I think that (with full respect to the person commenting about photography rules) the only rule apply is your rule.
There is nothing wrong with this photo of yours. Colors, interesting symmetry, mood - everything is here. If anything this photo with the minimum information holds you in thinking, what's behind the horizon? helps ones imagination flowing.
Rules a helpful, but breaking them makes this subjective art form interesting.
aleks

Thank you very much for placing my photo in this great selection of photographs,
aleks

http://www.dpreview.com/

Hi Tom
There is so many compact cameras on the market, that it would be impossible to recomend
any specific one. I would choose Canon (great camera and easy to operate software) but other camera makers like Sony, Panasonic Lumix. Nikon as an example making very good cameras too.
My advice would be - please look at 'dpreview' side check the latest models and futures.  I'm quite sure you'll find one for your wife.
aleks