I have been a member for several years and write professional software using some of your work. I haven't visited your site in a while and was suprised to learn you had surgery when I logged on. I read all I could about your situation but have no earthly idea what happened to you. Could you please post what happened to you to cause your surgery?



Wishing you a speedy recovery,



Jack Connell

Houston, Texas

PLEASE get something cooking for Verizon too! I've been sitting here snapping pictures of your work to use as my phone backgrounds for about 6 years, and my wrist hurts dammit =)

While not having read any other comments as yet, I shall go out on a dead limb and suggest doing an abstract Christmas wallpaper.



Please, don't hurt me :D

I hope this e-mail finds you feeling not only better but I hope the Christmas bug has got to you Enjoy the holidays. p.s. Keep up the good work!!!

You've always been so dedicated to making *us* happy with your beautiful artwork, this is time to focus on YOU and your healing process.



We are all keeping you in our thoughts. Don't rush into anything!!

Rest, recover, recline, recuperate;

Tis the season to rejuvenate.



Feel better soon and heal up right

And put a big moon in your next image of night.



Ok, no big career as a poet for me, but I hope you are feeling better and better every day and just wanted say that I display your seasonal wallpapers all year round. Especially love your images with aurora and big moons. But take it easy until you feel well enough please.

Dear Ryan,



I rarely follow your posts, but words like "surgery" and "hospital" kind of leapt out at me. I'm sorry to hear about your recent bout of hospitalization; I hope it wasn't too serious, and look forward to your recovery. Everyone in my family enjoys your work. I have the background of all our home computers set to display images of yours, changing randomly at 30 minute intervals. One of my daughters keeps checking the computer every half hour to see what it will look like!



-Paul

Dude,



Without the xmas images for a background christmas wouldnt be what it is ;D



Seriously, you are a top bloke. Great work! And get well doon! the only way is up!

I may not keep the holiday pictures up for more than a month but I love having them during that time. It is nice to have lots to choose from also. Keep up the good work and get well soon!

Hope you're feeling better, not just day-to-day, but week-to-week. Take your time to fully recover before jumping back to work.

Glad to hear you're getting better, and the Christmas snow creek you did last year was awesome enough to last through several Christmas's! so no rush!

Get well soon man. I enjoy recieveing your work (have for the last two years). Everyone always asks where I get them from, and some can't believe they are CGI. Get back soon, can't wait to see what your mind follows next!

Glad you're doing better! Take your time and get 100% on your own schedule! :D

I'm glad to hear that you're healing up well. Recovery time sucks but is vitally necessary. Don't push yourself too fast or it might set you back. Feel better and don't worry about the work, it will be there when you get back. Concentrate on your health and family.

Ciao!

I'm a new member, but am familiar with your work. I watched your work develop over the last few years and it is simply wonderful. My best wishes to you on your recovery.

My best wishes for a continued and speedy recovery.

Hi,



I understand that a lot of people may not keep these images on their PC's much past the 25th, but please don't forget those of us who do. My home town sees winter through at least the end of February and sometimes even March. I'm always "in the spirit" for the winter seasons, especially since I've moved far away from home.



If you don't create a holiday or winter one, I'll understand... However if you do, I, for one, will be most greatful.



Thanks!

Take care of yourself, Ryan. Your health comes first!

Lucky to hear from you that you are healing now. Yeah, sometimes things don't happen as quick as you want, but with good hope and a positive attitude you will definitely heal very well.

I wish you strength Ryan.

I'm glad to hear that you are recovering, and wish you all the best throughout that process.



As for your next work... why don't you follow your heart and do what you are moved to do? I believe that your fans and members will enjoy that much more than an obligatory "Christmas" or "Winter" image.



Best wishes to you and your family.

I know illness can get you down and you just want to be better as fast as possible, but don't push yourself! I'm glad you're recovering, and will be more than happy to see the next wallpaper.

About Christmas/holiday papers... I'm normally not too big on them. I would say it's because where I live we never see snow and it's oftentimes not even truly cold on Christmas day, but I think that would be a lie- because I cycle through the various Winterborn snowflake images you created years ago all 'winter' long. Maybe I just can't bear more than a single snowflake?

