Hey, at least we got through the thread without the "expected comments"! Perhaps the reader develops as s/he reads more and more. Perhaps the reader (hate it when words stack like that!) "assimilates" all the favorite authors into some sort of homogenious (sp?) collage that, NOW, no one author can live up to. Just a thought But what do I know? BTW, I can just picture the beaming smile on your face as you handed in your pride and joy drawing and got the first glimpse of the teacher's frown. Had to laugh out loud and then share it with wifey...hehe.