There is a growing quietness in these difficult days – as though there is nothing more to say; simply endure, stay strong, do what is right, enjoy beauty where you can, be patient. Your orchid images say the unsayable well! Blessings on you and yours in this hazardous phase; youβre where we in March… prayers for safety all around.
The centers of orchids are themselves a gorgeous piece of art and you captured angles of them stunningly. π₯° Brightened my Saturday morning, thank you, Cindy!
Those are stunning!! We only have one orchid in the house. My oldest kid rescued it from the greenhouse of the biology dept where he was an undergrad (they were tossing it out). It didn’t do anything for a couple of years and then it finally bloomed just last week…but it’s totally boring (plain white flowers and no scent) compared to yours. π
‘Beauty blooms from fire.’ Love that, Cindy — thank you for reminding us that it’s the difficulties we face that make us strong enough to go on. Such stunning flowers — and you’ve captured them beautifully!
Cindy these are gorgeous! Did you grow these? How did you get the black background? Wow, these are so beautiful. I am in awe. Thank you so much for posting these photos. They really filled me with joy to see. *hugs* β₯.
I hang a black bath towel from a closed window and voila’. Your kind comment made my day Niki and yes I do grow orchids. They thrive in sunny windows and make great gifts. Take good care my friend α
Oh wow. I’d never guess that you used a black towel. Thank you for sharing that. So you grow these. So amazing. I know these are hard to grow. A friend’s dad used to grow orchids. These are just gorgeous. =) Thank you again! *hugs* β₯.
Cindy the orchids are gorgeous… but your words are even more beautiful. “Beauty blooms from fire.” I’m reminded of a scene from David Copperfield, the young woman telling him “Only the good steel makes it through the fire.”
Wow, just look at the number of your followers. Visual and statistical proof that you’re brilliant. Hugs on the wing!
A beautiful collection! I have orchids in my house (not as beautiful as these though) and I try to add one or two every year when they become available. It’s so rewarding when they bloom again after taking a break. I’m always happy to see the new buds. Wonderful photos, Cindy.
Those are stunning!!! My son does the best job of growing them. My daughter tries but I just gave it up. They like volcanic rock?? Wow! I’ll have to hunt some down. π
My mom used to grow orchids. She said it’s much easier than you would expect – once a week watering, maybe fertilize every three months, divide when necessary. It helps when you don’t have a certain pair of cats as “helpers.” π
Your mother is right, especially about the once a week watering. Herbert does enjoy exploring the orchids and horning his way into the orchid photos! α
SO gorgeous <3
I have 6 orchids now – picked the last 3 up at the local supermarket where they looked almost dead, so cost peanuts. A little nurturing and they now look magnificent! I have one that has been in flower now for nearly a year.
I just moved them to my new house in Scotland. The window in the kitchen is sunny, like in the old house, but also has direct sunlight, which the old one did not. They suffered a bit of sunburn before we put up a net curtain to shade them from direct light. Now they are happy!
Just serene. “Beauty blooms from fire” just an amazing line. The lines accentuate the orchids so well. Orchids have always been mysterious to me, but they are gorgeous. Lovely work here
Love orchids and grew them under lights for many years. We had Lady Slippers on our property back in the swampy area. They are truly one of the most beautiful flowers!
Thank you. Do you mean,”the rich will disappear like flowers in the field.” The whole quote which is so powerful, “Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field.” α
Orchids are my favourite flower Cindy. I was born in Singapore and there is a wonderful Orchid Botanic garden there. Last time I visited my birth place with my daughters and mum, my youngest daughter was nine she is now twenty! Too long ago…
oh wow! Your photos alone bring such peace and beauty. I love Orchids but they do not love me. No matter what I do, they do not thrive. So I can gaze at these and dream!
Orchids are my favourite flowers
I understand why. They are so amazing α
They are like beauty contest competitors ..each more beautiful than the other.
