I find myself drawn to the silence and serenity of wide open, empty spaces. I was quite content this winter to be alone in foggy, snow covered landscapes with no sounds other than my own footsteps and nothing to disturb my thoughts, my visions. As I looked around, enjoying the beauty of my solitude, I realized that I was in fact never alone in these places. Scattered throughout these frigid landscapes I found exceptionally strong personalities - not in other people, but in trees. Silent and strong in the hard winter cold, these leaders, troops, teachers, students, guardians, enemies, families and lovers showed me their power as well as their vulnerability. I felt compelled to capture this beautiful other-reality to share visually my belief that we are truly never alone.