I adopted the hobby of Bonsai over nine years ago and have a collection of over 60 trees. I have been vice-president of The Olympia Bonsai Club in Olympia, Washington, USA for 6 years. Over those years I have taught or assisted in over 25 workshops. I also was asked to participate in a 1 hour TV show on beginning Bonsai for a local TV station. I am a retired management experienced, extremely positive thinking, and goal driven, creative, empathetic, gentleman who believes in the value of every individual. My entire life has been focused on ‘constant and never ending improvement’ for me and in helping others to achieve the most from their abilities. I have always tried to live by the saying “there is always a way, it’s my job to find it”. I have been involved in training others all my life, both as a career and in volunteer activities. I am able to relate to all ages and types of people and to tailor a presentation to their level and ability and help them understand and apply concepts, skills and feelings. I have made presentations before groups as large as 750 and many times just one on one. I have prepared formal lesson plans and presented them with an enthusiasm that makes learning fun. Now I enjoy sharing Bonsai with others and helping them as they learn to love this great hobby. In December of 2000 I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. After the shock and anger was resolved I became determined that this new challenge was not going to stop me. It would slow me down, it would require some changes or accommodations, and it would mean planning better to manage fatigue and weakness in my right hand, arm and leg. I don’t do as much fine work on my plants anymore, but I do still trim, repot, wire and design new projects as well as maintain old ones. It just takes me longer. One of my greatest blessings with this new lifestyle is joy I feel looking at my trees. I appreciate their beauty, and what they have taught me, more now than ever before. Bonsai has been a hobby, even an avocation, which has brought me hours of relaxation, enjoyment and time to meditate on life. From these things come the musings within this book.