Take it easy, Ryan!

Good to hear you're on the mend, although I can imagine it would make the holidays a little less cheerful.



As to the wallpaper, Winter is not my thing, but I'm always happy to snag a new Christmas wallpaper; even if I won't be able to use it for this year, there's always next year. I have all your other Christmas wallpapers and I rotate through them from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's. putting up whichever one suits my mood on any given day. My current one is "Ornament".



Looking forward to whatever your new image is and I hope you're feeling better soon!

Hello,



Good to know your surgery went well. Rest up. Don't feel you need to do too much. I've been through it myself.

Miss our dose of your work. Best wishes for the holidays!

Dear Ryan,

Just logged on to see what's new and saw your update. Please heal up as fast as you can. Though we will miss your Christmas walls, we want you back happy and healthy far more.

Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to you and your family.



Storm

Just wanted to say thanks for all the work that you put into each db image.



BUT



Ignore the work... your health is tops.. not here :)



Get well soon :D

Ryan,



I usually visit db on a regular basis but have been away for quite some time because of my frequent trips to L.A. to visit my 107 year old grandmother. But, I just wanted to say that I'm deeply saddened to hear of your condition and just wanted to offer my warm wishes for a quickened recovery and to let you know not to worry about getting back to work until you are ready to...I will be here when you do. I love your work and always get comments from visitors to my office about your designs. Of course I always point them in the direction of your website in hopes to bring you yet another satisfied customer. Get well soon Ryan and hope you have a very warm and merry Christmas!



Best Wishes!

Jim in Yuma, AZ

Take a much needed creative break :). Restock the well with creative fish and see what happens when you feel better!



This is the perfect time of year to nap under a snuggly blanket with your sons and dream of planets!

:)

Ryan,



Just adding my voice to the "get well" chorus. I had surgery last year that had me down for about 8 weeks, and it's tough... but you do get through it!



keep lookin' up!



Spacewriter

Hi,

it's good to read that you're on your way to recovery. Take it slow, get well thoroughly and don't overdo it. Of what use is a job if you aren't able to do it.

See you around

rasc

Hey Ryan,



Glad to hear your're on the mend. No worries with regards to the wallpapers, as and when your up to it. Theres no point rushing back into it if it might hinder your recovery. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned.



All the best,





Terry.

I'm glad you're getting better Ryan, that's great! I hope you're fully recovered and back to normal soon; I'll keep you in my prayers. Don't rush to get better for the wallpapers and all of us members, that's not as important as getting better for yourself and improving your health.



On a wallpaper-note, I personally enjoyed in the past where you had done a Christmas render during Christmas time and a winter render after Christmas (when it's still winter)...I don't know if you'd thought of a New Year render, but it's an idea.



Get well and I'm sure we're all excited to see what you have in store for us next.

Sorry to hear of your medical issues. Make sure to rest and get better. We'll still be here once your mended. :-)

Glad to hear you are recovering. Take it easy and rest. I remember when my wife had surgery that restricted her to bedrest (actually our Lay-z-boy) for two weeks. The first week she could only get up to go to the bathroom - and I had to change her dressings twice daily). It didn't happen to me, but she went stir crazy so I sort of understand what you are going through.



I for one enjoy your holiday images, but like you said, they don't stay up past the Holiday in question. I do put up some of your Winter scenes in the middle of the Summer (I live in Phoenix so it gets HOT in the Summer) to feel cooler. :)

Oohh! I'd love to see another abstract from you. A winter-themed abstract would be especially interesting. Your health is the most of important of course and I look forward to seeing what you create when you're well again. :)



I'm sorry the recovery process has been slow for you, and I'm sure it's been stressful for you and your family. I'll have you all in my thoughts, and I sincerely hope you continue to get better.

Ryan

Take it easy and heal.

There is no rush to get back to work.



Hugs

Meri

... but be patient! We can wait :-)



As for winter scenes - they are among my favourites! borealis2k novembersnow snowycreek - awesome. I am using them right now actually.



And your christmas wallpapers such as snowycreek-xmas, well they always put me in the mood - which is odd cause I am from New Zealand and Christmas for us is bbq, shorts and jandles weather.

