Wanted to add one more thing... it was not my intention to come here and have necessarily a poop storm over Kathy...
One might note that despite my views towards her, or the fact that I lost in the competition, which I am sure some will be saying I am only sore, and reasoning for me posting...
I am not... I think the competition was awesome! Which is why I posted about it! It is something that if I was able to still participate in, I would do in a second! Despite all of the controversy surrounding it... there is always going to be controversy, there is always going to be politics involved in such events and favorites, or favorite types of approaching to styling, often defined by regions... etc.
This is life.... it isn't fair always. .. you just gotta learn to work that much harder... and become that much better to overcome these types of things... to make it so glaringly obvious who is the winner that there is no place for any of this. I just wish I was able to do this... I am over the 10 years of doing Bonsai , so I can't qualify now. If I could, I would be back tomorrow!
The event is awesome, for those newer reading this... you must try and do it! Not only do you get to represent who you are and where you come from, you get to meet others from around the States and see what they do.
They only pick 8-10 people a year, and it really is pretty much the best folks doing bonsai here that qualify. A really awesome learning experience, and a super way to learn! Have learned more by doing this, than any other experience in Bonsai.
Before one becomes to old to actually post in this thread... tuck this under your belt! You will be happy that you did!
Thanks!