hmm, that would solve my problem; more than one actually.
though i might have to bother with states regarding block above. oh well...
it's not a perfect solution - you should have used "minecraft:blocks/water_still" instead of your own png because of resource packs. also, i'm concerned as to how it would look in a biome with tinted water (we'll know tomorrow).
thanks a lot, friend! you most likely lost many hours on that block.
btw, a rice plant that looks like actual rice? i salute thee. (i know, it sounds obvious that it should look like rice, but these days, rice blocks that i find in mods look like peas or kale).