The Wonderful Art of Bonsai

The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These are the dwarf-sized trees that have been developed in the Asian countries of China and Japan for many hundreds of years. Most people have to go out to a forest to experience the marvelous plants that we call trees.

But in the hands of a master Bonsai creator, the beautiful trees can be reduced in size to the point where they can be brought indoors to be enjoyed at any time. And the person who learns this age-old art so that he or she learns how to create this small piece of beauty experiences even more of a thrill -- something closely akin to producing a child, but with the added advantage of being able to shape and design it themselves. And these trees grow more beautiful with age. Some renowned trees are as old as five hundred years or more.

Naturally, they need nurturing and care, just as any prized possession does, especially things that are living and developing, in the same way a child develops. But the care that is needed is not difficult, though it may require some time and some special equipment (not overly-expensive). And, of course, these beautiful trees can be purchased at any Bonsai nursery.

Usually it never enters the head of the admirer of Bonsai that they have the potential of creating them on their own. Becoming a member of any local Bonsai Club (they're virtually everywhere) will provide all the support and direction a person might require. It's exciting to sit in front of one of these miniature trees and realize that this tiny tree in its tiny pot might otherwise be growing tall in some forest somewhere. And you can pick it up, turn it, and see all sides of it without leaving your chair.

They truly are a marvel, these Bonsai trees. The word Bonsai itself means "tree in a pot." And there is not just a single species of tree that is adaptable to your particular area. There are hundreds -- even species that would normally not be considered a tree, such as shrubs, bushes and even plants like roses and many herb species. But, no matter what kind of plant you may have in your pot, it's always called a "tree" in Bonsai language.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to study with the great master, John Naka, also addressed as "Sensei" (master teacher). Sadly, Sensei Naka left us a few years ago, and has been greatly missed by all who knew him and knew of him. He wrote the consummate manual on the subject of Bonsai, which was his true passion. He traveled all over the world to teach and judge competitions and he loved every minute of it. He made his home in Southern California, but the world was truly his, gaining enormous respect wherever he traveled.

If you're thinking of creating or buying a Bonsai tree, you must bear one thing in mind at all times -- these are living things, and do require care and even love. You can't go away on vacation for a week or two and expect to find your tree alive when you return -- unless you've wisely made arrangements to have someone take care of your tree for you. And that person must know intimately the requirements of the tree. A trusted neighbor who, upon seeing the tree for the first time, says, "Oh, isn't that cute?" is not the person to entrust your tree with.

The principle tree for a beginner to start with is the Japanese Black Pine (pinus thunbergii), primarily because it's the easiest to grow and work with, and also that it's available in most areas and climates. It can be grown anywhere in the U.S. and most of North America. It's extremely hardy and adaptable to even adverse weather conditions and makes a superb-looking Bonsai tree.

If you're looking for a new adventure and hobby, I believe you'll be happy and contented with your own Bonsai trees. It's an especially good interest for people who are home-bound, and who need something to make them feel vibrant and needed, and to give them continuing joy. Yes, a good Bonsai tree is a tru

http://www.jayspaintings.com

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:50:53 GMT

Nobel Peace Prize winner wants jobs for the young - International Herald Tribune


Times Online
Nobel Peace Prize winner wants jobs for the young
International Herald Tribune - 10 hours ago
AP HELSINKI, Finland: Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari said Saturday that finding jobs for more than 1 billion young people in the Middle East and Asia will be a major challenge to peacebuilding in the next decade.
Video: Ex-Finland President Wins Nobel Peace Prize AssociatedPress
Nobel Finn Wall Street Journal
Voice of America - Times Online - Burlington Hawk Eye
all 1,453 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:12:07 GMT

World is united to tackle financial crisis, IMF says - MarketWatch


BBC News
World is united to tackle financial crisis, IMF says
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
By Rex Nutting WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Financial policymakers from 180 nations around the world are united in their resolve to tackle the financial crisis, Youssef Boutros-Ghali, head of the International Monetary Fund's policy committee, ...
G7 nations face going cap in hand to China guardian.co.uk
Finance officials comments at IMF meetings Reuters
AFP - BBC News - Bloomberg - New York Times
all 579 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:23:46 GMT

Gay Marriage Is Ruled Legal in Connecticut - New York Times


Boston Globe
Gay Marriage Is Ruled Legal in Connecticut
New York Times - 5 hours ago
In Hartford, Crystal Pretzman of Willimantic, Conn., celebrated the State Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Video: Connecticut Court Allows Gay Marriage AssociatedPress
Marriage ruling not the end of debate in Conn. The Associated Press
Newsday - Washington Post - Reuters - NECN
all 1,711 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:13:08 GMT

