Looking on the Sunny Side of Life

I tend to look on the sunny side of life, at least I try to more often than not. Though I know we need the dark to see the light and bad times come hand in hand with the good…at this stage in my life, I’ve come to see the power in dwelling in the positive rather than the negative…expecting the best rather than the worst…seeing the good in people rather than the not-so-good whenever possible…remaining hopeful!

When I found this wonderful Helen Keller quote I knew I wanted to pair it with a photo I took on an early morning beach walk last week. What’s more hopeful than a sunrise? It’s literally the beginning of a new day…the opportunity to begin again…a fresh start.

With that in mind, what’s one small way you might “keep your face to the sunshine” today? What’s one simple way you might begin again? Do you have a project you’ve laid aside you’d like to revisit? Has it been too long since you last played the piano, picked up your needlework or took out the scissors and glue? What if you gave yourself five or ten minutes to get reacquainted with your creative calling?

"I Am Not Alone" painted and donated by Michelle Stroescu for Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women"

I wrote and recorded a song called “I Am Not Alone” for my CD, “Dancing In Limbo” that shares the reminder that rain combined with sunshine can create the magic of a rainbow. How might you play with the concept of light and dark in your creativity? My talented friend, Michelle Stroescu, painted and donated the artwork above for my CD release/silent art auction event, "Infinite Possibility – A Night of Music, Art & Women Helping Women" which raised more than $10,000 for Women for Women International. (click here to see all of the amazing artwork which was donated by my generous, talented female friends for the event)

As always, I’d love for you to share anything that was sparked for you by this post and please feel free to share it with anyone you feel could use some permission to make time for their creative passions.

All the best from my Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

P.S. – If you'd like to have Mid-Week Oasis Moments (bite-sized bonbons of creative inspiration) delivered each week please sign up here: http://www.creativeoasiscoaching.com/newsletter.html

You'll also receive a free copy of "Permission to Be Creative 101" – my short e-book that will help you take the first small steps to make the time and space for creative fulfillment – your Creative Oasis – in  your busy life!

Money, Awareness & Good Questions Raised at "Who Does She Think She Is?" Screening

Over forty women (and one very cool, supportive husband) ventured out in the crazy Dallas heat for our special screening of the documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is?" on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at LaGrange in Deep Ellum. I'm happy to share that in addition to raising over $200 and awareness for Women for Women International, we brought together some wonderfully creative women to discuss the questions brought up by this inspiring film.

Full house at La Grange

After every barstool and seat was filled more tables and chairs were brought in, orders for yummy $2 tacos and drink orders were placed and then together we watched "Who Does She Think She Is?" by Pamela Tanner Boll and Nancy C. Kennedy.

The films shines with beautiful images and weaves together the stories of several female artists (painters, scupltors, singer/actress, film makers, activists and more) as they share their personal challenges and rewards that come with pursuing their unique creative paths.

After the film, I was joined onstage by a panel of four women artists and art-related business owners for a Q and A session. We discussed the struggles and joys we've experienced in our own creative journeys while attempting to balance our lives and honor our artistic endeavors.

Jill leads the Q and A session

From left to right:

Michelle Stroescu (artist, designer, mother)

Ashley Thames Brown (artist, writer and mother)

Victoria Webb Pendergrass (artist, art school owner, teacher, mother)

Mary Tomás (artist, gallery owner, mother)

The general consensus was no matter how difficult it can sometimes be, making time and space for our creative expression is essential to living meaningful lives. Many of us agreed with the women in the film who said they thought they'd go crazy if they couldn't get to their artistic process. Even if it means telling society to taking a flying leap...or risking relationships...or changing where and how we live...it's worth it! As far as trying to have it all while keep all the balls in the air and plates spinning, I love Annette Benning's take:  "Balance is overrated!" 

As a creativity coach, I also used this opportunity to remind everyone that even spending a small amount of time with our creativity is better than doing nothing at all. Ten minutes spent sketching, knitting, playing piano or working in the garden can infuse the remaining 23 hours and 50 minutes in our day with a renewed energy and joy that everyone in our life will feel. (What a great return on such a small investment of time!) 

I know personally that when I've made time for my music or writing I'm in a much better place to be the mom, wife, friend, and human being I want to be. As some wise philosopher once said, "If Mama ain't happy - ain't nobody happy!" 

Thanks so much to everyone who came out. I hope that you felt as inspired and supported by this film as I did. 

Also, a special thanks to Art & Seek, Lakewood Women in Business, the White Rock Lake Weekly, Women for Women International, the Dallas Morning News, Natural Awakenings and The Hidden List for helping us spread the word about the screening.

Until next time,

all the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill

Who Does She Think She Is? benefit screening July 13, 2011

Please join me for a special evening of creative inspiration, exploration and discussion sponsored by Creative Oasis Coaching.

What: 

A special screening of the thought-provoking documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is?" by Pamela Tanner Boll and Nancy C. Kennedy followed by a Q & A session with female artists and art-related business owners.

$10 cover  

(50% of profits will benefit Women for Women International)

Where:

LaGrange in Deep Ellum

2704 Elm St.

Dallas, TX 75226

(Happy Hour cocktails and Half-Price Food)

When:

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 6 to 9pm

Details:

This award-winning documentary examines some of the most pressing issues of our time: parenting and creativity, partnering and independence, economics and art. This gorgeously photographed film follow five women artists – from Hawaii to Santa Fe, from Ohio to New York – as they navigate the challenges and rewards of making work outside the elite art world.

After screening the movie, we'll welcome four local working artists to the stage for a Q and A discussion. I'm thrilled to announce our line-up:

Ashley Thames Brown (artist, writer and mother)

Victoria Webb Pendergrass (artist, art school owner, teacher, mother)

Michelle Stroescu (artist, designer, mother)

Mary Tomás (artist, gallery owner, mother)

Whether you're an artist, a writer, a musician, a mother or someone who longs to live a creatively fulfilling life, this promises to be an amazing. Please gather a group of friends and join us for a fun, inspiring evening!