Awww, thanks much Dor & stay safe my friend α
That are so fascinating flowers! Here in the Bavarian Mountains we have some wild orchids, the most famous is the Broad Leafed Knabenkraut.
I googled the Knabenkraut. Gorgeous α
Beautiful
Thank you α
Pleasure.
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this much needed lift today. β€οΈ
You are most welcome. Stay safe and well α
Beautiful message, beautiful photos. π
Cheers to you & thank you α
So beautiful – wonderful images x
Grazie mille Polly α
It is hard to tell which of the many floral compositions I like best, Cindy. They all great and stand out well against the dark background.
Thank you Peter. I am happy you like them α
The flowers and photos are stunning. The words – so helpful in these tough days. Thank you.
Love to you my friend and stay safe α
Wow, wow, wow! Thank you for this infusion of beauty…
Thank you more for the three wonderful wows Will α
Are these all yours? What a collection! Mine is back with several buds. Blooming soon π
Yes these are. It is so wonderful when orchids come back, blooming again from bare sticks and rock α
It’s a miracle π
Wow π How beautiful π Many blessings your way. π
Visa versa 2UX2 α
They look so real, I feel like I can smell them! I was never successful at growing them, but they certainly are amazing flowers!
They are amazing flowers. Tender. Yet I have seen them blooming on sheer rock cliffs α
Wow ,Beautiful scenery
I am happy you enjoyed them Amit α
Gorgeous.
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Pictures of magnificent orchids by Cindy Knoke.
Beautiful pictures and what wonderful words to go with them! I love the sentimentβ bloom always… wherever you find yourself.
Simply stunning Cindy!
Very beautiful pictures, I love those flowers π» πΊ πΈ πΉ
These orchids are amazing and very pretty. The colours are so bright and vibrant. Thank you Cindy for sharing these gorgeous flowers. π
There is a growing quietness in these difficult days – as though there is nothing more to say; simply endure, stay strong, do what is right, enjoy beauty where you can, be patient. Your orchid images say the unsayable well! Blessings on you and yours in this hazardous phase; youβre where we in March… prayers for safety all around.
They are wonderful, Cindy. Thank you!!! I will keep them in heart and mind.
They’re beautiful!
These are absolutely lovely!
The centers of orchids are themselves a gorgeous piece of art and you captured angles of them stunningly. π₯° Brightened my Saturday morning, thank you, Cindy!
Beautiful blooms. Beautiful sentiments. Thanks.
Those are stunning!! We only have one orchid in the house. My oldest kid rescued it from the greenhouse of the biology dept where he was an undergrad (they were tossing it out). It didn’t do anything for a couple of years and then it finally bloomed just last week…but it’s totally boring (plain white flowers and no scent) compared to yours. π
Agree…plants and flowers …cheers me up.
β£οΈπ·
The blossoms are absolutely gorgeous, and your perfect photos do them justice!
‘Beauty blooms from fire.’ Love that, Cindy — thank you for reminding us that it’s the difficulties we face that make us strong enough to go on. Such stunning flowers — and you’ve captured them beautifully!
Oh, they are so beautiful!!
Mother Nature’s incredible gifts. Thank you my friend α
My absolute favourites, love the words Cindyβ€οΈ much love to you, Barbara x
Love back to you Barbara & thank you too! α
Devine…
Grazie Bette α
Y’orchid-ding me! These can’t be real! Lol. Superb shots, my dear friend! β‘Λ(βαΰ₯’*)ΰ₯’(*ΰ₯’αΰ₯’β)β‘ΰ₯°
Out of all your very clever play on words, “Yβorchid-ding me!” is my favorite! Love it! α
Aww..thank you, my friend! α¦γβ‘βΉ)γβ‘
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So beautiful π
Merci beaucoup α
De rienβ€οΈπ
αα
Exquisite. Like true-to-life paintings. The black background sets them off like starlets on a stage.
I love your use of language. Thank you α
Cindy these are gorgeous! Did you grow these? How did you get the black background? Wow, these are so beautiful. I am in awe. Thank you so much for posting these photos. They really filled me with joy to see. *hugs* β₯.
