Well, SheSpeaks is over and I am overwhelmed in many ways. Mostly good ways. It is humbling to realize how much I don’t know about things, but I am also equipped to learn more about that which I am passionate. Namely, writing.
I enjoy writing. Have I mentioned that here before? I sat in workshops about writing, taught by women who have written all their lives, surrounded by women who love words. It was divine. It was exciting, scary and divine.
No one had rocks in their pockets. The women in my peer review group were gracious and helpful. They made some great suggestions as well as encouraged me enough that I’m almost convinced I’m not crazy.
During the main sessions, I had a sweet glimpse of the Father’s heart toward me. He is gracious, patient and kind. He has brought a sense of clarity in the foggy mess that is my mind these days. And He is excited, too.
Finally, this thought: I always think the best gifts are the ones we don’t expect. Especially when they come from God’s hand.
This is Karla, Megan, Jami and me. We knew each other vaguely through our blogs before the conference, which is how we connected once we got there. And oh, how we did connect. As much as I love words, I can’t think of any to describe how thankful I am for them this weekend.
When I signed up for this conference, I didn’t know a single person attending. I didn’t expect to make friends, much less friends who are funny, who watch The Office, who love words as much as I do, who aren’t afraid to cry in public. What a blessing to discover these comment box robot people not only exist, but they are vibrant, emotional, beautiful women with real lives, real kids and real faith. I’m so glad I met you, friends.
i want to hear all about it. tell me what you learned. i so wish i could have gone. maybe next year. btw, you look so cute!
I’m so glad you had a wonderful time!
Do you think they will do this again next year?
They will, absolutely do it again. I really do recommend it. Chickadee, I actually thought of you a lot while I was there. As I saw other bloggers meeting eachother for the first time but chatting like old friends, I really wished that more of the friends I met here could have gone. I would be glad to tell you what I’ve learned! Maybe you already know it all, who knows?!
I found your blog through the Nesters, and just wanted to say good for you for signing up and attending the conference when you didn’t know anyone else attending. How awesome that God not only blessed you with information, but also with friendship.
I too am a “wanna be” writer….you’ve inspired me to look into some conferences.
PS. I LOVE your office/laundry room!
YOU LOOK FLIPPIN AMAZING
It sounds like so much fun!! You look adorable with your new robot friends.
Can I say that you are just the cutest thing! It sounds like you had a inspiring weekend.
I’ve told you before but I’ll tell you again…The words that you write here affect people in a powerful way.
It was your words that finally nudged me into starting the blog that I had been contemplating for a while. It has been such a rewarding experience and I have “met” so many wonderful women who share a love for our Lord.
Thank you!
I’m so glad that you had such a wonderful weekend. I’m sure there is much to process after attending a weekend like that. Looks like it was just what you needed.
So glad that no one had rocks in their pockets.
– Brandi
Hey Emily! I hate that I didn’t get to tell you bye before I left. I saw you before the general session, but never caught up with you to chat. I really enjoyed meeting you and laughing with you over a couple of meals. I wish you could have stayed that last night and hung out with us! I’m tempted to take that oober cute picture of the four of you and photoshop myself into it…
Let’s keep in touch!
Sam at theListenerspost
I loved reading your update about the conference. Your blog and writings are lovely.
Hey Emily!! I feel the very same way! I love ya lots…or should I say ya’ll!!
Me too, Emily, me too. I am so glad I can call you my friend and writing buddy!
Love ya girl,
Megan
For a chatty girl, being left speechless is the best, isn’t it
?!
And I just have to say that your encounter with your blogger/real friends is the reason I LOVE blogspot. We know we’re REAL people with REAL lives and not just throwing a couple of words out to eachother on Facebook or My Space every day. We care–we really care
!
So glad you had a good time!!!
i’m glad you had such a great weekend! btw, i gave you a blog award! come visit to see the rules
yay!!! i’m so glad it was so fun. can’t wait to hear all about it. and omg, new cute clothes i haven’t seen.
let’s hang out soon.
I am jealous that you got to go, but as I read your post I was blown away by your courage. You went and didn’t know anyone to hide behind? Then you signed up for the peer group thing? I bow before your superior bravery.
Oh, and I enjoy reading your blog, btw.
Sounds like such an amazing time! Glad you got to go. This blog thang…it is amazing to me…so glad to know that all those people are “for real”! I can trust your words…which is funny, because I don’t KNOW you except through this blog!! Anyway, glad you had a great time
Sounds like an amazing weekend. That is so awesome that you guys found each other – just goes to show how blogging leads to great friendships!!
I’d love to know what you took with you to be critiqued — something from your blog, something you typed out in the car while eating from MY favorite place (we call it something different here cuz it’s ‘local,’ but I do have an Icee Mocha addiction)…
So neat that you got to meet what I call “friends that live in my laptop.” Isn’t it amazing how the Lord uses this forum to bring others of like mind together in a very powerful and creative way? It really does amaze me quite often when I think about it. Having said that, you are a wonderful writer and have such heartfelt messages. He IS using YOU in a mighty way.
I totally thought I was supposed to go this year, and since it turned out I wasn’t, I’m wondering if you’d mind giving me (and I’m sure lots of us who didn’t go) some of the inside scoop… what were the best parts, what would you do differently next time… you know… details!
Glad you had a good time!
I feel exactly the same way about you too! What a blessing!
Love you~K
What an incredible weekend. I am still processing it all – like what do I do now!
Great to eat lunch with you before it all started. Now we need a wrap up lunch!
Oh, please be in prayer my dad is getting his hip replaced at Presbyterian Hosp. right now as I type this.