This is the first (semi) realistic floral I have ever completed!  In the past I would have stopped as soon as the painting went wonky and never finished.  I almost quit this one numerous times but I heard Shelly's voice in my head, "the artist and the critic must never be present at the same time", and I pushed on.  I am SO proud of myself!  Though painfully overworked, I actually did it!  Thank you Shelly for teaching me to let go of perfection and embrace my wonky!