We made it back from Nashville and I feel like I can’t continue posting normal until I tell you at least a little about our trip. It was lovely, and there was art. But I’m sure you’re not surprised about that.
Basically, Blissdom is a conference for people (mostly women) who share their business, life, heart, passion and/or art online through blogging. There are workshops about writing, monetizing, social media, criticism and lots more. This is my attempt to show you a bit without being excessive. And to say that because we’ve been talking about art around here lately, I couldn’t help but see the art in everything as I went through the weekend.
The art of being there :: When someone goes through something tragic, it is impossible to know what to say or how to be around them. There is a crazy voice that says we should be able to do something, but there is also a God voice that says to simply love. When we lean into the God voice, out comes art every time. It was simply a joy to be with Edie – to laugh and to cry and to simply be around.
The art of vulnerability :: One of the keynote speakers was Brene Brown, and she talked a lot about the beauty of wholeheartedness and the art of vulnerability. In a beautiful representation of that, my friend Ari read a post during one of the panel sessions that she wrote last year after she lost her daughter, Mabel. It demonstrated this art so beautifully. When we share our painful stories, it dislodges the fear a bit.
The art of loving :: He came with me on this trip because he had some business to do in Nashville. And so after a full day of laughing and chatting and connecting with women and eating chocolate, I got to come back to our room and there he was, and I was home.
The art of laughter :: We live all over the country and there are still some of the (in)courage writers I haven’t met in real life yet. But these girls are mothers, friends, sisters, daughters, and talented artists. And they know how to laugh. And love. And embrace their uniqueness. (Pictured here: Lisa-Jo, Holley, Jessica, Angie, and Jen).
taken by @GailHyatt and her iPhone
The art of Connecting :: We sat on the floor with our plates scattered about, and we talked about writing an dreams and fear. Shannan, Melissa, and Gail Hyatt were lovely and inspiring, and all the things you might imagine. This was one of my favorite moments of the weekend.
The art of being free :: The conference couldn’t have ended more perfectly. A secret flashmob erupted at the end of the keynote, and my sister and I and 90 others got to be a part of it. There is an art to trusting the process, to letting go, to being free. Below is a video so you can see how it all went down. This one isn’t the entire dance, but it gives a good picture for the emotion of it all. And that’s where the art comes in – not because of our mad skillz, but because of the heart. You’ll see. It was my favorite.
And if you’re dying to see more, here’s a link to an unedited version.
I don’t knoowwwww…Shannan looks sorta bossy.
Just kidding.
looks like a blast! I hope the food was good!
JoAnn´s last [type] ..Disneyland Confessions- Part 2 – The MeMe
Ha! I do look a little bossy there. And you look just like the soul-searching, kind-hearted listener that you were. Melissa, too.
But here’s my main question: Why do Flash Mobs always make me cry? I mean, what IS it about them that does this to me? I really can’t put my finger on it.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..Making Sense of Blissdom
Oh, always. I always cry. In fact, after this one, I looked at Dawn from My Home Sweet Home Online and she was bursting into tears! I think it’s the joy. We don’t live out joy enough. And so when people do, then there’s the tears. Maybe?
Emily´s last [type] ..my favorite art moments at blissdom ’11
I bawled over Jim and Pam’s wedding flash mob. Twice.
Your answer makes perfect sense to me.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..Making Sense of Blissdom
I totally just cried at that video! I’m so glad you said that because I felt crazy for crying. And Emily, that is exactly it. Maybe a sign that I need to start living out joy more.
Looks like you gals had a fantastic time.
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..21-days of sacrifice
looks like a time of great substance. so cool your husband could be with you
thanks for sharing. I think you look and are, adorable!
Wow Emily, THANKS! I love your blog and really enjoyed being able to get a snapshot of the magic of Blissdom. I have so much to learn about blogging… maybe next year I’ll be able to go and learn and have fun!
hugs,
Leslie
Oh, I love it!! I really wish I could have been there! That flash mob was amazing!!
Pattyann´s last [type] ..A Simple Moment – Static Cling
I have been looking forward to hearing about the conference. And I have it on my list of goals for next year . . . I really want to be there.
The flashmob was a delight. I agree . . . we need more unplanned joy in our lives.
Fondly,
Glenda
Glenda Childers´s last [type] ..A Lovely Surprise
Thanks so much for sharing a few glimpses of your time at Blissdom! Love the flashmob!
Shayne´s last [type] ..Flowers in the Snow
Thank you so much for sharing your art experiences of living and being at Blissdom! What an amazing time you had!
I am so happy for you and all the ladies who were able to go. I love the unexpected joy of the flashmob! LOL I started to cry as I watched it too! So glad I am not alone! Love that feeling of joy!
Thanks for sharing your heart!!!
Building home with Him,
Mary Joy
Mary Joy @Seeds of Encouragement Sewn with Grace´s last [type] ..Amazing GraceFor once I was blind but now I see!!!
