And by the way? These art posts have surprised me. Completely. I’m not a person who I would think would write about art. But I kept on having things to say and then I said them. And I was certain that was it. Until the next day, when I had one more thing. And all that does is prove my point entirely, that when you take the time to see it and live it, the art is there.
Today, I am headed to Nashville for Blissdom. I will show up with no business cards and no gifts for people and not one pair of new shoes. And also, The Man is coming with me because he has some business to do in Nashville. And so we will show up together and I’ll bring him to the (in)courage beach house party so he can meet all the beauties I’ve talked about for so long. And of course, so they can meet him, my love.
And I will be content to share the same space with so many creative women who inspire courage in me with their big dreams and their beautiful selves. And we will mingle around with lots of chatter and all of our messy insecurities. We talk the real at places like this, once we get through polite and into the night. Talking the real is my favorite. I wish all of you could be there today, showing up with your talent and your happy and all your junk, too – and we could embrace the art of authenticity together. There’s nothing like it.
And also? I still have things to say about the art. Can you believe it? Stay tuned, yes?




Absolutely I will stay tuned! God brought me here for the first time last week…exactly at a point when I needed to hear about my art, and I have needed every art post since and before. Have fun in Nashville!
Have a wonderful, blessed time. Safe travels.
Shayne´s last [type] ..Time for tea
Seriously jealous of you and those going to Blissdom. I’ll be there next year! Keep up the arts!!!
angela´s last [type] ..Four Ladies And A Gentleman
yes “talking the real” is the best. i want to be completely “real”…transparent…..no fascade:)
thanks for sharing.
hope to meet you there.
melissa
melissa´s last [type] ..headed for BLISS
well, i for one, love that you have been writing about art. it’s inspired me to really see myself more as an artist…and not just when i’m designing an event…even when all i’m creating is a meal for my family! you and the man have so much fun!! i’m proud of you for going just as you are…because who that girl is, is absolutely beautiful. no new shoes and all.
melissa´s last [type] ..Little Girls Tea Party
Emily – I subscribed right before Christmas to your blog because I didn’t want to miss even one day {love having your sweet words delivered to my inbox daily}… so I’m not over here as much commenting. Just want to tell you, your photography regularly inspires me to catch the simple moments in my days, and your words are like a sweet healing balm to my soul. Thanks so much for what you do here
Have a wonderful time!
Have fun. Talking the real is scary for me. I am uncomfortable being so vulnerable with people I don’t know and intimately trust. Good luck!
I know what you mean about that, renee. I’m actually the same way – it helps that this won’t be the first time I’ve met lots of these girls. It takes time to build that trust, doesn’t it?!
Emily´s last [type] ..nashville
enjoy! I’m sure there will be plenty of chatting with all those women attending!
Sandy´s last [type] ..we painted the powder room today- it was inevitable
oh, how I wish I were going! I’m relatively new to the blog world, though, so perhaps next year! enjoy your time … can’t wait to hear all about it on the flip side.
michelle @ this little light´s last [type] ..Watch What You Eat!
I wanna go! Live it up and be refreshed!! <3
Yes – staying tuned.
allie´s last [type] ..Ahhh NO!
so excited for all the women who get to go to blissdom. and trying not to covet.
kendal´s last [type] ..on crumbs and standing
Have a wonderful time at Blissdom, sweet girl! And about all this art talk? PLEASE Keep. It. Up!! In fact, I was thinkin’ it might be your Book #3? Just maybe possibly?
Well…writing is art. : o) We use words to paint life. Our paint is our imagination. We look at the world around us through glasses that enable us to interpret what we see based on our experience, mood, or as we practice character building and study the little nuances people show.
Enjoy! It sounds like a great day!
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..I Cannot Escape
Love your thoughts on “embracing the art of authenticity together.” I find the hardest step is getting over our must-win attitude that we have to prove something to everybody. I’ve wrestled with that as an author and blogger….
Christine Jeske´s last [type] ..In case you haven’t noticed- you didn’t win
Thank you for your series on art. In the busyness of life and caring for my children, I’ve forgotten my art and even stopped dreaming. It’s been so good to begin thinking about these things again.
On a lighter note, I was wondering where you got the tote bag in the picture above. I’ve been looking for one like it for awhile now. Thanks!
Jennifer – I can so relate to those feelings, to forgetting about the art in the midst of the baby chaos. I’m so happy to hear you’ve been remembering yours.
And the tote bag was from Blissdom last year – they gave them to us at registration. I think Lands End has them too? I have no idea!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..nashville
isn’t it wonderful to have this bloggy space to articulate and share what’s on our mind and heart?
i hope you have a marvelous time in nashville!
~heidi
heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last [type] ..My Latest Bright Idea – Wannabe Roundup!
Wish I could join you girls! Maybe next year– safe travels and I’ll look forward to hearing all about it… plus more on art.
Heidi M´s last [type] ..Recent Reads
Talkin’ the real with a bunch of beauties. Doesn’t get much better. Have a blast.
Lara´s last [type] ..dream seedsburied with purpose
It was at Blissdom ’09 that I first met you. My friend, Kat, and I were stalking at the same hotel…we weren’t actually at the conference. Oh, how excited I was to finally meet all of y’all! And now, two years later, I’m sad I’m not there for realz. But I’m hoping to get to go back to Relevant, especially since I know you will be speaking.
Have a blast! I know you will!
Heathahlee´s last [type] ..Bible in 90 Days – Day 21
Oh I so remember that! I wish you were here too – I regret not being able to spend more time with you that weekend. It seems like we met in the parking lot, took a photo, and that was about it! Next time…?
emily freeman´s last [type] ..nashville
Emily,
I’ve visited your place for awhile, but since the art series ,I visit it a lot. Glad you stuck with the theme. I’ve enjoyed reading! Have a great trip!
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Share Your Story Meet Kim Turnage-Enough
I will stay tuned for sure! Enjoy Blissdom.
Maryea {happy healthy mama}´s last [type] ..The Family Dinner
Content… I loved that you high lighted that you are going content… I need those reminders constantly.
misty´s last [type] ..Reaping the Benefits
I will stay tuned until u make me leave,dear one. And I am tickled your dear Man gets to meet your buds. That is purty neat. Does he overwhelm easily?
and I cant wait to hear more of your thoughts on art. Cuz you are making me think harder about it. Xoxo -s-
Have loved reading about art and I am anticipating meeting you tomorrow!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Eating for Balanced Living
I’m so glad you still have things to say about art. : )
Scooper´s last [type] ..Artist in Residence
Sorry to comment here on an unrelated matter, but am I missing a place to subscribe by email. I can’t find one.
Sally Apokedak´s last [type] ..Time Well Spent
I hope you have a blessed time this weekend! Thank you for sharing your art with us.
meeting you irl was totally one of my highlights of blissdom. you are completely lovely.
xoxo
patty´s last [type] ..bliss full
Have a fabulous time, Emily. Your art is beautiful! I can’t imagine what beauty will continue to come from you after an inspiring time away like Blissdom. You are definately anointed to write artfully.
Amanda
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..Buckets of Fun
I’m new here, and loving your inspiration! “And we will mingle around with lots of chatter and all of our messy insecurities.” How refreshing to hear. Fresh words for such common struggles. Thank you!