Would appreciate C&C

Did a self portrait and thought I would submit it as a link. First time I've tried this and am interested in the results.
http://www.flickr.com …/53845243@N07/4​979472111/

The portrait is excellent. The subject is interesting and the print tone works well. The backdrop while not creating much distraction isn't all that useful to me. Not bad mind you and in a sense perfectly functional. I wonder out loud what would happen if lens blur was applied and the color was shifted to a cooler color such as one of the blue pastels. Another very cool trick is to counter the direction of light in the backdrop. This means use a graduated mask to darken the left side of the backdrop progressively lightening towards the right side. Now the shadows on the face are met with a brighter backdrop while the highlights on the face are met with a darker backdrop. Adds visual interest and I would be careful not to destroy the balance with the subject. The subject stands on it's own.

Jetcode, Thank you very much and I do believe you are right about the background as it has bothered me. I did one of the wife using the same background and don't like it much either. I'll give your suggestions a try and am sure it will improve these photos.
Made the suggested change and think it's much better. I'll also add it the wifes as she has similar lighting.
Thanks again.

The effect is overwhelming. Desaturate the color a lot so it matches the tone of the subject. You have a cartoon backdrop (garish over saturated color) with a subtle soft toned subject. You want the subject to overwhelm the senses not the backdrop.

jetcode, tried again. What's your thought on this?
http://www.flickr.com …/53845243@N07/4​981046606/