About

HELLO THERE!

I’m Micheile (mee – shell), a Californian gone Dutch. In 1995 I, together with my then 5 year old daughter Cierra moved to The Netherlands. I now live with my boyfriend Ivo & our two cats, Neko & Pandora in Rotterdam. Cierra is living in the picturesque city of Amersfoort.

Where do you know me from? Maybe from Vintage Rose Brocante or A Creative Mess. I’ve been blogging for over 13 years and as I evolve so do my interests.

2019 is a year of change for us. New home, city, employment and lifestyle (we even left most of our possessions behind).

It is the year I started blogging exclusively on Visual Stories.

BEFORE & AFTER THE INTERNET

I'm that old.

I grew up in Sonoma, California. I finished High School early by taking a High School Proficiency Examination which allows students to finish High School earlier than the normal 4 year system. I was basically that bored. I found my real challenge studying Visual Presentation and Space Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising aka FIDM. Quite a mouth full amirite? It was what would now be referred to as Visual Merchandising / Visual Communication. I went on to work as a florist and for a short time as a freelance florist designer.

It was really easy to find full time employment in Europe as a native speaker, so that’s what I did. That said I missed creative work and was always looking for projects to do where I could tap into my creativity.

When the internet came into my life it opened so many doors for me. I’ve since learned so much about visual design and I am constantly trying to up my game. I can’t imagine not being online or not understanding computers, software and other technology!

I’ve got a wide range of interests ranging from graphic design, photography, interior decorating, but also science and politics. Unfortunately my life has had its share of trauma. I carry my share of emotional baggage with me, It’s no small amount either, in fact it’s the reason I’m on disability. Some intensive trauma therapy has helped soften the sharp edges, and I’ve gotten a lot of rest by not having to work daily. This has brought a tremendous amount of stability and balance into my life. Everyday I’m grateful for the happiness I now feel. I’m always guarding my boundaries, while at the same time finding joy in everyday things. One of the things that gives me pleasure is helping others. I believe in paying it forward. This is why I’ve started the Pay It Forward projects on Visual Stories.

pay it forward

01 PERSONALISE

I’ll personalise my printables and templates for you. If it’s already in my shop —already created. I’ll edit it with your personal information for you.

02 SEMI-CUSTOM

If we work together with my Pay It Forward Project, I can install your WordPress and configure it free of charge. A new theme? I can help with that too!