These Summer Wishes Came True

(Original photo by Steve Poltz)

We wish on dandelions. We wish on stars. We wish on candles. In some rare instances, we even wish on trees.

Back in June many of you joined me in creating a Creative Oasis Wish List as the first step to setting your intentions for a summer filled with experiences that energize and delight you.

Many of you also purchased my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" and followed its gentle step-by-step guide to help turn your summer wishes into reality.

Here are a few of the fun summer experiences some of you shared with me as a result:

* You whipped up a fresh salad using in season berries. 

* You drank iced coffee from mason jars. 

* You planted flowers and photographed them. 

* You visited Farmer's Markets and bought fresh produce. 

* You hosted parties. 

* You blew bubbles. 

* You watched fireworks and chased fireflies.

As for me, three of my summer wishes led to some of my favorite experiences of the summer including:

* A girls' night sleepover at my sweet Aunt Suzy's house in the country.  

* An "adventure day" with my daughter that included our first ever trip to IKEA (an adventure in itself) and lunch at a Japanese restaurant. (She even tried the seaweed salad and liked it.)

* Attending a talk by the Dalai Lama. (We got to sing Happy Birthday to him for his 80th!)

When we give ourselves permission to make wishes and dream up ways to make those wishes come true we create lives truly worth living...lives filled with Creative Oasis Moments that make our hearts sing and time fly. And time does fly!

In fact, my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" will only be around for a few more days and then it will be gone. (Offer ends 8/13/15.)

There are still several weeks of summer left. Want to fill them with the quintessential summer moments you'll remember for a lifetime? Pick up your "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" today.

I'll leave you with this lovely little video just incase you can't find any dandelions in real life...you can wish on this one.

All the best from my wishful Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

A Summer Creative Mantra For You

Whether on a beach, in the mountains or in your own home town...time spent in places that set your spirit free is time well spent. 

Have you spent time in the places that set your creative spirit free this summer? 

Although I love to travel and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Colorado this summer, you don't need a trip to enjoy Creative Oasis Spaces. They can be found in your own backyard! 

A trip to your favorite bookstore, a museum, a concert or a new restaurant right in your own neighborhood can be just the ticket to inspire and delight you. 

Does the idea of exploring a few Creative Oasis Spaces and enjoying some more creative "me time" before summer comes to an end sounds good? Sure, you might be thinking BUT...

"Who has the time?" 

"The kids may be on vacation, but I still have to work." 

"My days are so full and fly by so fast, I don't even know where to begin doing something just for me." 

"I have too many responsibilities to do the things I'd really like to do ~ even in summer."

"Vacation ends up stressing me out more than relaxing me."

I invite you to experience more "me" time during the last few weeks of summer by tapping into summer memories of your youth. 

Simply click here to download a special Summer Dreamin' play sheet featuring prompts straight from my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" that you can use with right now.

Next set a timer for two minutes, fill out your Summer Dreamin' sheet and let the fun begin!

Before you know it you'll be well on your way to enjoying a few more quintessential summer moments and hopefully visiting a few fun Creative Oasis Spaces too.

That's the whole reason I created the "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit ~ to help you quickly and easily envision and enjoy more delightful "me time" this summer. And the best part is, you can get started in just 10 minutes a day!

Click here to grab your kit and start today.

Here's what Marney K. Makridakis, author of Hop, Skip, Jump and Creating Time had to say about her experience with "Create the Summer of Your Dreams." 

"Now, THIS is the way to start summer! Jill's unique kit is ideal to guide people step-by-step to set summer intentions and, better yet, keep them. Her playful prompts and delightful presentation are inspiring but never overwhelming. Thank you, Jill, for this simple, fun way to turn creative summer dreams into reality."  

My "Create the Summer of Your Dreams DIY Kit" will be available for another two weeks this summer and then back on the shelf until next year so if you'd like some simple, step-by-step ways to enjoy more of the summer experiences you crave in just 10 minutes a day purchase your kit here. 

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

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

Why It's Healthy to Experience a Lull

(*Full disclosure: in order to practice what I preach and enjoy some "lull" time myself, I lifted the above graphic quote from one of my previous Mid-Week Oasis Moments. You're good with that, right?)

I post this from a lovely lull in the mountains of Colorado to remind you that taking a break is healthy for your creativity.

