Ready to Rev Up Your Creativity? An interview with Jill Badonsky, author of The Muse Is In: An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity

If like so many of us you need a little help revving up your creativity from time to time you'll want to check out the latest book by Jill Badonsky, The Muse Is In: An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity.

Jill Badonsky

Jill is the founder of Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coaching and author of three books essential to any creative library including The Nine Modern Day Muses and a Bodyguard, The Awe-manac - A Daily Dose of Wonder and her brand new book, The Muse Is In: An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity. (She also happens to be my mentor, former creativity coach and friend.)

As I shared last week, there are at least five reasons (actually there are hundreds!) that I'm thrilled about the arrival of her new book.  Today I'm happy to share an interview I did with Jill about her latest gift to the global creative community. Hopefully it will give you some insight into her always inspiring, never boring, nine-times-out-of-ten hilarious take on our creative process, how to rev it up and keep it running smoothly. But first - check out one of her whimsical illustrations of a creative mind. Yep, that's right. She not only writes, she also fills her books with her own original artwork!

Creative Oasis (CO): Where do you come up with this stuff? I'm actually being serious. I have all of your books, am trained in the creative coaching method that you created and have been lucky enough to have you has my own creativity coach once upon a time. I am continually amazed at the stuff you come up with, as you say in this new book, to help get people's creativity working like "a well-oiled machine." Where do you come up with your unique ideas and methods for this?

Jill Badonsky (JB): I don’t know. Ideas are just THERE. I just assumed everyone has this accessory of ingenuity. I’m as perplexed about it as you are.

Maybe I’m wired into some plane of existence that feeds off-beat humor to willing and daffy recipients. Luckily I receive stuff that is actually useful as well. 

Part of it I think is valuing humor and novelty so much that I surround and expose myself to it constantly. That predisposes me to come up with stuff.  Thanks for the great compliment!

But, ya know, Jill, from my observations over the years I’ve noticed that YOU have a lot of creative ideas too, so there.

CO: What are one or two of your personal favorite tools that you use to when you feel stuck creatively?

JB:  Often I’m stuck because I’ve been working too hard so I simply need a break. Taking walks with small question and getting out of the house to a café helps.

Also free-associating. Just fluidly brainstorming usually taking something already in existence and thinking of what else it could be, what it sounds like, what about it is funny, or what else it could bring to mind. My first book I started with the nine muses, the second one with The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and this latest one I started with an owner’s manual for a car. Starting with a structure just makes it easier.

CO: What do you say to those people who swear up and down "I'm not creative!"?

JB: This question is one of the reasons I wrote the book. I feel strongly that everyone is creative, in all different ways.  But mostly I don’t say anything unless they ask for help because advice-giving doesn’t usually work. There are four pages that address this in the book. Here is part of one of them:

Some people think we are either born with creativity or we’re not.

Many people are indeed born with an innate talent.  When they cultivate that talent through many, many hours of practice, amazing works of art, literature, music, what-have-you are brought into existence.  But really, do you need to BE that person in order to discover the bliss, benefits, and rewards of creativity? No.

You can develop skill with practice, but the process is what makes life more wonderful.  Talented people are not necessarily happy;  the ones who are also happy, know how to create joy within themselves. 

Passion, curiosity, healing, need, problem-solving, angst, joy, amusement, reckless abandon - these are ALSO drives that result in creativity.  Everyone has the ability to be creative in these ways.  Everyone gets to be creative.

CO: I'm guilty of sometimes buying books on creativity (or other subjects) and then not reading them. Any tips for ways people who are intrigued by your books and buy them to actually make the time to read them? 

JB: Keep them in the bathroom.

CO: Thanks, Jill...for the interview...for the books...and, of course, for having the mind and heart that continue to generate creativity-instigating goodness for all of us!

