LEARNING TO DRAW..AGAIN...

I am always on the prowl for books that will some how re-awaken my ability to draw.  I used to be so good.  Mind you I copied a lot, I was like a human copy machine. I would sit for hours re-drawing the images from Maurice Sendak's books while my peers scribbled in their coloring books (going outside the lines mind you--gasp!).  I actually found a sketch book recently of these drawings that I was going to scan but have been too lazy to. What I could do at 8 I could not do at 18.  What happened?  I didn't bump my head and no one criticized my work.  I never stopped thinking it was cool to draw, or lost my interest I just think that I got caught up in the idea of 'perfect'.  I couldn't get the images perfect and so I stopped. I couldn't translate what I saw in my minds eye on paper and so I gave up. I didn't take any art classes in highschool or college I just didn't go there.  I started to believe that it was a gift bestowed by the Gods and not something that you practiced and got better at.  My friend Candace assured me that anyone could draw, she is after all one of those people that was born talented.  If I didn't like her so much I would hate her. I bought a book and got bored, it was a lot of grids and shading and was messy.  I haven't touched the book for over a year, although a lot of people swear by that book.  This weekend I picked up another book at the library, so far I am quite enjoying it and thought I would share in case you are wanting to improve your drawing skills or believe you need to be born with this talent to draw, the book suggests otherwise. I will keep you posted but my gut is telling me what I don't need is another book but to practice.  After all practice makes "perfect".

Any other suggestions for me?  I love suggestions!  Anything you have done to get better at this skill? I also am looking for some good hand lettering books, thoughts?