I love it! I’m new to getting into all of this blogging business. I’ve had oene for a while but mainly for myself. I don’t know what Blissdom is… but it looks fun!
Yeah I clicked the full length video. Good thing too cause then I saw you! Well done Emily. Wanna get kids to do that at FUSE to John? Ha!
alisa´s last [type] ..goals
Emily – meeting you was like meeting an artist who’s work I’ve admired for a long, long time. It was something so special. And you and your heart and your words – they’re even better in person than I hoped they would be.
Thank you for letting me be part of your canvas for a few days – it was a treasure.
You are beautiful in all the ways that matter the most,
Lisa-Jo
Can’t believe I missed my chance to show you around my stomping grounds, LJ! Next time. For sure. That picture of the (in)courage girls is awesome. I love it.
AnnieBlogs´s last [type] ..Haggis
For reals!!! I said it out loud several times, “I cannot believe Annie isn’t here!!”
You were *missed* my friend!
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday- Prompt- The Women
I second that. So missed. And Lisa-Jo? I just can’t get over you! You and your smarts and your beautiful-ness – Just too much wonderful. I need more time with you. Lots more time.
Emily´s last [type] ..my favorite art moments at blissdom ’11
The picture of you and John made me smile… I love you guys.
The picture of the (in)courage girls laughing brought tears to my eyes. I love our friends.
AnnieBlogs´s last [type] ..Haggis
We missed you like crazy, girl.
Ashleigh Baker (Heart and Home)´s last [type] ..fairyland
The flashmob brought tears to my eyes. How fun.
I love that you mentioned the art of being there. That is one of the biggest skills/arts that God has been teaching me this year. How to be with someone in pain. Last year I illustrated a children’s book created for children of fallen soldiers…being amongst those loss survivors taught me so much that has equipped me to just be there for other hurting people. It’s more simple than I imagined. And all about being freed from having the “right” thing to say and do. I met two wonderful women, one who is president of Friends of the Fallen and the other is Director of the Center for the Families of the Fallen. They talked a lot about simply bearing witness to someone’s grief by your simple presence is a gift of grace. Here are 2 of my related blog posts http://parentheticrhetoric.blogspot.com/2010/06/even-if-its-only-thing-you-have-to.html and then http://parentheticrhetoric.blogspot.com/2010/06/their-names.html
You are always an inspiration. Your words are a true gift.
shelley.´s last [type] ..a story of faithfulness- for my grandpa
This was it. Those moments of magic exploding from the laughter and the quiet and the words and the faces.
I’m teary now, looking at the pictures. Missing all of you already.
Ashleigh Baker (Heart and Home)´s last [type] ..fairyland
So wonderful to see you, sweet friend. And you captured it all so beautifully. {hug}
Holley Gerth´s last [type] ..How the Words of Friends can Carry Us to Healing
Looks like you had a blast!
Holy smokes, how darling are all you incourage gals doing the flash mob? What Renaissance women y’all are, wielding words AND moves so expertly!! Awesomeness.
My husband just read your Blissdom recap right here beside me and said, “Baby, that looks like something you need to go to next year.” I hope it happens!
Hi everyone,
Have you ever stepped into a place that was wonderful but you notice that everyone knows everyone and you are the newbie? You see God at work and want so badly to be a part of it? Well, that’s how I feel.
Yes, I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jen. I am not a writer or blogger so… excuse my writing. I am, however, a professional artist… I paint.
I am enjoying these posts about art. Especially how you communicate that LIFE itself is art and not limited to what I do…draw, paint, etc. Art to me is making a difference in someone’s life for the better.
Hi Jen! I’m so glad you said hello – I love knowing that someone who paints for a living has actually enjoyed these art posts!! So great. I love that, how art is making a difference in someone’s life for the better. Nice.
Emily´s last [type] ..my favorite art moments at blissdom ’11
Thank you for responding! I actually emailed you images of my work, as well as pictures of my current series on the church. You can take a look at them whenever you have time. Thanks again!
your sister in Christ, Jen
I love this recap and how you see things.
Missed having you as our roomie but what a treat that you still got to hang out and laugh hysterically, as always. Thanks for letting me tag along as the third and annoying sister. And that picture of the incourage girls where you can see me in the corner with my polka dot shirt…I love that because it looks like Angie and Jen are delighted in whatever I am talking about. Good self esteem building photo, thank you.
I just love you. See you soon…I hope!!!
melissa @ the inspired room´s last [type] ..Get The Family Organized- The Command Center
How fun to see familiar faces in these photos. Strange, this feeling: how one can feel so connected to those she’s never shared an elevator or a cafe booth or a bathroom stall with.
I’ve never attended a blogging conference, but hope to some day. I have attended a High Calling retreat, so I do “get” this … this finally getting to throw your arms around someone you’ve loved for a long time.
