I've killed two little trees trying to figure out how to keep 'em alive and think I finally have it. This little guy has lived through one summer, one winter and now is here for spring. It's about ready for trimming though I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle that part of the process.
Growing bonsai is kinda like writing too. You need a strong root system, have to water often and then you have to trim 'em back. For us writers, we must have a strong root/plot, have to water/write often then we trim/edit what we don't need.
It's a learning process too. And while we can't kill out writing, we can obsess so much over it that it's not fun any longer.
And writing should be fun. Sure there will be days when we really don't want to write but shouldn't be be eager to write, to get words down on the page and slip into the world of our characters? I'm vowing to have more fun with my writing. How about you?
13 comments:
Bonsai are beautiful plants. I've had a few in my lifetime as well. Great metaphor for writing!
They really are beautiful. I've got a minature azeala I'm doing as a bonsai...it needs trimming too but I just repotted it so I'm waiting a bit.
I've always wanted one, but I don't have a green thumb lol
You made me want to try out a bonsai. Great writing analogy.
My sister was born in Okinawa and we had a bonsai tree for many years. I don't know if it came from Okinawa (I doubt it) but I know that the pot it was planted in did.
Spot-on analogy and one I will remember.
I've admired bonsai for years but never tried it myself.
Writing is a retirement career for me, so I treasure every moment that I'm doing what I love instead of reporting to a corporate job. Life is good.
Growing Bonsai is a slow hobby. Lots of time when we don't do much. But, I have to say, I like having 'em around and plan to get more.
For those of you considering giving it a try...do some reading, join a good bonsai forum and learn about the different plants.
You have more patience than I. Good luck.
I love bonsai trees! I had one once, but unlike you I never got around to figuring out how to treat it - it died :( But I will try again, and this time I might actually a) buy a quality tree; and b) try to keep it alive. What a plan, what a plan.
Great analogy! I've managed to keep two bonsai alive for years, but they aren't as beautiful as yours!
Sue@JumpingAground
The closest I got to growing a Bonsai tree was when I found a Sycamore (cousin to the Maple) growing in the garden, and planted it in a pot, which ended up too small for it. I grew it for about 12 years, and it remained stunted in size in a small pot, yet otherwise apparently healthy. Unfortunately when my marriage broke up it remained with my ex, and it's probably now long gone. I would have loved to continue growing it. You only get one opportunity to grow a tree for life, you have to begin young.
I had a bonsai once, then I felt sorry for it in that little pot and potted it up - big mistake! :0)
good luck with the challenge
Annie
Post a Comment