« Monday April 14, 2008 | Main | Wednesday April 16, 2008 »

I LOVE this strip - no matter what, I get on the computer every morning and read it. And I am thrilled about the Anthony story-line. It makes me feel so good inside - I have been waiting for this to happen.

Fern R, Santa Ana CA

What is up with Elly? She looks like she has aged 25 years in the last month! At first glance, I thought she was Iris! I hope she gets herself pulled together and feeling good before the wedding!

Lauren, Massachusetts

Lynn,
I too was leary of telling you what I feel about the flashbacks but now I see other people's feelings about them. I'm sorry, but I do not care for them also. The very first thing I do every morning is fire up the ol' computer to the FBorFW site to read what's happening with the Pattersons. Just when I am involved with a storyline and can't wait until the next day, there is toddler Michael and baby Elizabeth. Maybe you could just go forward and not flashback until all the characters are wrapped up. Then go into retirement knowing that your job is "truly finished". I know I'm asking alot, but please consider it.
P.S. I am a big fan of the Anthony and Liz story! I'm sure we'll all be invited to the wedding before you go off to never-never land.

Rosanne, Des Plaines Illinois

I have to get behind all the anti-Anthony and Liz people. It's not that I dislike Anthony, specifically, it's just that I find their relationship so bland and contrived. The way they were brought together was, well, a little sloppy. I have nothing against being with your best friend--I'm currently in a wonderful relationship with someone that I thought of as only a friend a year ago and I would never think to look back. However, I just don't like THEM being in a romantic relationship. It's very clinical: They get along, Liz likes Anthony's daughter, her other boyfriends didn't work out... Hey, why not get married! It's so passionless. I'm not at all looking forward to the wedding.

Tracy, Seattle

I have been reading the strip for years and years. Is it just me, or is Elly acting EXACTLY the same way Mira did when Mike and Dee first announced their engagement? I guess that when Mira thinks she is looking out for her daughter's best interests, she is rude, pushy, and obnoxious. But when Elly does the same, she is just being tough, reliable, responsible, etc.

Jamie B, Federal Way WA

I read the comment about being a tough month for John and it hit on a point that I too was getting...except its been more than a month. The John that "lives" in flashbacks and new material doesn't sound like the desciption in "Meet the Pattersons". As a model railroader his hobby was my hobby and those panels echoed my world to some extent. A few good natured jabs is ok but it seems that John has been marginalized. Don't get me wrong I'm hooked on the strip's storyline but think that part is becoming too negative. Perhaps the Canadian comic strip queen is unconsciencely adapting the American sit-com approach of making the father the weaker partner. At this rate Elly will move to Indiana and have coffee with Roseanne everyday and plan a double wedding with Liz and Jackie.

Greg, St. Louis

I've been reading many of the comments relating to the "new" strips and of Liz and Anthony's storyline. I have a few comments on both topics.

First, with the "new" re-worked strips coming out, I feel like I'm finally catching up on the last 25+ years. I'm a mom of 3 and some of the recent strips really spoke to me. I'm not alone!!!! Yeah!!! I like the snippets of everyday life. They make my day. And while I too wish for continued storylines, I understand the need for time to draw them, write them and publish them. I'm sure it's not an easy task, and so far I've not been disappointed in my wait for them.

Second, Liz and Anthony. I admit that I don't know the whole history of her prior relationships, however, I understand that Liz needed to explore her feelings for other men and learn from her experiences. Just because she dated Paul and Warren, doesn't make them Mr. Right. Let's face it, the Pattersons are not ones to get divorced, so why not make sure you've found Mr. Right? I like the fact that Liz and Anthony came back together. I think we all need to understand that their prior relationship was that of a high school nature. Neither one was experienced at life and both had a lot to learn. All of us were so used to seeing the sweetness of this relationship, it's hard to equate that to an adult relationship. As adults, they have learn to be friends again. What made them laugh 10 years ago, may not make them laugh now. What made their hearts sing 10 years ago, may not make their heart sing now. So they have to spend some serious time as adults learning about each other as ad!
ults. They know they like each other and that there are deeper feelings there, but they are wise to be cautious in their current relationship. Especially since Anthony's daughter has a say. It's not easy being the potential step-parent. How do you win a childs trust, love and friendship, when it seems you want to take their only source of security away. It's a tough issue to tackle.

