Greetings to everyone

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Hello everyone (old OB friends especially)
Life got busy - way too busy to be on orchid board anyways. Many changes, new job, and other stuff made it impossible for me to login here and post, which I am deeply sorry for. I do keep somehow posting in different Facebook groups, just because it is much easier and faster to post there, and because it brings me more business - now to the business part,, somehow, at some point, and completely strange to me how, orchid world made me kinda celebrity without my knowledge, and "huge" specialist on miniature orchids and cold growing species, which is my true orchid love anyways (everyone must find their orchid obsession right?). In the past few years, more so this year, and even more next year, I started to be invited to do speeches for orchid societies, and started to participate at orchid shows, to the extend that I was even asked to write articles, provide my pictures etc. I am now published in orchid magazines in Italy, France, Czech Republic, Australia and who knows where else. I am booked for three orchid speeches next year already with possibility of doing even more, actively participating in orchid shows - next one in Huntington California in October - and all this somehow trying to "coordinate" with my new job as corporate trainer / manager. Don't ask me how this all happened, I have no clue, it just did, and I do enjoy it. Lot of traveling connected with this leads to minimizing my collection to bare "rare and interesting ONLY micro miniature orchids" minimum that is manageable when I am gone, and someone can take care of it. I have extended travel plans ahead of me too, California in October, Europe in December for nearly month, South America next year. I can't say I do not feel proud of myself, but I do admit it is still strange uncomfortable feeling to stand in front of dozens people and talk about miniature orchids :-) Anyways, I still do enjoy my miniatures. I am very glad to see this forum still running and helping newbies, I still remember my first time here, all super nice people giving me great advice, and introducing me to my first ever miniature orchid, Lepanthopsis astrophore. I did think about all of you many times in past months and felt very guilty, so here you go! Not sure where I should post this, so moderators, please feel free to move this post anywhere it fits. Have a great summer everyone and wishing you all great blooms! Tom

[Pattywack]

Hi TOMMY, really great news for you! Sounds like you've been uber busy and I imagine you're enjoying every minute. You enabled my miniature fascination with all of your beautiful pictures and in depth descriptions of these tiny wonders.

The Lepanthesopsis astrophora is no doubt my favorite as it is such a delicate little plant, I believe it might have been your first mini?

Enjoy your new lifestyle, sounds amazing. Happy growing and stop in and visit when you're able. Congratulations!!!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Hi Patty, yes it was my very first miniature I could not believe when I received it how "small" orchids can be, and that is still, in compare to many others I have now, "big" plant -) I find miniature orchids fascinating, and as much as I love large orchids I must adopt to my space limitations too. One day, when I have house and big garden, I will for sure return to having combo of it all, but I feel very fulfilled now!

[AnonYMouse]

Welcome back!

[estación seca]

If this is all happening, it must be because you're good at orchids and speaking! Welcome back!

[Subrosa]

Nice to have you back Tommy! It seems you've been busy while you were away.....congratulations! I look forward to being inspired, and even tormented by the pics you post!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Many many thanks everyone :-)

[No-Pro-mwa]

Wow, Tommy that's great. So happy to hear the news that you are going big and strong in the mini world. Congrats on all your speaking engagements. I hope we see you around more often but as this sight takes so long to load it does take some time. Oh and congratulations on the new job also.

[Leafmite]

Great to have you back and hear about everything you are doing! Congratulations!

[wintergirl]

I wondered where you were. Don't be a stranger. Here is my smallest flower, from one mini lover to another


Dendrobium prenticei