I am glad to hear your getting better. Believe me when I say this has been one of the most troublesome holiday seasons ever, for everyone, and then I heard of your problem and it was just horrible. However I'm glad your feeling better. Hope you have a quick recovery.

-Jluv

maybe the "get well" drugs will help inspiration. haha. not that you need anyhelp though.

It can be a pain both litterally and figuratively to have medical issues at this time of year. Especially with everybody rushing round like crazy. All I can say is "been there" and I feel for ya.



Just remember the sage words of some internet wit who penned. "Someday we will all look back at these things and at this time....nervously laugh ....and quickly change the subject."



Hope your recovery continues swiftly.



BTW Christmas comes and goes but winter hangs around. My 2 cents on the next wall paper topic is that I had last year's Snowy Creek wallpaper up till past January.

Get well soon. There is nothing more important then ones health and the health of there loved ones.



As far as images, Winter scenes last on my desktop well into March :-)

Sorry to find out you've been confronting some health issues. Hope you're feeling better soon! And, don't worry about new projects. I've got lots of your past work up on the 4 computer screens in your house (the skeleton with the Santa hat, the fields of glowing trees, the sleigh over the moon, etc.) Just get better enough to enjoy the season with your family - that's what's important!

Try looking at some of your own creations ..... they always make me feel better. Hope you're on your feet soon and enjoying the Season with your family.

Ryan,



No one ever recovers as fast as they woudl ike, but as longas the doctor says you are coming along normally all is well. Make sure you follow the doctors' advice about taking it easy, not rushing back to work before you are ready!



I'm enjoying some previous Christmas wallpapers, and would love to see a generic Winter - your scenery works are generally my favorites, and I love winter, but go where the muse takes you, and only when you are ready.



Enjoy your holidays with your wife and children - they will be grown before you know it!

I'll just echo the sentiments people have already said. I'm glad you're recovering, but sorry to hear that you're still in pain. I wouldn't dream of telling you to stay away from your art (I can tell it's more than "just a job" to you), but take all the time you need to get better.



Personally I'd love a new winter or Christmas picture, even if it arrives on or after Christmas, but I'm sure whatever you think best will be great.



Wishing you a speedy recovery, and a Merry Christmas if I don't contact you before then.

Glad to know that things are healing up nicely. It's not abnormal for a surgical wound to take four weeks to be healed over so don't rush it -- just let it heal. Your body will tell you what it's time to do. Hopefully your recovery doesn't dampen your Christmas; this season has been lacking in the "holiday cheer" in Michigan, too, so don't think it's just you. I figure that somewhere around December 24th, we'll all be ready for Christmas.



As far as winter images go, as long as it's winter outside, and living in Michigan this means from November to May, I tend to have your winter images cycling through my background play-list. I live in Michigan for the winters and have no objection to the feeling of home I get when I see your snow-covered trees and Aurora Borealis reflections in night-darkened lakes.



Peace,



Derek J.

Pharmacist

Kalamazoo, MI

I know how frustrating it can be to be down and out, when you want to be up and running.



I hope you feel better soon.

Ryan...I wish you a speedy recovery...though I miss the excitement of seeing your new work..I think it is important that you take it easy and relax..and not feel under pressure to work with your current condition. I am sorry you have to go thru this...but may be this gives you sometime off to just chill and take life a lil' slowly :) we all need to do that!!

I appreciate you updating all of us on your health...We are concerned :)..hope you feel better.

Dude, for God's sake take it easy....no one's goin' anywhere; we'll all be right here waiting to enjoy your genius when you feel up to it. So....take a break, watch t.v., play with your kid, whatever....just get well. You da' man!

Later

The last thing you should worry about is creating more wallpapers.



Take care of yourself and your family and we'll be here when you feel up to it. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we will wait for your next fabulous creation whether it is two days, two weeks or two months.



Thanks for making my desktop a topic of conversation around the office!!!

Take your time. Heal up.



For what it's worth, I often have winter-themed backdrops running all the way into spring or early summer. If you have the urge to make another "Blue Christmas" or other wintery scene, even belated, I'd be happy.



