Spring in the Desert by Merrillee Whren

 

Spring is a time when the earth springs alive. Flowers are everywhere, even in the desert where I live. The cacti have unusual and amazing flowers, and the wildflowers grow along the road and across the desert landscape. I'm going to share some desert flowers with you.

I could post a dozen more photos of the unique flowers we have here in the desert. I miss spring flowers that I knew in other parts of the country where we lived. I especially miss lilacs. They are my favorite spring flower. When I write, I try to include flowers to set the scene. Here is a scene from Country Blessings.

  Matt grinned, and crinkles fanned out from his golden eyes. “I do remember that you had a fantastic imagination.”

      “That was me all right. My head full of fantasies.”
     “Look where those fantasies got you. Hollywood. Becky’s a lot like you, and she’s got a creative companion in Erin.”
     They do have fun together. I’m glad Becky has such a good playmate. Staying here has been good for her.”
     Has staying here been good for you, too?”
     Rachel didn’t speak immediately. Being here was therapeutic in a physical sense, but emotionally it was a roller coaster ride. First, she’d had to deal with her mother’s death. Then she had the ever-present reminder of her feelings for Matt. He drew her like a bird to the berry patch, but like the scarecrow, his faith frightened her away.
     Rachel’s gaze drifted back to the sky as she contemplated her answer. Being on the farm gave her the peace she hadn’t had in L.A. in a long time. Life was so different here that she sometimes forgot the turmoil she’d left behind. “Yes, it’s been a welcome change from the hectic life I was leading before Mom died. I’m just sorry she isn’t here to share it with me.”
     You really miss her, don’t you?”
     Yes. I can’t explain the silly little things that make me miss her.” Tears welling in her eyes, Rachel looked out over the field in front of them. She made no comment as she tried to control her emotions.
     “It’s okay if you want to cry.” Matt moved closer and put an arm around her shoulders.
     She leaned her head on his shoulder and let the warmth of his comforting embrace wash over her. In Matt’s arms was where she wanted to be. She blinked back the tears as she lifted her head and looked at him. “Thanks. I’m all right now. I get these moments every once in a while. I’ll be fine.”
     “Let’s get Becky.” Taking her hand, he stood up, pulling her to her feet.
     When she was standing he didn’t let go of her hand, but continued to hold it as they walked along the edge of the field. It seemed so right, and yet she didn’t dare to think about what it might mean.
Becky emerged from the far end of the shelterbelt with a fist full of flowers. She scampered to where Matt and Rachel stood, still holding hands.
      Becky thrust the flowers at her mother. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
     “Yes, they are.” Rachel released Matt’s hand and took the bouquet of delicate lavender blooms. “Do you know what kind of flowers these are?”     

     “No. Are they special?” Becky asked.
     “Yes. These are Pasqueflowers. They’re the state flower of South Dakota. I used to pick them when I was a little girl, too.”
     “Can we take them home and put them in a vase?”
     “Sure. Let’s head home.”

 

Do you have favorite spring flower?

 

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.