1st macro attempt

Its a dreary dank day in summer, one readily forgotten and hopefully not to be repeated ...only distant memories linger of scrabbling for some shade on the beach, I could easily forget IT IS AUGUST!

These succulents became the focus of my macro lens, (I use the term focus lightly) I found it very difficult and am disappointed in the results, I don't have a tripod which undoubtedly would help

Any tips? ...feel free to share