Get well, take care of your family.



Whizzmo

Take your time, relax, and don't worry about wallpapers. Whatever you come up with whenever you can will be just fine. :)



Feel better, and have some happy Holidays!

Hey Ryan, I wish you all the best in getting better and getting past this health problem. I really enjoy your work and I think of you as the best on the 'net! Even if you don't get a Christmas themed wallpaper up, I'm sure a winter theme one will be greatly enjoyed. I know I would like it. I would definitely keep up a winter one far past christmas. Heck lately the wintry weather doesn't hit home here on the east coast till January and February.



Regarding the phone wallpapers... I got a new Sprint phone in June of this year and it's very easy to make my own custom wallpapers. Soon after I learned the process I decided to take some of the members only wallpapers and downsize them with Infran View. Some turn out great and some don't but it's fun. I have several in my Sprint phone right now at 240x320. I was suprised how well alot of them downsize and still look like the original. Thanks again!

Hi Ryan,



It's so sweet and thoughtful for you to post updates for us. I am sure it makes all of us glad to know you are healing, and while things are difficult now - you are OK.



I know it's probably very very hard to let yourself take a mini-vacation from your job in this way - but really try and just focus on getting better!



None of us are going anywhere - this year has been the BEST in images - and while I do start craving new images - I can handle a bit of a break hehe. :)



If you want to do a winter or Christmas themed wallpaper - then do one! I'll enjoy looking at either for weeks to come.



Plus I am sure that any Aussie/NZ customers will enjoy the winter scene when their winter rolls around in June. :)



Take care of yourself and your adorable family!]



Liz

Just wouldlike you to know one of your new paintings is the highlight of my day.

Get back in good health soon, please, in time for a lovelyholiday.

With everything that has happened in your life this past couple of months maybe a little time to heal isn't a bad thing. We are patient and can wait for your next wallpaper even if it doesn't come till next year. Though please think about the winter thing.

Ryan,

It's good that you're doing better. I was sorry to hear of your pains. Don't rush the recovery...we can wait! I've got one of your Christmas wallpapers up right now. Take care!

Glad to hear you are recovering well. No one ever recovers as fast as they would like, so hang in there!



I'm very patiently waiting for your next wallpaper. As a matter of fact, I do have your holiday wallpapers up right now!



Get well and enjoy the holidays with your wonderful family!

Hey Ryan



I'm glad to hear the good news that you're getting better. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that you can enjoy the holidays as well. I know it probably seems like an age to you, but don't forget that your health is more important that work...



Just a quick note, I love winter scenes and use them all year round, so when you consider your next wallpaper I hope you don't rule out that one - but as always, every piece of your work is fantastic so it's all good :)



All the best!



Kyle

I have a samsung A727, though Ive done with this all of my phones so far. I have software for my phone, and a usb-to-phone cord (depending on what phone Im using at the time depends on the phone cord configuration, ofcourse).



what I do is plug my phone into the computer via USB, save any 1152 x 864 size image of my choice from DB onto my computer, then put it on my phone. set it as background. works great. Huge selection. The software and cords arn't that expensive either.

Hey, hope ya get better soon man. A suggestion for a future wallpaper is to do a generic winter one, because I know that living in Syracuse, NY, it's snowing until well into March and often into April. Just a suggestion, get better!



-Carmen

Take your time recovering! Your health is the most important now. We all can wait for the next beautiful picture you have in store for us! You and your family have a wonderful Holiday!

Hey,



I did not have too much time to visit this wonderland, and I was very sorry to hear about your condition. I sure hope that it will not effect your life in the long term and that you heal as quickly and painlessly as possible.



I wish you and your family all the best, happy holidays and a swift recovery.



We need you.

I wish you best of luck for a good recovery: I hope everything is fine, don't exert yourself too much. The next wallpaper will be here when it will be done and your health is what is more important!



Anyway, about Christmas and Winter wallpapers: please, these are the ones I love much in your works! And they definitely stay there way after the 25th of December! Sometimes I happen to put them on my screen in the middle of the summer! Perhaps to get cooler, but well, to sum it up: I would love to see a new Winter wallpaper!



Cheers!