Got $700 Billion? Sweat the Details - New York Times


Telegraph.co.uk
Got $700 Billion? Sweat the Details
New York Times - 3 hours ago
The bailout plan gives Henry M. Paulson Jr., the Treasury secretary, three broad choices in buying assets. By ALAN S. BLINDER THE House of Representatives was against the bailout bill before it was for it.
US firms up plan to buy into banks to stem crisis Reuters
Paulson Indicates Need to Purchase Bank Equity `Soon as We Can' Bloomberg
Los Angeles Times - Washington Post - The Miami Herald - International Herald Tribune
all 2,358 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:39:07 GMT

US space tourist set for blast-off - Reuters


Canada.com
US space tourist set for blast-off
Reuters - 40 minutes ago
By Maria Golovnina BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (Reuters) - US video game magnate Richard Garriott will blast off into space aboard a Russian spaceship on Sunday watched by his father, a NASA astronaut who went into space at the height of the Cold War.
US space tourist set for launch BBC News
Russian space chief reassures US partners The Associated Press
Times Online - USA Today - Spaceflight Now - RedOrbit
all 287 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:10:50 GMT

YouTube to play full TV episodes with ads - Afterdawn.com


Vancouver Sun
YouTube to play full TV episodes with ads
Afterdawn.com - 2 hours ago
Google has announced that it will begin offering full-length TV episodes through its YouTube platform beginning this week, thanks to a content deal with CBS.
YouTube to Offer TV Shows With Ads Strewn Through New York Times
YouTube beams up Star Trek for long-form video, prominent new ads CNET News
Wall Street Journal - eFluxMedia - Silicon Alley Insider - Bizjournals.com
all 109 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:13:12 GMT

GOP Officials Hope for Stability From McCain - New York Times


Voice of America
GOP Officials Hope for Stability From McCain
New York Times - 1 hour ago
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and ELISABETH BUMILLER Republican leaders across the country said Saturday that they were worried that Senator John McCain was heading for defeat unless he brought stability to his presidential candidacy and settled on a clear message ...
Antiwar Protestor Disrupts McCain Iowa Rally Washington Post
Obama needs 75 percent turnout in Philadelphia, says Rendell CNN Political Ticker
The Weekly Standard - Summit Daily News - USA Today - WNCT
all 1,087 news articles

Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:23:47 GMT

RSS feeds
Increase Online Traffic


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Cupcake Candles

With candle making, there are hardly any limits. You can... Read More

Blown Glass: They Do Still Make It Like They Used To

Blown art glass is quickly becoming one of the fastest... Read More

Amish Quilts ? A Dying American Art

Amish quilting has been a tradition for more than a... Read More

Scrapbooking Yourself as a Girl, Youth, and Your College Days

Now that you grasp the importance of scrapbooking yourself and... Read More

Rubber Stamps ? For Teachers and Students

Once again we are reminded that summer is not long... Read More

Step-By-Step Guide For Creating Collages and Other Unique Picture Frames

So you want to make a collage or perhaps you... Read More

Leather Work Tips

For leather work, consider the basics: an awl and spare... Read More

Handmade Quilts are Made with Love and Make Great Family Heirlooms!

Today's handmade quilts are more like a work of art... Read More

The Making of a Slipcover: A Lost Art

Today in this world of fast everything, most of us... Read More

Make A Stunning Dried Hydrangea Wreath

Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a... Read More

Woodworking: The Best Wood For Beginners

Woodworking: Know Your WoodWood is made of cellulose fibers, held... Read More

Saltwater Coral Reef Aquariums - 5 Tips for Success

Do you dream of watching the natural beauty of the... Read More

Starting A Coin Collection

The best place to start collecting would be with pennies,... Read More

Scrapbooking Childrens Favorite Stories

Countless memories are built during the formative childhood days. If... Read More

Wax Pencils, Stickers, and Rubber Stamping in Your Scrapbooks

Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a wax pencil.... Read More

Woodworking: Protection When Working With Wood - Ignoring Could Potentially Harm Your Health Or Kill

Woodworking: Basic Safety TipsWoodworking can be a dangerous undertaking if... Read More

How To Create A Collage Journal

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way... Read More

Russian Nesting Dolls - The Beginning

According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in Russia in... Read More

Printing on Canvas

Given the progress in inkjet and media technology, demand for... Read More

Pagan Crafts

Greetings to all Crafty Pagans,Witches and those who want to... Read More

How to Create a Reverse Painting on Glass

Introduction:Glass is a non-absorbant painting support which does not allow... Read More

Family Album In The Digital Age

Back then it was simple - you take the picture,... Read More

How to Make Sea Shell Candles

Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids... Read More

Collecting Depression Glass ? Where to Start

Okay, so you've been bitten by the Depression Glass bug,... Read More

Weaving Photographs and the Use of a Collage to Give Your Scrapbooks Artistic Flare

For more dramatic results from your photographs, trying weaving two... Read More