As I write this I am preparing to leave for a week in the high Sierra. I was very moved by Bob and Earl Carlson’s program on suiseki and Bob’s summary titled “A Skyline of Small Mountains”. It reminds us that our natural arts of suiseki and bonsai are about more than clipping and trimming up close and that one needs to stand back and take it all in. That is what I intend to do the next week. Unwind from our interconnected 24/7 wired world and cohabit in a space where millennia transpire with nary a change. And then there are the trees: rugged, defiant, impossible to imagine in their harsh and stark environs made stunning and beautiful by natural forces in their struggle to survive, all against a back drop of awe inspiring mountain peaks. Bob and Earl provided a preview for me in their excellent presentation. Thank you also to Earl Carlson for donating one of his collected stones to the club raffle.

Our July outting to Sonoma County nurseries was just a fine day. Many thanks to Joe Nersveen for cordinating with the nurseries and providing directions and to Tim and Emma Kong for providing an excellent summer picnic lunch. We took the opertunity to purchase a few dozen trees for future club workshops.
The Collection North has a new website thanks to our own Linda Ferzoco. Please check it out. On it you will find listings of future activities at the Garden. Also in August volunteers are needed to help mulch the ground. Lunch will be provided and good cheer and company are assured. Check the website for dates.
John Pennington has been busy transcribing articles written over the years by our own John Boyce from his “Pieces of Bonsai” series. The articles are inspiring and filled with useful information. Thanks to John Pennington for reviving these timeless guides and we are fortunate indeed to have this legacy from John Boyce.
Please mark your calenders: BSSF auction coming in September. Check your collections for donate-able items and buget for purchases. Invite your friends and get ready for an exciting evening.

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