PS Oh you know, if that is a trade secret, forget I asked. =) β₯.
I hang a black bath towel from a closed window and voila’. Your kind comment made my day Niki and yes I do grow orchids. They thrive in sunny windows and make great gifts. Take good care my friend α
Oh wow. I’d never guess that you used a black towel. Thank you for sharing that. So you grow these. So amazing. I know these are hard to grow. A friend’s dad used to grow orchids. These are just gorgeous. =) Thank you again! *hugs* β₯.
Hugs back to you and thank you for such kind and supportive thoughts α
Love your thoughtful words that bring hope and build resilience!
Hugs to you Rebecca & stay well my friend α
Cindy the orchids are gorgeous… but your words are even more beautiful. “Beauty blooms from fire.” I’m reminded of a scene from David Copperfield, the young woman telling him “Only the good steel makes it through the fire.”
Wow, just look at the number of your followers. Visual and statistical proof that you’re brilliant. Hugs on the wing!
Creative people value each other. I am so lucky to know you Teagan. Your creativity knocks my socks off α
Beautiful!
Grazie mille α
Stunning. Was that good use of black point?
Thank you Derrick. Actually, I use a black bath towel as a backdrop. α
Brilliant
So, so beautiful Cindy. Hope you are well.π
I hope you are too & thank you Lynn α
A beautiful collection! I have orchids in my house (not as beautiful as these though) and I try to add one or two every year when they become available. It’s so rewarding when they bloom again after taking a break. I’m always happy to see the new buds. Wonderful photos, Cindy.
Yes, although delicate and sensitive, orchids are also strong and resilient! α
Aren’t they lovely Cindy, do they grow there naturally?
Leslie xoxo
Thank you! I grow them indoors. We do have some native wild orchids at The Holler but I have never tried to cultivate them α
They are lovely Cindy, you put me to shame….
I could and would never do that. You are bursting with creative talents my friend α
thank you Cindy, but you certainly out do me in the orchid department… π
αα
Beautiful photos! The colours are so intense in the first photo. Love it!
I am happy you enjoyed and appreciate you telling me. Cheers to you! α
Such a powerful and beautiful post, Cindy, thank you. π
Ah, thank you more for your kind appreciation Liz α
Beautiful! Flowers are forever mind-blowing. Hi, Cindy. Take care.
Yesterday, I photographed orchids and watched the comet for a few hours. Mind blowing indeed! α
What a beautiful set of photos, love the dark backgrounds and all the great detail.
Thank you very much John & I hope you are managing to stay cool in the heat α
The 3rd and 4th picture look like toad lilies. Such beautiful and delicate orchids are
So pretty! My dad grew orchids and people would stop in front of our house just to admire his flowers. π
I love that! That used to happen at my prior house. It makes you feel like you are adding positivity to the world α
Agreed! π
α
Stunning! I haven’t tried to nurture orchids, I hear they’re temperamental (like me, lol)
They are less temperamental than their reputation, but like you, if they are not happy, I am sure they have good reasons!! α
Those are stunning!!! My son does the best job of growing them. My daughter tries but I just gave it up. They like volcanic rock?? Wow! I’ll have to hunt some down. π
They love to grow on volcanic cliffs in the south pacific. Try growing one in a sunny window and watering it just once a week. α
WOW! Stunning.
Grazie mille John α
These are the grandest photos of orchids I think I’ve ever seen! How marvelous.
Ahhh. Honored. You touched my <3. Sincere thank yous α
My mom used to grow orchids. She said it’s much easier than you would expect – once a week watering, maybe fertilize every three months, divide when necessary. It helps when you don’t have a certain pair of cats as “helpers.” π
Your mother is right, especially about the once a week watering. Herbert does enjoy exploring the orchids and horning his way into the orchid photos! α
Ah, what lovely lovely orchids. I miss them a lot. When I was in the Philippines, I used to buy orchids.
