i think i actually like not seeing the stem clearly. it makes it seem more like rolling a stone, and apple at the same time. Then you look a second more and you notice the stem. you can still see the stem
The little blown out section by the hand could use some toning, maybe? Hard because in one way it attracts attention to directly what the little guy is doing because it is by the hand, in another way it seems like a blemish.
i like the rolling stone/apple thought looking at it more than just he is rolling a apple up hill. Haven seen it the other way to be sure, but that is what im guessing. All in what you are going for.
creative shot, again.