In all seriousness this has been a tremendous resource for me. I’m so grateful this this exists with the knowledge that is readily shared within. I really respect all that have contributed to this art form of bonsai. Everyone has their opinion no matter what stage there at themselves and the same should apply to the professionals in that field. I sincerely want to cultivate my practice in bonsai being 29 I think now is a good time to start with future. It is therapeutic for me as a human along with learning about horticulture in realm of bonsai.Visiting Jim Doyle and Jim Gillespie( when he opens his nursery back up after COVID)..Alittle bit about me for anyone that cares (buzzed rant). I am 29, with a degree in Food science and minor in soil chemistry , landscape architecture, and microbiology.I wanted to start my own pepper /hot sauce company. I do that on the side but I have been an unregistered lurker for over a year. In may I finally decided to see where Bonsai would take me. Sure I can criticize professionals because for me , I’m able to envision how I’d want my practice to evolve. it’s not a denigration of anyone that has spilt blood, sweat and tears into this profession. I look at it as if I was watching a NFL quarterback making a play at the highest level for that sport , (played baseball I’ll my junior year in college) . Bjorn , Chang and Neil etc. are that the highest level. I feel that if one wants to critique their work. They can and it shouldn’t be Looked down upon. If I could go back and choose a path I’d go down now, I would go to Japan -and learn from masters of Bonsai. This year I plan on going to more than I already have for online/ in person classes, sign up for openings next year, and talk with Bonsai pros in my area to see if they need help around their nurseries with watering,changing soil ,etc. I think I had a chip on my shoulder coming into Bonsai with the notion that only people with 100k+ salty (depending on their life) could truly enjoy and cultivate their appreciation. As I find myself renting and sooon being able to buy a home for me and my future family, I am looking at houses with big backyard that have potential for what I want to accomplish and grow with Bonsai ... I really just want to some day post my bonsai confidently and share how I’ve evolved. I really respect Neil, Peter, and Bjorn for making this readily seen. I wasn’t trying to ruffle any feathers in doing so. In a way Bonsai gives me a inspiration ourside if my artwork and drawings , in something that I won’t have a hand in... and that’s mind blowing to me. I wish I found it sooner. I really want to cultivate this into more than a hobby and an figuring out that course of action now. I don’t want to seem as if I’m just some wannabe, I’ve never felt so committed in my life to anything outside of my normal career or life goals. I’m sort of spilling my guts out .. but ... nothing but the most outward respect , appreciation and honor , to all of you whom have been doing this for years... I really respect all of you and if I Personally message any of you ( Adair +others) it’s not that I’m just trying to be Annoying or get free information... it’s just more of me being a hypochondriac for my trees. Even if I took classes , read and subscribed to Bonsai video. Again... I’m probably sharing too much information about my life but what the hell, have always been proving it’s others wrong ( you’ll never get in, you won’t make the teams you wont get the job, she’ll choose you over sometime else) ... I genuinely respect the hell out of everyone on here along with the pros.Bonsai is really an amazing art/ price of horticulture that does get a lot of appreciation. I really am taking a shot and giving my 100% to this. So again if anyone thinks im a fool or idiot ... so be it ... but this is how I feel. I feel that isn’t is a community that I can belong to and grow within. I hope you all have a great weekend, and fall season. All the best ... James.
I've got a gift for him the next time I see him - which hopefully won't be too long!
You should be really proud.