Here's how Brigid Schulte, author of Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time, characterizes this phenomenon:

Neuroscience is finding that when we are idle, in leisure, our brains are most active. The Default Mode Network lights up, which, like airport hubs, connects parts of our brain that don't typically communicate. So a stray thought, a random memory, an image can combine in novel ways to produce novel ideas. (You can read this entire Inc. article here.)

Remember, even if there's no vacation on your horizon, you can experience a mini-lull whenever you like. What if you give yourself permission to enjoy one the following? (Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour or more ~ any amount of lull time can be rejuvenating to your creative spirit!)

10 Ways to Experience Some Lovely Lull Time This Summer

1. Close your eyes and breath. (Yes, this could be called meditation...but it's also just relaxing to have zero stimulus coming in or out for a few minutes.)

2. Take a walk around the block.

3.  Doodle aimlessly.

4. Schedule a massage.

5. Flip through one of your favorite coffee table books. (We buy them...but sometimes we forget to enjoy them!)

6. Color in a mandala or coloring book.

7. Cut and arrange some fresh flowers.

8. Enjoy a solo trip to a museum, gallery or bookstore. (If you can find one!)

9. Peruse a favorite cookbook and choose a new recipe to try.

10. Spend 10 or 15 minutes completely lost in the Creative Oasis Moment of your choosing. (Remember: a Creative Oasis Moment is a creative experience that energizes and delights you ~ that makes time fly and your heart sing.) 

Wishing you some lovely lull time of your own this summer!

From my restful mountain Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

P.S. - My "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" will only remain available for a short time. Click here if you'd like to grab one while you still have plenty of time to enjoy more of the creative experiences you crave this summer!

One-Step Creative Self-Care Solution via Anne Lamott

"Have you tried unplugging it?" 

This is the standard reply you'll hear in my house when faced with an electronic device problem of almost any kind. Unplugging your computer when it freezes up is one of the easiest and most effective methods of solving the issue. 

Why not try this one-step solution for your own creative self-care?

As I enjoy some "unplugged" time in the beautiful mountains of Colorado these delightful (and true!) words from Anne Lamott seem most appropriate to share. 

Here's to giving yourself a break this summer...to unplugging for a day, an hour or even just 10 minutes to "reboot" your creative spirit. 

Here are a few prompts to help you get started: 

* When I visualize myself unplugged I see...

* When I give myself permission to unplug I feel...

* One of my favorite ways to unplug is to...

* Even if I only have 10 minutes to unplug I could...

* I'll give myself permission to unplug at least once this week by...

Find more ways to creatively unplug using my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" right here. 

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

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

O'Keefe, Van Gogh, Sunflowers and You

(*An update from last summer's post.)
If you're inspired by the outrageous, sunny beauty of sunflowers you're in good company. Artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Vincent Van Gogh were clearly taken with the hopeful brilliance of the sunflower. 

"When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not."

                                ~ Georgia O'Keeffe

"Great things are done

by a series of small things

brought together." 

~ Vincent Van Gogh

Why not enjoy some time playing with your own creative response to the sunflower?

You may choose to take O'Keeffe's words to heart and slow down for a few minutes to simply hold a sunflower in your hands and absorb its beauty. Or you may follow Van Gogh's Kaizen approach and choose a few small steps to take for a sunflower inspired creative piece of our own. 

Of course, you don't need to be a painter to enjoy a little sunflower power in your life. I've shared a few simple suggestions above and below to help you get started.

What if you:

* Add a dash of bold gold to your outfit for the day.

* Write a quick "ode to a sunflower" in haiku form.

* Doodle a page filled with sunflowers.

* Stay on the look out for sunflowers and notice how often you see them, letting each sighting serve as a fun reminder that creativity comes in all shapes, forms and sometimes in the most unexpected places.

* Download and print this free Van Gogh Sunflowers coloring page or google your own. (There are lots and lots of wonderful free coloring pages to be found on the internet.)

Click here to download your copy to color or paint. 

Since creating my Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit with a sunflower as its symbol I see sunflowers everywhere! On my walks, in stores, on the side of the road, in a friend's headband, on billboards, even in my twitter feed in a Huffington Post story about 3D printing. 

Click here to learn more about the "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Kit.

Until next time, I hope you enjoy your sunflower creations and inspirations whatever they may be and that they bring an added splash of color and creative play to your summer!

