That winter was unusually frigid. As the sun set and the cold swept over me, I saw a scrawny old tree with only a handful of leaves. I felt an intimate connection to the tree, as I was feeling worn out from a long day. Next moment, I found myself staring at the tree as though under a special spell. Then, I could already feel the warmth and the fragrance of the imminent spring. Though what most people saw that night might have been an old tree and nothing more, I wanted to cherish this wonderful gift of Mother Nature.