Note the devilish creative twinkle in our eyes

Be sure to leave your questions and comments for Jill below. If we receive at least ten questions and/or comments she has generously offered to have a drawing for a free copy of her new book for one of you lucky readers to win. We'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, all the best from my creative oasis to yours,
Jill

5 Reasons I'm Thrilled About This New Book About Creativity

#1 – The Muse Is In: An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity is the third book to grace our planet by the out-of-this-world imagination of Jill Badonsky. (my mentor, friend, creativity coach, founder of Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coaching and author) Her previous books include the life-transforming The Nine Modern Day Muses and a Body Guard and The Awe-manac - A Daily Dose of Wonder – essential reading for any creative type out there - but especially ones who need a reminder that creativity is important, who are plagued by inner critic voices in their heads, who are prone to procrastination or perfectionism or...wait a minute...that's 99% of creative types, isn't it? These books were written for us!

#2 – It's a user friendly owner's manual for your creativity! Like The Awe-manac, The Muse Is In is a book you don't have need to read from front to back. You can pick it up on any day of the year and digest a few creative nuggets of inspiration and encouragement. It's filled with interesting tidbits, thought-provoking quotes and fun creative prompts to set you on your way to enjoy your own creative process.

#3 – On the December 16th page (which happens to be my birthday), you'll find a quote about creativity there by yours truly, Jill Allison Bryan. How cool is that?

#4 – On the Thank You page, Jill was kind enough to include me and my fellow Master Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coaches as well as lots of other really cool and special people who I am honored, surprised and tickled pink to be grouped with.

#5 – Next week, January 23rd, Jill has agreed to stop by here and share some tidbits about her fabulous new release - The Muse Is In: An Owner's Manual to Your Creativity. If ten or more of you leave your comments and questions for her here on my Creative Oasis blog, we'll do a drawing and one of you will win a copy of her new book. (she's cool that way)

I'm off to dive into the pages of what I can safely say is the only owner's manual in my life that I've ever actually looked forward to reading!

Hope to see you back here next week - January 23rd as Jill Badonsky's blog tour stops in for a visit.

Til then, all the best from my creative oasis to yours,
Jill

Creative Oasis Classes & Workshops – Ready to Live the Creative Life?

Craving Creative Fulfillment?

As the new year begins, Creative Oasis Coaching offers more ways than ever for you to learn and practice easy, effective ways to enjoy a creatively fulfilling life! These classes and workshops help you make the time and space for your creative passions – whatever they may be – even with your busy schedule!  They're also a great way to meet other interesting creative loving types who find it challenging to get to their creative interests as often as they'd like. (Sound familiar? You're not alone!)

Pre-registration is required for all classes and workshops. Space is limited to 8 people per session, so please register to reserve your space as soon as possible.

#1 – "PERMISSION TO BE CREATIVE 101" 
MINI-RETREAT

Sunday, January 27, 2013

10am – 3pm

$85 for CAC members

$115 for non-members

plus $10 materials fee 

(Please bring a sack lunch.)

Do you have a closet full of creative projects you haven't touched in ages? Do you long for the time to dive into creative endeavors – painting, writing, gardening, scrapbooking, dancing, singing –  in short, whatever energizes and delight you while adding joy to your life? This mini-retreat, set amongst the inspiring classrooms of the Creative Arts Center of Dallas, is another great introduction to Creative Oasis Coaching and share great ways for you to get back on track with your creative passions!

Location:

Creative Arts Center of Dallas

2360 Laughlin Dr.

Dallas, TX 75228

For more info or to register, please contact the Creative Arts Center by calling 214-320-1275 or visiting their website at http://www.creativeartscenter.org.

#2 – "LIVING THE CREATIVE LIFE" 
WORKSHOP          

Saturday, February 2, 2013

1:00 – 4:30pm

$99 

(includes creative supplies and handouts)

A great introduction to Creative Oasis Coaching. We'll explore fun and effective ways to make more time for creativity in your life. Writing, photography, cooking, painting, singing, gardening, scrap-booking…whatever your heart longs to do, you’ll be introduced to unique tools and techniques to help you easily enjoy the creative satisfaction you desire. 

