Gogh On: The Blog

An Introduction
October 4th, 2021

Another beginning to another possibility. Before leaving Michigan and crash landing in Boston, I would often find myself behind an old electric piano. No knowledge or training danced across those worn keys, rather just the magic of a few notes and a hurting soul. A release of harmonizing words; the fear, the pain, the loss… All would ring in between the grand timbers of my childhood home. There I would sit, just belting the heaviest of emotions, which echoed in an empty house. Peace, found me in those moments when I finally felt I had spoken the truth of my feelings that once laid trapped in the depths of my mind. I hold those moments so close to my heart, especially the last song that erupted from my very being. That last song will forever be my hidden masterpiece-- though I do not remember all the thoughts I sang, the feeling holds true whenever I reflect back. I feel most like myself during creation, whether through a private musical or simple paintings; It’s me. It’s a version of myself that I often hide, due to the unbearable vulnerability. I grasp these moments of creation with such desperation at times because the idea of me is flooded rapidly with numbness. No, it’s not a matter of forgetting who I am, it’s the realization that the majority of the time I feel missing. I will stare at this young woman, one bursting with possibility, and feel nothing but a hollow shell of existence. I know her, and she knows me, but the war between life and death holds me in limbo. Sometimes I feel strangled by the experience of overwhelming emotions, other times I feel as though I’m dancing among the clouds. All of this, while confusing and exhausting, is a gift. A gift rather than a curse is the perception I have battled to claim, and it’s a never-ending fight towards victory.

Hello, My name is Emma Coberley. I am on a journey that some may find familiar and I hope to share my story with any eager ears! I have faced a great deal of loss, been taught many valuable lessons, and often consume far too much caffeine. I hope to share my life experiences, dreams, and passions through this blog/podcast. Memories of my late father, reflections of past creations, and open conversations about life will soon find a home on this page! I extend my warmest of welcomes and deepest gratitude to whoever may find these compositions.

My wish is that Gogh On will be a reflection of an important lesson my father left me with:

My father’s last message to me via text was “Have a great day- Push forward!” I have held a heaviness in my heart for being unable to respond, but if I had the chance I’d tell him I would Gogh On…

Tomorrow is not promised, but we hold the power to create a great day and continue to push onward.