Hi y'all! I know she's probably too shy to say anything but I figured I'd give you some news. As most of you know, Joie is my wife and also the GOOD half of our "PairOfPyros" (she's also "gargoyle84) joint Apo gallery. She always said that she wasn't "creative" or "artisitic" but I knew otherwise. And it shows from her neat flame compo's. Anyhow, a couple weeks ago, her company had their annual employee art show and for grins she entered her flame image, "Patio Garden" that is in the POP gallery. Well check it out - she won FIRST PLACE in the digital art category! And got this BIG blue ribbon, too. There were 12 others in her category and the company is over 6,000 employees. Is that COOL or WHAT? I'm really proud of her! Apparently the judge knew a bit about fractals and was VERY impressed. There's hope for our artform yet! Here's a link to her winning image: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=937437&Start=1&Artist=PairOfPyros&ByArtist=Yes c-ya! Rick

Wow! Congrats to Joie! That's very awesome, to win with such stiff competition. Were there other fractals? ~Viv

Hi Viv - Nope, just some Bryce and PSP/PS images - some pretty good, too. What might get wierd is that I'm probably (hope I didn't jinx it! lol) going to be working there, too, this time next year. I used to work there (Harris) for 21 years and quit for lotsa $$ and options (worthless now) to go to work for JDS Uniphase, which is shutting down it's plant in Melbourne."Telecom bubble" burst and all that. So...we may end up competing with each other in next year's show. Yikes! lol Rick

He that ,s funny and real new for me that you are married Its a lovely design it tooks a while back already my attention and i have fo sure give a comment Give her my congratilations Rick Ciao Arend

Congratulations Joie!!! That composition is truly beautiful and deserving of the prize you won. Marion

CONGRATS Joie!!! and Rick, it's fantastic to be each others inspiration and 'competitor' BIG SMILE ... bet your very proud of your wonderful wife :D .. i know what its like to have a partner who are doing the same thing, so break a leg :P good day Harmen

Congratulations, Joie!! I love that excellent piece, and apparently the judges did, too. And thank you, Rick, for bringing it to our attention! Linda

Congratulations to Joie! Marvelous compo and love the idea of combining several different beautiful flames in a single compo! The result really deserves to be awinner! -Anthony.

Congrats to both of you: Joie for winning the contest and Rick with your new job. That's going to be a nice competition next year, lol.

Congrats Joie!!! It's an excellent piece and I adore your compositions! Definitely a well deserved win :).

hi rykk, that is great news indeed, super :)

Yay, Joie!!!!!!! I loved that fractal, it deserved to win in any graphic contest:) What a neat, neat piece of news, and thank you Rick, for letting us join in the congratulations!

Congrats! That is way too cool!

Thank you all for your congratulations! There are a lot of artists where I work and some awesome pieces (no other fractals in the computer graphics arena, though). Maybe my picture will be an encouragement to someone there and next year there will be more! Not to mention that I need to get working on another one for next year! If Rick is working there, the competition will definitely be stiff!!!!! :^)