This Tree is Still Here

And so are you + 3rd Sunday Salon + NC and Northeast Shows

As often as possible, I start my day with a hike in the state park near our house. A few weeks ago, at the bottom of the mountain by the river, right before the steep climb back up man-made stairs, I ran into a friend who excitedly told me about her connection to this tree.

Picture: Shannon Reaves Hales

From a text she later sent me with the above picture, “Talk about perseverance and earned wisdom! Completely hollowed out, and nevertheless…new leaves in the spring. I couldn’t love her more.”

Today I stopped before this tree again, reflecting on it’s endurance, and what a perfect work of art nature has created here. I wasn’t sure what else to do besides take my own less-impressive pictures of it or just stare at it in awe. So I put my ear up to the bark. I didn’t hear anything, but I felt its strength. I thanked it.

Overwhelm, swimming through feelings - if you’re like me, you’ve been knee deep in those waters lately. But looking at this tree I felt grounded - a deeper trust that the process of life - and me showing up for it - will leave me somehow both stronger and more vulnerable. A beautiful old thing who has lived to see some horror, but still found a way to shoot some leaves out to absorb the sun. I don’t mind being a living testament to the life I’ve seen, endured, made art through. To be like this tree would be an honor.

If this makes sense to you, check out the resources and workshops offered over at The Mother Tree Network. Aminata was a guest on Jess Klein’s Big Table in the fall and her wisdom goes deep.

3rd Sunday Salon for Subscribers 3/16! Theme: Story Songs

Join me this coming Sunday 3/16 for our bi-monthly Salon. This month’s theme is “Story Songs”. Come prepared with your top 3 story songs and we’ll co-create a playlist! Nerd out with me about lyrics, storylines and such. It’s my favorite thing to do. Don’t forget to register - registration link is at the bottom for paid subscribers.

I’m honored to be part of this series at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC 3/26, sponsored by Carolina Public Humanities. I’ll be interviewed by Chapel Hill Poet Laureate Donovan Livingston. We’ll talk about going deep in songwriting and I’ll play a set of tunes.

SPRING SHOWS

3/26 Flyleaf Music Series, Chapel Hill, NC - “Uncovering Truth Through Songwriting” - Interview and performance sponsored by Carolina Public Humanities.

4/10 The Bitter End, NYC - Neo-Folk Extravangaza w/Rachael Sage

4/13 Rosie’s Cafe, Brick, NJ - Seating is limited & will sell out. RSVP to get your spot/info.

4/19 The Flat Iron, Greensboro, NC

5/2 Trinity House Theatre, Livonia, MI*

5/3 WFMT Folkstage, Chicago, IL*

5/4 Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, IL*

5/8 Cafe Carpe, Ft Atkinson, WI - supporting Richard Shindell

5/9 Venue TBD, Effingham, IL

5/10 Bluff View Concerts, La Crosse, WI

*co-bills with Jenny Reynolds

Please register for our 3rd Sunday Salon: Story Songs HERE.

Love,

Jess

Jess Klein's Travelin' Woman is a reader-supported publication and your support keeps me creating. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers get to come to my monthly livestream concerts/Salons + discounts on my merch and music. Thanks!