The Piney Woods: A Journey Back to My Roots

As we move closer to the release of From the Piney Woods, I wanted to share a bit about the place that holds my earliest memories, the place where my story truly began. This place is more than a setting—it’s the Piney Woods of East Texas, a landscape woven into my soul.

The Piney Woods: Where It All Began

Nacogdoches, northeast of Houston, is where I was born. It’s where my mom and dad were born, and it’s where they’re now buried, alongside generations of my family. The Piney Woods hold the resting places of my loved ones at Swift Cemetery and Shady Grove Cemetery. My beloved Granny lies here too, next to her one true love, my Grandpa, who passed away before I had the chance to know him. These woods are more than trees and trails—they’re my history, my roots, my origin.

A Place of Hard and Sad Memories

The Piney Woods hold many difficult memories for me. It’s a place where I felt the pain of loss, and where the weight of family struggles often felt heavy. Walking through the woods or visiting those quiet resting places in the cemeteries can bring back sorrow. Yet, even with all the heartache this place holds, I feel drawn back, connected to it in ways I can’t fully explain. It’s as if the Piney Woods are a part of me, just as I am part of it.

In writing From the Piney Woods, I’ve revisited those memories—both the beautiful and the painful. This journey of reflection has shown me that while the past may have been difficult, it helped to shape me. The Piney Woods became my foundation, teaching me resilience, grounding me in a strength I didn’t always know I had. This place of origin, with all its complexities, has been a part of creating the person I am today.

Coming to Peace with Myself

After years of looking back and struggling with self-acceptance, I can finally say that I like who I’ve become. The Piney Woods taught me that our past doesn’t define us; it prepares us. Each memory, each hardship, and each story of my family members resting in those cemeteries is a thread in the fabric of who I am. And now, I can see that I wouldn’t change any of it, because this journey led me to find compassion, strength, and a sense of peace within myself.

But part of finding that peace has meant learning to forgive—not only others, but also myself. Forgiveness is essential, because if left unchecked, resentment can destroy all the good things that live inside us. Letting go of anger and blame has allowed me to hold onto joy, hope, and purpose, and it has opened a path toward healing.

As you read From the Piney Woods, I hope you feel a connection to the people, the places, and the spirit of East Texas that brought me to where I am today. The Piney Woods may be rooted in my past, but it’s also a part of my journey forward, and I’m honored to share it with you.

Thank you for being part of this story and be sure to preorder today and receive a signed copy! The book will launch before year end (date TBD) and be available on Amazon, and I will send the link when it’s live!

With heartfelt gratitude,
PJ Hamilton