Creative Enchantment with Peaches and Tom Robbins

Several wonderful experiences inspired me to create the empowered quote above.
(Click here to learn how to quickly and easily create empowered quotes of your own.)

Since I do my best to practice what I preach, I enjoyed using my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" Kit myself the last few months. A few Instant Oasis Ideas I chose to enjoy were to eat more in-season fruits and veggies, take more photographs and read some fun books.

These lovely summer intentions commingled when I found myself reading Tibetan Peach Pie ~ A True Account of an Imaginative Life by Tom Robbins, enjoying the sweet taste of fresh Texas peaches and photographing them as well.

"I have an appetite for enchantment." 
~ Tom Robbins

I felt instantly simpatico with this phrase and added it to my growing list of favorite quotes right away. (Feels like time to revisit some of his books I loved back in college like Still Life with Woodpecker, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Jitterbug Perfume.)

While playing around in photoshop with a photo of ripe summer peaches I'd taken, I was inspired to add my own love of making creative magic to Mr. Robbins' words to create today's Mid-Week Oasis Moment. What transpired was delicious creative summer fun with this empowered quote and the visual above.

"I have an appetite for enchantment and making creative magic!" 
~ Tom Robbins & Jill Allison Bryan

If nothing else, I delighted myself. The image and the sentiment make me smile. They remind me that we can experience creative magic in all areas of our lives. A bowl of fresh peaches in the kitchen becomes a playful reminder that "I Get To" see life through the lens of creative wonder and delight whenever I like ~ which is pretty much always!

What's one small, easy way you might make a little creative magic today?

What if you give yourself five or ten minutes for some low-pressure creative play?

What might that look like? How might that feel?

If this sounds good but you don't know where to begin I'd love to help you discover what your own personal Creative Oasis could look like.

If you like, check out my quick video invitation to my Fall 2014 Creative Oasis classes, workshops and one-on-one coaching below.  (Please share this invitation with any friends you think might like to find a little Creative Oasis of their own!)

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

Jill

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.

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.

Double Rainbow Creative Connection

Earlier this week my daughter and I wanted to take some fun outdoor head shots in the wooded area behind our condo in the Colorado mountains. By the time we'd chosen outfits, put on make-up, fixed our hair and headed out, it started to rain.

Our creative plans foiled, we went back inside to wait out the storm, I'll admit, more than a little disgruntled. We were losing precious "golden hour" light and grumpy about having our mother/daughter photo shoot put on hold by Mother Nature.

Soon enough the rain let up and I suggested we bypass the muddy woods and take some shots by the gorgeous flowers at the front of the property. We never made it to the flowers.

Upon stepping foot outside we were stopped in our tracks by the truly glorious, choir-of-angels-singing-hallelujah sight of an amazingly vibrant and wide-arching double rainbow.

We were delighted by the brilliant prismatic display. Mother Nature instantly forgiven, we snapped dozens of photos of the rainbows and each other before heading back in, creative itches well scratched.

I love the metaphor of the rainbow. The natural example of sunshine (or happy times) and rain (or dark times) coming together to create something so beautiful and hopeful.

"When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. 

Without the rain, there would be now rainbow." 

~ Gilbert K. Chesterton

After looking up rainbow quotes I had fun coming up with one of my own. As you can see above, I combined it with one of my photographs and Creative Oasis Mantra #3 was born – my double rainbow creative connection! 

How might you shine your creative light into the storms of life this week? 

* Stuck waiting in a long line or traffic jam?

What if you transform a frustrating moment into a pleasant pause?

* Dealing with a troubling health issue?

What if you create a quick collage in response to the way you're feeling?

* Have a spat with your partner?

What if you write an apology in haiku form? 

I'd love to hear ways you choose to use creativity to shine a little light onto any dark days  you may have in the coming week. Please feel free to share in the comments section below if you'd like.

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

Jill

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.

If Only I Had More Time (Good News – You May Have More Than You Think)

“Feel like you don’t have time to read this one page, much less enjoy any of the many creative projects, plans and dreams you have waiting on the back burner? I understand and that’s why my 12-week teleclass series based on the Amazon Best-Seller Creating Time – Using Creativity toReinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by Marney K. Makridakis is the one for you!”                                  

If Only I Had More Time!

If you’ve ever had this thought, (and let’s be honest – who hasn’t?!) then Creating Time for Your Creative Oasis is the teleclass for you! We’ll spend 12 weeks together exploring unique new ways of thinking about time created especially for creative types like you and me in the fabulous book, Creating Time – Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by Marney K. Makridakis.

Prompts and Permission and Peeps, Oh My!

Prompts ~ Each week we'll dive into low-pressure, creative play as we explore Creating Time. All handouts, creative prompts and activities are totally optional. There are no Homework Have-Tos in this teleclass…only Creative Play Get-Tos based on what appeals to your creative sensibility, desires and schedule.

Permission ~ Enjoy dedicated creative "me time" that's so much easier when you join a class. You’ll also learn gentle ways to practice giving yourself permission to create the time and space for the creative projects, plans and dreams you’ve had on hold for far too long.

