Jay

Well, I guess I AM A TYPICAL (many may disagree) American.

First, there ain't no such thing. This country is rather large in size, those of us living in the northeast are different from those in the south or southwest. The far west is still different and for that matter my next door neighbor may view things differently than me! I do not think that ALL EUROPEANS are the same!

As for value, I assure you that not all Americans see dollar signs when they look at Bonsai. I never wonder how much this or that tree is worth or costs, that is unless I am looking to purchase it. I do not have a feel for the dollar value of my trees, some of which were purchased and others collected.

If I go to an exhibit or show, I marvel at the trees, look at them with an eye to what I may see as something needing to be attended to, or see what someone has done to correct or hide a flaw. The only figures that interest me are the appearace of age, not even the actual age. In most cases, I think most Bonsaist from all over the world feel the same.

I remember seeing a tree in a show, it was the most beautiful, near perfect tree I have seen in person. I loved it, knew it to be of great value but had no idea of the so called price. When some one passing by mentioned to his partner that the tree was valued at $XX,000 I took note. It did not affect my opinion of the tree one bit.....

my typical american 2 cents
Jay

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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