The tree next to this rock is my favorite tree in our yard. I can’t recall ever seeing one before we moved here, but I think I have finally discovered its name – Lynn Tree. It is a rhododendron of the large variety. It has lovely white blooms that are larger and less neatly formed than a magnolia. Its branches twist and turn like my favorite plant the mountain laurel. This tree is absolutely gorgeous. Because of an old fence, I have never been able to get close to it, but now that they have made the new road, I ‘ll be able to get a closer look.
My dad took me out for my birthday this weekend. We took the girls into the city to a Halloween party at the Borders Bookstore and to play in the mall playground. I got to do a little shopping with gift money for clothes that I have desperately needed. It was a nice trip. The girls really enjoy the attention of their grandparents. But, it was at his house that I tasted Lynn Tree honey and connected it to my tree. This honey is the best I’ve ever tasted. It is almost clear, being a light lemony yellow color. If you could bottle the smell of magnolia and make it perfectly palatable, you would have Lynn honey. Apparently, it is very hard to find as there aren’t many of these trees left in the mountains for whatever reason. My dad who is an environmental engineer, confirmed that my tree was a Lynn. I haven’t been able to find anything about it on the internet.
I was also excited when I went to the calender and found that the end of my 40 Day Commitment ended on my 31st birthday. It has been a different spiritual experience for me. I am sleeping better. I’m off caffeine, at least for the time being. I am learning how to be still.
The mind is energy. Regluate it.
– Yogi Bhajan
This lesson has been reiterated to me in so many ways over the last weeks. What is life, if we aren’t living it currently? If we are always in the past or the future?
I was happy to be led to a new online journal of Appalachian literature – Still: Literature of the Mountain South. It is edited by mountain writers, Silas House, Jason Howard, and Marianne Worthington. It is free to read. I loved all of their reasoning behind their naming it Still, but this one, again, brought my lesson to the forefront of my day.
To be a writer is to learn how to be still.
Take a moment and do some reading here. I’m celebrating this journal.
I’m excited that at the end of this week will be my favorite holiday – Halloween! I can’t wait to write about it.
A Mountain Mama - East Kentucky Gal 
9 comments
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October 25, 2009 at 10:42 pm
micheleberger
Hi Kelli,
Great post. I also have used 40 day (and 90 day) kriya pratices to inaugurate new depths of clarity and compassion. I commend you on your practice thus far.
best,
Michele
October 26, 2009 at 3:27 pm
meorthethoughtofme
I love both of those quotes. I’m glad you all had a good time and you were able to treat yourself 🙂 Also, yay for no caffeine, better sleep, and more awareness. I may try to do something like that for myself…
October 26, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Annita
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tree like that before, its’ really pretty. I am definitely going to check out the link, anything associated with Silas House is something I want to read!
October 28, 2009 at 3:12 am
breedermama
Congratulations on finishing your 40 day commitment that is a huge accomplishment. I yearn for a place in which I can learn to be still – my life is not there yet I fear. You are such an inspiration to me.
October 29, 2009 at 12:36 pm
eastkentuckygal
And you me… Being still, there are so many parts to that. I’m far from being able to do it, but the concept is there and understood, which is making me into the person I’d rather be. Thanks mama… it means alot.
October 28, 2009 at 3:18 am
Ren
Some days I practically forget to breathe. Then I come here & remember what its all about 🙂
October 29, 2009 at 12:36 pm
eastkentuckygal
Wow! Thanks. 🙂
October 29, 2009 at 1:12 am
Amy
This is very inspirational, Kelli. I have been feeling so lost and without a compass point lately. I will be pondering the idea of the 40-day commitment…
October 29, 2009 at 12:38 pm
eastkentuckygal
It is hard to remember what your goals are during the 40 Days, but I came to realize that my goals were actually changing because I was changing… and I piled a lot on myself. lol It is just enough time to make things a habit and to break old ones. I recommend at least giving it a try and not being to caught up in the outcome of your efforts, but in the process.