The Disarming Nature of Babies

This is a photo of the cactus I have had half-a-mind to remove for the past year or so. But as soon as it started to produce 'babies' I just couldn't do it. There is something about the act of producing, or reproducing, that I find disarming. The same is true for my rose bushes. I am so pleased with the lush green grass that the winter rains have brought, so I view anything that is sharp and spiky as less than desirable. But the roses also have put out new buds - I counted 23 the other day - so they too are going to stay, I suppose until they have reached the natural end of their life. At the end of the season, I don't feel bad about raking up the dried remains of the grass and weeds. They have lived their lives, and I feel it is okay to remove them and send them to the yard bin without feeling that I am doing anything wrong. The cactus and roses have earned their place, even if at times I feel cross with them.