I look up at the tall magnificent tree that stands before me.

Some limbs freshly cut.
Smooth is its yellowish tan interior.

Standing there in that moment, in the icy cold of winter's grasp.

Staring at that fresh cut limb with my German Shepherd, Sabre in tow.

I went back in my mind, into my memories.

I wasn't standing in the icy air of winter any longer.

But rather, staring at that fresh cut limb, it brought me back to the smell of burning wood and a bonfire during an already late July's sultry summer's night.

If not for memories like these?

I may have felt the cold of the February air but, I didn't.

Instead, my memory, my imagination brought me back to an aroma of barbecue, burning wood and friends and family.

With memories.
I can take myself any place and any where at any time.

It's just then that I think.....what a magnificent gift our mind and our memories are when utilized the way that God intended.