instead of opening a thumbnail in another window, i would like to open it on the same site but just next to it, or under it...like a space where all the thumbnails can open on the same page...if that makes sense? i think it involves javascript/iframes, but not sure...does anyone know how to help me?? thanks mucho

you could just use an iframe (http://www.lissaexplains.com/frames.shtml#inline)
and target your links to it. the instructions for creating the iframe and for targeting links are on that page.