During or just
after our July meeting, one of our long-standing members asked me
why "the new people" seemed reluctant to bring trees to the meetings
for advice and critique and help in styling.
I didnšt answer
the question. I know the answer but I am not sure that he would
understand my answer. This man has been a member for almost 30
years. This means that trees he started when he was"new people" have
been worked on and styled and re-styled for 30 years. His view of
these trees is different than mine and I have been a member for 10
years and am probably looked upon as an "old hand".
I am not an "old
hand" at bonsai. Neither does Peter feel that he is an "old hand".
Just when we start to feel that we are "old hands", a tree that we
started ten years ago, dies or loses a branch.
I understand the
problem faced by our new members. It seems a little embarassing to
bring a tree in that one has only worked on for two years and take
that tree to someone who has trees that have been bonsai for 20
years for advice.
This brings to
mind Einsteinšs Theory of Relativity. Things sure look different
depending on where you happen to be standing.
Of course I know
of members of long-standing that are very difficult to approach with
my minor styling or tree problems but I know of others who will
knock themselves out trying to help. There are other members who
give the appearance of being impossible to approach but really will
be very helpful.
So, if you need
some help with a tree and do not know who to go to, ask me. I will
give you a list of "old timers" who will be glad to devote a lot of
time to answering your question and solving your problem. You may be
surprised at who I recommend. You may also be surprised that two of
these "old timers" may disagree with each other about how to
approach the problem.
Regardless, you
should listen and look and you will learn. Just remember we
sometimes learn by finding out how not to approach a problem.
Donšt forget!
Bonsai is an art form. Bonsai is an illusion. Each of us look at
trees differently and we may all be right about a particular tree.
Also remember
that your bonsai is a growing, living thing. It will not be the same
ten years from now as it is today. Also remember that you are
growing too. You will look at your tree differently ten years from
now. That is a promise. | 
