I LOVE LOVE LOVE the gem picture! Was that at the old house windowsill? I assigned and keyed all the rooms so I figured go on tumblr till someone says something.
"the best thing about a picture is that it never changes even when the people in it do." -andy warhol
Photography is very personal, it's not about whether or not others like you pictures. It's about whether or not you like them. The picture isn't in the camera, it's in your eye. See it there first. Practice, Practice, Practice