Peeps ~ Not the sticky candy kind, but rather a group of kindred creative spirits who just like you (and me!) are looking for ways to spend more time doing the things that energize and delight them creatively. Our weekly group calls will provide a gentle accountability, support and camaraderie that will help keep us motivated and inspired through our 12 weeks together. (See what past participants in the class have to say about their experiences below.)

"This class with Jill has helped me to think differently about time. I’ve now made friends with time and even though time and I are still working on our relationship, I feel it will only get better as I learn to use the tools that Marney shares in her fabulous book. I love how Jill is able to guide the group in a serendipitous way. Her willingness to change and experiment with new ideas is contagious. I love that all of the class members learn from each other. I hope to take more of these Creating Time classes from Jill as I continue through my life and need reminders that there may be a better way to transcend time."  
– Debbie Stinson

"Creating Time for Your Creative Oasis has changed my life. For me, exploring Marney’s Creating
Time book was definitely best done as a workshop with Jill Allison Bryan serving as our amazing leader. I feel so lucky to have participated over the past 12 weeks."  – Kathleen Lohr

Bonus! Creating Time Tips Straight from the Source

Marney K. Makridakis,

Best-selling author of Creating Time and founder of Artellaland.com

For an extra special bonus, the author of Creating Time Marney K. Makridakis will join us during one of our calls. She’ll lead a portion of our telelclass and share some information about her exciting upcoming programs as well. (As member of her Mapping and Mentoring with Marney program, I can tell you that we are all in for a real treat!)

Are You Ready to Create More Time for Your Creative Oasis?

$275 includes

* 12 one-hour class sessions via group teleconference
(no special equipment needed ~ just your phone)

*E-mail follow-ups for each class call

*Printable creative play sheets

*Links to each teleclass recording

(so you can listen if you’re unable to make the live call)

Group class calls will take place each Wednesday beginning

September 3rd through November 19, 2014

2 to 3:00 pm Central Time

                                      

Use the "Buy Now" button above to register and save your place in the Fall 2014 session of my  "Creating Time for Your Creative Oasis" teleclass today.

I look forward to sharing this fun and transformative creative experience with you!

Have questions? For more information contact Jill at creativeoasiscoach@me.com.

Another Happy Creative Summer Kit Fan Shares Her Story

I'm delighted to share the story of another happily satisfied fan of my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" DIY Kit. 

A professional organizer (MakeMyLifeSimplified.com), a photographer and nature lover, Debbie Stinson is a longtime friend and client of Creative Oasis Coaching.  She kindly agreed to share some of the fun experiences she's enjoyed so far using her kit to create the summer of her dreams.

"I purchased pretty new flowers to plant in front of my home. I had so much fun getting my hands in the dirt that I didn't even notice the heat or the time. 

Now I have more flowers to photograph and I'll smile and be reminded of my Summertime Oasis every time I walk to my front door.

By the way, my early morning walks at the Arboretum are a direct result of the opportunity you gave me to "Create the Summer of my Dreams" using your fun DIY e-kit. 

I love feeling that I'm on a good summertime path. 

Thanks so much for creating and sharing this kit.

I look forward to continuing to let it guide me on a creative journey through the summer sunshine!"

~ Debbie Stinson (MakeMyLifeSimplified.com)

As you can imagine, I was tickled as pink as the pretty flower picture she shared to receive Debbie's awesome feedback and I'm so pleased to share it with you too. (Click here to read the stories of other happy customers!)

The good news is you still have time to delight in some satisfying creative experiences of your own and create amazing summer memories using my "Create the Summer of Your Dreams" kit. (Click here  for all the details and to purchase your own kit today.)

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

Jill

Jill Allison Bryan

CreativeOasisCoaching.com

When the World is Your Museum...

My recent beach trip provided so many beautiful reminders that we can enjoy living a creative life even when we're not creating or producing. In fact, we can delight in creativity using the simple act of observation. I found the gorgeous nautilus above on an early morning walk.

Awed by its smooth, flawless form and deep, rich colors I felt like I had discovered a true treasure…a natural sculpture as fine as any you might find in a museum or gallery. Simply holding it in my hands, observing it and sharing it with my family and now with you feels like a satisfying creative act.

As I've said before, "You'll find treasures everywhere you look, so remember to look everywhere."

(Click here to visit this past Mid-Week Oasis Moment post - 

Diamonds in the Dew and Rainbows on my Wall.)

How might you enjoy the creative thrill of discovering natural art this week? 

* What if you take a walk, run, hike or bicycle ride with the simple intention to stay on the look out for natural art?

* What if you challenge yourself to find something lovely and snap a quick photo to share?

* What if you play with an easy photo app to create a fun visual reminder? (I love playing with apps like "FX Photo Studio" to create fun visuals like my nautilus picture above.)

* What if you write a simple haiku about your natural art discovery? (Three lines - 1st line has 7 syllables, 2nd line has 5 syllables, 3rd line has 7 syllables) For example:

Smooth round nautilus

What secrets lie within your

Perfectly pink curves?

* And last, but not least, what if you simply observe and appreciate the beauty you find in nature to add creative satisfaction to your day! 

I'd love for you to share your natural art discoveries and inspirations in the comments section below.

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

Jill

www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

P.S. – You'll find easy and fun ways to tap into creative pleasures using my 

Create the Summer of Your Dreams Do-It-Yourself Kit. 

Click here for all the details if you like!