Besides all that, let's always keeps in mind that Lynn only has small views into the world the Pattersons. She cannot interpret all the minute details of a rich and beautiful family. It's simply impossible. I say sit back, enjoy what you have to enjoy and let be what will be.

Thank you Lynn and staff for a great website and wonderful strip. It is my favorite. I can't go through my workday without reading it and getting online to see what's new.

Janice S, California

I thought your work depicting the rain storm in Sundays, April 13th paper was superb. Great colors and swirls of wide white bands of rain, that gives the strip so much power graphically. Your compositions from cell to cell also contribute so much to the flow and recognition of this wet, uncomfortable moment in our lives. Cartooning becoming art, a joy visually. Best regards,

Rob, Micanopy Florida

Blah, blah, blah. . .
No offense; this chat with Elly & Connie is a little dull. And I'm trying to be nice here! Can't you get back to Liz and Anthony or April or something else? I still LOVE your strips anyway! By the way, love the part with Grandpa Jim & Liz in Marian's wedding dress...aww, real sweet.
Keep up the good work!

Jocelyn, NY

What a warm, funny, fulfilling strip!
I feel a kinship with the Pattersons and look forward to the next Sunday's installment.
I was particularly smitten with the way in which grandpa's stroke and the very real way it was and is dealt with by all the family members is portrayed. You find stories and humor in real life situations that we sometimes overlook. Life on lifes terms with love, humor and satire. Who could ask for more?

Michael M, Bothell WA

I love the strip! I agree sometimes the abrupt changes in the story line are disappointing but I ALWAYS come back for more. I see my life as it was, is and will be. Thanks for presenting real families they way they are and should be.

Toni B, Baton Rouge LA

Thank-you for giving credit to the mothers out there (married or otherwise)for the impact and time they devote to their kids. As I am going through a very painful seperation and custody agreement, today's strip has given me a reason to keep believing in myself and what I have done and will always do for my children.

Nicola F, Regina SK

I like the stories except Elizabeth's. Her marrying Anthony is not only a bad replay of the Michael/Deanna romance (i.e they liked each other as kids) but it also makes her a hypocrite. She expected her boyfriends to understand all her life changing choices without fuss but she can't do it in return. She always said she didn't want a complicated relationship or life but now she's going to be a 2nd wife and stepmom to a child whose real mom never liked her? Anthony's failed marriage wasn't all Therese's fault! Therese had her own ideas about married life but only Anthony's happened. He didn't even try to make hers real. This is more like a High School romance than a real one. And Liz never broke up with Warren before she started seeing Anthony so she "technicaly" cheated on him. Warren came back after giving up everything to be with Liz and it's all for nothing? That's cruel. He's only ever loved her and respected her boundaries (unlike Anthony)! Is there some *no out of towners* rule for who the kids marry? I hope your planning a short "10 Years Later" comic to tell us what happened to everyone once the strip is done.

SL, Antioch CA

I enjoy seeing the flashbacks, since I had never seen them previously.
But keep up the main storylines!

Wesley M, Minneapolis

I'm a retired counselor and high school principal. I can't tell you how useful the strip has been, when working with young adults. There is something in the ongoing story, for everyone. This real-life saga draws you in, and makes you a part of a wonderful family. Students can relate to all the highs and lows of growing up, and school and family life. The strip served as a great jumping off point for discussions involving problem-solving and values clarification. Thank you for sharing the Pattersons with us all! You do great work, Lynn! Hugs xoxox

Nicky G, Yonkers NY

I see a LOT of people think Anthony is'nt good enough for Liz, and Warren is. NOT TRUE. WARREN is'nt good enough for her. He seems to0 think she's some puppet that he can have whenever he wants, and he can just pop up and she'll drop everything for him, even though she's in love with Anthony. ANthony may not be perfect, but who is? Elizabeth is'nt perfect, either.they're a perfect match. By the way, I RE$ALLY would like to see ELizabeth have kids of her own. I love Francoise, though. And I AM SO GLAD ANMTHONY AND ANTHONY ARE ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This cannot be stressed enough! Good choice, Ms. Johnston and Elizabeth!!!!

