Looks to be a couple of years at least, and I've never really left here, but life has just been a wee bit busy for the last while. But now looks like time to return again, although for how long I have no idea. For all those requesting tutorials, sorry I won't be doing any for two reasons. First is really there is no rhyme or reason to the way I create these things, I simply work on them with every tool I have available (ie, blend, feather, contrast, color balance, etc) until they look right to me. But second, I doubt I'd have any advice that would help anyone here since the software I'm using is a tad outdated to say the least (I'm primarily using Corel Photo-Paint 9, which if the date on it is correct is over 13 years old). Before anyone recommends that I get new versions of Photoshop or the like, just as a carpenter learns to use his hammer well, this is a well worn (and perfectly functional) tool for me, and I have no reason to replace it.

Finally I've posted an ID, although don't ask me for a larger version of it, it's complete rubbish in anything larger than the size you see it.

I should also mention..... 25K (!) pageviews! Holy shit! I had no idea this many people have looked at and like my work. Thanks to all the favorites and watches, I originally intended to write a thank you to each one, but that was a very long time ago, so consider this my heartfelt thanks for your appreciation of my work!