While I cannot say that this was one of my more “balanced and beautiful weeks” I can say that heading off on a plane to Blissdom is stretching me beyond my comfort zone and will in likelihood end up being one of my most surreal experiences in life!
Two years ago I never would have imagined myself flying off to Nashville (on a plane, by myself!) to speak (in public, in front of people) on a “Successful Blogging” panel. I didn’t even know what a blog was, let alone want to speak or fly off to new cities by myself.
So many new things, yet with each new step in life’s journey, I am seeing more and more beauty and blessing to be thankful for! Whether we are appreciating the beauty in a special moment at home or going to Nashville to be inspired by new friends (the part of Blissdom I am most looking forward to), life can be such an adventure if we open ourselves up to it! Life isn’t always perfect, but we have to “bloom where we are planted” and recognize what beauty there is to be found.
I hope you will share your week with us through the comments and Mr. Linky — where you found the beauty and how you are doing with your goals! Be sure to link only to a specific related post (no home pages) and add a link back to The Inspired Room from your post to let everyone know you are participating in A Beautiful Life.
Thanks to everyone who has been participating in this! I’m really enjoying your posts and getting to know you all better. And that is why I love blogging, it is all about sharing life!
I know you will have a wonderful time. You said it wonderfully – we have to bloom where we are planted and we all should enjoy our adventurous life’s.
Can’t wait all the photos.
Suzy
Suzys inspiring blog post..A Beautiful Life Friday
I wish you all the best on your trip- how fun.
this week has been interesting- times of “busyness”, frustrations, but I also was surprised by the unexpected beauty I found, right in my own back yard.
Thanks for the inspiration.
:}
teresas inspiring blog post..Le shed-
I’m so jealous! I couldn’t align the planets in order to get away this year. Have a wonderful time.
Susan
Have a great time! You will be awesome!
I am officially joining this Beautiful Life Challenge
today. Thanks for sponsoring it!
Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Thanks Melissa!
Enjoy, dear Melissa…I’ll be thinking of you and all those at Blissdom, wishing I was there!
Pats inspiring blog post..~A Beautiful Life & Day Trip Dreamin’~
Hi Melissa. Isn’t it wonderful to realize we can break through those comfort zones (which are really defined by self-imposed boundaries) to do phenomenal things? Surreal experiences leave indelible memories, and I’m sure Blissdom09 will be no exception. Have a great time in Nashville, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you and others who attended! ~Arleen
Arleens inspiring blog post..Winter’s Blossoms ~ The First Sign of Spring
Hi, Melissa,
I know that this experience will turn out to be one of the best of the year for you! Enjoy the PUSH..the push outside your comfort zone, they push to touch more people with your wonderful self, and the push to make a difference. You are a special person!
Melissa – I wanted to be able to join you in Nashville but unfortunately we are going out of the country next week and I need to pack and get ready for that trip. Have a great time and bring back lots of pictures and stories. I’m counting on you.
– Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wifes inspiring blog post..Dreaming of Spring
Well done and congratulations…, so you are doing so well. I don’t know you except for on your blog, but you do seem like a very confident person.
I hardly ever go out of my comfort zone, I know I should but just cannot take that leap.
Have wonderful time, I’m sure you will, and you will make so many people happy! :-)
annes inspiring blog post..A start to our Walking….
I’m sooo jealous…I would love to be in Nashville this weekend and meet everyone. Thank you all so much for your dedication to your blogs…I really enjoy them. It’s like getting my favorite magazine in the mail everyday! What a gift you have!
Julies inspiring blog post..Faithful Friday
Have fun at Blissdom! I would love to be able to be in Nashville with y’all this weekend. But alas, it wasn’t in the cards for me. Have fun for all of us! We can’t wait to hear the stories you have to tell when you get back.
Kristens inspiring blog post..A Simple Meal and A 100th Post
Have a wonderful time in Nashville, I can’t wait to hear all about it! I’m very envious :)
Looking forward to your news when you return.
My Beautiful Life committment for February was to sew for my home, and yesterday sewed new pillowcases and decorative pillows for my bed in the most delicious soft pinks.
Blessings ~
Hi Melissa! I really wish I could be at Blissdom! I’d really love to hear what you have to say (even though you feel unsure…I KNOW you’ll be fabulous!) Have a great time!
Wendys inspiring blog post..The Sweetheart Tree~
It’s so exciting reading about everyone going to Blissdom! What an adventure! Good for you!
Have a great time!
jennykates inspiring blog post..Friday Confessions
I’m sure you’ll do great! I can’t wait to see all the updates and pictures and tweets. I wish I could have gone…
Barbaras inspiring blog post..99 Red Balloons
I wish I could be there to hear your presentation! Have a great time and let us know how it went for you :)
Tamaras inspiring blog post..Treat yourself……. have a Coffee
I hope you have a great time! You’ll be great, I’m sure.
Wish I could be there too!!
Wishing I could be there to hear you speak, too. I just know you’ll be beautiful.
