Front Wheel Lift

[Kitsune06]

I start with pedals at 12 and 6, good foot on top, and pull my weight up and back while doing a power stroke. It seems like I should be getting more out of it than I am (?) I've had decent success in just jumping the front of the bike (just lift up for little ones, compress forks and lift for bigger ones) but I can't to any sort of "graceful" lift, or have any control over dropping right back down. Falling off doing a wheelie doesn't scare me (it's endoing!)
... I've already scuffed my pants on the back wheel... (Yow! ) so no fear there.

I'd get myself to a skills clinic, but I'm seriously not in any position to be able to pay for it at the moment.

My pedals are flats (never had the guts for clipless)
...oh, and part of my motivation is the awe and wonder I experienced watching one hardcore bikerchick show off, picking her front wheel up and set it on a post in a parking lot while waiting for all us slowpokes. *faints!*