u/Mother_Demand1833

When I was about 10 years old, my parents occasionally left in the evenings for special work functions or get-togethers with friends. I was told that children weren't allowed at these gatherings, so I'd have to stay at home with my older brother.

Usually we would rent a movie and order pizza, which was fun. But I always felt a tinge of jealousy when I thought about all of the spectacular, sophisticated, and mysterious things that my parents must be doing with their other adult friends.

I didn't want to miss out.

I eventually asked my parents if I could host my own "adult-style" party at home. My idea of what this party should be was based entirely on fleeting pop culture references from movies and cartoons, along with my own young imagination. They agreed, so long as all obvious rules were followed (no alcohol, etc.).

Surprisingly, I wasn't the least bit interested in doing any "forbidden" things with my friends. I had my own unique idea of what an "adult" party was, and I went all out to make it happen.

We lived around the corner from a wonderful gourmet food store, where I went with a notepad and started taking notes. I learned about things like sun-dried tomatoes and stuffed grape leaves, roasted garlic bagels and preserved apricots. I planned out a menu of "small plates," various sparkling waters and "artisan" sodas.

I typed out my menu on my mom's typewriter.

I was also fascinated by scented candles, so my mom let me pick out one of my own at the Hallmark store. It was called "Storm Watch."

I started listening to the nightly jazz program on the local radio station, and I set up my alarm clock radio in the dining room so there would be jazz music for my guests.

Finally, I sent out invitations. They included a suggestion that each guest bring a piece of original artwork or a poem if they wanted to share or display it. I prepared a special corner of the dining room where my friends could showcase their work.

Eventually the evening arrived, and it was an absolute blast. We strolled around my parents' house, listening to soft jazz music, admiring abstract artwork, reciting poetry, and enjoying my "Tuscan-inspired" snacks.

I realize this might sound quite pretentious, but it was so exciting for a child. I was very proud to host my very first "adult" party, and I loved every step of the planning process, from selecting the right tablecloth to dimming the lighting. I remember we all lingered on the steps before leaving and talked about what a wonderful time we had.

Now I'm middle-aged and most of those childhood friends have lost touch and moved away.

I still haven't been to any "adult" parties that were as fun, interesting, and pleasant as the one I had at age 10.

Most people associate cacti with deserts, and rightfully so. But some species are native to tropical rainforests, grasslands, or even woodlands with cold and snowy winters. These are hardy and adaptable plants!

There's one species of cactus native to my area, but very few locals know about it. That's because it only grows in specific places like rocky ledges, dunes, or abandoned railroad tracks.

I live in a forested region with lots of rain and weeks of freezing winter temperatures, so there are only so many spots with consistently dry soil and full sun. But they're around if you know where to look.

I recently moved into a house with an alley behind the backyard. It's a narrow strip of land full of graffiti, rubble, weeds and trash. Lots of pedestrians seem to use it at all hours. People walking their dogs, teenagers hanging out after school, neighbors stepping out for a private phone call.

At some point it dawned on me that the little area right behind my garage is kind of like a mini desert. There's a sprawling pile of gravel, sand, and busted up concrete that surrounds the foundation. It faces South and gets lots of sun, despite being in an alley.

I decided to get a hold of our only native cactus and plant it back there, emerging from the concrete. I'm not entirely sure why, but I liked the idea.

The cactus quickly took off and is starting to spread and grow flower buds with no extra care whatsoever.

I enjoy sitting out in my backyard and listening to people coming down the alley. They can't see me through the hedges and they don't know I'm there. Every now and then I'll hear someone stop behind my garage and say "Whoa!" or ask someone else "Is that a cactus!?"

It makes me supremely happy. It feels like sharing a little intangible surprise with my neighbors. I like getting to remind people that the world can be interesting and exciting and bring us some fun and unexpected surprises.

I'm glad I planted a cactus in an alley.