One-inch square purple flecks of silk fabric scattered onto the slate-covered patio.

Annalee could have allowed herself to become upset at this dilemma but decided to use the mishap as a lesson in serendipitous design.

She studied the asymmetrical pattern they formed from her perch on the branch of the old apple tree. The contrast of brilliant purple against the muted grays and browns of the ground beneath her needed more so she reached into her basket, being careful not to stab herself with the scissors, and tossed out a handful of sunshine yellow circles. They tumbled in a flurry of blossom petals to join the impressionistic panorama below.

A slight breeze stirred the pieces and, as they began to dance, Annalee jumped, she and her pink dress joining in the mix until there was nothing left of the morning.