Blissdom '09 Blog Tour

I've been at the Blissdom (short for "Blissfully Domestic") conference in Nashville. Along with about 150 other bloggers, I got to enjoy fun workshops, free stuff, and even a sneak preview from Disney. But my favorite part by far was meeting amazing women like the ones below. I'm so excited about knowing them and I want to introduct you to them too. So here are a few of my favorite new friends (soon to be yours!) from Blissdom '09...

(Some of the women don't share their names online so I did the same below.)

Peggy walked up to our table and asked with a bright smile, "Mind if I sit here?" Little did I know I was about to spend the next few moments with a writer, speaker, singer, and life coach who has a passion for helping women become everthing God wants them to be. I was inspired just hearing her heart and I think you will be too.

Debba is all about girlfriends. That's why she founded Girlfriendology--a cool web site with blogs, podcasts, articles, and other great tools to help you connect with your friends. We chatted in the lunch line about how having close friends affects everything in your life from your health, emotional state, and even how long you live. You don't want to miss this, girlfriend.  

Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife and I sat across from each other at a Mexican restaurant one evening. If there's a better way to bond than chips and salsa, I'm not sure what it is. Jo-Lynne describes herself as a "Christian, wife, mother, blogger" who also has "the gift of gab." I enjoyed my peek into her perspective on life, family, and reality TV. Stop by her site and you can too.

Genesis Moments (blog name) shared the Mexican feast as well. I enjoyed hearing about her family, desire to write children's books, and how she loves weaving faith into stories through creative ways. She asks good questions and listens closely when you answer. Maybe that's the secret to writing great stories.

Annie is one of those people you fall in love with instantly. She brightens the room (and your day) just by being around. She's a talented freelance writer and editor who happens to also love waffles with peanut butter (amen, sister!). We're going to be at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference together and she has promised to sit at my table during meals. We may even eat waffles.

Amber from The Run-A-Muck is sweet, southern and willowy (she also loves poetry so that might be a word she likes). She's given birth to the three boys in three years. Her husband started The Mother Letter Project as a gift to her. Amber lives in my town but we didn't meet until Blissdom. I love it when God makes our paths cross with others in ways we don't expect.

We Are THAT Family (blog name) hopped in car to ride to dinner one evening and along the way she shared a few stories about teaching her family to be generous. They were simple, sweet things that she said without a second thought but gave me a glimpse of a heart that was sincere and intent on making the world a better place. I think you'll find the same in her writing.

Lisa Leonard is an amazing jewelry designer who causes other women to hyperventilate when they find out who she is and/or that I got to meet her. If you want to make your friends jealous, just order something from her site. She's a fresh-faced beauty who generously handed out little silver key chains with an X and O on them during the conference. I've got mine in my purse and you can't have it.

Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer is someone I already consider a friend but I'm including her anyway. If I could sum her up in one word it would be nurture. She used that word several times this weekend and I just smiled every time she did it. She's brilliant, talented, funny, and humble--one of my favorite combinations. Every time I'm with her I leave feeling like she's given me something valuable, whether it's a new thought, book recommendation, or encouraging word.   

Tsh is the founder of SimpleMom. We quickly discovered we have mutual friends and I can see why she's so popular. Her site is a wonderful place that gives practical advice and insights because Tsh believes "If I want to get things done and be fully present for all the things that are most important to me, I have to keep things simple." She's added five other columnists who share her vision and will help you make your life simpler too.

Amy also help moms through her site MomAdvice. This petite powerhouse inspires and influences thousands of women each week. When I met her, she instantly introduced me to someone else she thought I should know. I thought, "She's all about connecting people." I think you'll love being connected to her as well.  

Those are just a few of the women I got to meet last weekend. I hope you'll visit each of their sites and spend some time getting to know them. I'm still catching up and probably won't post for a few days. So send yourself on a blog tour and tell me what you discover.

* There are a lot of links in this post. If you can't see them, send me an e-mail.

Comments

[Debba Haupert]

Holley - I LOVE your blog and your beautiful book. From the beginning rain example to so many wonderfully written devotions, I know I am going to be inspired and challenged by your insight and wisdom. Thanks for sharing it and for sharing you with all of us.

Thanks too for featuring Girlfriendology on your beautiful blog! It was a treat to meet you!

Thanks again! I am working on the Christian version of Girlfriendology and would like to launch it with an interview of you - so I'll be in touch.

You rock!!! Hugs, Debba / www.girlfriendology.com

[Amber@theRunaMuck]

Holley - it was an honor to meet you.

I knew we would have a NWA connection. You know Bekah from Another Notebook. I love her.

Let's please keep in touch.

[Sarah (GenMom)]

So great to meet you too and hear about your writing for work. I loved hearing how you can work where you use your faith in your card writing. That's just so cool.

Thanks for including me in your list and for the thoughtful comments!

[We are THAT family]

I'm honored to be a part of your list! I enjoyed meeting you!

I used to dream of writing greeting cards...you have a very cool job!

I also prayed for your meeting on Monday. I hope it went well.

[AnnieBlogs]

Oooh, girl.

We're gonna be friends a long time.

Whether you like it or not.

:)

[Jo-Lynne]

You describe people accurately and beautifully! I loved reading this recap, all about the people! It was delightful meeting you! :-)

[Peggy Reeves]

Holley, It was an absolute joy meeting you at BlissDom09. I was blessed by your sweet gentle spirit. Most of all, I have enjoyed reading your new book "Rain On Me". It's almost as if we have walked the same journey. You mentioned "If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat" in your book, it is one of my favorite books too. I have read it several times and refer to it often. I have found so many little things like that through out your book...it is amazing! You are a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more books from your. Blessings to you on your journey as you continue to share your story.