When I launched the Sparkles e-course this year, my intention was that these little tidbits of creative joy would open up possibilities and start the creative juices flowing for everyone who stepped in and decided to sparkle. I was just delighted when I heard the experience of these two sparkling sisters and I just knew I had to share their story with you. Enjoy! Jamie

Featured Sparkles Clients Margie Kardash and Kath Stewart

Website: Souers du Jour

Tell us a bit about yourselves and what you’re creating in the world.

We are sisters, Margie Kardash and Kath Stewart. We live 600 km apart but for most of our lives we lived in each other’s pockets, spending hours together and at one point, even working in the same office. Seven years ago, Kath moved away and we had to find a new way to connect. Our blog started with a Sunday morning phone call and the usual lament of missing each other, being apart meant we were always saying, “I wish you were here!” “I wish I was there!” We had each purchased our cameras and the creation of our soeurs du jour blog (loosely translated to a sister a day!) was a place for us to share what we were learning with each other. It was fabulous, finally we could see what the other was doing, our photographs became the focus of our posts. We had created a virtual kitchen table where we could sit and share our stories and photos. We never expected that when we joined together in a virtual way that we were also joining an amazing community of women who would become a huge part of our creative lives. We dabble in crafts, decorating and art, we are both definitely photographers at heart but also love writing. We love to cook and entertain, we don’t blog about that much, maybe we should!

What inspired you to sign up for Sparkles?

An internet friend told me I should like your Facebook page, there were lots of fun things happening there. Margie and I had participated in the 12 steps for highly creative women book club with you and really enjoyed it. So we joined and shortly thereafter you announced Sparkles! We like to take e-courses at the same time because it is a way for us to connect and share an experience in a virtual way when we are so far apart. We email, talk on the phone, Skype and send photos of our work back and forth. We motivate each other, “Did you do your homework?” “No, I’m stuck!” “Try this!” It always works. Our one downfall is that life gets in the way and sometimes we don’t follow through with completion of the courses, so when you said Sparkles was only five minutes a day, we were in! Surely to goodness we could finish a course that only took five minutes a day!

What’s been the impact of going through the Sparkles e-course?

We both suffer from resistance and have trouble starting projects, we spend lots of time dreaming and talking but to actually haul out the paints, the camera, the canvas can be a bit of a challenge. Both of us created art pieces during the Sparkles e-course and loved how free we felt to just do something and not worry about perfection. Magically that five minutes a day opened us up a bit at a time and allowed the creative juices to flow.

What have you discovered?

We agreed (we were together last week on a mini-vacation at Kath’s house – yay!) that the most important thing is to choose to do something manageable, something that fits into your life. If you sign up for an eight week intense discovery course at the busiest time of the year chances are you are going to struggle. If you think you’re going to take this weekend and edit all 10,000 photos in your collection, you are likely setting up for disappointment. Sparkles taught us that a wee bit can be enough. (And sometimes it is hard to stop – we don’t want to give anything away but both of us found some of the assignments so much fun that we’ve incorporated them into our routines) Sparkles gave us a chance to try something new each day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We liked it so much, we’ve already given the e-course as a gift to a family member who we knew would love it as much as we did.

What would you like to celebrate?

Sisterhood of course! We are so lucky to have each other and all the other women we’ve met in our lives who buoy us up, make us laugh, share our tears and fill us with wonder at the strength and creativity that brims within us all, just waiting to spill out if we let it!

Thanks Jamie for letting us tell our story, you are an inspiration indeed!

Registration for Sparkles is always open. To find out more or to start your own sparkling journey, click here.

Celebration is one of my very favourite things to do. Over the past several weeks it has been a joy for me to be able to share with you some of the wonderful stories of the women who have been a part of Circe’s Circle. I hope they inspire you to step into the circle. Registration is now open. Today I’m so happy to introduce you to the deeply soul-full Susan Cadley.

Website: Coaching for Your Soul
Blog: Soul Tending

What am I creating in the world?

A safe, sacred place for people to listen and live from the messages of their soul.

As a Psychotherapist and a Certified Soul Coach in private practice, I offer individual sessions, book studies, groups, and one-day retreats for women. I use guided imagery and creative exercises in my work to deepen the connection to the soul.

How has Circe’s Circle helped?

As a solo business owner, working alone, Circe’s Circle created a warm, inviting place and time to connect with other women to share ideas, projects, and ourselves. The group provided space to gain support and build upon our strengths.

My goal in joining the circle was to gain clarity around my creative and business ideas. What I came away with was a certainty that I wanted to write more, and this year is dedicated to that process.

Being a part of each Circe’s Circle’s sisters journey, witnessing their growth and expansion, inspired me to create and step out of my comfort zone even more.

What did I learn about myself?

I learned that I get more accomplished than I thought I did. Taking time to celebrate each week helped me to honor creativity, my work and myself. Celebrating was my favorite part of the process and I’ve incorporated it into my weekly planning time.

I also learned my internal rhythm of creating and that the brewing time of ideas is as important as the outcome or finished project.

If you are considering joining Circe’s Circle, gift yourself with this time and space to be in a supportive circle. With Jamie’s gentle, supportive and wise guidance and the magic the energy a circle creates, you’ll leave with a back pack full of rich resources to encourage your journey.

What are you celebrating?

I’m celebrating incorporating structure into my life.   In Circe’s Circle I discovered that the more structure I put in place, the more flow of ideas, time, and synchronicites appeared and I felt more peaceful.

I’m celebrating that I’ll be sharing my voice through my writing more this year.

Registration for Circe’s Circle is now open. You can find out more here. Let’s make 2011 a year of dreams come true!

Julie wrote to me and shared her powerful experience with Soul Reflections and I simply had to share her story with you. As 2010 starts to draw to a close, I know many of you are starting to envision what’s next. Soul Reflections is a collage and journalling workshop that helps you tune into what’s stirring in your heart so you can set your compass towards your true desires. Thank you, Julie, for sharing what Soul Reflections has meant to you. Jamie

Julie’s website: www.organikal.com
Julie’s blog: juliegibbons.com
Julie on Twitter: @JulieGibbons

What are you creating in the world?

You know, I’m creating my beautiful life! I hope that doesn’t sound contrite, but I’m not sure how else to answer…

Back in March last year I decided to quit my day job – working with my husband on his online business. Since then, I’ve been turning over many ideas, primarily involving my organic lifestyle website, and although I’m actively doing that on a weekly basis, I’ve been spending the last six months and more working on trying to figure out what I truly want from this beautiful life. I’m not entirely sure what it all amounts to, to be honest!

I’m finding the magic in each day, in very small – and sometimes very big ways. I’m learning and listening and giving thanks for all the awesomeness I’m privileged to come across.

How has experiencing Soul Reflections helped?

I started Full Moon Dreamboarding and journalling earlier this year and it has – alongside some other significant sharing and learning with a circle of very smart and creative women – has just turned my life upside down and inside out, in the most glorious of ways!

Moving on to to take the Soul Reflections workshop was a no-brainer, I’ve been seeing so many revelations and results from the other boards and journal entries that I couldn’t not do it. It was an amazing experience, from start to finish. Even the meditation I did beforehand was massively powerful – I cried joyously (an almost unheard of event) for ten minutes! Listening to your voice, Jamie really was like having you in the room with me and I felt genuine love and support. That was really valuable, given that when I checked in to get in touch with my feelings at the start of the exercise, I was most definitely feeling apprehensive and vulnerable.

The two Quick & Dirty exercises were an absolute revelation – so very quick and impossibly insightful that I was jumping up and down after them, shaking with excitement! They were so much fun to do into the bargain! I’d have been tempted to move past these warm-ups but they worked so well, that now I’m planning to repeat them more often.

I was completely absorbed creating my Soul Reflections board. It felt like an act straight from the soul of me – from my very essence. Very definitely sacred. The energy was palpably different from that of the preparatory work. I did spend a wee bit overly long doing it, but oh, there was so much flowing and I felt so emotional but also safe, warm and protected throughout.

And it didn’t just work on the day with the specific answers I was seeking – I’m seeing its influence manifest in the ever-increasing “D’oh” moments that are happening even weeks on.

What have you learned about yourself through Soul Reflections?

When I first completed the board I had a set of answers that suited me well, but what I didn’t realise was just how much it would really stir my soul. I’ve recognised and been able to touch the truly wild and powerful version of me: the part of me that was locked up and didn’t feel quite good enough. I’ve been reminded to listen to the particularly vibrant female energy I have access to at this new middle age.

What would you like to celebrate?

Within a couple of weeks of completing Soul Reflections I had launched my new blog www.juliegibbons.com. I’m using that as a place to celebrate the creative me! I’d no idea I needed this place to be honest, thinking that all of this analysis and reflection should be focused on earning an income! But we each of us need oil to keep the machine going, and it turned out this is my magic oil!

I also wouldn’t wish to forget to celebrate all the women who conquer their fears and celebrate their own creative spirit every single day – and the magic that is the interwebs for allowing us to connect! For without all of you, I’m sure I’d still be locked in a somewhat confused and angry place.

To find out more about Soul Reflections or purchase your own copy, click here. I have created an e-version so you will be able to download it right away and get started. This would be a great thing to do on the upcoming Winter Solstice, which also happens to be a Full Moon! What a creative guide to take with you into the New Year!

It’s such a joy to share with you this moving and beautiful story by one of our Wishcasters! I love featuring members of the Jamie Ridler Studios community and the joy they are creating in the world! I know that in sharing our stories, we inspire one another to dream, to be brave, to wish and to step into the magic!

And to help you in filling 2011 wishes I’ve just created a new Wishcasting Journal to awaken your dreams. It’s on sale now with special holiday pricing! You can find out more and order a copy here. I’d love to be sending some magic your way! Here’s to your wishes and dreams, everyone!

Jane Rochelle

blog: teenytinypieces.com
art site: janerochelle.com
Email Jane Rochelle

It’s my absolute delight to share with you how much I adore Wishcasting Wednesday.  I have to admit that when I first saw all the Wishcasting, I was a little envious.  I watched the other Wishcasters making lovely wishes each week.  Perhaps my first wish, a silent one, was that I could be part of such an enchanting circle.  It took a few weeks for me to work up the courage to make my first Wishcast, but once I jumped … I was hooked.

I continue to be amazed by the tenderness I feel when readers visit teenytinypieces and leave those magical words “As Jane wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.”  Power and compassion fill my heart as I read, and reply to each wish.

I am an educator, a painter, and a writer.  My blog turned one year old at the end of September.  When I began writing, my heart poured open, and I was able to express all of the love, hurt, compassion, fear, and gratitude that so filled me.  I am on the road to recovery, from a number of things.  My blog has been my faithful friend.  In-turn, each person who reads my writing … each of you, are faithful friends, as well.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Over the past few years, I’ve come to understand that my journey is about something big … much bigger than I’d ever dreamed.  I don’t yet know what it will look like in ‘the end’, but for me that’s really exciting.  I’m pretty sure that when I get there, I’ll simply find another fork in the road, and I’ll be more than happy to take it.

For some time, I’ve envisioned a community for people who want to find wellness and wholeness.  A place for people to gather because they want to, and because they find happiness there.  Perhaps there will be a soft and breezy meditation room, an intuitive painting studio, an open air energy medicine area, a vegetable garden leading into a kitchen full of fresh vegetables.  I can see the children gathering fresh eggs from a chicken coop, and laying in the grass, giggling as lady bugs tickle their bare toes.  Always butterflies, and lady bugs, and flowers.

Writing, painting, healing, gathering, giving, teaching, loving … yes, unconditional loving.  It’s my dream.  I don’t know which parts of it will become reality.  Perhaps when the time comes, the dream will have evolved into something much bigger, or into something much more simple.  Either way, it will be perfect.

So, while I travel the road, I’ll keep making wishes, or prayers, or good intentions … to me, it really doesn’t matter what we call them.  They’re all simply about raising our awareness, and about validating our needs.

With Wishcasting, each week  I learn that I am a stronger person that I thought.  I learn that my words can and do help other people, and that’s a pretty incredible gift to give.  I learn that creating and sharing beauty is, in itself, so very powerful.

I’ve learned that the simple act of asking … the universe or another human being, facilitates change in our lives. If we are a talented writer, or ballerina, or chef, or therapist, but we never ask for an opportunity to share with others, both the giver and the receiver miss the opportunity.

Each time we ask, and receive, we gain a little faith, and a little confidence that we can do it again.  Sometimes we make a small tweak, and do it a little better next time.  Sometimes we find that doing in the first time felt so incredibly awesome, that we’ll ask ten more people if we can share with them, as well.

Ask, my friends, and you will receive.  You are beautiful, loving souls.  You have gifts to share.

Ask on a Wednesday … or any day.  I believe you will find abundance.  As you wish for yourself, so I wish for you also.

Take good care,
Jane

Feeling inspired to wish? Join us here at Jamie Ridler Studios every Wednesday for Wishcasting or treat yourself to a journal designed specifically to inspire your dreams.

It’s always a great joy for me to feature my clients, the magical women they are and the truly amazing gifts they bring to the world. The deep and talented Helen Yee was a part of this summer’s Circe’s Circle and wow, does this woman rock it out! May her story inspire you to pursue your creative dreams with boldness and imagination. And if you’d like to do that with similar support, registration for fall’s session Circe’s Circleis now open. Jamie

Website: Helen Yee.com
Blog: first a glimmer
Facebook: Helen Yee on Facebook

What are you creating in the world?

A few months ago, a friend pointed out a painting in a window to me. It was a beautiful statement on a small canvas which said: “To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” I looked it up later — it was written by Henry David Thoreau. I am interested in creating art that is beautiful to experience and hopefully changes something within the audience. It might make someone feel something, or see something in a new way. I want to create art that affects the quality of the day.

How did Circe’s Circle help?

I have so many interests that it’s impossible to decide on one, so I’m looking for ways to bring it all together, to create a more integrated life of art, or art of life. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to be focused and feel like I’m making progress, so I came to Circe’s Circle looking to concentrate on creating a body of work. My intention was to more fully enter my power as a performer (musician/multi-form performing artist), expand my experience in composing, and make progress on creating a body of work and putting it out in the world.

Being in the circle helped me see that pursuing my creative dreams is a natural part of my life. It gave me new ways to look at some of our shared challenges: gremlins, honoring our own creative energy rhythms and cycles, knowing what we value and making choices that honor those values, and learning to trust our own inner messages. There’s power in sharing. I loved that in the circle we could inspire one another, cheer each other on, offer ideas and celebrate achievements. On my own I tend to forget to celebrate achievements, as I’m always looking toward the next thing I need to do, but taking time in the circle to let achievements sink in helped me believe in myself and see that I’m really moving forward.

Through participating in Circe’s Circle, what did you learn about yourself?

I have a habit of downplaying my strengths and feeling stuck because I lack this skill or that quality, but I learned that in reality I’ve got plenty of resources to bring to creating the life I dream of. One major “aha” moment was realizing a long-held pattern of “waiting for permission” was holding me back, and even making me miserable because it violated seven of my top ten values. Talk about not being yourself! Trying out its opposite, I found my thoughts and creative ideas were welcomed and I simply felt greater ease in being able to put things out there without bottling them up. I’d been hiding my power, but now there’s no turning back. So often, social fears can keep us from offering more and getting more in life. I learned that claiming my own magnificence can be powerful and inspiring to others, while hiding my light stifles the possibility of offering more positive energy and gifts to the world.

What would you like to celebrate?

The magic of Circe’s Circle! During our ten weeks together I was finally able to fully acknowledge and appreciate the body of work I’ve already produced, create new work in collaboration with others, and begin the journey of creating more work on my own. Miraculously, an opportunity to be profiled by an independent television program surfaced, giving me a great excuse to look back at my creative life and let those past artistic achievements truly sink in. Also, I co-composed music for a play mounted at the New York Fringe Fest, another opportunity that also magically surfaced after joining the circle. During the weeks of rehearsal and collaborative creation I had a chance to practice what we talked about each week in the circle, and ultimately the play’s success also gave me some solid evidence I could use to battle those nasty gremlins lurking in my head. During this period I also entered a new creative world, performing for the first time as more than a musician – combining improvised movement, spoken word, throat singing and violin playing in a duet with the inspiring Mark Lamb. I’m celebrating much more than I’d expected to!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m optimistic about moving forward, making more art and creating the life I’ve dreamed of. Circe’s Circle has given me a huge boost in self-confidence. It has already helped me create more powerfully and I just feel in my bones that I’m more prepared for any new opportunities and challenges in my journey. Jamie has created a wonderful, nurturing, safe and powerful place for helping dreams come to life. I’d definitely recommend it.

It was an honour and a delight to have the sparkling Andrea Schroeder in Circe’s Circle: Your Creative Dream Team. What a joy to watch the magic unfold and Andrea step powerful into making her dreams come true. This woman’s a sparkler! (And btw, registration for the fall circle is now open if it’s time for you to step into your dreams!) Jamie

Blog: ABCcreativity
Twitter: @ABCcreativity
Facebook: ABCcreativity on Facebook

What are you creating in the world?

I am creating ABCcreativity which is my online business about using creativity to light a path to your dreams. For over three years I have been doing creativity workshops, meditation groups, classes, healing and coaching in person, and also working a part time job. My goal with ABCcreativity I wanted to bring all of this magic online and do it in a bigger, sparklier way and quit that part time job.

How did Circe’s Circle help?

Circe’s Circle felt like a nurturing cocoon for my dream. Knowing that I had that kind of support and encouragement helped me face the many fears that came up along the way. It also kept me on track and moving forward. Even though I love everything about ABCcreativity – there is still a lot of hard work to be done and scary fears to be faced. With Jamie’s coaching and the support and encouragement of the other amazing women I would get all inspired and fed and fueled which kept me moving along the path.

Since the circle ended, I have been feeling more and more grounded in my dreams and more and more calm about leaving my job and trusting my creativity to support me completely. Everything is coming together. That is such an incredible gift.

Through participating in Circe’s Circle, what did you learn about yourself?

One thing I learned is that my values had changed since the last time I really looked at what my values are. The work we did with values helped me align my business with my values with felt like aligning my business with my heart. This helped me to really feel how anything is possible when I am in alignment with my own heart and values. This also helps make business decisions way simpler and easier to make. I also learned that I am more ready than I think I am.

What would you like to celebrate?

I would like to celebrate how good I feel about this dream! Circe’s Circle really helped me to move through my fears and doubts and fully step into the dream and really know and trust that I can do this. That is the best feeling in the world.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much Jamie and everyone in the group. Each of you inspired me and fed me. I had a lot of fears and uncertainties come up during Circe’s Circle and having you all hearing me and supporting me through it has meant the world to me. And to anyone reading this who is feeling called to join the fall Circe’s Circle – I really want to encourage you to listen to that call.

Blog : Special Moments In Time

I had the pleasure of coaching the indomitable Ginny – what a joy! This woman has passion, a great sense of fun and a dedication to making a difference in the world. I’m so happy to be able to share her story with you! Jamie.

What are you creating in the world?

At first I was not sure exactly how to answer this question. And here is the reason why.   Just when I think I know exactly what I am creating, something will change or happen and so my answer also changes.  I do know I am creating a life that is filled with learning, fun, and creativity.  It is my greatest wish that I will be able to share what I have learned, and continue to learn, with others.  I have been a teacher all of my life and now that I have retired I am finding opportunities each day to continue to learn and share – just not in a formal 8-5 way.  Opportunities keep coming my way where I can listen and interact with people of all ages and help them to find the path that they are looking for.  It is so much fun to help others learn who they are and what they love.  So I guess my answer should be I am creating and recreating a life that I love and helping others to do the same.  Right now I am working with someone who is writing a book at age 77 and someone else who is getting his pilot’s license at age 28.  We all have things we want to do or accomplish no matter how young or old we are and I am so privileged to be a small part of other people’s journey.

How has working with Jamie helped?

Working with Jamie was an incredible experience.  I could not wait for our Monday morning chat each week.  Jamie was always positive, always focused, and always knew just the right questions to ask.  When I first began to talk to Jamie I felt like there was something I was supposed to do at this stage of my life, I just wasn’t sure what it was.  I knew that lots of people would love being retired but I just didn’t feel like I was doing enough.  And then one week after talking with Jamie it was like the fog had lifted and I knew where I was going and what I was supposed to do.  Since my work with Jamie my path has changed several times but because of the skills Jamie shared with me I always feel that I am the captain of my ship and know exactly where I am headed. That is a great feeling!!

What have you learned about yourself?

It was very interesting to learn more about myself!  It was also so much fun to talk with someone each week that was always on my side.  I’ve learned that I may be a slight perfectionist and that I need to be careful not to let those tendencies stand in my way.  I’ve learned to appreciate my artistic skills and to enjoy painting and especially writing.  I also learned that I look forward to and really enjoy my artistic dates with myself each week.  Every Wednesday afternoon I take myself out to lunch and someplace special that involves something artistic and I look forward to it each week.  I’ve always gone places by myself but now there is a definite plan in mind that has something to do with creativity and I really look forward to this time each week.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes, there is something that I would love to say to everyone reading this.  Don’t let age stop you from doing whatever it is you want to do.  As I read many blogs I see people worrying about turning thirty, or forty, or fifty, or sixty.  You are never too young or too old to follow your heart and your dreams.  Each age brings with it special joys.  Enjoy each stage of your life and all that comes with it.  I’ve always worried about getting old.  Now I don’t know what that means.  By my previous standards I would be old.  But I realize that I am only as old as I tell myself or allow myself to be.  So I am trying new things everyday and surprising myself at how much fun I am having.  It is important to know who you are, what you are passionate about and to find time each day to follow that passion.  Then everyday will be special and age won’t matter.

There is one other story I would like to share.  I have always loved convertibles.  My first car was a convertible and I have had several over the years.  Then I decided to buy a reliable car so I bought a Toyota right before all of the recalls.  At first I loved it but slowly I began to really miss my convertible.  I wrote several posts about it and my dreams of a convertible often got woven into my wishes on Wishcasting Wednesday.   Well, one Saturday I said to my husband I would just like to ride through a car lot to see what type of convertibles they had.  As we turned the corner the coolest green convertible was on the end of the aisle.  We both said, “Wow, look at that one.”   I took a test drive and loved it.  My husband took it for a ride and thought it was great.  I never make snap decisions but this day I did.  For some reason I knew this was my car.  The salesman told me that when he went home he told his wife that he sold a convertible to a woman who only looked at one car.  He wasn’t sure why but he also knew that this was the right car for me.  So thank you for all of your wishes.  Wishes and dreams do come true!

What would you like to celebrate?

I would like to celebrate this time in my life.  It is a special time when I can really focus on me and my dreams.  I’d like to celebrate meeting new people through my blog.  It has been so much fun reading everyone’s comments and learning what their life is all about.   I’d also like to celebrate my special Sunday feature, Healthy Living, on my blog.  It is just one of the ways that I would like to share my life with others.  Living a healthy lifestyle is becoming more and more important to me each day.  So I thought by making it a weekly spot on my blog it would help me, and hopefully others, stay focused on making healthy choices.  And last but definitely not least, I would like to celebrate working with Jamie.  It was such a joy to work with Jamie and something I would recommend to everyone.  I feel like I not only worked with a great coach but a great friend.  I couldn’t ask for more than that!!