Blooming branches

     Back in December we had a brutal storm that knocked down many limbs and branches from the tall trees in the yard.   As I walked about surveying the damage I couldn't help but notice that some of the branches were truly beautiful.  I will spare you the list of influences that caused me to begin to collect them.  By the end of my gathering I had a nice collection of sticks.  A can of spray paint made them white and a vase gave them a home on my fireplace in the dining room.  Now what?  I found the perfect little ornaments to hang...blues and silvers so that they could live there beyond the holiday season and well into January when a touch of sparkle seems to be needed more than ever.  I was glad I did because in January I needed all of the shine I could get. 
     Once February rolled around the branches were covered in Valentines and tiny plastic heart beads that capped all of the ends.  March was a certain little girl's birthday and the theme in the room was Barbie.  The tree became home to accessories like shoes, dresses and such and various furniture items were placed underneath.  April...you guessed it...became an Easter treat.  At the end of April I took down all Easter items and it left the branches back to their original state...white and empty.  A sad sight to behold after so much excitement.  I didn't have the heart to get rid of them. 
     If you recall, a bit ago I made my first venture into a Hobby Lobby to help Emily spend her gift card.  One of the goodies purchased was a kit by American Girl to make paper flowers.  Today that book was opened and we sat there and made little paper blossoms.  Layers of color and pattern and sparkle were placed together lovingly  in different combinations.  There were also a few butterflies made to dance along the branches.  It came out absolutely beautiful.  At dinner we smiled and commented on who made the different blooms.  It has been an odd spring as far as the weather goes...lots of rain and cloudy days.  Though I did squeal earlier today with the discovery of a real iris finally popping out of the dirt in my yard (something I have waited about two years for) I am thrilled at the blooming tree in our house.  The blossoms will outlast the fleeting treats on the real trees outside.  For now we can admire them for as long as we need...or until the next inspiration comes along.