Location:

Pigment School of the Arts

4605 West Lovers Lane

Dallas, TX  75209

For more info or to register, please email creativeoasiscoach@me.com.

#3 – "HOW TO LIVE A CREATIVE LIFE" 
6-WEEK CLASS

6-week course dedicated to weaving creativity into your busy life          

Thursdays – February 21 through April 4, 2013 (no class March 28th)

6:30 to 8pm

$275, plus $15 materials fee

                           

A more detailed exploration of and opportunity to practice creativity coaching methods designed to help you to experience more creative satisfaction. No matter what your interest – blogging, photography, cooking, writing, collage, watercolor, needlework, gardening ­– whatever creative expression you love, you’ll learn and practice innovative tools and techniques to help you enjoy the creative fulfillment you crave. 

Location:

Artistic Gatherings

9440 Garland Rd., # 138

Dallas, TX  75218

For more info or to register, please email creativeoasiscoach@me.com

Are you ready to stop making excuses and start making the time and space in your life for creative fulfillment? Then sign up today for the Creative Oasis Coaching class or workshop of your choice, and take the first small step to turning that dream into a reality.

Email me at creativeoasiscoach@me.com and reserve your space today!

All the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

Founder of Creative Oasis Coaching

Certified Master Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach

Singer/Songwriter

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

Chinese Lantern Festival First Trip of the New Year

Join the Creative Oasis Day Trippers 

for our first trip of 2013.

Reserve your space by emailing creativeoasiscoach@me.com.

Where:

Chinese Lantern Festival 

Fair Park

1121 First Avenue

Dallas, TX 75210

 

When:

Thursday, January 3, 2012

6 pm

Cost:

$15 - Day Trippers fee

(payable by cash or check to Creative Oasis Coaching)

plus

$14.25 - Chinese Lantern Festival ticket

(you can purchase your ticket on-line or at the gate)

info@chineselanternfestival.com

Bright Lights of Chihuly Nights

For the last Creative Oasis Day Trippers outing of 2012 we spent a crisp, autumn evening at the Dallas Arboretum exploring Chihuly Nights. But first, we began with a festive picnic of yummy appetizers, wine, chocolate and laughter. (Isn't that a great way to start any evening?)

Sips and Nibbles to Start the Night

We were going to visit each sculpture and create our own name for it before seeing the real title. 

I named this one "Electric Chiquita"

That was a fine idea until the sun went down. It quickly became apparent that trying to carry our glasses and clipboards and see in the dark to write was not going to work as I'd planned. 

Clipboard Wine Holders

No worries. Turns out our clipboards made great wine glass holders. We must have looked very official with our clipboards because people stopped us to ask questions about the sculptures. When we told them that we were having a creative field trip they seemed to love the idea. 

There were obviously lots of photo opportunities. In fact, everywhere you looked people were taking pictures with cell phones and cameras. Of course, not one photo I've seen captures the magic of actually being there in person. (especially if you're lucky enough to share the experience with fabulous women like these!)

Having visited the exhibit both during the day and at night, I'd have to say that though these glass sculptures are amazing anytime, my favorite was the night. 

Mist Magic

It felt like we were walking through an enchanted fairy garden.

Anything could happen...like glass fireworks exploding over your head!

Another inspiring, fun outing with Creative Oasis Day Trippers. I wonder what creative adventures we'll have in 2013? Looking forward to whatever they may be!

If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and would like to know about upcoming Creative Oasis Day Trippers evets, drop me a line at creativeoasiscoach@me.com and I'll keep you posted.

Until next time, all the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

CRAVE Dallas Has Arrived

Creative Oasis Coaching is proud to be featured on pages 52 and 53

CRAVE Dallas 2nd edition features Creative Oasis Coaching

What is CRAVE?

CRAVE is a savvy lifestyle guide devoted entirely to local businesses owned by women. CRAVE Dallas will direct you to some of the best local spots – boutiques, spas, cafes, stylists, fitness studios, personal services and more. And you'll meet the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises.

