Doc, did you see my first bear with his squarish head? It took me four days of carve a little, think a lot to come this far! I think I drove Chaz crazy! Every hour or so I'd say "Honey, will come look at this and make sure I've got it right?" I didn't allow him to put a saw to the bear but I definitely exploited his experienced eye! Now you want me to make him wave and have a rump??????? It'll take me a month to figure that one out! LOL! Seriously, though, I am at somewhat of a disadvantage as I've never drawn or painted or done anything remotely artistic in my life until now. It seems like sometimes I just can't find the image in the log and have to revert to cuts I've been taught until I can see it again. Chaz swears that'll change and that I'll learn quickly, but I'm not so sure! When I first wanted to try carving, Chaz said he'd teach me a simple mushroom, so we got a log and he proceeded to make cuts on one side while I matched them on the other. After that, I've made about 30 of them on my own! For my first bear, Chaz wasn't really involved much as the style I was trying was alien to him. For this bear, I wanted it to be a little less cutesie but still not in the same league as his and I think I achieved that. I can't wait to see if I can do my next one totally on my own, without having to borrow his "eye". Thanks, Doc, for encouraging me, though! Just the fact that you think I CAN learn to make him wave and have a rump means a lot!!!!!!!!!! LOL! Take care!