I bet they are stunning growing there α
What a fabulous collection you have Cindy. You must treat them right! <3
Thanks Eliza & cheers to you my friend α
Absolutely gorgeous.
Muchos gracias mi amiga α
De nada. <3
Great combination of images and prose-poem. Love the line about beauty blooming from fire.
Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read and to let me know your very kind thoughts α
Spectacular beauty and gorgeous dramatic shots! Thank you, dear Cindy.
(The commentary is lovely, too!)
Hugs to you Resa and I loved your rockin’ Frida too! α
ααα
So pretty!
Merci beaucoup mon ami α
Oh yes, I agree completely. Stay safe. π
αα
These orchids are magnificent, Cindy. Thank you so much.
You are most well my friend & I hope you and pretty and the gorgeous grandbaby are staying safe and well α
Yes – and hope you are ready for the twins!!
They are fun & lots of exercise! α
Wow. These orchid portraits are of musuem exhibit quality.
You are a lovely friend Liz. Thank you & be well α
You, too, Cindy.
αα
Marvelous shots!!
Thanks so much Leyla & cheers my friend α
Quiet beauty for sure. What amazing expressions of God’s creativity!
Yes! “Flowers are God’s way of smiling.” And making us smile! π α
These are simply gorgeous, Cindy!
So happy you enjoyed them & thank you for letting me know α
You’re welcome!
Cindy the wow factor is “over the moon” way to go!
Awww, honored. Thank you so much & cheers to you α
The colours in these are beautiful Cindy, no wonder they are a favourite to many π β€οΈ ππ½ π¦
I am happy you enjoyed them. We need some brightness these days. α
Loved the pics and even more so since it was about Orchids. Thanks for sharing
Gorgeous!
Alison
Grazie mille Alison α
Cindy, thank you so much for these beautiful photographs!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here are some more beautiful photographs from Cindy Knoke!
I love being part of of community with talented, thoughtful friends like you Charles. Thank you α
Stunning, Cindy! β₯
Thank you & hope today is kind to you my friend α
Thank you Cindy.
Gonna be a busy one methinks. Food delivery, Blood Nurse, and a lot of cleaning up to do. Hahaha! X
It is difficult, hard and taxing for you. I am very sorry α
Bless you, Cindy. X
αα
Wow, was fΓΌr schΓΆne BlΓΌten…
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund Ernst α
Breath taking ! β€ I love orchids.
Thanks my friend & I am glad you do α
SO gorgeous <3
I have 6 orchids now – picked the last 3 up at the local supermarket where they looked almost dead, so cost peanuts. A little nurturing and they now look magnificent! I have one that has been in flower now for nearly a year.
Aren’t they wonderful to grow. If you find them the right sunny windows, they become members of the family! α
I just moved them to my new house in Scotland. The window in the kitchen is sunny, like in the old house, but also has direct sunlight, which the old one did not. They suffered a bit of sunburn before we put up a net curtain to shade them from direct light. Now they are happy!
Oh good! The right location is critical, so glad you found one α
You put such beauty into the world Cindy. Thank you.
Visa versa 2UX2 my dear friend α
π
Your poetry is as beautiful as your orchids. Thank you, Cindy!!
You touched my <3 Jennie. Thank you α
Beautiful images and musings Cindy. Thank you for sharing a touch of beauty and hope with us. Hugs.
Thank you for being a wonderful friend Brad α
You’re most welcome. And thank you for being a friend and support to me.
αα
Absolutely beautiful!
Honored. Thank you! α
This is Kew Gardens Orchid festival again in the Holler. Beautiful!
Smiling! I would love to visit the festival. α
<3 π
Beautiful! Are they growing inside or outside of your house?
Inside. It is too cold in winter and too hot in summer for them outside. α
They come to life in your photos Cindy! Love those textures and the light. Thank you for brightening our lives πππ
Visa versa 2UX2 Val αα
Beautiful π
Grazie mille Rojeena α
Gorgeous orchids and brilliant words. Thanks for sharing, Cindy!
