I desperately wanted to be blushing modestly for this post, but couldn't hack it...until I realized that a good-sized (even God-sized, I mean BIG) goblet of sacramental wine would have much the same effect (see iconic smilie). I can't fathom how it's humble to ask to be praised in public. I do think that "abundant skills" is going a bit too far: most of my respected colleagues here at the BEA have considerably more technical acumen than I will ever possess. Still, I do have some feeling for morphs. As far as taste goes, de gustibus &c. &c., and since Tom's taste apparently coincides with mine, how can he help but applaud my uncommon perceptiveness? I do find that angel very much to my taste: she is, well, angelic.
As for the portrait, it's quite a good likeness - much better than gØÖber's effort, for gÔÕber had the audacity to divide me fifty-fifty with that heinous Nahpets. But what can you expect, dividing countries or dividing people, it's all the same to him. At least it keeps him amused, better than tormenting Union prisoners. "Southern gentlemen" indeed! But I digress.
Returning to Tom Taylor's portrait, my beard is not quite that long (speaking of length, he has not portrayed my huge virile member*, but of course it's not a nude portrait). I am grateful for the tribute, and, as you can - I hope - see, have adapted it (with Tom's gracious permission) for my avatar, at least for the time being. So I am doubly grateful, for I was feeling bare and deprived without an avatar: it's bad enough being defrocked.
Gratia tibi ago, Thomase!
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*The natural PE of becloaked clerics is an established fact, probably first cited by Rabelais: the constant wearing of loose gowns allows the member to dangle freely, and thus it extends naturally. A defrocked cleric is even more impressive...[again attempts to blush]