Yesterday brought glorious spring sunshine! Long overdue after several days of rain, it was time to venture outdoors into my yard. My goal was to gather prop materials for a day of photo shooting. At least, I thought there would be something worthy to use as display for shots featuring my painted furniture pieces. But the more I looked, inspiration began to deflate like a pin to a balloon. Recalling days past while looking out my rain-streaked windows, nature did look bare. Not even the birds, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, stray cats were seen.

Yet now closely surveying, everything looked much bleaker than imagined. Although most tree limbs and shrubs revealed mere sproutings of leaf or flower buds, what I envisioned, none would appease. I wanted something bright and thriving. What I really wanted were blooms.

Did this require a trip to the garden nursery? In my present mood, only if absolute would I leave the comforts of home.  Meanwhile, something had to be done.

While thinking this, passing under the arbor, I follow a path through pines. Further, it winds until coming to an area where once a vegetable garden was planned. Maybe this year. And suddenly I found something! Half-hidden amongst pine and willow stands a cherry tree in full glorious bloom. Beneath graceful petaled branches, purple iris stems transplanted two years ago reached for sunlight. Definitely wonder of wonders -- saved by the cherry tree blossoms!

Photo: sunbeams kiss the blossoms lying on the garden table. Afterward, indoors they went for the making of display approval.

Coming soon, I'll share the best photo shoots used to launch my shop.

Until then, hope you have a great sunshine filled weekend.