Dancing with Trees

A Family Journal

By: Benny Graves

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

“Through Graves’ eyes and pen strokes, the reader can sense the beauty and soul-soothing power of the trees that surround us in our daily lives. Indeed, our lives would be poor without the green spaces and sheltering branches in our world. Can there ever be enough of them? One does not have to be a naturalist, as Graves most certainly is, to appreciate his vivid descriptions of trees, nature and its seasons. One only needs to be a lover of the written word. The lush descriptions and poignant memories are enough to draw the reader through, story by story, but then there are, planted throughout the coffee-table book, photos of trees by Graves and others. Rough and rugged bark, outstretched boughs and the delicate lace of branches, twigs and leaves, all are shown in rich detail.”—Annie Oeth, New Orleans Review of Books. Dancing with Trees is a collection of color photographs and stories that explore how one Mississippi family has journeyed through life under the watchful eyes of individual trees that often become their soulmates. The author explains how these trees on his farm have served as witnesses and companions to love, laughter, disappointments, and milestones that all people experience. Each of the twenty-eight stories focuses on a specific tree and memories associated with it. For example, “Go Skinny Dipping” recalls how a Sweetbay tree near a swimming hole watched the beautiful 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 only is Dancing with Trees an entrancing look at memories that resonate with everyone, it also includes stunning photographs of each tree which further enhance the enjoyment. Readers will have an instant connection between the trees and the lessons they represent. In addition, interspersed quotes from Southern authors about the importance of trees deepen the understanding of how trees are interwoven in the lives of us all. Dancing With Trees shares a fantastic metaphor for life as the trees represent love, adventure, memories, and family experiences. This book will leave readers with a deep appreciation for trees as well as for the simple pleasures in life. About the Author Benny Graves is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he obtained his Masters in Plant Pathology with an emphasis on Forest Health. As a young man he paid his way through college by working summers and holidays with the U. S. Forest Service. He came back home to operate his family’s 120 acre beef cattle farm in Ackerman, Mississippi. The farm has been in his family for five generations. Benny is a self-taught naturalist with a particular love for trees.