There are two things that really strike me about this photo:
The flower not being fully bloomed- makes this a more unusual flower picture. And you have captured the beauty of something becoming what it can be. :) Nice choice of subject.
Secondly- I really like the lines in the background that are out of focus being so patterned. It isn't distracting from the focal point and it adds alot to the image.
Hey Abby,
I like the image a lot, there is some abstract touch to it, without losing its real feel, which I like,
I also love the shallow depth of field,
Lovely done, (~8