I was born on a dairy farm in Friesland, a northern province in the Netherlands. I loved horse back riding, dressing up in the traditional Friesian costume and writing books for all my dolls and stuffed animals.
When I grew up I became a kindergarten teacher. I made puppets and wrote puppet plays for my students.
In 1981, I moved to Canada with my husband, Albert and children, Romkje, Sjoerd and Rikst. We settled in North Bay, Ontario.
The English language was new to me. To learn the new language I went to university to obtain my B.A. and B.Ed. I was thrilled to become a kindergarten teacher for the second time. I started writing stories and poems for my students, but this time in the English language. When I was taking creative writing courses at Canadore College, I was encouraged to submit my stories to publishers. After many years of trying, my dream came true and I
became a published author.
When I grew up I became a kindergarten teacher. I made puppets and wrote puppet plays for my students.
In 1981, I moved to Canada with my husband, Albert and children, Romkje, Sjoerd and Rikst. We settled in North Bay, Ontario.
The English language was new to me. To learn the new language I went to university to obtain my B.A. and B.Ed. I was thrilled to become a kindergarten teacher for the second time. I started writing stories and poems for my students, but this time in the English language. When I was taking creative writing courses at Canadore College, I was encouraged to submit my stories to publishers. After many years of trying, my dream came true and I
became a published author.
Albert and I are very concerned about the future of our planet.
We are continuously trying to reduce our carbon footprint. We have built an off-the-grid straw bale home,
which has become an educational site for students and families, who are interested in sustainable living. We adore our six beautiful grandchildren and wish for them to enjoy this beautiful planet.
The photograph in the header is, martha, the 'Happy Straw Baler'.I placed the first straw bale
in the wall of our new house.
We are continuously trying to reduce our carbon footprint. We have built an off-the-grid straw bale home,
which has become an educational site for students and families, who are interested in sustainable living. We adore our six beautiful grandchildren and wish for them to enjoy this beautiful planet.
The photograph in the header is, martha, the 'Happy Straw Baler'.I placed the first straw bale
in the wall of our new house.
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In 2016, Bijke, joined our family and he has been so much fun. Bijke is a 'Stabij Houn', one of the five rarest dog breeds in the world. This breed originated in Friesland, the Netherlands, and is becoming popular in North America. Bijke is a digger. He loves to swim and dig in the snow and in the sand.
"Hi, I'm Patch.
I love Bijke, but his kisses are very wet!"
I love Bijke, but his kisses are very wet!"
