From Craig Cowing:
Well, I'll respond since I just got back and am wide awake. Apparently it
wasn't just me who felt that the wording of the invitation to submit trees
was a bit snooty. I am sure it wasn't intended to be that way, but I got
the impression (and so did a couple of others) that only world class trees
would be even considered. So, I didn't bother since I don't have any world
class trees. After seeing some of the trees that were in the exhibit (and
mind you, there were a number of world-class trees in the exhibit) I could
have had a couple in the exhibit that were worthy. Some may recall that
the deadline for submitting stones (not sure about trees) was extended
because they didn't have enough. I also heard (won't say the source) that
individuals were being called at the last minute to submit trees because
they didn't have enough.
I realize they didn't want to sort through pics of mallsai, but the
invitation could have been a bit more generous.
---------------------------
Craig, - I saw you hard at work a few times, while Anita was taking in
the experts at some bonsai procedures as seriously as you were at crew
work..
You wrote -Re your tree invitation, etc.(snip)---- I won't repeat -since we
are aware.
I think it rather to be expected as questionable, as I consider it
an experience similar to selecting art work for displays or evaluating
competitions - always a problem.
Possibly they want to save contestants disappointments and costs of
professional photos and/or shipment costs.
Imagine how it feels to be unselected and paying any of those costs.
Then the
complaints that discourage the dead-tired convention workers (& judges)
when it finishes.
It has provided you with experience - now you have confidence you can do
it. You didn't have before. It's a learning adventure so many ways to face
it, - I know -been there.
Haven't you noticed often that concise, business-like writing lacks
personal warmth. I doubt the atmosphere was "snooty", purposefully, too.
Perhaps the applying person is one who is usually humble or unsure and
builds that assumption.
Put those trees you feel possible on the forum; Please!! - and we
likely are going to make you feel better! I don't doubt you lean to
humbleness,- so you hesitated unneedfully.
My personal reaction to the event was of speechless amazement at the
work of crews - it would take me a week of learning just to memorize the
site map, and I found myself lost more than once - but never without some
tree or rock nearby to gaze at - or another lost soul to chat with. New
friends were
everywhere, from everywhere, all busily heading for some event or display.
I think it was somewhere around 800 registered, looked like more what with
daily registrations still coming in.
I am very proud of our World convention, 4 years of sweat and angst
among those putting it together was a high cost. I heard a few of their
statements, too, - oddly they were complaining themselves- for what seemed
to me
an impossible perfection in the range of their duties. I thought they were
too high in their own expectations. They wanted the utmost, too, and were
no
more than humans on a grand race with time! One has to wear their shoes and
gasp.
I do have one complaint - I had hoped to meet Iris, and Marty, and
never found either one in the crowds - can't blame anyone for that, I guess.
Where were you two?
The vendors !! were unbelievable with their displays. I learned a lot
just hanging-out some in that area, but didn't get to our Dale Cochoy's
with his busy activity
He was always on the run. They must be one
band of beat people now - long days they had with loaded, wonderful stuff
and inspiring tools. Hope they beat their costs much worthwhile and my
groceries
are enough for awhile.
The lectures on rocks were the best yet I've enjoyed- drew good
reactions. And, No doubt in my mind, the bonsai procedures were worth a
convention with Nothing else - if it had to be. I would wish for these to
be on a permanent media to watch and re-watch. Exchanges were interesting
between audience and experts, here. Some great, unusual concentration.
Not a descriptive lot yet coming to list of a really vastly important
Bonsai World
event, so I hope I've just unlocked a gate for others to come on with their
visions and thoughts. It is encouraging to visualize & know of the extent
and high
respect evident for this art form - or hobby.
Impressiveness is actually present in bonsai people, their sincere,
studious attitudes, their realization of the value of their choice of
interest during so many hours- to years.
I found it uplifting in just relaxing relief from the usual run of news
these
days to dedicate time to something so revered, so beautiful in concept and
so
personally sustained - and so persistant in that aged presence among us.
I could surely attempt one of those respectful Japanese bows to the
Convention staff and crews.
Lynn
Lynn boyd
Oregon, USA
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