[gcuss]

Hi,

I just wanted to thank everyone here for their contributions to my learning as this day marks my first anniversary on my journey. I can't imagine not having this forum as a resource.

I lurked in a number of them, and while some are very good (and some not so much imho) this one remains my favourite. I greatly appreciate the frankness of those that communicate here and the opportunity to learn is a real blessing. I've never been an "ahh, good enough" type of person. I strive to have and create the very best with the resources at my disposal. I don't take everything I read here as gospel, but I certainly am better equipped to make an informed decision for myself after receiving input from those who have walked in my shoes already.

I'll never have a JR "Pond of the Day". And you'll never see me in Japan competing at the AJKS. A firefighter will simply never have the means to "walk those beaches". However, I look forward to getting to the point where when I see those "Pond's of the Day", or I attend the AJKS as a spectator and truly appreciate what I'm looking at.

It's hard to believe the willingness of the human beings out there in "webland" to share their knowledge without any personal gain. Simply because of their passion for the hobby.

It's funny how a view can change. A year ago, it was "Oooo, that one is shiny!" and "Wow, look how long those fins are". Now it seems I am only drawn to gosanke and even ginrin is hard for me to appreciate. I imagine as I learn and grow I will start to enjoy all the varieties and see them for what they bring to the hobby.

I hope over my lifetime to get a better understanding of the true spirit of koi keeping and how to properly appreciate what they can bring into a life.

Humbly, and Gratefully,

Grant