to write. With Deanie acting as his editor and with much rewriting and honing of his craft the finished volume came together.
And though the process was an exciting and satisfying one, it was also a bit discouraging when he received rejection letters from 30 of the 32 publishers to whom he sent his manuscript.
Sartoris Literary Group, a Mississippi company, published the book which was released on March 15, and was the #1 new release in the Forests and Forestry category on Amazon, receiving many five-star reviews.
In summation, Graves says that everyone has an attachment to trees whether memories of climbing a tree as a child, or picking up pecans, or just enjoying the wildlife nurtured by trees. He adds that nature is something to be respected and treasured, and it is his hope that in the hectic day-to-day lives that his stories will help people to take a break and remember what life is really all about.
Graves enjoyed a very successful book signing hosted by Eric & Mary Grace Chambers at their home, Saturday evening, April 6 wit over 100 attendees,
