The kindness of flowers
Posted: March 29, 2012 Filed under: 365 Yoga Challenge, Adventures in art, Adventures in Life, Air, Earth, garden, home, life, Local Tourists, nature, Photography, Quotes, Spirit, Spring, Walking, weather | Tags: Cleveland, Cleveland Botanical Garden, flowers, garden, George Washington Carver, Kindness, Lake View Cemetery, Mother Teresa, nature, Orchid Mania, orchids, Outdoors, Photography, spring 30 Comments
The flower of kindness will grow. Maybe not now, but it will some day. And in kind that kindness will flow, for kindness grows in this way.
~ Robert Alan
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all treated each other with kindness?
I’m not talking (writing) about you guys. I have yet to see an unkind word from any of my visitors. Even those who have been less than tactful or come across harsh (no, it wasn’t you!) have not deliberately said anything hurtful. I am grateful for your kindnesses that come with your visits, comments, likes, and link love. So don’t worry. I’m not talking about you.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.
~ Chinese Proverb
A couple of friends have recently had to deal with unkind words. One friend is here in my blog neighborhood. Another is out in my world neighborhood. Words can be so powerfully helpful, and so powerfully harmful.
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.
~ George Washington Carver
This post is for those of you who have recently had to deal with unkind words and deeds. I want to offer you some flowers of kindness. It’s not much, but I hope it helps to bring a little softness, light, color, and cheer into your life.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
~ Mother Teresa
Thank you for visiting the Bogs today. If you get a chance, spread a little kindness, wherever, whenever, as often as you can.
Life in the Bogs 
Beautiful post, and most welcome on a day where I needed something like this. I have not dealt with unkindness recently, but I’ve lost someone who mattered very much, and this brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing and for spreading the kindness – we need more people like you in this world of ours!
The yellow orchid is gorgeous, but I think I prefer the subtle beauty of it in black and white. I also appreciate your words. THank you for sharing.
So true, Robin. It’s such a simple endeavor–kindness. Lovely photos of flowers, I like that last one with the black branches against the pink.The lighting on that yellow orchid is quite nice too.
I love the softness and kindness in your words and photos.
my kindest hug for you 🙂
Robin, this is so special the way you combine the beautiful flower photos and the idea and extension of kindness. You wrote “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all treated each other with kindness?”…. another question I sometimes ponder is “why would anyone deliberately treat another with unkindness?”…really, it’s rather bewildering. I know it happens but the effects on others are so unfortunate. You expressed that so well…”If you get a chance, spread a little kindness, wherever, whenever, as often as you can.”
Beautiful post, Robin. Kindness is such a simple act but can have far-reaching and profound “consequences”. 🙂
Flowers ARE kind, when you think about it, and this series of photos, set against the white background, look so beautiful and calm. I’m sure your kind words here today will brighten the day of many people. 🙂
Gosh, I love this post, Robin. I suppose it’s a blogger friend we have in common who had to deal with unkindness this week. I just don’t understand how that can happen or why. But–you are right–kindness is so simple–and always the answer–to most everything.
Hugs,
Kathy
Very thought provoking today, Robin. I agree with the other comment.. what possesses someone to be so cruel? I’ve wondered that often.. even though we take our part in accepting responsibility for how or what we allow others to say or do to us.. I still wonder.. why people choose to be mean?
So very beautiful. Makes me feel so much joy!
That first one is simple elegance – sophistication. Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) is so important – you just never know when that one kind word or smile you give is the only positive thing in that person’s day…even a smile counts. Thanks for being kind.
great images, and some wonderful quotes!!
Wonderful pictures
Pretty pictures … and nice words, thanks. 🙂
Powerful words intertwined with beauty.
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Thank you, dear Robin. I feel your kindness across the miles… But then kindness is never separated by miles, is it? Love to you and for what you share with everyone.
so very beautiful, spreading kindness with the fragrance of your flowers and your loving heart, thank you robin 🙂
Thank you so much everyone for your lovely (and kind!) comments. 🙂
What a lovely post – beautiful pictures of beautiful flowers, kind thoughts. Thanks, Robin.
Such amazing shots! Wonderful.
A beautiful post with beautiful flowers and photos! Thank you, Robin. We still have a bit of snow and no flowers up yet, so this is a great gift. Thank you for your kindness… and for those who have experienced unkindness from others,.. a reminder that the giver of unkindness may need the most kindness of all.
Yes! We need more kindness in our world… 🙂
Thank you, Lynn, LadyFi, StarBear, and Elizabeth. 🙂
What a lovely post –
“The best portion of a good man’s life – his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. ~William Wordsworth”
Thank you, Cyndi. And thank you for the lovely quote too. 🙂
Life is WAY too short to be so negative. It’s a pity that some people have to try to share it….
You have a beautiful message here (along with beautiful photos)!! 🙂
Thank you, Holly. 🙂
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