In taking all of your great comments to heart, I tried again. With a Daisy this time. I haven't got the sentiment down exactly the way I want it, but I do want to say something about not letting life get you down. I know there is a longer sentiment inside the card with just a quick statement on the front. Does this look okay? I'm not too sure if the words are in the best place, or big/small enough.
Did I blur the stem on the right under the word "UP" enough? It was a little too much in focus so I tried to fix it. As always, your help is much appreciated!!
Trying again... Instead of thorns, how about a Daisy?
Nicely done. I did notice some fringing on the petals, but that is fairly simple to remove. This is a considerable improvement you've made.
Crap, crap, crap!!! I didn't even notice that, David, until you said that!! I was too focused on blurring out that stem and trying to figure out where the text should go. Thank you for noticing and pointing that out to me!!! Just when I think I'm getting the hang of this editing stuff. Lol. Thanks for your help!!
NICE photo.
I think the subject daisy could be better defined and brighter to bring it forward a wee bit.
How about a little light or dark (could be somber though!) vignetting to focus the eye on the subject?
Hi Elizabeth! It is a very uplifting image. Given your intent, I'd make it even brighter, more contrasty - not what suits most images for my tastes. Further, maybe it's just me and my PC/printer interface, but I always find the print looks duller than the screen, so a garish-looking image on screen can look just right when printed.
I think you blurred that stem enough, but I agree with Camden about the placement and style of the text - again, perhaps given the intended purpose of the image, something bolder? Try it in yellow?
Here's an edit with the colours tweaked (I've dialled down the magenta but boosted green and yellow). I've increased saturation a tad (usually anathema in my book!), given it a slight S shape in curves (boosting mid-tone contrast), and finally added a mild vignette following Ralph's suggestion. Just my take - I do like yours.
I don't think technical "flaws" matter much as such in this sort of image. Good job you've done here!
I like this...very nice.