Thank you more for your kind appreciation α
Beautiful images β€
You are very kind Gottfried. Thank you α
Exquisite photos and wonderful reflections. π
Awww, thanks so much Carol and hope we both survive these surreal & terrible days in America. α
Just serene. “Beauty blooms from fire” just an amazing line. The lines accentuate the orchids so well. Orchids have always been mysterious to me, but they are gorgeous. Lovely work here
I am honored by your thoughtfulness. Thank you α
You are so very welcome. Have a fantastic week!
αα
π
Love orchids and grew them under lights for many years. We had Lady Slippers on our property back in the swampy area. They are truly one of the most beautiful flowers!
Yes, I love them too. And they are not as hard to grow as people think. They just like stability, kinda like me π
Stunningly beautiful colors.
Ahhh, happy you enjoyed & thank you α
Rugged beauties!
Yes, they are tougher than they look! α
How wonderful to see all the variations. π
Amo seus posts
Obrigada. VocΓͺ me faz feliz que eu postei.α
This was such a great post! Thank you for sharing
Reminds me of what Jesus said about the beauty of a flower!
Thank you. Do you mean,”the rich will disappear like flowers in the field.” The whole quote which is so powerful, “Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field.” α
Orchids are my favourite flower Cindy. I was born in Singapore and there is a wonderful Orchid Botanic garden there. Last time I visited my birth place with my daughters and mum, my youngest daughter was nine she is now twenty! Too long ago…
Oh, how I would love to visit and how amazing you were born there. Wonderful that you returned with your mum and daughter. Special memories. α
Yes I’d love to go back one day Cindy. π
Truly beautiful
Thank you Daniel. Orchids are just that! α
These are exquisite! Love your photography!
Awww, I am touched. Thank you! α
They are so beautiful.
Thank you Lakshmi. They make us happy don’t they!α
These are sensational! β€οΈ
Awww, happy you enjoyed & thank you α
Lovely flowers ,Thanks for sharing.ππΉπ
Thank you more for your kind appreciation α
Most welcome.πΉππ
Beautiful flowers and beautiful words. Thanks.
Thoughtful of you to share your appreciation α
You take the most beautiful of pictures Cindy.
Thank you for the follow.
Lovely to meet you & be well α
And you! π
Awesome, Cindy. Do you keep them indoors or do they grow outside?
I keep them inside. It is either too hot, or too cold at The Holler for orchids α
Lovely!
Reblogged this on ckbooksblog and commented:
Need a little sunshine and color today?
Awww, thank you so much Christine & cheers to you my friend α
These orchids give me hope. Better days will come to all of us. Thank you, Cindy!
I do have to buy some of those beautiful flowers to impress a lady, hopefully…
They should help! Best of luck. α
So beautiful set off against an all-black background like that.
Thank you Mitch & Happy Weekend! α
Exquisite!
Grazie! α
I remember connecting with you over orchids, the first time. What a beautiful post! Itβs a comfort during these times…
Awwww, how lovely of you! Thank you. It is comforting to know you too α
Glamorous!
An orchid is all dressed up and ready to glow! α
Orchids, beautiful, indeed! They are fragile and strong.
Just like you and I! α
oh wow! Your photos alone bring such peace and beauty. I love Orchids but they do not love me. No matter what I do, they do not thrive. So I can gaze at these and dream!
You make me very happy I posted. Thank you & cheers to you α
You make ME happy you posted! thank you! π
<3 smiling α
π π π π
They are so lovely and so well photographed. I am amazed at all the different colours.
Awww, thank you so much Diana, means a lot to me! Cheers to you my friend α
Wow, stunning photography. The orchids are done in such detail, almost touchable.
Much appreciated Katy. Thank you and cheers to you! α
Spectacular! We love growing orchids.
The blooms last forever and they are not hard to grow.
Agreed! And some are even fragrant!
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Itβs exquisite!
Loved them all.