With the start of the New Year 2013, most will receive wishes for a happy and successful new year from friends and acquaintances. Many traditions this time of year are based on bringing luck or good fortune. The eating of various foods may be a tradition for bringing luck, Black eyed peas or green lentils represent coins or the green color of money, pork because pigs dig with their snout and it is said to represent forward movement or progress, or in some areas eating long uncut noodles is a wish for longevity.

The best advice any of us can give or receive is to look for and seize opportunities to make our own good luck.

This message is a note to seize your opportunity to attend the Synergy3 polymer clay conference put on by the International Polymer Clay Association to be held in Atlanta, Georgia on March 13-16. In just a few short months many leaders within the art community will be gathered for this unique event.

Opportunity #1: Location for those living within driving distance as this is the first time Synergy has ever been in the southeastern United States and will not likely return soon as the next conference will be in Spain. For those living in Arkansas, Alabama, N Carolina, S Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Washington you're probably within an 8 hour or less to drive to the conference. Take this opportunity to drive to attend the event and not have to rely on airline ticket costs and schedules.

Opportunity #2: Take the chance to get to know your local fellow clay mates better by coming together to the conference. You can share the drive, gas, and hotel accommodation during your conference stay. What better event for your local guild to share their common interest than at an international event and have great fun while developing your talents.

So create your luck and growth opportunity by deciding you are worth it and choose to seize the chance laid out before you at Synergy3.

"The day you decide to do it is your lucky day" – Proverb

Connie S. Clark

Synergy3 Conference Chair