A Different Kind of Pretty

One of my all time favorite places is the cactus garden at Balboa Park. From far away, its really not much to look at. Its dusty, a little barren, and generally drab in color with its olive greens and dry browns. But when you take a closer look and see each of the plants individually these plants are stunning, but its a whole different kind of pretty.

I love how tough these plants are. Resilient and perfectly capable of protecting themselves, but so vibrant in the face of it all. They line my path at mile 1 and 1 mile from the end of my Florida Canyon runs, 2 of the most challenging miles for me, and provide a strange inspiration. They are a reminder at mile 1 to be vibrant, to not let me creaky joints or tired mind keep my from going the distance and giving my all on the hills that follow. And they are a celebration as I crest my last hill and head for home, sharing their sunset beauty with me as a reminder that it was all worth it.