Exerting oneself slows down the healing process.



Take it easy and hope to see you do more excellent work. (But only when you are well, as with any job, working while ill is bad)

I'm glad to hear that you're healing well, if a bit slowly. cool news about the cellphone portal. I'm curious, though, about their capabilities. I have a Nokia 9300 which has two screens, one fairly normalproportions and one that's extremely widescreen. If you wanted an opinion on the next wallpaper, I'd love to see another abstract. :)
Healing is the first priority right, so relax if you can. We (or at least I) will be patiently awaiting further information.

Just remember that we all want you to get better, no matter how long it takes. I love your all your images, but your abstracts hold a special place in my heart. If you feel like you need to create more of them, you should follow your gut. I know I’d be thrilled as would all your fans. Just take your time healing and come back to work when you can.

Just hang in there and get better. Don't worry about working until you are ready.



Peace, health and holiday wishes!

I know you're anxious to be well and completely healed, especially this time of year. Do exactly as the doctor says, even though I'm sure you're impatient. Don't push too hard or there may be a setback. No one wants that. :-)



*sends healing vibes your way*

I'd say the typical "Get Well Soon!", but I think thats been said enough. So instead, I'll say that I wish you the best of holidays; and however sore you might be physically, always remember to pause for a moment, take a look around, and remember those who care for you the most... your family. "Holiday Spirit" has nothing on that. The warm, loving embrace of your family trumps the seasonal, brief merry celebrations and I envy you for having that to give, and receive. May that always be there to help you heal, physically or emotionally.

Sorry to hear you have been unwell,don't worry about work get your feet up while u can and enjoy the rest,We can wait for you mate!!

Have a good chrismas you deserve it.



All the best from Vandra xx

I'm sorry to hear about your recent health troubles and I hope you feel better soon :)

Hey Ryan, glad to hear you are feeling better. It sounds like you went through a serious surgery and all, so it's great to hear you're recovering well.



Anyways, I think that you should do an abstract next as you proposed. Winter wallpapers aren't bad but I'm with you - I don't really "feel" it now and an abstract would be a nice change in pace. If you must, maybe an abstract with snowflakes or something. Satisfy everyone.



Can't wait for you to feel better, and of course, can't wait to see what next wallpaper you have in store for us!



We're all behind you as you work through this.



Thanks for making the best digital images on the net.



Tyler



P.S. I just got an iPod Touch, and synced all your iPhone wallpapers to it (thank you so much for that convenient zip file!!!). Your images look AMAZING on the Touch! They truly blow people away.

Winter abstract!! Please :D

Assuming it's a toss up between Winter and Christmas. ;)



I loooove winter abstracts! They're always so bright and nice -- but I prefer the winter scenes. :)

you definitely shouldn't work before Christmas, probably not this year.



Get well soon, and enjoy this break with your family as much as you can.

Please, I know that work calls, but rest and just get better. The world can wait ;).

Seriously though, I'd rather see you feeling better and at your top level.

Chiming in to second the suggestion that you take it easy and relax as long as you need to.



Quick response to your comment about winter scenery and holiday backgrounds: I keep winter backgrounds around until spring comes along! I'm an avid skier and rather like winter, and am very fond of your snow-themed work.

A new abstract would be very welcome. I'll re-visit some old friends for seasonal images.

Hi Ryan



I am in total agreement with the others. Don't rush yourself with a false sense of responsibility. We love your work, but want you to first take care of yourself, for you and your family. That's most important.



Pete

Hey Ryan,

Please take care of yourself. I heard once that we get 'tribulation" to teach us "patience." I don't mind learning patience , I just want it a lot quicker so I can get rid of the tribulation. HaHa



That was a poor attempt at humor. Your family and your fans like me want only the best for you, Ryan.



Tay

Ryan, let me give you a suggestion: take it really easy. If it takes up to 4 or 5 weeks to heal up, maybe it really means 4 or 5 weeks.

Give time to time, don't risk uncompleted healing! And be sure we'll like winter wallpaper 'till march. But even abstract or whatever it comes to your mind... when you heal.



I beg your pardon for killing English grammar :) and merry Christmas to you and your family.



