As I prepare to start a new year full of hope and good intentions, one item always appears on my list of goals: Remember to breathe! It really only takes one conscious deep breath each morning—inhale slowly, exhale slowly—to get me started on the right track. And as my breath goes on quietly keeping me alive all day, I know I can deepen it any time I need a little extra help with the stresses that inevitably appear.

So raise your glass of champagne to toast the New Year, and let the refreshing bubbles tickling your nose remind you that relief is only a breath away.

Breath cocktails all around!

Happy New year!

And as I write about the breath—I'm going to be taking a breather from my blog. For the last four years, I've posted every week, sharing a photograph and some insight into its creation. Several ongoing projects are demanding my creative attention now, including revamping my website, so my postings will be erratic. Thanks to all my readers for your support and feedback!