This Could Be Your Greatest Creative Project

I agree with Mr. Kaye! How about you? 

The way I see it, your life is your greatest creative project of all. 

As Kaye says, life's a big old canvas, so why not leave your own special mark?

And there are so many wonderful ways to do that in addition to using actual paint! 

Your preferred pallet might be a colorful array of fruit, veggies and spices in the kitchen, fresh cut flowers assembled in a bodacious bouquet, living room furniture and knick-knacks rearranged to greet a new season, or accessories and clothes combined in a new way to create a fresh look.

I fell in love with this quote as soon as I saw it and have been a fan of Danny Kaye since my first viewing of White Christmas as a child, so I was delighted when I did a little research and discovered the many different ways he practiced what he preached. 

In addition to being a beloved actor, singer, dancer and comedian, Kaye threw a lot of paint on the canvas of his life in many different ways:

* Conducting ~ He regularly conducted world-renown orchestras though he couldn't read a note of sheet music! (He once used a fly swatter as a baton while conducting Flight of the Bumblebee.)

* Cooking ~ His specialities were Italian and Chinese. He once taught a Chinese cooking class in San Francisco restaurant and even had the theater and demonstration kitchen named after him at The Culinary Institute of America in New York City. 

* Flying ~ Kaye was an aviation enthusiast and owned many different types of planes throughout his life.

* Baseball ~  A lover of the game, he was also part-owner of the Seattle Mariners for a time.

* Golfing ~ He was an avid golfer.

* Philanthropy ~ Kaye was an ambassador for UNICEF for many years as well. 

Clearly Kaye's life was filled with an amazing array of Creative Oasis Moments! 

When we give ourselves permission to color our days with creatively fulfilling experiences that energize and delight us, we create lives truly worth living. 

What's one small, doable way you can throw some paint on the canvas of your life this week? 

Need a little help moving past blocks like procrastination, perfectionism, inner-critic voices and feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list to enjoy more time in your own Creative Oasis? 

If you live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area I invite you to join me for one of my fall classes, workshops or coloring parties. 

Live outside of Dallas or looking for more personalized guidance? Contact me in the comment section below to schedule a complimentary call to explore the option of one-on-one creative coaching with me.

Here's to adding a splash of creative joy to your life, whatever that looks like for you! 

All the best from my Creative Oasis to yours, 

Jill

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post please feel free to share. 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.

Video Invite for Fall 2014 Creative Oasis Class and Workshops

(Click above to watch my invitation to join Fall 2014 Creative Oasis Classes & Workshops.)

I have no doubt that you are busy, busy, busy!

I'm willing to bet that you have a to-do list a mile long.

I'm guessing dozens of people from family members to co-workers to friends demand your time and attention on a daily basis.

Am I right in assuming that you wish you had more time for yourself? 

More time for fun, interesting creative endeavors and experiences?

Here's the thing...time does fly! Quickly!

I just had a baby girl yesterday who started her freshmen year in high school this week! That's how quickly time flies. (Still doing my best to wrap my head around that one!)

So, if it feels difficult to take time for yourself, 

for enjoying creative pursuits for the pure fun of it, 

for trying new creative endeavors 

or simply exploring the possibilities just to see what's out there, 

why not take a moment to step back and ponder the sentiment below?

If a little voice in the back of your mind says 

"that sounds so good, but I can't because... (insert your excuse of choice here!)" I really hope you'll check out my 

Fall 2014 schedule of Creative Oasis classes and workshops 

and register for at least one that sounds good to you.

(Choose from in-person workshops and classes in Dallas and a teleclass & coaching via phone.) 

Because at the end of the day (and more importantly at the end of our lives) we'll remember the joyful experiences that make our hearts sing and time fly...not the millions of tasks we efficiently check off our to-do lists. 

I can pretty much guarantee that no one will starve and no major catastrophe will befall your household while you take a few hours for yourself to enjoy some fun, low-pressure creative play with me! (Click here to see all of your class options here.)

In fact, what the wonderful women (and men) who work and play with me prove time and again is when they give themselves permission to explore their Creative Oasis, they end up happier, healthier and even nicer in all areas of their lives. 

(Something all those people vying for your time and attention are sure to appreciate.)

Don't know what your Creative Oasis is? I can help you discover yours.

Know exactly what you want to do but feel stuck by procrastination, perfectionism and overwhelm? 

I'll share ways to move past those very common blocks (you're not alone!) and into a place where creative fun and fulfillment become a part of your life you enjoy on a regular basis. Like flossing, but way more fun.

