All thanks to a pop-up card

So here is the new painting as it stood last night. It is an entry for this month's Virtual Paintout. I had a hard time finding anything I liked because it was winter when the google car went there, so it was pretty devoid of all the lovely greenery I am drawn to. Then, as I was giving up, I stumbled on this image and I was, as they say, back in the game. The drawing was a bit tortuous because of the perspective and the painting of it made me wish I'd given up. I tried to liven it up with some fun stonework, but that only made it look like a cheap carnival. Honestly, it reminded me of this painting I'd tried to do a few years ago of my daughter and her friends playing ring-around-the-rosies:

 

I had tried something totally different, way out of my comfort zone but really fun. The idea was there, and I totally enjoyed doing it but in the end it just didn't work and I didn't have a clue what to do about it. So it has sat in my portfolio ever since. I pull it out occasionally and look at it, then put it back in with a sigh. And this one was looking like it was destined to join it. Apparently I can't do fun. But this morning was a new day, and I started by regaining a bit of confidence when I helped my daughter create a pop-up birthday card and she thought I was a genius. I love how easy it is to amaze them at this age (Please don't grow up and realize I'm not cool after all)! But anyway, on a bit of a high, I snatched a few minutes to paint and it started to look like we could be friends again, the painting and I. And I think it kept going well tonight. I really like the trees and bushes on the right. The sky, the trees, the road and stone might actually fit and belong in the same painting. What do you think? Any suggestions?