Blessings from Italy!

Just wanted to wish you all the best for your recovery and the holiday season.



I'm sure members won't mind if an image doesn't come out for a bit. I'd suggest taking the month to recover as slowly as needed and spend some quality family time.



Happy holidays.

All of my blessings for your recovery! It's good that you're thinking about your art now and what you should do next...it's a sure sign that you're healing :-)



BTW...here's a link to an old holiday card of mine...I think you'll get a kick out of it. It's called "Snowman's Chance in Hell", and I made it in 1995 with tools that have gotten a lot better since.



http://passoja.com/snowman



Happy Holidays!



Sincerely,

Erik Passoja

Glad to here you're doing better. :) Hopefully you're all better before Christmas arrives.



As far as what kind of wallpaper you do doesn't really matter, whatever you want to do I say do it.



Also it doesn't really matter what you do as I have OS X cycle a new wallpaper every 15 minutes. Get comments daily about it. :D Keep up the great work.

I think it's great that everyone is wishing you a speedy recovery, and no one is complaining about a lull in new posts. It says something about the qualities of the people who sign on as members.



You said, "I haven't decided if I will do a Christmas image or a more "generic" winter scene. Either one will probably be of limited use to folks, as I imagine neither Christmas nor Winter scenes stay on the desktop much past the 25th. Maybe I should just do an abstract..." Hmm.



While I certainly encourage you follow wherever your creativity leads, since doing what you want will produce the best results, don't think a holiday image produced close to the holidays diminishes its value. I tend to cycle wallpapers at LEAST once a week, occasionally using *GASP* wallpapers from elsewhere in the mix. Also, I regularly use some of your older work as well. A holiday image made this year would be used for years to come.



Whenever you're feeling up to it, we'll welcome your work. Take your time and enjoy the family.

Ryan, my membership expires Jan. 3008. Although you have an extensive library of art for me to enjoy, I think we all need you around a little bit longer. Don't worry about your art or work. Just get better. I'm in the medical field and I can tell you any invasive procedure takes about 6 weeks to heal nicely and get you back to full speed. Take the time, enjoy your family and the holidays. CHEERS.

Hi Ryan,



Having recently had surgery myself, I can totally appreciate how difficult recovery can be (no matter how major or minor the procedure), and how tough it can be to get back into the swing of things afterwards. I hope I speak for everyone here when I say that you should definitely just focus on feeling better and spending time with your family right now and leave work for later. I'm definitely not going anywhere, and will look forward to your next new work, no matter when that happens to be. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a wonderful holiday season!

I ditto what most have already said: Your recovery and time with your family is of the utmost importance.



As far as a new wallpaper is concerned, I would recommend following whichever way your creative inspiration leads you! :) Do what you feel ready for and no worries about the rest.



Best wishes for continued recovery and I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!

I just want to say that I'll be praying for you so you can experience Christmas with your family!

You shouldn't worry about what you're going to do next on this site becuase it's almost Christmas! =)

I never post, but I just wanted to take a second to send you a message. I hope you get to feeling well again soon, and you're able to enjoy the holidays at least somewhat. I'm sure we all appreciate you thinking of us, but honestly, don't worry about getting out another holiday or winter scene. Instead, just take it easy and enjoy your family as much as you can.



Best of wishes, and hope that you get well soon DigBlasph Guy.

I'm glad you are at least getting better and as far as I'm concerned you can do winter wallpapers all year round! They are my favorite landscapes.

Its great to hear you are healing well and it's always hard to get threw the holiday when you are down. Health and family should always come first and when you up to par im sure that what ever you create will be great. :)

I know it must be lousy to feel unwell around the holidays. Get to feeling better and create whatever you feel inclined to create, when you feel better. Don't rush anything. Happy holidays to you and yours.

Best of good fortune on your healing process. Get well soon so you can get back to working on those fantastic wallpapers!



P.S. I like the Christmas wallpapers that you do. These are hard to find as it is. I put my vote in for celebrating the holidays and for celebrating your return to good health!

But frankly your health and wellbeing is paramount.



Make what you feel most inspired to make when you're feeling well enough to make it, that's what I vote!