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From Applebee’s to Apple Trees (Almost)

I still remember so vividly how I used to go on about life without a care in the world. I always wanted to grow up and do grown things—hang out with friends at bars, drink, dance… maybe even throw a punch or two. Those were the wild days.

But now? I’ve reached a new level.

I went from getting lit at Applebee’s and calling Ubers at midnight, to staying home and working on my projects. I started a side hustle that was meant for my niece—but she wasn’t into it. Still, I kept at it. That little hustle started growing, and demand hasn’t slowed down since.

I began making t-shirt designs, ordering blanks from Michaels, abusing those $5 vouchers like a madman. The dream grew legs—first a better press, then the goal of a 20×20 clamshell, and someday a DTF printer. Crazy how dreams change. Back then, I just wanted attention. Now, I’m building empires.

But I can’t sit still. So I write. I hustle. I create. And lately—I garden.

I started helping with my mom’s garden. Mixing topsoil with peat moss, setting watering schedules, learning by trial and error. And believe me, there were days I wanted to rip my hair out or set the whole thing on fire. But I didn’t waver. I kept trying, kept learning. Pesticides, fungicides—you name it, I studied it. It all started clicking.

And even if it doesn’t look perfect, to me, it looks amazing.

One day, I’ll plant that Chinese Pistache right in the center of the yard like a crown. Until then, this wild little ecosystem thrives.
On the left: a rose bush army.
In the back: nopales, a fig tree that never gave up, and a myrtle that came back from the dead and now blooms like a bronco. There’s a desert willow and more.
On the right: jalapeños rising, tomatoes stretching, lilies and Morning Glory waking up to the sun. Even some pericos coming in strong.

And from above it all, my little succulent demi-gods watch over their domain, proud and still.

Life takes you places you never expect. And change? Change feels scary. But when you sit down with a cold brew, glance across your kingdom of leaves, and watch the wind dance through your creation… your heart tingles a little.

From my garden to yours:
Cheers.