So I was just realizing that I first began working towards Bonsai as a hobby/enthusiast since August of 2012. I happened to be in Oak Island NC for my birthday (which was yesterday) in 2012 and came across a stand at a farmers market full of bonsai from a local. They weren't your run of the mill nursery or big box trees. Some of them were really nice, or at least as far as I can remember. One oak in particular was phenomenal and marked at $1000 plus. I was blown away and as soon as I got home I researched like mad and I took $50 to a nursery and bought a Juniper and an oversized pot and went to town. My first tree though was from when I was 14 or 15. I had always fawned over the tiny trees I would see when going to the nursery with my folks. They finally gave in and bought me a little leaf Jade in a land/water pot. Within weeks that tree was a goner. It always stuck with me though and through my fathers love of gardening I always enjoyed tinkering with plants.
Now, 8 years in, 3 kids, a family and a design business that allows me to work from home, Im fully hooked. While many of my trees are just ok to good, some could be great with time and work. I really feel I've come in to an understanding of wiring and styling my trees though I feel I still have much to learn, especially in regards to horticultural sprays and treatments. I truly have a goal of having a tree in the national within my 15 year mark in the hobby. Im only 36 now, no reason why I can't make that happen.