As happens in most places, even the smallest of towns, change happens. It is the flow of life, the energy that fills the spaces. Change is, for the most part, a good thing.
origins unknown
I read once that the difference between the human species, as opposed to other animals, is that we are not content to be one with life. We strive to make things happen, to achieve and be in constant motion. Our minds are filled with chatter, endless thoughts and commotion. I don’t know the origins of the illustration above, but when you look at it and read the various functions of the mind, you’ll see what I mean!
When I moved to St. Simons Island in 2009 I began to hear about the Tree Spirits that Keith Jennings sculpted into the trunks of various live oaks that grow here. Each spirit is said to immortalize the countless lives lost at sea on great ships that were once built from these mighty oak trees. The sadness, the grief and expressions of loss somehow blend with the gnarly wood, drooping limbs and ghostly Spanish moss that drips from them.
I never took the time to find any of these spirits. The tendency to become involved in day to day life, not stopping to enjoy and absorb one’s surroundings is something I have to plead guilty too.
Mr. T mentioned the spirits to me several weeks ago and thought they would be a great subject for a post on my blog. I usually stop and listen to him, wise person that he is. I began to do some research, to pinpoint on a map where each tree stands.
At the entrance to the new Village Oaks subdivision off of Kings Way on St. Simons I struck gold….or at least what felt like it to me. We took last Friday afternoon to track the trees as they appear on a map I accessed through Mr. Jenning’s facebook page that is devoted to these beautiful carvings. We drove from one end of the island back toward the village and around the area with no success. Mr. T. suggested I drive to Village Oaks to take a look since he recalled having seen one of the trees there.
As we pulled up to the entrance my eye was immediately drawn to the tree that stands just to the right of the entrance. “It’s there….it’s there!” I felt like a four year old first seeing something I had only dreamed of. There on the trunk of the tree was carved the most amazing face, detailed in its sadness, it’s mouth opened in a sort of gasp. I felt shivers run up and down my spine as I stood there, focusing my camera to take the first shot, capturing this spirit to share with my readers.
I looked down the way and there was a second spirit carved into a massive live oak. I made my way down to the tree, avoiding workmen and construction that busily surrounded me. Once again I saw the emotion, the fear and sorrow that Keith Jennings created in this tree. I realized how special it is that the trees are being preserved, worked into the landscape of a neighborhood that could just as easily have cut them down.
I thought this would be the last tree I would see when Mr. T. directed my gaze further down the street to a third tree. “Three???? Yipee!”, I drove our SUV down the way to the third and final tree I was to discover that afternoon. Snapping pictures, zooming in on the face to make sure all of the detail would be visible, I decided that these three spirits would do for the time being.
Each of these trees with their carved spirits represent a part of the island’s history. I’m still on the lookout for the remaining trees Keith Jennings carved, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to venture out on my bike to find them. Driving on a busy street is not the way. And that seems appropriate to me. Slowing down, taking it easy and really exploring and discovering all this area has to offer is so important.
I’m living on island time and loving every minute of it. Yes, the busy world goes on around me, but it is my choice as to how I relate to it. I choose peace, quiet and the Southern grace that echoes through the ancient live oaks. Even those untouched by a sculptors hands have their own spirit, each has a story to tell.
goldenisles.com
2 Responses
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Nancy Says:
I’m up for a tree tour bike ride….. Let me know when!
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Melissa Says:
I’ll let you know! Fun!
