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In the recent picture of the staff at Gulliver's where Lynn had a signing, I notice a woman with white hair in a similar style to Moira who now owns Lilliput's. Just a coincidence?

Kay S, Chicago

Sharp eye, Kay! The lady in question is Suzanne, the owner of Gulliver's and a friend of Lynn's. The resemblance to Moira does seem pretty strong, although Moira, when she appears in colour, has red-brown hair.

I just re-read Sunday's Veterans Day strip. As always, I am in awe of Lynn's ability to tell a story without words. The four panels that show Jim rescuing a young girl from gunfire tell the story succinctly and touchingly. Bravo, Lynn.

My compliments on the colorization of the strip, too.

Mary K, New York

I really like the new format but am eager to find out what happens with Liz and Anthony!!! I've read the strip from the beginning and it's a blast to see the new hybrid strip in my Yahoo page every day. I always loved how the characters aged with me but I do like the idea of keeping them static after a point.

BTW: Thanks for the Lawrence strips. They helped my mother with my own coming out. I love that they hold a special place on your website.

Cheers and Peace,

Victor C, Toledo

I love FBorFW. My April baby came at the end of the month that April appeared. For many years, my mother (in Indiana) was able to see what was happening at our house by watching April in the strip. I was amazed to learn that April was based on Lynn's imagined daughter. You certainly stayed true to chld development through time. And although my April baby doesn't play in a band she's very musical and sings in an award winning choir. Thanks for the good times...

Susan K, Bothell WA

Hello there Lynn!

I have been an avid fan of your strip FOREVER! I was hooked on your humour ever since I read "David, We're Pregnant" after giving birth to my son 26 years ago...my cousin gave me the book and I laughed so hard I think I popped some episiotome stitches!Seriously, I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the life of the Patterson Clan, I have been gifted throughout the years with your books, and all of them autographed...they'd be one of the first things I would save if my house caught fire..(cats and humans first, of course!) I'm very pleased as to how you are blending the old and new,I never tire of the older strips! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the joy your family brings to me!

Eve G, Sudbury ON

I LOVE FBorFW~~~I was so relieved to find out it was continuing. I have to admit I got worried when I started seeing all the "old stuff" but I don't care what we see, as long as we KEEP seeing FBorFW!! I like that you are going to freeze them & continue story lines & resolve others. I hate being left hanging..... Keep up the good work!!!

Holly, Ohio

I've loved FBoFW for years and find the new direction interesting, but not satisfying. One of the best things about the strip is that it worked like a real story and not just jokes or people frozen in time... I hate to lose that quality!!

Martin K, Arlington VA

Hi Lynn,

I've been reading FWOFW for as long as I can remember, and it's always been my favorite comic strip. Even when on vacation, I would always try to find a newspaper or check the strip on-line in order to get my "daily fix" of the Pattersons. My father shares my love of your comic strip, and we often call each other up to discuss that latest FBOFW happenings.

I've always felt a particularly special connection to Elizabeth. We were born in the same year, we both had our first high school romances at the same time, went through break-ups together, and have both become teachers.

I noticed the change in your recent strips, and checked out the website, fearing the worst: that the modern storyline had permanently ended. I'm sorry to learn that your characters will no longer be aging but am glad that you will wrap up the plots and not leave us hanging (I hope Anthony and Elizabeth end up together!!).

Thanks for years of enjoyment!

Caren C, New York

Lynn,

I've been reading the extended biographies which have been written about the secondary FBOFW characters. I've noticed the following trends:

All the women are strong, talented, nobel, selfless heroines, sacrificing everything for those they love in midst of hardship brought on by men.

All the men are weak, cowardly, selfish, manipulative, materialistic, whiny, abusive, hurtful, impulsive, philandering scumbags sneaking around and making life miserable for the women in their lives.

It's clear to me that you hate men. That's not surprising considering that you only hire women for your team.

John M, Michigan

Hi John - for the record, we have had multiple men on the staff in years past. It just happens that, right now, we're all women with the exception of our intrepid contractor Paul, whom you can meet here on our Real People page, along with several of the other men whom Lynn is friends with who've helped out with the strip over the years.

I love it, love it, love it. I can relate to the strip and I think you've been peeking in our windows.
I just knew you were a Canadian before I read about you.....with the eh's, etc.
Congratulations on being such a success and making our days brighter.

Faye J, who lives in Mobile, Alabama but is Cdn. from Qc.

I love seeing the old strips mixed in with the new. For Better or for Worse is my favorite comic strip and I am now reading strips I have never seen before. The manner you are introducing them is fresh and unique. Great job!

Sue S, Seattle

Hello - just wanted to enter my thoughts with you. I also would like to say that I enjoy the old style better than the new one. Being a Londoner I enjoy the thought that South Western Ontario is actually being recognized in the rest of the world by your cartoon. My daughter who lives in florida and I in London regularly read your cartoon and then have a delightful chat regarding the daily event and what will happen next. It also makes her feel closer to her home town and what is happening in the area and how family life is still strong. So we will still read your column and discuss the events but will miss the Old Style Family. Great to see so many comments from so many and so many places .

Gwen, London ON

I just want to say "Bravo" for the new-old approach to the strip. I began reading FBOFW right around the time that April was "born" and became hooked from day one. I was especially impressed with the way the characters aged just like real people and it was a joy to watch April grow from a precocious newborn into a beautiful young lady. But I always wondered about the genesis of the Patterson family and find myself enjoying it even more now looking back into their past. Thank you Lynn for a lifetime of being able to momentarily escape the highs and lows of my own life to share those of your "family.
PS: Keep those old strips coming!

Bill G, Prospect TN

Lynn,

As so many have said, you are a gifted storyteller & artist. I can't remember when I started reading your strip; I grew up alongside Elizabeth. I have loved every moment of your comic strip, even when the characters do something I disagree with- just like real friends do. It keeps your fictional "people" all the more true to life. Knowing that you seem to mirror everyone's life tells me how truly similar people are, no matter from what city or country, age or family "type" people hail.

As for the hybrid, I really like it because I'm not quite ready to lose the connection to the Pattersons. (I suspect it will feel like I moved away from my good friends to a new house & new life without the the annual Christmas card to stay in touch.) Just as I reminice the past when I look at photo albums, I get to remember some "good ol' days" of the Pattersons. And like another reader pointed out, as I've grown older, I see the young Elle in a new light, & it makes me see the adults of my childhood in a new light too. That is yet another gift you have given me. From the core of my being, thank for the laughs, tears, & memories throughout the years.

Sheila Marie