As I look back over the years, I can recall with certainty the actual event that kept me riveted to my hobby and down the path of personal fulfillment. I signed up for my first series of hands-on bonsai classes and later joined my first bonsai club. It was there that I could engross myself in the techniques of the ancient art of bonsai. Before too long, I was teaching the craft to my family and friends and becoming more and more immersed in bonsai activities. Then I joined a second bonsai club. By this time, my small collection had become a large collection, and then a huge collection. My wife and I knew, cared for, and named each and everyone of our trees ---- they became our fun family.