Appreciation

In Baltimore City on the corner of 25th Street and Maryland Avenue is a law practice, and next to the sandstone steps leading into the building is a weathered wooden barrel held together with rusty metal braces, and inside you’ll find a prickly pear cactus.  It’s been there for what seems like an eternity.  Through the harshest of winters it thrives, at times – barely!  I am astonished at how dehydrated the nopales (cactus pads) become, but by late spring, Mother Nature works her magic and the cactus is full, regal once more.  It’s become a barometer of sorts for me, letting me know that summer is close at hand.

I walk by this planter a few times each week and, as simplistic as it may sound, it brings me so much joy.  I love the contrast between the old and new.  I was snapping photos of this beloved cactus when a passerby came up to me and said, “What are you looking at?  What are you taking photos of?”  My reply was simple enough, “This beautiful cactus!”  Without any hesitation, the woman grunted and said, “It’s just a cactus!”  She walked away, but not before rolling her eyes.

For a brief moment I felt sad because in a neighborhood that has so many challenges (drug addicts roaming the pavements, panhandlers on street corners, bits of trash scattered about the sidewalks and, there are way too many methadone clinics and halfway houses to count), this small cactus is a symbol of hope and prosperity, but you must be open to the interpretation.  (May I never be so down and out, so preoccupied with my life that I can’t appreciate simple beauty.  I wouldn’t want to live.  I couldn’t live!)

I’m sure there are people out there who live in the community who are just as appreciative as me.  I just haven’t met them yet.  As always, I am hopeful.

Make time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  It’s not the experience that gives you the pleasure, but the willingness to focus on the simplicity.  Remember to share your joy with others.  I share this with you. – paerki

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pear cactus has become one of my favorites, especially those containing yellow flowers.  They’re quite beautiful.  What you may not know is preliminary studies support positive outcomes of this type of cactus treating diabetes and hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol).  It’s also touted for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, which is a plus for people like me with an allergy to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

The prickly pear has been a staple of the Mexican and Central American diet for thousand of years.  The edible parts are the leaves, flowers, stems and fruit, and are boiled, fried or grilled.

I tried it a few times when I was living in Phoenix, Arizona.  The texture is a bit funky – strange, and it feels grainy on the tongue.  It also has a slight bite like a kiwi, which I appreciate.  I really do like the taste, which is similar to raspberries, some say watermelon.  They’re great in salads too.  Give it a try! – paerki

Original Photos: Prickly Pear Cactus