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

Two Minutes to Remind You How Good It Can Feel

Remember how good those first few days of summer felt when you were a kid? 

Waking up and realizing you didn't have to go to school? Taking off in the morning with friends to explore the neighborhood for hours on end? Reading book after book just for the fun of it? Selling lemonade and running through sprinklers?

How'd you like a taste of those carefree summer days again? Let me guess. That sounds lovely, BUT... 

"Who has the time?" 

"The kids may be on vacation, but I still have to work." 

"My days are so full and fly by so fast, I don't even know where to begin doing something just for me." 

"I have too many responsibilities to do the things I'd really like to do ~ even in summer."

"Vacations end up stressing me out more than relaxing me."

Sound familiar?

Want to experience how quick and easy creating more "me" time can be this summer? 

Simply click here to download a special Summer Dreamin' play sheet featuring prompts straight from my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams Kit" that you can use with right now.

Next set a timer for two minutes, fill out your Summer Dreamin' sheet and let the fun begin!

Before you know it you'll be well on your way to enjoying the first of many quintessential summer moments. (Remember, you only need 10 minutes or less a day to create a summer to remember!)

That's the whole reason I created the "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit ~ to help you quickly and easily envision and enjoy more delightful "me time" this summer.

Click here to grab your kit and start today.

Here's what Marney K. Makridakis, author of Hop, Skip, Jump and Creating Time had to say about her experience with "Create the Summer of Your Dreams." 

"Now, THIS is the way to start summer! Jill's unique kit is ideal to guide people step-by-step to set summer intentions and, better yet, keep them. Her playful prompts and delightful presentation are inspiring but never overwhelming. Thank you, Jill, for this simple, fun way to turn creative summer dreams into reality."  

BONUS ALERT ~ Purchase "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" during the first week of its release (by midnight (CST) Tuesday, June 9, 2015) and you'll be invited to a free "Let's Get Started Q & A Call" on June 11th. (If you picked up your copy last summer, you're invited to join us too!)

It can be a challenge to start off on your own, even with something you really want to do, so on our call we'll dive into the kit together and begin. I'll help you take the first small steps to creating the summer of your dreams right then and there. (And no worries in you're unable to join us live, the call will be recorded for everyone who has registered.)

Still not sure if "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" is right for you? Visit this page for more details and your chance to get in on the free "Let's Get Started Q & A Call" on June 11th. 

I'm so excited to walk you step-by-step through the special prompts and experiences I created to help you envision and enjoy the summer of your dreams. Click here and your dream summer starts today! 

All the best from my "Dream Summer" Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

Your Dream Summer Starts Today!

Today's the day! 

The "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit is ready and waiting for you. 

Grab yours here and take the first small step to creating and savoring a summer filled with the relaxing moments and creative experiences you crave. 

Remember the carefree summers of your childhood? The freedom? The pure joy?

Well, even though you're all grown up now (and busier than ever) you can still tap into those fabulous feelings and energize your summer with them.

And it will be easy and fun when you use this simple, step-by-step kit I created to help you. Check out everything that's included right here.

BONUS ALERT ~ Purchase "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" during the first week of its release (by midnight (CST) Tuesday, June 9, 2015) and you'll be invited to a free "Let's Get Started Q & A Call" on June 11th. (If you picked up your copy last summer, you're invited to join us too!)

I know it can sometimes be a challenge to get started on your own, even when it's something you really want to do, so during our call we'll dive into the kit together and begin. I'll help you take the first small steps to creating the summer of your dreams right then and there. (And no worries in you're unable to join us live, the call will be recorded for everyone who has registered.)

Still not sure if "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" is right for you? Visit this page for more details and your chance to get in on the free "Let's Get Started Q & A Call" on June 11th. 

I'm so excited to walk you step-by-step through the special prompts and experiences I created to help you envision and enjoy the summer of your dreams. Click here and your dream summer starts today! 

If you missed the chance to get download your FREE Create the Summer of Your Dreams Wish Lists, grab yours here.

All the best from my "Dream Summer" Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

Want More "Me Time" This Summer?

Memorial Day has already come and gone. Before you know it Halloween decorations will be showing up in stores. (That's true and truly scary!)

