Specialty Gardening: Thank you Al (tapla), 1 by tapla

tapla wrote:
Thank YOU, Dottie - for taking the time to offer such kind words. As an avid bonsai practitioner, I'm perpetually unsatisfied with whatever the current status of my skillset might be, I'm always trying to learn more, in order that I might increase the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment I get from my container growing endeavors. Somewhere along the path, I discovered that I get an equal amount of satisfaction from nurturing people that nurture plants, as I do from nurturing plants - maybe even more when I find those as eager to improve as I.

I'll reveal a little about myself when I say that it really doesn't matter if I know the people I try to help or not. What is important is that I feel I've somehow helped someone to increase THEIR sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. When I see someone like you making an effort to mention that I HAVE made a difference, it's good for the heart. I'm grateful too - grateful that I can take a lot of satisfaction from the idea that I might have helped you and others. I'm not proud - just thankful ...... for the fact that I can and have learned enough to be able to help; that I can communicate my concepts/ conclusions/ perceptions; that I have the motivation to help; that I often enough have an audience in you and others, making it possible for me to help; I'm grateful especially for the wonderful friends I've met here ...... The list is longer, but you get the idea. A thankful heart is a good thing - having one makes life easier, better, and more rewarding for yourself & everyone we touch. So thank you again.

Merry Christmas, Dottie. I hope the season is a happy time for you and yours, and that it extends throughout all of 2012 and beyond.

Al

My new buddy, Pooch. I think he's smiling at my ramblings: