Cactus

We moved into our home about a year and a half ago. I remember the feeling of how wonderful it felt to finally check the homeowner box instead of renter. I never had any issue with being a renter; I always love my apartment, but it's just not the same as having a place that is yours.

We found that the area had so much nature to offer; from the river otter that ran down the fence one day, and the one-legged red shouldered hawk that was persistent in his daily hunts, to the twilight dances of the bats- and this is just from our yard! We love the nature that our home has brought.

As we began to settle down into our home, we began to explore our new area. We moved completely across town. We would hop on our bikes and hit any trail that we could find in the area. In one of our adventures down the Cady Way trail, I remember spotting a little prickly pear cactus. Simply turned over from the work that they were doing in the area. Carefully, I snatched it up and threw it into my backpack, hopeful that it would at least survive.

We got home and dropped it in the side yard. Only to discover when it started to rain that we chose the wettest part of the yard! The little cactus survived, but we moved it into a pot for safekeeping until we create our cactus garden.(Yes, I know... Sounds already like we have a lot of different gardens...) As soon as we moved her into her pot, she started to grow. And a few weeks ago I noticed what looked like it could be a bloom. Lo and behold! This morning I was graced with the presence of the sunny yellow bloom of the prickly pear!

I have learned that many times people overlook the things that they destroy. This beautiful flower came from the oversight of a construction crew. So many people went right by it on the trail. Sometimes you have to give something just the right chance so that you can truly appreciate its beauty.