Have questions about which class or workshop or coaching package might be the best fit for you? Drop me a line atcreativeoasiscoach@me.com and I'll get back to you asap to discuss!

It's Never Too Late to Begin to Create

I read an inspiring article this weekend about Lucille Cummings, a Dallas woman celebrating her 100th birthday in good health, which is in and of itself something to admire. But what really delighted me was the fact that Lucille has been painting for the past 54 years. Do the math and that means she only decided to give painting a try at age 46!

Lucille still enjoys painting to this day and though she stopped entering juried art shows about 18 months ago, she continues to attend a monthly critique class.  (You can read more about Lucille here.)

I love hearing stories of people trying new creative endeavors no matter their age. I was in my mid-40s when I jumped in and enjoyed several first-time creative experiences including recording my solo CD, "Dancing in Limbo" so I can relate to the joy, excitement and fear of diving into new creative pursuits a little later in life. (more about my personal creative journey here)

(Listen to samples of my songs here.)

Helping people realize that it's truly never too late to begin to create is one of my greatest passions. I love sharing the message that spending time with creative experiences that make your heart sing and time fly (your Creative Oasis) can enrich your life beyond compare.

Check out some people who found their creative bliss later in life:

* Julia Child was almost 50 when she collaborated on her first French cooking book.

* Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved "Little House on the Prairie" series, published her first book of her at age 65.

* Harlan Sanders (you may know him as the Colonel of Kentucky Fried Chicken) was 66 when he began his KFC empire.

* Dr. Ruth was 55 when she published "Dr. Ruth's Guide to Good Sex" and launched her radio show.

* Artist Louise Bourgeois was finally recognized for her contributions to the art world with a retrospective of her work on her 70th birthday at the Museum of Modern Art.

I once had the privilege to know an amazing woman named Juanita Powers. She went back to school and started her own successful business in her 40s after her husband died. In her 50s she took up ballroom dancing. In her 60s she began to paint and in her 70s started writing poetry. She wasn't famous, but wow, was she happy, fulfilled and an absolute inspiration to behold!

Here's a quote that sums it up beautifully for me:

"For of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, it might have been." 

~ John Greenleaf Whittier

What wonderful creative experiences are you putting off because you're too busy...because you're afraid you won't be good enough...because you worry what people might think...because you don't know where or how to begin?

Why not take the next two minutes to write a quick list of all the creative experiences you long to try plus the passions you once enjoyed, but haven't touched in years? After you have your list, quickly circle the first three that call to your heart the loudest and ask yourself, "Do I really want these to be my might-have-beens?"

Of course, I'd love to help you make more time and space to enjoy your personal Creative Oasis! So if you'd like my help, please check out my one-on-one creative coaching packages here. Or join me for my upcoming teleclass, Creating Time for Your Creative Oasis. Or, if you live in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area sign up for one of my Fall 2014 workshops or classes.

I'm living proof that you really can bring the joy of creative satisfaction into your life right now. It's never too late to begin to create!

All the best from my Creative Oasis to yours,

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. ~ If you enjoyed this post and would like to receive bite-size bonbons of creative inspiration like this in my 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.

Creative Oasis is in the News

photo by Ron Heflin for Dallas Morning News

The Dallas Morning News to be exact. In the Art & Life section on Saturday, February 16, 2013 there was a nice article by Jamie Knodel under the headline:

"Reigniting the creative spark - 

coach helps clients fan their burning passions"

Click here to read the article in its entirety.

Collage from Creative Oasis class

I'm so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to spread the news about Creative Oasis Coaching and let people know that it really is possible to create the time and space for creative fulfillment in their lives, no matter how busy.

I'm also excited to share my all new updated website for Creative Oasis Coaching. Check it out and let me know what you think. www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

There are lots of great classes and Day Trips coming up in person in the Dallas area and teleclasses on-line for those of you all over the world including the all new Creative Oasis Book Club. I'd for you to join me.

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

Asked for Two Cents & Received Gold

photo by Elle Parks

This past weekend I posted a simple request on my Creative Oasis Coaching facebook page asking my former and present clients to share their two cents about Creative Oasis Coaching and what it has meant to them.

"If you've ever taken one of my classes, workshops, retreats, have been coached by me or gone on a Day Trippers outing, can you share one word to describe it? Thanks so much!"

The response was overwhelming, heartwarming and tickling – as in it tickled me pink. I know sometimes people have a little trouble understanding what it is that I do exactly as a creativity coach, a certified Master Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coach to be precise. And even when I tell them that I help people make the time and space in their busy lives to enjoy creative fulfillment, they may still be left scratching their heads. So I'm thrilled to have this feedback to share. Perhaps it will help round out the picture of what Creative Oasis Coaching has to offer and how it touches the lives of those who choose to join me.

