OMG! My internet connection has been down all day and I am just now finding out that I had the honor of winning this contest... This really means a lot to me--so much so that I am, for the first time in my life, at a loss as to how to express it. I am very greatful to the contest sponsors and to all vendors who offered their wonderful products as prizes; to the judges whose task was made very difficult by the quality of the art entered into this contest; to everyone who took the time to comment on my images and encourage me to go on; and last but not least, to Mr. Kozaburo whose wonderful work is so generosly made available to all of us. It was great fun to participate and--I won't lie--to win. I will quit my rambling now and take the time to assimilate the news instead, I think.:) Once again, my huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible. Happy rendering to all!