DEAR SUN SPOTS: It seems that the characters of Michael and Elizabeth in the comic “For Better Or For Worse” are younger than they used to be. Are we seeing recycled comics or did the artist decide to go back in time to fill us in on the Patterson family? — David, Auburn

ANSWER: You are right. Cartoonist Lynn Johnston wrapped up several storylines, including Michael’s success as a writer and Elizabeth getting married, and has now returned to the early days when Elly was home with the two small children. Here are some key sections of a letter Johnston posted on her Web site, www.fborfw.com:

“A letter from Lynn about FBorFW: Aug. 30, 2008

“To all my wonderful readers, A couple of weeks ago I drew and sent the last two weeks of dailies, bringing to a close the main storyline of ‘FBorFW.’ It sure wasn’t easy! I think the drawings were harder to do than the writing, because I’d been thinking about what to say and how to say it for a long time. I had that ‘running in a dream’ feeling, as though I’d never get there, but once the deed was done, I felt strangely comforted; a feeling that I’d done the right thing at the right time.

“For the past seven years or so I was aware that the stories were becoming more complicated, the drawings more controlled and the characters more realistic. Gone was the loose, funny, freehand line I had started with. As the adventures of the characters became more defined, so did the drawing, until I researched everything, from forklifts to faces, from aircraft to arcades. I was out for accuracy. Every house, every apartment had a floor plan. The furniture and the color schemes had to be consistent- as did the information I gave about the ‘players,’ and if I made an error, you would let me know!

“‘For Better or For Worse’ begins again on Sept. 1 with new material, new art and new enthusiasm! Without the need to visit all of the auxiliary characters, I can concentrate once again on the insular little Patterson household. I have the children all to myself again. I can do spot gags and silly stuff. I can fix what I don’t like about my early work as I add and subtract, redraw and just improve everything. … because I’ll be including some of the classics, I’ll be able to take some much needed time off!

“I expected to find a return to my old style of drawing a bit stressful, but it’s been easy! I also expected to find it hard to rip into the belief that I was a young mom again with two small kids, but this is really fun! I’m so enjoying the loose style, the freedom to play with the younger Pattersons again and the less-complicated cast of characters. Mixing the classic and new strips, is both challenging and rewarding as I improve the work I started with. Who gets to do this??? I consider it a real privilege to be able to work on the beginning again, and I hope you’ll enjoy what I do. One way or another you’ll let me know — and I look forward to hearing from you.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As we begin another year of fundraising challenges, the Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association in Farmington is in need of your help again. We will be holding a used clothing sale on Feb. 6. We are in need of new and gently used clothing (children and adults), shoes/boots and purses for our sale. As people clear away their holiday decorations and have items they no longer wish to keep, we would appreciate you giving these items to us.

Last November we had a successful holiday sale — from trees, decorations, linens, ornaments to gifts. We will be holding this sale again this year in November. For donations or more information contact C. Kemble at 778-3808, E. Barker at 778-4349 or M. Taylor at 778-6214. Thank you. — Cynthia Kemble, Farmington

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to [email protected].