Happy New Year!

It's that time again-- time for New Year's resolutions. It seems as though everyone I know makes the same resolutions year in and year out. Here are the top 5 from about.com. Did yours make the list?

1. Spend more time with family and friends.
2. Fit in fitness.
3. Tame the bulge.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.

I'll be the first to admit that I am guilty of constantly sweating the small stuff. While you can usually find me volunteering on every committee known to man, it's difficult to maintain a semblance of balance between everyone else and myself. So this year I'm trying to take a more zen approach to life. That's not to be confused with minimalism-- I'll still more than likely lend a helping hand to anyone who asks, whether I like it or not. I will just try not to let it stress me out. There is a zen proverb that expresses my intentions beautifully:
Student says, " I am very discouraged. What should I do?" Master says, "Encourage others."
Whatever your New Year's resolutions are, I hope you are able pursue them with a positive attitude.

Here are some lovely pieces from CGGE members that help put me into a zen state of mind. I've chosen them because, to my eye, they seem Asian-inspired, whether it be a Japanese koi fish or the beautiful colors of a kimono. I hope you enjoy them. Happy New Year!

Orange Koi Fish Round Stained Glass Suncatcher with Lily Pads by livingglassart



Burnt Orange Fused Glass Bowl, Large by jsglassart



Fresh Summer Dichroic Pendant by HanaSakuraDesigns



raku a la floral by lnglassworks



Fused glass pendant with blue, purple and green on adjustable silk cord by KristasKiln



Hand Etched Dragonfly on Silver Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant or Necklace on Unique Bail by JoanJewels



Chinese Peace Necklace by jkadesigns



Black and Yellow Fused Glass Pendant and Necklace by lisahammer



Orange Swirl Dangles E-276 by helixelemental


Natasha Vazquez Lee
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