If you'd like to purchase a copy for yourself or for a great Christmas gift for your girlfriends, email me at creativeoasiscoach@me.com and I'll send you a one ASAP. Each book is only $20, and I'll ship as many as you'd like to order for the flat shipping fee of $3.00. (*Be sure to check out the Creative Oasis Coaching coupon in the back for a special offer that adds one free coaching session to any package purchased.)

Personally, I found several businesses that I intend to check out immediately the very first time I flipped through this gorgeous book. The high quality photography captures the spirit of each business so beautifully. I'm truly honored to be featured with all of these inspiring women who are making their dreams come true with heartfelt passion and authenticity.

I had the opportunity to meet many of them at the CRAVE book release party and heard some amazing stories of how these businesses began and dreams for the future. I love supporting local business, and CRAVE makes it easy to do just that.

Hats off to Jenn Sprinkle of Jenn Sprinkle Creative for organizing this 2nd edition of CRAVE. Be sure to check out her fabulous selection of unique designs for journals, iPhone cases, posters and more!  http://shop.jennsprinkle.com

photo by Katie Cassidy of www.kcassidyphotography.com

Drop me a line at creativeoasiscoach@me.com to place your order today. 

All the best from my Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

Time Travel to Paris Late 1800's

Georges de Feure, Paris-Almanach, 1895, color lithograph, Milwaukee Art Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Milton F. Gutglass, Photo by John Glembin via www.dallasmuseumofart.org

Last month the Creative Oasis Day Trippers traveled back in time to the bawdy, beautiful, decadent decades of the late 1800's of Paris. A fascinating Dallas Museum of Art gallery talk given by the curator of "Posters of Paris: Toulouse-Lautrec and his Contemporaries," Dr. Heather McDonald, transported us to a bygone era combining titillating anecdotes with historical context to bring the iconic posters and their stories to life.

photo of Dr. Heather McDonald via www.dallasartnews.com

The exhibit envelopes you in its cozy, darkened rooms and delights combining many celebrated images with lesser-known lithographs of the time. Attending a Gallery Talk or using the audio truly enriches the sumptuous visual experience with fascinating stories of Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as other artists  and celebrities of the late 1800's in and around Paris.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Aristide Bruant in his Cabaret, 1893, color lithograph, Milwaukee Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley, Photo by Larry Sanders

Once you woven through the rooms filled with lithographs you'll find yourself in a poster-making studio complete with all of the supplies you need to create your very own poster. The Dallas Museum of Art provides such fun and inspiring hands-on experiences these days that add a wonderful interactive dimension to the museum-going experience.

Wall of posters created by DMA visitors 

I created my "Stella" poster in about five minutes or less. (Hurray for the DMA keeping it Kaizen - lots of creative joy in a small amount of time!)I'm thinking about using it as the base for a collage piece.

Jill's "Stella" Poster

The exhibit, Posters of Paris:  Toulouse – Lautrec and His Contemporaries will run through January 20, 2013. How would it be to share the experience with a friend or relative as a holiday gift? What might you create with your own poster?

I plan on returning at least once myself to spend more time soaking in the visuals and imagining what life was like in the dance halls and cabarets of the day. Speaking of which...a bit of wonderful serendipity (which many of you know I refer to as hee-mee-shee-mees) happened the day of the gallery talk.

That evening I went home to set up my newly purchased Kindle and I downloaded the first book on my wishlist which happened to be  "Sacré Bleu" by Christopher Moore which stars Henri Toulouse – Lautrec in an humorous, historical fiction surrounding the death of Vincent van Gogh. Many of the interesting tidbits shared during the Gallery Talk were referrenced with the first two chapters of the book. I never would have known they were part of the historical tale rather than the fiction had I missed the talk. I'm enjoying the book so much that I'm down to savoring the last few pages and should be finished tonight. So fun to be introduced to a new writer in this sychronistic way. If you're not put off my salty language and a bit of low-brow humor (which I found wickedly funny in the context) I highly recommend this fantastical romp through time and art!

Until next time, all the best from my Creative Oasis to yours,
Jill