Remember the feeling of freedom the last day of school brought when you were a kid? Knowing there were weeks and weeks waiting before you with the tantalizing prospect of no homework, lazy mornings sleeping in, watching cartoons in your pajamas, reading book after book, hanging out at the pool, summer camp, road trips, picnics and more?

Those days may be gone, but you'd still like to savor summer moments and feel that sense of freedom and fun. But how when you're so busy and time flies by so quickly?

If you're anything like me you'd love to experience at least a handful of quintessential summer moments...lounging outside lost in a good book...sipping from a pitcher of homemade lemonade...diving into one of the hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of summer recipes and creative projects you have pinned to your Pinterest boards.

Well, you're in luck!

I know just how you feel. That's why I created the "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit ~ a simple step-by-step plan to envision and enjoy summers filled with creative delights, relaxation and fun. (That means more "Me Time" for you this summer!)

You don't have to wait much longer. The kit will be released for the summer of 2015 next Tuesday, June 2. (Wait ~ That means it's here! Woot! Click here to check it out.)

BONUS ALERT ~ If you purchase "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" during the first week of its release (by Tuesday, June 9th, 2015) you'll be invited to a free "Let's Get Started Q & A Call" on June 11th. (If you picked up your copy last summer, you're invited to join us too!)

I know it can be a challenge to get started on your own, even if it's something you're really looking forward to, so during our call we'll dive into the kit together. I'll help you take the first small steps to creating the summer of your dreams right then and there. (And no worries in you're unable to join us live, the call will be recorded for everyone who has registered.)

If you missed the chance to get download your FREE Create the Summer of Your Dreams Wish Lists, grab yours here.

Until next time, all the best from my "it's almost summer" Creative Oasis to your,

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

Warning! Creative Play May Result In These Symptoms

When's the last time you enjoyed some low-pressure creative play...just for the fun of it?

Recent personal experience reminded me of the wondrous power of creative play. (See the "symptoms" listed above.)

While spending a fun girls' night in with my mom and daughter last weekend, we decided to each choose a simple creative project from our Pinterest boards, break out the art supplies and dive into some low-pressure creative fun.

My mom chose to color in a mandala with colored pencils. My daughter drew a beautiful freehand lotus flower and enjoyed some intricate geometric doodling with gel pens as well. I drew freehand flowers (they would up looking a bit like peonies) in crayon and then painted them in with watercolors. 

As I've shared before, I don't consider myself a visual artist. But I do love to play with creative supplies and I'll admit to being quite pleased with the way this little piece turned out.

That being said, the process...the sitting around in a relaxed atmosphere...the playful experimentation...the "we're just doing this for the pure joy of it" attitude...not the end result...was what brought about the "symptoms" we experienced.

Want to put more creative play into your summer? After last weekend, I know I do!

I've created a way to help you do just that, my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit that I'll be releasing very soon.

In the meantime, grab your free Summer Wish List Fun Sheets here to take the first small step to creating a summer filled with creative freedom, relaxation and fun.  

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

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.

The Simple First Step to Making Wishes Come True

Do you ever wish summer still felt like it did when you were a kid? Relaxing...carefree...fun?

Seems like these days summer is here and gone before you can say "fresh squeezed lemonade!"

One minute it's Memorial Day...the next it's Labor Day and you realize that once again you failed to realize your dream of eating your own homegrown tomatoes...lounging with a good book in a hammock...or enjoying even one of the hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of summer recipes or creative projects you've pinned to your Pinterest boards. (Sound familiar?)

I can relate! That's why I created my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit.  Now I have simple, fun ways  to envision and enjoy summers filled with creative delights.  

And the simple first step is (you guessed it) to ask, "What do I wish I could do this summer?"

Click here to grab the FREE "Wish List" Fun Sheets I made to help you take this important (and fun!) first step to creating the summer of your dreams.  

Very soon I'll rerelease my popular "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Do-It-Yourself Creative Oasis Kit with a simple step-by-step guide to help you envision and enjoy a summer filled with creative delights, relaxation and fun! 

For now, I invite you to take a few brief moments to grab your FREE "Wish List" Fun Sheets and enjoy dreaming up the summer you truly desire before you look up and it's time to start carving jack-o-lanterns. 

All the best from my almost summer Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please share on Facebook and twitter using the buttons below!  If you'd like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this Mid-Week Oasis Moments plus a free copy of my e-book "Permission to Be Creative 101" join me here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html.