An inspired decision to soften a spikey subject, Dave. It works wonderfully to my eye, and the subtle colour adds just enough additional information and interest without becoming a distraction.
Dave Bonta: Thanks, Pete. I'm glad this worked for you. I've always been fascinated by natural artifacts, and fortunately I have a friend who is motivated enough to collect them and make things out of them, whence this plateful of pods.
reading light
autumn meadow
hayscented ferns