Jennifer@GDWJ´s last [type] ..How To Make the Sun Stand Still
I can imagine being there! I hope some day to be able to go!
Barbie´s last [type] ..Help This Family Win An EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER!
Twitter was flooded with blissdom tweets about the flashmob. So awesome! Wish I could have been there. The conference sounds wonderful!
Emily Joyce´s last [type] ..Weekend Reading
What a great group of ladies!! Glad you enjoyed it!
sarah (GenMom) & DIYFrugal´s last [type] ..Shout-Out to my friends over at All Things Chic! @JoLynneMusings @Girlymamamel
“there he was, and I was home.” I just love how you grounded the whole post with this line… the peace and tranquility amongst the angst of the passionate women you’ve spent the day with! I would be so nervous to attend blissdom yet everyone had such a grand time! Please write more about it!
What beautiful women. And such lovely snippets of the art in your trip. So glad you had such a wonderful time, and so glad you shared it here.
Imperfect´s last [type] ..The Freedom in Simple Words
Love it…
wish I had gone….
and I sure hope I make it happen next year!
Sounds like an amzing time, with such amazing women. And the flashmob dance! Combined with a room full of amazing woman-energy, Miley Cyrus actually would have made me shake my goods too!
Jessica@ Mama’s Musings´s last [type] ..A new version of you
I am new and learning so much about blogging. I love the art theme and do believe it’s true, there is art in so many things if we allow it to be so. Art does make everything so beautiful and it changes your perspective when you start considering something art and realize a few strokes here will add more color and beauty or sometimes just being there and enjoying what is. I am so glad I followed this link to your post and will check our some more. Thank you for sharing your heart and allowing me and everybody else to see this through your eyes. Blessings
Wow, that looks like a wonderful conference. I saw many faces I recognized. Glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..Mondays Welcome
Emily, I found it hilariously ironic that I said to you, “I would love to be part of one of those–what do you call them?–some day.” And you answered “A flash mob?” And I said yes, and you said that you would like to do that, too, and you didn’t bat an eye. So funny. You flashed and you mobbed with really mad skilz. And I was proud to say, “There’s Emily!” and know that I was pointing to a bona fide friend.
Your life is art, you know? Paint away.
Richella´s last [type] ..Sharing the bliss- a giveaway
I KNOW!!!!! Thought maybe you knew about that!!! So awesome, I couldn’t believe it!
Awesome post, Emily! Your little snippets are so heartfelt — I feel like I was there {wish that I’d been there}. Hope to join you next year.
Thanks for sharing the fun, the love, the inspiration.
Heidi M´s last [type] ..What I Learned This Week
Great recap Emily, of sharing the different types of art there were at Blissdom. Wasn’t it awesome? And the dance at the end, amazing!
So glad we finally got to meet IRL! Thanks for the hug and the card!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Be authentic- be engaging- be ready for change
I’m so glad that I was able to connect with you at BlissDom! The FlashMob was my favorite part, too!!
Oh it looks like you had so much fun! Great post. I feel like i was there!
Such a joy to briefly meet you! You are a delight. Can’t wait to read through your lovely blog and your book when it debuts!
Polly´s last [type] ..Blissdom 2011
Put your hands up, they’re playing our song!
Enjoyed getting to meet you for a quick moment at the fabulousness that was Blissdom, Emily. It’s such a blessing to meet in real life someone whose work has inspired us–hope to see you at Relevant later this year too!
Jamie
steadymom´s last [type] ..The Story Behind Steady Days
Wow. That looks so fun! I soo need something like that!
Courtney Walsh´s last [type] ..Mixed Media Parenting
THAT IS GREAT!!!! YOU LADIES ARE AWSOME!! THAT LOOKS LIKE A BLAST!!! You inspired me t o bring a little spontaneous blessing at our Womens Retreat this coming summer. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
oh, emily. meeting you was truly one of my bliss-full moments. i’ve learned from you and have been inspire and now i’m different in a totally good way. i was most surprised by your giggly self, b/c i see you as being so introspective and i guess that makes me think of being serious and quiet. but i loved that you smiled and laughed out loud and were a total joy to be around. your note remains one of my favorite gifts from blissdom. thank-you! xo
patty´s last [type] ..February Resolutions
oh, emily!……. psst… saw a rough video of this at http://www.creativekristi.com/2011/02/baby-youre-a-firework.html and guess who i noticed in the crowd dancing like NO OTHER? it was you! i think you were the only blogger that i recognized in that vid and i fell in LOVE with you!
yer jist awesome!
if only i could have been there to rock my dance moves with ya!
c u next year
angie
Enjoyed hugging your neck and visiting with you the short time that we had together. Hugs to you sweet Emily.
Laryssa@Heaven In The Home´s last [type] ..Who was I- Part 2
What a lovely summary of a wonderful week. Emily, it was so nice to meet you at Blissdom. You are absolutely darling and I am now in love with your beautiful blog.
hugs,
Ruth