First of all,
"Wow!"
This past weekend I attended the
Bay Island Bonsai annual exhibit for the first time. I've seen photos, even published galleries of this show in
BTO Journal, but seeing it in-person is something altogether different. This show was, by all accounts, the best they've ever presented. What's more, as this annual exhibit is without a doubt the best show in the U.S., this makes this year's effort perhaps the best bonsai exhibit ever produced in the U.S. (a thought both exciting and disappointing in some ways).
A Bunch of S.O.B.'s and F.O.B.'s
One of the many highlights of my visit to the BIB show was my getting to meet so many wonderful folks, many of them long-time internet friends that I got to meet for the first time in-person, including Bonsai Al! (who presented me with a wonderful gift). It was also very nice to get to see some of my California friends again. The character and friendliness of the "Students of Boon" and "Friends of Boon" I encountered was almost overwhelming. The experience of being among such wonderful people is one I look forward to repeating.
Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.andyrutledge.com/palaver/main.htm
zone 8, Texas