"Jill is an outstanding teacher. More than that.... she is a leader who has this wonderful way of bringing you back to yourself. Whatever it is you are thinking about taking don't hesitate. Sign up. Not only did I get tons of new ideas and information in her class, I also made new friends... kindred spirits. Run, leap, scamper, skurry, charge forward and sign up. You will not regret it. Sorry. I couldn't think of one word.... Ok FUN!!!" - Margaret Wolf, photographer

"nurturing" – Donna Wallace

"You are in for a delightfully insightful and enriching experience to be coached by Jill. Go for it!" – Twyla Smith

"Brain twisting, in the best way!! : ))" Rosemary Cingari

"The first word that came to mind was nourishing, so even though I'm half asleep I'm going with it - Nourishment for the artistic soul :)" - Polly Simon

"life-changing. does a hyphenated word count?" – Dawn McMullan

"Stimulating...motivating...Incredibly fun! (one word won't do!)" – Sherry Houpt

"illuminating... Hope you have an incredibly, stimulating, motivating, fun and illuminating day! ;)" – Linda Bourgault 

So there you have it. I asked for their two cents and got gold instead! I love the words they chose, the sentiments and the women themselves. That's another wonderful bonus of attending Creative Oasis classes and workshops – meeting wonderful, inspiring, talented women like these!

Thanks so much to everyone who shared. I look forward to the next time we're together in the same creative oasis!

If you're interested in checking out the workshops and classes I'm offering in Dallas this fall click here for all the information and registration links. If you'd like to receive my monthly Creative Oasis Pages to keep up with all the creative fun we're having just send me a quick email at creativeoasiscoach@me.com and I'll be happy to bring you into the loop!

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

Announcing Fall 2011 Creative Oasis Classes & Workshops

A Creative Oasis class last spring at Pigment

Announcing the Fall 2011 line up of Creative Oasis classes and workshops!

(Register to secure your space in the fun today.)

  

LIVING THE CREATIVE LIFE

A 6-week course dedicated to gently lifting

your creative dreams to the top of your to-do list!

Everyone deserves to experience creative fulfillment. Even if you don’t consider yourself especially creative, you can easily make the time and space in your life to enjoy your own Creative Oasis™. Whether it’s cooking, writing, painting, making music, comedy, scrap-booking, creating collages, blogging, gardening, performing, organizing –

whatever it is that your heart longs to do – that’s your Creative Oasis™. 

So often we let procrastination, perfectionism, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed by our busy lives stop us from making the time for activities that energize and delight us.  It doesn’t have to be that way. As a certified Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coach, I offer a treasure chest of easy to use tools and techniques that can help anyone enjoy creative satisfaction in their lives.

During this unique 6-week class I’ll share these tools and techniques in a fun group setting that provides camaraderie, support and gentle accountability.

When:

Class offered

September 20 through October 25, 2011

Tuesday mornings 10:30am to Noon

 or

September 22 through October 27, 2011

Thursday evenings 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Where:

Pigment School of the Arts

4605 West Lovers Lane  

Dallas, TX  75209-3133

(214) 352-2787

Cost:

$275 (or $250 with a friend)

includes six sessions, materials and e-mail follow-ups

To register contact creativeoasiscoach@me.com.

PERMISSION TO BE CREATIVE 101

A fun one-day workshop introducing easy and effective ways to make

the time and space for creative fulfillment in your busy life

This workshop designed to energize and enlighten you will feature boxes to think outside of, stereotypes to set free, labels to shed, inhibitions to release, creative identities to try on for size and unique ways of looking at life through the lens of creative thinking.

You’ll be introduced to fun idea generating techniques, a sampling of Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coaching methods, mind-mapping and easy-to-use tools and techniques to help you tap into your own creativity on a more regular basis. You’ll enjoy the delight of creative expression for the pure sake of joy. You’ll begin your own Creative Oasis™ Journal – a self-created manual of inspiration filled with insights from your inner wisdom and accessed by the unique tools and techniques of creativity coaching.

When:

Saturday, September 17, 2011

10am to 4pm

*Pre-registration required

Where:

Creative Arts Center of Dallas

2360 Laughlin Dr.

Dallas, Texas 75228

214-320-1275

www.creativeartscenter.org

Cost:

$95 for CAC members

$125 for non-members

plus $15 materials fee

(Please bring a sack lunch.)

To register contact the Creative Arts Center at

214-320-1275 or visit their website at www.creativeartscenter.org

*Note – Permission to be Creative 101 will also be offered Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10am to 4pm.