Inner peace is accomplished by understanding and accepting the inevitable contradictions of life—the pain and pleasure, success and failure, joy and sorrow, births and deaths. Problems can teach us to be gracious, humble, and patient.
― Richard Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and it’s all small stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life

Below is the original photo used to create this image. While taking a walk around Floyd, VA on a rainy afternoon, my parents and I came across a farmers’ market and these remarkable and unusual flowers. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.