Jessie, Trenton ON

I have enjoyed FB or FW since Elizabeth was a baby, and have come to love the characters. I have some concern about the current direction of the strip. Elly's birthday is the day after mine, and as a woman born in August of 1951, I can tell you that Elly is too young to spend all her time reminiscing. The fact that she has no goals, no activities, no interests, no passions, seems to me a negation of the character I've seen develop over the years. Do Elly, her friends and her family have nothing to discuss but the old days when the kids were young? If that's their only remaining interest, then it would be best to cut out the present-day section, and run the old strips, much as Peanuts has been rerun. The present format satisfies neither the audience who is new to your strip (why are those old people always commenting on their youth?) nor the audience members like myself, who have grown older, but who aren't putting ourselves out to pasture.

Kate V, Glenmoore PA

I too am not thrilled with the Elizabeth/Anthony couple thing, but I hate the guy my best friend is dating too :) Life is like that.
Elly, everyone says you are a martyr and complain about your body and housework all the time...and I would like to meet a housewife who doesn't on the RARE afternoon you get to sit and gab with a friend!
Hey everyone! Give her a break!!! And remember...it's a cartoon...
So Lynn, keep it up as long as you can, and enjoy your life!

Christine, E. Durham NY

Have read FBFW for years and have always loved it. Don't care for the flashbacks at all, but do understand Lynn's reasons for continuing with the strip in this manner. In the flashbacks, Elly always seems so resentful of her children and all the hard work that little kids involve. I find it SO hard to relate to those feelings - that was the fave. part of my life so far - grandchildren on the way, so that may change. It is just a comic strip tho, and a brief snapshot of the Pattersons' lives. Wish Elizabeth had found someone with more spunk than Anthony - I think she's "settling" - but it is just a comic strip.

Kathy R, Victoria BC

Please... No more flashbacks. They are disruptive of the current stories and remind me of nothing more than the misremembered maundering tales that unhappy or obliviously demented people inflict on their visiting friends and relatives.

Karen D, NW Indiana, U.S.A.

Your strip 4-11-08 is a disturbing outrage!! It is irresponsible and heinous for you to even hint at throwing a child into a washing machine!!! In this vile world, it doesn't take much to suggest an action that some mentally distorted individuals will follow through thanks to "Lynn's" FBorFW strip. MAY THE BLOOD OF ANY CHILD WHO DIES FROM YOUR SUGGESTIVE ATROCITY BE ON YOUR HANDS!!!!!
You should apologize to all children of the world and retract the 4-11-08 strip immediately!

Art, Florida

Re: April 11th strip where radio reports bemoan housing prices, lack of job opportunities and environmental problems... this strip is at least 23 years old and it could have been a new strip with Meredith asking the same of Deanna or Michael! The more things change the more they stay the same.

Nikki, New Jersey

I've been a fan since the mid-80s when your strip started appearing in the Washington Post. Your strip has more of real life to it than any other, and the only other one which approaches it in terms of illustrating the issues of the day is Doonesbury.

Just so you know that it's not just women reading your strip, you should know that you even have fans among the manly men set, too. Back on March 14th I was surprised to find the Anthony/Elizabeth engagement strip as the day's diary for a military blog called the Armchair Generalist, which is probably read almost exclusively by military people, former military people, people who are seriously interested in chemical weapons, military tactics, and strategy. Turns out the blog's author is a huge fan. Here's the cite; see for yourself. It just goes to show the universality of your strip.

Thanks for making my day just about every day.