Katie
Katie at makingthishome.coms inspiring blog post..Sharing American Chocolate Chip Cookies in Germany
Melissa,
Congrats on the honor of being asked to speak on the subject of successful blogging! Blogging does have its amazing opportunities. My post today is on one of my life lessons learned through decorating and learning to nurture harmony in the home through design choices. Thank you for the opportunity to learn, share, and bloom right along with you in 2009!
Miss Sandys inspiring blog post..Beautiful Compromise…..
Have fun at Nashville! You’ll do great :)
Myrnies inspiring blog post..Sigh
Have a wonderful time! I wish I was going too:)
Brandie Pahls inspiring blog post..For The Love Of White
Hi Melissa!
Have a wonderful time – can’t wait to hear about it! Please stop by my blog when you have a minute and pick up your award.
Best,
Claudia
Claudia HIlls inspiring blog post..An award!
Hello Melissa,
I found your blog through CWO and have so enjoyed reading it! I work at a building and design showroom in northern Michigan, and most of my time is spent assisting designers with kitchen installs that we do. There are pictures of previous jobs on the company website, http://www.nmhardwoods.com. Your home is beautiful — you definitely have a talent for making a house a home!
Phylicia
Phylicias inspiring blog post..Lord, Only You Can Change Me
“Bloom Where God Plants You” is so appropriate for me this week. I pray that you’ll bloom at Blissdom and that God’ll give you the right words to say as you encourage others (via blogging) to live their best lives in 2009 and beyond.
Congratulations on your nomination!!!!!!!
Nickys inspiring blog post..February 1st – The First Day of Many Firsts …
Next week is Venice Carnival with lots of beautifully-created masks and lots of Venetian treats. Beauty in celebration.
Gennaros inspiring blog post..Recycled Masterpiece: Chandigarh’s Rock Garden
Congratulations in all you have brought to blogging in the past few years! I am sure you will be great this weekend. I might have to try to catch up and join in on living a beautiful life! :)
Ashley @ Domestic Fashionistas inspiring blog post..Help! I have an interview but not a thing to wear!
Just did a post on my thoughts on Walden, versus the complicated, decorated life I live. Love your site Melissa. Thanks for doing this.
Amaras inspiring blog post..Walden versus the Caterer and the Home Decorator.
I wanted to be there. I tried to be there. But alas, I’ll be experiencing my own Blissdom at home. The home that is much more beautiful, thanks to you! Have a blast! We’ll be right here when you get back, waiting to hear all the details.
I really wish I could be there! I’m glad you are and that you’re speaking. I know you’re having a fabulous time and can’t wait to hear all about it!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..This & That
I am enjoying this………
Have a WONDERFUL time, you will be FAB!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!! :D
Karis inspiring blog post..A Book Review
Hello Melissa!
I forgot to leave a message yesterday… ooops… thank you for putting together these linking posts…. they are soooo much FUN to be part of!
Hope you ENJOY your weekend and that all is well with YOU and your family!
Fifi
Fifi Flowerss inspiring blog post..Pink Saturday in Sri Lanka…
Oh, how exciting! Off on a plane to Blissdom. Have a wonderful time. Savory
Savorys inspiring blog post..A beautiful life???
Enjoy your trip!!!! Thanks for inspiring me!
Denise
Denises inspiring blog post..Dining Room Art
I am so very new to blogging but I’m having so much fun! How wonderful to have already made so many new friends out there in the blog world.
Blessings,
Amanda
Amandas inspiring blog post..THE LOVE JOURNAL
Just a ditto to all the words of well wishes for you in this new experience. I agree — You’re going to be wonderful! Many prayers that the entire trip will be even more rewarding and exciting than expected! We look forward to you sharing with us too.
As I writ this comment, I know that you are finishing up your fab weekend at Blissdom. I am still jealous and wishing I had been there. Hopefully, next year I will be among the attendees! I know you have a great time and that everyone, in attendance, was blessed and inspired. I enjoyed your post. This blog carnival looks like fun. I will be coming back!
Lisa@Blessedwithgraces inspiring blog post..Grace at the Zoo… some fun video for the Grandparents
Hi Melissa! I just wanted to say how blessed I feel that I was able to meet you. You have made me want to push my little blog to its highest. What an inspiriation you are to me and I just wanted to say Thank you! I look forward to next year at Blissdom. Thank you for being so sweet~
Susie Harriss inspiring blog post..A Little Bliss and Tell…
So happy to have found your beautiful blog with ” A Beautiful Life”
Thank you so much for the inspiration to seek out the beauty everyday! I really believe a grateful attitude truly enhances our life !
Cheers
Bre
Melissa, I so regret that we didn’t get to sit down and hang out more–but it was still really fun to chat with you the little bit that I did. I love your blog!
I didn’t get a chance to actually meet / greet with you at BlissDom – but I sat in on your panel and appreciated all that you had to say… plus it caused me to discover your lovely corner of the web I hope to visit more often! :)
Esther @ FaintStarLites inspiring blog post..My Big Belly