Spring is here

This is a little potted cherry in my garden. It's just emerging...

Sights like this always make me think of the "Sakura" variations by Yoquihiro Yocoh (Sakura - "Cherry Blossom" - is a Japanese folk tune and a meditation on the brevity of life), as played here for example;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVLR6znrpOU&feature=related

There's a bit too much reverb on this recording for my taste but it gives you the idea.

Technically this shot was taken with the simplest of close-up equipment -- an old +1 close-up filter threaded onto the standard lens. Manual focus is much better for taking close-up & macro shots. When you are near to perfect focus don't continue to rotate the focus dial; simply rock yourself back & forth a tiny distance until you get it just right.