Carla, Arlington, VA, USA

I just want to take time to thank you on the comic strip a few Sunday's ago celebrating Grandpa Jim's birthday. Just the day before my mother and I laid my grandmother to rest who had endured 8 long years in the Alzheimer state. I truly understand what was taking place. It was the celebration of Grandpa Jim's physcial presence even though the essence and spirit of what his loved ones knew is no longer there. The strip spoke of the power of love. I cannot tell you enough that it is reassuring to know that someone understand some of the things family's face during this very difficult period. As for me and my family, we have cherished memories of the seamstess who used to do alteration on uniforms for the US Marines; the woman who could make patterns out of newspapers and make a coat or an outfit; and as for me, the loving grandmother who always had enough scrap material to make my doll babies extra outfits and enough "left over" cake batter for me to lick the bowl. For families who have love ones with Alzheimers, it is the love and memories that helps you to endure and fore everyday that they are on this side of life, it really is a celebration. THANK YOU!!

Marlo F, Washington DC

Great to see the old & new strips, we can recall what's brought "our" family to the point now in their lives. I'm SOOO happy for Liz & Anthony. He's good to her, and we need that someplace in life---not so much of that sometimes in the TV. I'm a CNA, and have enjoyed the way you depict Jim with the stroke---you've a great honesty about the physical and mental side of it. And Iris is sweet and patient. Because you've done a progressive strip, we don't want to see it end. I've been a faithful reader, and clip a lot of them, have had some for many years, like looking back---and laughing at the funny truths! You've made so many of us happy, and for all the staff---we thank-you EVER so. You go so well with morning coffee.

Bobbi, from Lincoln

I have read FBOFW for many years but, at age 35, missed out on the early years. If I had read it I wouldn't have 'got it' anyway! While I miss not knowing what is going to happen between Anthony and Elizabeth, or Grandpa, on an every day basis, I do appreciate reading the flashback/retro strips. It gives be the background I've missed and there is something so timeless about marriage and parenting. Honestly, I just appreciate that FBOFW is still around, satisfying my comic craving.

Tracy, Olympia WA

I'm enjoying the flashbacks. I can really relate to young Elly's trials and tribulations. I'm 29-years-old and just gave birth to my second daughter. (The first one, by the way, is named Elizabeth--Ellie for short.) I'm a working mom, but I still feel affinity for the Elly of the past. Also, I'm pleased that Elizabeth chose Anthony. It'll be interesting to see how this blended family grows and develops. (At least until the characters freeze in time. I'm not looking forward to that.) It'd be nice for Liz and Anthony to show a little passion for one another. I know they've got a lot of responsibilities and there's a kid and all, but, c'mon, doesn't Liz deserve a little romance?

Sarah, Texas

Dear Lynn~
I LOVE the strip,having followed it for many,many years! I love that the characters have grown physically,chronolgically,and in other ways.
I understand the need for the reruns,and am enjoying the ones I haven't seen in a long time. I am also looking forward to finding out what happens to everyone.
I want to pass these comments onto you NOW,while I'm still able to tell you how much you have meant for so long.
I did not have a chance to say so to Charles Schultz,and my oldest child was born on his birthday.
Enjoy YOUR time,as we have enjoyed what you have given US!

Denise, Albany NY

I was one of those unplanned, late-in-life kids like April whom everyone but my Mom and Dad hoped would be miscarried and therefore "no longer a bother." The way you make Elly treat April makes me sad, as if she still resents the child for being born.

I wish there had been an eleventh panel Sunday in which April says, "Mom, why are you always finding fault with me? Can't you give me credit just ONCE?" Or even better - Elly on the porch with her OWN broken umbrella, saying "well, it looks like the wind has us beat 2 for 0 today" or SOMETHING other than whine fuss fault.

But then, MY mother wanted ME.

Truman F, Georgia

I love FBoFW and really look forward to reading it every day. I have been reading it ever since it started; wouldn't miss it. I love seeing what is happening with all the different characters.

Anne F, Oakland MD

I'm 40 years old, and I have a very vivid memory of the first time I read FBorFW. It was the time John was sent back to the hardware store to return the bathtub faucet because Elly could not turn it off with her toes. I've been a fan ever since.

I read the comics every chance I can, but only a select few, FBorFW being one of them! I'm quite saddened by the thought of the strip ending...but all good things must come to an end I suppose.

I am enjoying seeing the old strips but also anxious to continue the current ones.

Good luck to you Lynn, your work has been such a wonderful part of my life for the last 25 years!

Candus H, Houston TX