Jay

Great thread Al. Does get me to think.

I am, as you may be aware, retired. So, I do have the time. I have limits to my resources. I have other interests. Note I said 'limits' and 'other'. I do enjoy Bonsai as much as anything I do at this point. (Family and Friends aside).

I guess it is proper to think of myself as an Artist. But as in other Art forms, the capability and ability are also part of the package. Walter's, talent was developed I'm sure, but it was there. I have talent..to a degree. I do strive to improve my trees and do read all I can and try and learn as much as I can. I work with my material and try and improve both, the tree and my ability to work it.

As I have said before in other places, no one is better than me. But in some efforts there are those who are better at it, and may always be better at it! I look at your work, Walter, and dream of someday being able to do equal with mine. Not knowing the limit of my ability I will try. But if my ability is limited to producing trees that never rise to the level of yours I will still be happy. 1- I will have done my best and, 2- I will have enjoyed the journey!

At this point in my efforts I have purchased trees and started to collect trees. I have not obtained anything near show state. The reason is not just the cost to acquire, which is a good enough reason, but because I want my trees to be my creation.

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing