Instead of sitting down to work, alone at my desk, I’ve been discovering the beauty of coworking. This week I prepped for the podcast sitting at my dear friend Tanya Geisler’s table. And no, that’s not Tanya in the picture, hehe, but it is one of her delightful cats. What a treat to get to hang out with new kitties as well as a good friend!

So, what is coworking? It’s sitting down and doing your own work in a shared environment. Tanya and I get together at 9:00 and work together until noon. First we give ourselves some friend time. We chat and connect and have a coffee and then it’s down to work! We’re using the Pomodoro technique, taking 25 minutes dedicated work time and then a 5 minute break. At home I might take a break by unloading the dishwasher or getting the mail or making another cup of tea. With Tanya, we can share how our work is going, ask each other questions, support each other if the going’s getting tough and then bang, we’re back at it again.

When Tanya suggested trying coworking, I wasn’t sure it was going to work for me. See, I love hanging out with her so I thought I’d just want to chat, chat, chat. And, of course, I do, but we’re both really devoted and respectful of one another’s work and our own, so it really works out. It also helps to keep a little notebook nearby and write down anything that crosses my mind that I want to share. I know I’ll be able to get to it soon. I mean, break is only ever at most 25 minutes away.

A big part of the learning was that we had to take a risk in order to find out if it would work. The only way to know was to try it and to be willing to honestly and respectfully share with one another what we needed and to trust that it would be okay if we discovered coworking didn’t work. We were enthusiastic about giving it a go but remained unattached to the outcome. It was important that we weren’t going to take it personally if it didn’t work out for one of us. I’m delighted to say that it does. I think some amazing content is going to get created at Tanya’s table!

Working together I’ve been highly productive. I’ve actually been amazed by how much writing I’ve been able to get done and can honestly say I’ve kept my bum in the seat longer than I would have at home, especially when things got challenging.

If you think this strategy might work for you, I encourage you to find a friend or two and give it a go.

In the spirit of generosity, we’re sharing our knowledge this holiday. I’ve asked people to share something they know, something that they wish someone had told them along the way, something that would have given them a hand up. I hope that somewhere in here there is just the nugget you’re looking for, that special something that will get you out of the quicksand or spark that creative fire.

How-Tos that Helped Me This Year

There are some people in the blogosphere who consistently give a hands-up. Here are some wise how-to posts that offer great advice on some difficult growing edges.

• How to Stay Connected When Your Number of Connections Grow by Pamela Slim (I emailed Pam this question after the World Domination Summit and she wrote this post in response. So many good tips!)
• How to Ask for Stuff by Danielle LaPorte
• How to Let Go by Jennifer Louden
• Why Meditate? by Susan Piver
• Connecting with Intimidating, Influential People Who Can Promote You by Mark Silver of Heart of Business
• Raising Your Prices without Breaking Your Heart by Mark Silver of Heart of Business

Our Hands-Up How-Tos

Thank you to everyone who shared a post for this Hands-Up How-To Event. Here are the links.

• Hands-Up How To Approach a Gallery about Representing Your Work from Sooz of The Beat Art Gallery
• Hands-Up How To Get the Support You Need When Going through a Break-Up by Danette of Radical Creative Sanctuary
• Hands-Up How To Travel Alone at the Holidays Advice for Singles from Cindi of Letting the Words Escape
• Hands-Up How To Deal with Formatting Frustrations from Shannon of Planet Shannon
• Hands-Up How To Organize Magazine Clippings from Heather of To Live Inspired
• Hands-Up How To Make Your Web Page Easy to Read On Screen by Tanja of Crystal Clear Copywriting
• Hands-Up How to Blog Every Day by Susan of Inner Creative Voice
• Hands-Up How to Have a Pain-Free Period by Amy of Amy and Kim
• Hands-Up How To Make Your Hot Peppers Hotter by Megan of Lus Tàghta
• Hands-Up How To Photo Apps by Kate of Studio K8 and Me
• Hands-Up How To Start Your Creative Journey and Blogging by Becs from Catching Sundust
• Hands-Up How To Make A Card or Is It a Book? by Lisa, The Mountain Mermaid
• Hands-Up How To Approach Reading & Dyslexia by Ms Miscellany
• Hands-Up How To Send a Gift of Love and Light – How to Send Energy by Jasmeine of Wiccan Moonsong
• Hands-Up How To Self Heal by Jenn of JennHicks.ca
• Hands-Up How To Connect to Gratitude by Ginny from Special Moments in Time
• Hands-Up How To Guide Your Child to the Safe, Responsible and Engaging Connection that Social Media Makes Possible by Sally G of In My World: Keeping It Real with Spiritual Flair
• Hands-Up How To Quit Smoking & Make Successful Lifestyle Changes by Kim of Amy & Kim
• Hands-Up How To Make an Empowerment Pendant by Tia of The Inspired Life
• Hands-Up How To Get Started Writing about Your Life by Chris of Firefly Creative Writing
• Hands-Up How To Start a Podcast by Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studios

Have a Hands-Up How-To You’d Like to Share?

If you’re just discovering this project and would like to contribute a Hands-Up How-To post, feel free to add your link below. Remember to make it a how-to about something you really know would have made a difference if someone had shared with you. And please be sure to use a direct link to the appropriate post.

The more the merrier!

Since starting Creative Living with Jamie, I often hear from aspiring podcasters who wonder where to begin. I so get this! When the idea sprung into my heart, I hadn’t a clue what to do! As a part of the Hands-Up How-To Project, I’m sharing what I’ve learned with the sincere hope it will give you a hand up in making your podcasting dreams come true!

A Little Note: There are probably a gazillion ways to create a podcast, so don’t feel you have to do it just like I did. Take what’s helpful and use it as a springboard. Make a start and little by little you will figure it out.

Podcasting Equipment

I honestly don’t use anything special. I work on HP laptop, using a computer headset. I also use my telephone for recording interviews.

Recording Your Podcast If It’s Just You

If you’re not going to have guests, you can record good quality sound just using a mic and your computer. The program I use for this is Audacity and it’s free.

Recording Your Podcast with Guests

Skype & Call Graph: Many people use Skype to connect with their guests and record using Call Graph. Both are free. The reason I choose not to use Skype for recording is that not all of my guests are familiar with it, plus I find the quality inconsistent. Often it’s great but then suddenly you can get echoes or static or drop a call. When I’m talking to a guest who’s been gracious enough to share his or her time, I don’t want to drop the call. Still, many people use this with great success and I do still use it when I’m interviewing multiple guests.

Blog Talk Radio: Another quick and easy way to get started would be to use Blog Talk Radio. I haven’t used it but have been a guest on a number of shows. It seems relatively easy to use, quite professional in its setup, allows you to be live and I believe also submits your show to iTunes. Plus, it’s free. Myself, I chose not to use it because (at least at the time) you had to host your show live at a designated time and that just didn’t work with my schedule. I’m much more comfortable recording at a time that works for me and my guests and then sharing it with you all on Tuesdays.

Audio Acrobat: The service I use to record interviews is Audio Acrobat. There is a monthly fee for this service but you can record your interviews over the phone, host your audios on their site and they provide a player and the html for you to put it up on your site – easy peasy. Also, you can set up your podcast so that it submits it directly to iTunes, which is wonderfully convenient. You have to go through a process with iTunes first, but once it’s set up, it’s simple. They also have great additional features like guest lines – that’s how people sent me wonderful Happy Pod-a-versary messages!

To use Audio Acrobat for interviews, you need to have three-way calling on your phone (one line for you, one for your guest, and one for Audio Acrobat). You could also use a free conference line, though I found the quality of the calls to be very unreliable that way. (PS If you do decide to go in this direction, I am an affiliate and it would be great if you could sign up through me.).

Editing Your Podcast

Again, the software we use for editing the podcast is Audacity. It’s free and I’ve found it pretty easy to use. By just selecting and cutting you can remove coughs, big pauses or anything else that you feel doesn’t enhance the show. You can change the levels, combine files and add music. On our show we put together five different pieces: the musical intro, my introductory thoughts, the interview, the extro and closing music.

One of the smartest things I did for Creative Living with Jamie was hiring an editor. My sister Shannon takes care of all the editing for my show. It is such a delight to send her the pieces and know that she’s going to shine it up and get it ready to go. This has made all the difference for me. Thank you, Shannon! You can find out more about hiring Shannon here.

Now, keep in mind that some people don’t edit. They freestyle their podcast and then share it. It can be faster and simpler that way and a lot of people like the “realness” of it. Personally, I like something concise and polished and I think my guests feel more comfortable knowing that if they blank or bawk, there’s nothing to panic about. We can fix it.

Music & Sound Effects for Your Podcast

A great way to start off your podcast is with some music, something that sets the tone for what is to come. Though a lot of people use popular music, this isn’t actually legal. When starting a dream project, I encourage you to keep the energy clean and invest in the music you’re going to use. Surprisingly, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. I’ve found my tunes at Audio Jungle. On my show, I only use music to start up and wrap up but I love how Shannon and Suzie also use sound effects in Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural to signal recurring topics like “News” or “New Shows.”

Make a Start

Sure, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to podcasting but the learning begins with making a start. Make a simple start by just recording some thoughts you want to share. See how it feels. Try a couple of different tools or services. See which ones feel easy and helpful to you and go with those. There isn’t one right way. There is only the way that you’ll actually take. Look for that one and go! We can’t wait to hear your voice

Sometimes we get stuck on our creative journey. We get stuck with emotional stuff, with art wound stuff, with finding the courage it takes to become the creative being we’re meant to be. Plus we get stuck on practical stuff, like we want to start a podcast or write a book proposal or make a banner or start a blog – and we haven’t a clue where to begin. This is such a painful place to be!

And then sometimes, once we finally manage to figure it out, the knowledge was so hard to come by that we’re protective of it, like, “Hey, I had to work really hard to figure this out, so if you want it, you can do the same.” I totally get that feeling. When you’ve fought your way through the tangled jungles, hacking your path with a machete with no map, no help and no surety, you’ve really earned that knowledge. It seems so unfair when someone moseys down the cleared path, all like, “Hey, check this out. That wasn’t so hard!”

But here’s another perspective. What if back then, when you were sinking in the quicksand, when you were scared, when you were unsure, when you had no idea where to go, what if someone had given you a hand up? What if someone had said, “Hey, I know someone who can help with that” or “Sure, I’ve got 15 minutes this morning. Give me a call and I’ll tell you what I know.” Imagine what that would have been like! At times in our life, we all want to meet that person, that person who will give us a helpful hand up.

What I’m inviting you to do this season is to BE that person.

Share what you know. Trust me, you know something, something that someone out there is aching to know. Maybe it’s how to make the best chocolate chip cookies ever. Maybe it’s how to balance your cheque book, especially when your income isn’t predictable. Maybe it’s how to make origami stars. Maybe it’s how to start an Etsy shop or a blog or a business. Maybe it’s how to make postcards. Maybe it’s how to write a cover letter or a jingle or a great About Me page. Maybe it’s how to get a Christmas tree out of the house without covering your living room floor with needles!

Share your knowledge. Give someone a hand up. Be the change you want to see in the world and the world will be a brighter place. We’ll all get a little farther and we’ll get there together.

And if you want to share online…

If you have a blog, I invite you to write a “Hands-Up How-To” post. Share something that you know, something that would have made all the difference if someone had shared it with you. Send me a link and I’ll share all the links here, at Jamie Ridler Studios, on Christmas day!

• Write a Hands-Up How-To Post
• Email me a link by December 21st

What a great gift you could give to this creative community – sharing where to get great business cards or how to start a mastermind group or an art journal. I hope you’ll join in.

Blissdom Canada taught me the internet is a very big place! And in its vastness, we often find ourselves settling into a particular community, somewhere we feel at home and connected – but there’s so much beyond our own backyard.

When I went to the World Domination Summit, I was so excited to see in 3D all sorts of people I knew and loved online. Even though it was in Portland, it felt like home to me! When I found out there was a blogging and writing conference here in my very own city of Toronto I was so on it! And it was the weirdest thing to look at this list of speakers and think, I don’t know any of them. Not one. It was like discovering a brand new neighbourhood in a city I thought I knew so well!

Now, if you’re going to go exploring, one of the best things you can do is to go with adventure buddies! It was such a treat for me to spend the entire conference with two of my dear friends – and if you don’t know them yet, let me introduce you. This is a networking event after all!

To my right is the wonderful Tanya Geisler. She is a deep loving, wildly insightful coach who helps people step into their starring role. If you’re trying to find “your thing,” you’ll want to connect with Tanya. And next to her is my dear friend, writer and yoga/pilates instructor Annabel Fitzsimmons. Annabel and I have shared this entrepreneurial journey since our day jobs. She always inspires me with her open heart, clear thinking, fresh ideas and sheer talent. If you’re looking for inspired healthy living, be sure to check her out.

Looking further around the table, it didn’t take long for me to discover that one of the reasons I’m really unfamiliar with this community is it’s really a community of moms. It was clear from the moment I received my first swag, a box filled with mini cereal packages, to our first opportunity to meet one another, where I was the only non-mom at the table. Luckily that sparked a bit of laughter as people remarked that I must also be the only well-rested person there!

Find Your Muse: The Art and Science of Finding Inspiration – and Using It.
Panelists: Tanis Miller, Elan Morgan, Bonnie Stewart.

Though this picture is fuzzy, the message of the panel was clear: Do The Work! These funny, smart and savvy panelists offered a plethora of suggestions for sticking with and developing your art, from becoming more intentional and setting clear goals for your blog to experimenting with creative constraints to getting help when you’re stuck – from your loved ones, colleagues and community. I was also completely fascinated by the discussion of how, through blogging, we create our digital identity and legacy. Inspiration indeed!

She Works Hard for the Money (and so Do You): Why and How You Should Be Making Money from Your Blog
Panelists: Janice Croze, Andrea Tomkins, Susie Parker, Corinne McDermott

The primary focus of this session was really sponsorship and developing relationships with brands. As the conversation continued, it was clear to me this approach is not one I’ll be taking at Jamie Ridler Studios. However, the takeaway for me was the importance of being clear on your own guidelines and policies and of knowing the value you bring to the table. The homework I got from this panel? Create a media kit.

Take Your Craft to the Next Level
Panelists: Karen Green, Angella Dykstra, Aidan Morgan

I loved the way this session was about honouring our work, that by consistently challenging ourselves, consistently committing to our craft (whether it’s writing, photography or whatever), we honour ourselves, the work and our audience. The speakers highlighted basics like spelling, SEO (search engine optimization), working with a style guide and making sure your links always work, as well as encouraging us to continually stretch by trying new things like writing outside our familiar subject matter or trying new media like video or photography. There’s was also a clear message of really owning your work. Whatever you choose to put out there in the world is your legacy. What do you want it to be?

What’s in a Brand? The Art of Defining Yourself and Your Creative Work
Panelists: Kimberley Seldon, Gail Vaz-Oxlade, Dee Brun, Patty Sullivan, Julie Cole

Now this was a lively panel! And it’s no wonder – with this topic, you’re sure to get a panel of women with strong personalities and opinions. Even though the word “brand” is all about business, the discussion ultimately is on something I am deeply passionate about: knowing who you are! These women shared their own stories and how they developed the brand they are today. This was a great discussion about how it takes time to know, develop and trust your voice and once you do, the importance of protecting it with everything you’ve got.

To Publish or Not To Publish: Taking Your Writing Beyond the Blog (Or Not)
Panelists: Ann Douglas, Jen Reynolds, Theresa Albert, Nadine Silverthorne

Branding came up in this session too. Without a doubt, knowing, honing and establishing your own unique identity is core to the life of a writer and a blogger. In this session, the panelists also encouraged everyone to think about the big picture, to consider where we want our voice to be heard – on our blogs? in books? in magazines? What is different about each of those mediums and why might we want to participate in them – or not? One thing is clear: the publishing industry is changing. If being a part of print media is aspirational for you, it’s important to take the time to get to know the industry, know the publishing companies, know what will be expected of you. These days, a lot of  promotion and audience development comes from the author. The good news is that blogging will help with that.

I’m glad I stepped into Blissdom Canada and discovered this brand new corner of the Universe. There were times when I felt like a foreign exchange student, learning the customs of an entirely different culture. And there were times I was laughing and listening and sharing ideas with a sense of connection and joy.

I know this may sound weird but one of the most important things that this conference did for me is to affirm that no matter where I am, I am a writer and I am a blogger.

Believe…

“It is rare to have a place to share your innermost wishes, desires and fears and have them met with unconditional support. Circe’s Circle was a place where everyone believed that whatever I wanted was possible and that support made me better.”

Kimberly LeClair

I know you have dreams in your heart, ideas that are waiting to come to life, a part of you that is waiting to come to life. Step into the Circle and let those dreams be nurtured. Join a tribe of like-spirited women on a powerful creative journey and be transformed.

Open the door…

“It felt as if I were in a box before, with no windows and doors. Since joining Circe’s Circle, I now have a door and through it is fun, play, colors, shapes, excitement and opportunities.”

Moe Clancy

Circe’s Circle…

• is an intimate 10-week coaching telecircle that provides a supportive and encouraging environment that nurtures your dreams by helping you bring a creative project to life
• provides a powerful structure for moving you forward towards your creative dreams
• is rich with discussion, insight, brainstorming, visualization, creative exercises, laughter and connecting
• is limited to 7 participants so everyone gets a chance to share and to receive support and encouragement weekly
• takes place over the phone, so you can participate from anywhere in the world
• is magic

Transform your life…

“Circe’s Circle is what inspired me to embrace my inner foodie and I think saved my sanity! I can not recommend it highly enough for people who are serious about making big dreams come true. Is it time to change your life forever?”

Suzie the Foodie

Circe’s Circle is ideal for people who…

• are ready to stir up their creative juices and get into action
• want to start or make fresh progress on a creative project that is close to their heart. Whether it’s a blog, a book or a business, Circe’s Circle is the ideal place to make progress on your creative dream.
  
• are aching for regularly scheduled time for themselves
• haven’t a clue what their creative project is but know they want one
• are tired of going it alone
• want to connect with a community of independent, creative dreamers and believers
• You!

Make dreams come true…

“Circe’s Circle has been a tremendous jumpstart in turning my artistic dreams into a reality.”

Jessie Marianiello

Each & every call, you will…

• Activate your connection with your self, your project and a group of creative, loving, supportive women.
• Have dedicated time for your dreams. Your project gets personal attention every single time.
• Receive personal creative coaching from me. If you’ve been in other programs, you know how rare this is. In Circe’s Circle you have my personal attention every single week.
• Gain tools and strategies that will guide you in creating the next project and the next and the next, skills that will last you a lifetime.
• Benefit from the collective wisdom of the group. Everyone has the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, inspirations and suggestions, when welcomed.
• Share the journey so you learn not only from your own experience and the content of the program but also through hearing from other creatives, the strategies they’re using, the learning they’re applying, the things that have worked for them and the things that they’re leaving behind. This will move you forward exponentially!

Call 1: Connection & Clarity

• During our first call we will focus on getting to know ourselves, one another and each project in the circle. In the Circe’s Circle viewfinder, you will discover more about your project than you’ve ever known before.

Call 2: Casting

• We’ll cast forward into the future, connecting your project to your big dreams and invoking the magic of visioning.

Call 3: Touchstones (part 1)

• We will name and identify key touchstones that have personal meaning to you, powerful tools for affirming you are on the right path and moving towards your dreams.

Call 4: Touchstones (part 2)

• We will spend more time with these guiding principles so you feel deeply grounded and connected to what you most value on this journey.

Call 5: Self-Nourishment

• As creative people, we build our dreams from our very selves. Learning to nourish ourselves is a crucial step in bringing our dreams to life.

Call 6: Course Check

• At the midway mark, we stop and take note of all that has been accomplished thus far, make any course corrections that need to be made and set our sites on what we’ll be celebrating at the end of the circle.

Call 7: Body Wisdom

• Our body is one of our greatest resources. We’ll learn how to connect to the body’s wisdom and ask for its guidance in moving forward with our project.

Call 8: Your Magnificent Self (part 1)

• A magical thing happens as you bring your project to life, who you are as a creator starts to become clearer. We’ll discover what makes you uniquely, magnificently you.

Call 9: Your Magnificent Self (part 2)

• Confidence comes from knowing, believing in and acting upon your authentic self. We’ll continue to discover, draw on and develop your connection to the truth and beauty of your magnificent self.

Call 10: Celebration

• Celebration is just the right way to open the circle! We will acknowledge all that you’ve learned, all you’ve created, how far you’ve come and what’s next. You’ll leave the circle with a toolkit full of dream strategies ready to take on all the amazing ideas, opportunities and projects that are sure to unfold!

As well…

• The circle will have its own Ning site where you can connect and share throughout the week. You’ll be able to share photos, celebrations, struggles, ideas. It’s a beautiful home base for you and your dreams.

Circe’s Circle is certified organic…

• By that I mean that the content grows out of the organic soil of each circle. At my discretion one or some of these topics may be swapped out to make room for other topics that are deeply relevant to the group.

Registration is Now Open!

Dates: Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 17, 24, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5
Day: Mondays
Time: 2:00-4:00 pm EST
Place: Connect from wherever you are to the teleconference. We use an American bridgeline, so if you have a US plan, you’re covered.
Investment: $600 for the series plus your long-distance charges. You can pay in installments of $200/month.
Size: This group is limited to 7 participants. Is one spot for you?

Are you ready to make your dreams come true?

Circe’s Circle Enrollment Package

Success Stories…

Circe’s Circle members have created the most amazing magic in the world! Some of the projects that have come to life are: workshops,e-courses, businesses, blogs, paintings, websites, membership sites, written pieces, increased confidence, increased clarity, increased creativity, a sense of direction, a sense of possibility, magic.

• Moe Clancy: “It felt as if I were in a box before, with no windows and doors. Since joining Circe’s Circle, I now have a door and through it is fun, play, colors, shapes, excitement and opportunities.”(more…)
• Andrea Schroeder: “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.” (more…)
• Jessie Marianiello: “When I first signed up for Circe’s Circle, I had no idea that I would end up starting a full-fledged business! During the time of Circe’s Circle, Stray Dog Arts was born!” (more…)
• Helen Yee: “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” Helen Yee (more…)
• Amy Palko: “[Circe's Circle] helped me to take each of the strands of my identity and weave them into a beautiful fabric that I feel proud to share with the world.” (more…)
• Nolwenn Petitbois: “I have the confirmation that I shouldn’t be afraid to shine from this bright colourful light I know is inside of me. And that this is this light that guides my hands when I paint and create something to release to the World.” (more…)
• Suzie the Foodie: “I came to Circe’s Circle broken and uninspired. A year later I now am one of The Food Network’s online writers and photographers for their blog.” (more…)
• Tammy Durham: “To my surprise, my goals are now happening!” (more…)
• Susan Cadley: “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.” (more…)
• Aimee Cavenecia: “[Circe's Circle] helped me to embrace my sense of self. I struggled with it in the past, &; in struggling with it, I found it hard to keep my creative ventures on track.” (more…)
• Your Name Here:What will you be saying?

Shine…

“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.”

Helen Yee

Ready to Step In?

Circe’s Circle Enrollment Package

Discover Self-Trust…

“Circe’s Circle helped me make the progress that I wanted to make on my book, but even more valuable was the emotional support of such insightful and creative women. I came away with new ways of thinking about my work and myself that help me stay in or return to the relaxed, accepting, trusting state that’s best for my creativity. I came away trusting myself more in all areas of my life.”

Kelly Besecke

I recently shared how I’ve wrapped up the summer circle with some amazing, sparkling creative dreamers who stepped into Circe’s Circle. We celebrated their amazing accomplishments, from sending off book proposals to starting businesses to buying paints for the very first time. We celebrated all they have braved and all they have become. If you had listened in, you would have heard the confidence in their voices, the bravery in their hearts and the way they are shining with possibility.

I want you to shine too.

Believe…

“It is rare to have a place to share your innermost wishes, desires and fears and have them met with unconditional support. Circe’s Circle was a place where everyone believed that whatever I wanted was possible and that support made me better.”

Kimberly LeClair

I know you have dreams in your heart, ideas that are waiting to come to life, a part of you that is waiting to come to life. I know you also have questions. That’s why I’ve made this video. I hope it speaks to you and helps you decide whether it is time to step into the Circle and let those dreams be nurtured, whether it’s time to join a tribe of like-spirited women on a powerful creative journey and be transformed.

Open the door…

“It felt as if I were in a box before, with no windows and doors. Since joining Circe’s Circle, I now have a door and through it is fun, play, colors, shapes, excitement and opportunities.”

Moe Clancy

Circe’s Circle…

• is an intimate 10-week coaching telecircle that provides a supportive and encouraging environment that nurtures your dreams by helping you bring a creative project to life
• provides a powerful structure for moving you forward towards your creative dreams
• is rich with discussion, insight, brainstorming, visualization, creative exercises, laughter and connecting
• is limited to 7 participants so everyone gets a chance to share and to receive support and encouragement weekly
• takes place over the phone, so you can participate from anywhere in the world
• is magic

Transform your life…

“Circe’s Circle is what inspired me to embrace my inner foodie and I think saved my sanity! I can not recommend it highly enough for people who are serious about making big dreams come true. Is it time to change your life forever?”

Suzie the Foodie

Circe’s Circle is ideal for people who…

• are ready to stir up their creative juices and get into action
• want to start or make fresh progress on a creative project that is close to their heart. Whether it’s a blog, a book or a business, Circe’s Circle is the ideal place to make progress on your creative dream.
  
• are aching for regularly scheduled time for themselves
• haven’t a clue what their creative project is but know they want one
• are tired of going it alone
• want to connect with a community of independent, creative dreamers and believers
• You!

Make dreams come true…

“Circe’s Circle has been a tremendous jumpstart in turning my artistic dreams into a reality.”

Jessie Marianiello

Each & every call, you will…

• Activate your connection with your self, your project and a group of creative, loving, supportive women.
• Have dedicated time for your dreams. Your project gets personal attention every single time.
• Receive personal creative coaching from me. If you’ve been in other programs, you know how rare this is. In Circe’s Circle you have my personal attention every single week.
• Gain tools and strategies that will guide you in creating the next project and the next and the next, skills that will last you a lifetime.
• Benefit from the collective wisdom of the group. Everyone has the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, inspirations and suggestions, when welcomed.
• Share the journey so you learn not only from your own experience and the content of the program but also through hearing from other creatives, the strategies they’re using, the learning they’re applying, the things that have worked for them and the things that they’re leaving behind. This will move you forward exponentially!

Call 1: Connection & Clarity

• During our first call we will focus on getting to know ourselves, one another and each project in the circle. In the Circe’s Circle viewfinder, you will discover more about your project than you’ve ever known before.

Call 2: Casting

• We’ll cast forward into the future, connecting your project to your big dreams and invoking the magic of visioning.

Call 3: Touchstones (part 1)

• We will name and identify key touchstones that have personal meaning to you, powerful tools for affirming you are on the right path and moving towards your dreams.

Call 4: Touchstones (part 2)

• We will spend more time with these guiding principles so you feel deeply grounded and connected to what you most value on this journey.

Call 5: Self-Nourishment

• As creative people, we build our dreams from our very selves. Learning to nourish ourselves is a crucial step in bringing our dreams to life.

Call 6: Course Check

• At the midway mark, we stop and take note of all that has been accomplished thus far, make any course corrections that need to be made and set our sites on what we’ll be celebrating at the end of the circle.

Call 7: Body Wisdom

• Our body is one of our greatest resources. We’ll learn how to connect to the body’s wisdom and ask for its guidance in moving forward with our project.

Call 8: Your Magnificent Self (part 1)

• A magical thing happens as you bring your project to life, who you are as a creator starts to become clearer. We’ll discover what makes you uniquely, magnificently you.

Call 9: Your Magnificent Self (part 2)

• Confidence comes from knowing, believing in and acting upon your authentic self. We’ll continue to discover, draw on and develop your connection to the truth and beauty of your magnificent self.

Call 10: Celebration

• Celebration is just the right way to open the circle! We will acknowledge all that you’ve learned, all you’ve created, how far you’ve come and what’s next. You’ll leave the circle with a toolkit full of dream strategies ready to take on all the amazing ideas, opportunities and projects that are sure to unfold!

As well…

• The circle will have its own Ning site where you can connect and share throughout the week. You’ll be able to share photos, celebrations, struggles, ideas. It’s a beautiful home base for you and your dreams.

Circe’s Circle is certified organic…

• By that I mean that the content grows out of the organic soil of each circle. At my discretion one or some of these topics may be swapped out to make room for other topics that are deeply relevant to the group.

Registration is Now Open!

Dates: Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 17, 24, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5
Day: Mondays
Time: 2:00-4:00 pm EST
Place: Connect from wherever you are to the teleconference. We use an American bridgeline, so if you have a US plan, you’re covered.
Investment: $600 for the series plus your long-distance charges. You can pay in installments of $200/month.
Size: This group is limited to 7 participants. Is one spot for you?

Are you ready to make your dreams come true?

Circe’s Circle Enrollment Package

Success Stories…

Circe’s Circle members have created the most amazing magic in the world! Some of the projects that have come to life are: workshops,e-courses, businesses, blogs, paintings, websites, membership sites, written pieces, increased confidence, increased clarity, increased creativity, a sense of direction, a sense of possibility, magic.

• Moe Clancy: “It felt as if I were in a box before, with no windows and doors. Since joining Circe’s Circle, I now have a door and through it is fun, play, colors, shapes, excitement and opportunities.”(more…)
• Andrea Schroeder: “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.” (more…)
• Jessie Marianiello: “When I first signed up for Circe’s Circle, I had no idea that I would end up starting a full-fledged business! During the time of Circe’s Circle, Stray Dog Arts was born!” (more…)
• Helen Yee: “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” Helen Yee (more…)
• Amy Palko: “[Circe's Circle] helped me to take each of the strands of my identity and weave them into a beautiful fabric that I feel proud to share with the world.” (more…)
• Nolwenn Petitbois: “I have the confirmation that I shouldn’t be afraid to shine from this bright colourful light I know is inside of me. And that this is this light that guides my hands when I paint and create something to release to the World.” (more…)
• Suzie the Foodie: “I came to Circe’s Circle broken and uninspired. A year later I now am one of The Food Network’s online writers and photographers for their blog.” (more…)
• Tammy Durham: “To my surprise, my goals are now happening!” (more…)
• Susan Cadley: “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.” (more…)
• Aimee Cavenecia: “[Circe's Circle] helped me to embrace my sense of self. I struggled with it in the past, &; in struggling with it, I found it hard to keep my creative ventures on track.” (more…)
• Your Name Here:What will you be saying?

Shine…

“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.”

Helen Yee

Ready to Step In?

Circe’s Circle Enrollment Package