https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog daily 0.75 2026-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/129e17f4-3212-4cba-927c-1e6dd0763bd3/Prose+Blog+by+MB+Creative.png Prose https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/happily-ever-after-part-two monthly 0.5 2026-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/60f2bb3e-02af-4204-aa61-3df73436ced7/processed_IMG_20260214_164041195_HDR.jpg Prose - And they lived happily ever after… Part 2 - Make it stand out Description: A dozen red roses in a clear vase on the kitchen island counter top. There’s kitchen peraphenial in the background. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/and-they-lived-happily-ever-after monthly 0.5 2026-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/945ab5bd-6249-486c-926a-abeb44d81fe5/Prose+Blog%2C+engagement+photo.png Prose - And they lived happily ever after… - Make it stand out Description: This is one of our engagement photos. The Sailor is dressed like a Canadian logger kissing his fiance, me. I'm dressed up like a Dutch woman complete with yellow clogs. We are kissing along the dike on a fence. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/snow-days monthly 0.5 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/bc6fd0ca-0fab-44d3-8fde-e569ddf80fa0/snow+day2.jpeg Prose - Snow Days - Make it stand out Description: A quiet rural backyard covered in fresh snow - maybe 2 inches or less - with a small wooden sled resting in the foreground. Leafless trees and hedges line the left side, while a wooden shed and tall ornamental grasses stand to the right. Flat, open fields stretch into the distance under an overcast winter sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1767785983116-8Z7R17D1TLFNC3ZKW7B7/snow+day.jpeg Prose - Snow Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1767785984714-0OEP2AKQ004N2QXWO5GY/snow+day4.jpeg Prose - Snow Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1767785983215-KJ5V7MEW0VYDDUNMXPD9/snow+day3.jpeg Prose - Snow Days https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1767785984636-AIR0Y7C4AZD7IKJLLXW6/snow+day5.jpeg Prose - Snow Days https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/red-flags-in-job-interviews monthly 0.5 2025-08-11 https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/staging-strategy-staying-calm monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/a5902cf5-5e77-4ea6-8f7f-a774f6ed8107/processed_IMG_20250611_122541653.jpg Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm - Make it stand out Description: A bungalow style brick house with a red awning over the front window, surrounded by a green lawn and garden plants. In the foreground, a white real estate sign reads "Te Koop" (For Sale in Dutch) with contact details for Makelaardij Terschelling. A Terschelling banner flag is mounted on the flagpole behind the sign, and the house is set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173570073-DYYITLXJFQU9Q8VLIZWO/Pablo+waking+up.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173569529-HVXHN6BLKABHQX0Q8CDP/Pablo+in+the+shower.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173567094-UN6L6AES7TB7234JQB2G/Pablo+in+the+kitchen.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173567063-D4BKSYEF35C23FISQM6A/Pablo+in+the+office.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173571700-UNAG0N61PZY1LN0KLQED/Pablo+watching+futbol.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173563564-LA6DDYWXC47VWX1PCZLR/laundry_room_dog.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1750173563165-LSPET2U8QAYI09SYHD5A/BBQ+outside+with+cats.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/28b311fc-6ada-4a4d-b908-c4b43944c200/Teaser%2C+new+house.png Prose - Staging, Strategy, & Staying Calm - Make it stand out Description: Pablo (our dog who looks like a mini german shepard with the face of a chihuahua) sitting on a patio chair drinking tea. He has a round table in front with a lovely High Tea setting. There’s a big backyard behind him with bright green grass and a little garden house in the back left corner. He is enjoying his High Tea on a covered patio. There’s a big bamboo plant in a pot on patio behind him. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/dear-younger-me monthly 0.5 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/d9c300b9-7123-4fd3-8b6d-a56a2c3451c3/Dear+Michelle+Blog%2C+MB+Creative.jpg Prose - Dear younger me… - Make it stand out Description: A greyscale photo of a journal with a black pen lying across it. The journal has a line drawing of a typical Amsterdam scene, Dutch buildings, canal in front, and a bike against the canal rail. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/freedom-flags-and-canadians monthly 0.5 2025-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/a1e1c930-5f92-4ba9-8212-7e24d8f25f5e/Pablo+Kings+Day+2023.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. - Make it stand out Description: A small dog that looks like the love child of a chihuahua and a German Shepard is wearing an orange tutu feeling patriotic under a Dutch flag with a row of Dutch flags behind him that lead to the famous Brandaris Lighthouse on King’s Day 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/57919e77-d491-4f9c-a2ee-6c83c21f9e5e/84320808-IMG-20230504-WA0001.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. - Make it stand out Description: The Dutch Flag at half mast in our front yard for Remembrance Day. You can see the corner of our brick house on the right in the foreground and the stone driveway along the left side to our fence, green grass everywhere else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/0861c438-06f6-46b4-869d-3e86843eb2e3/Screenshot_20250506-150711.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. - Make it stand out Description: A screenshot of the image I sent to The Sailor on King’s Day 2022 of the Dutch flag with Terschelling wimpel on our flag pole. In the background is my neighbours flag pole with a Dutch flag and orange wimpel. It was not a windy day and our flags are a bit limp, but it’s the spirit that counts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/7cbf210a-8c62-445b-9764-a43a3dc89dd9/Screenshot_20250506-150949.png Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. - Make it stand out Description: A WhatsApp exchange between my MIL and I on April 30th 2022. It says - MIL: Hallo Michelle, everything allright with you? We saw the flag was still hanging. Michelle: I thought I leave the flag until Liberation Day. Everything is good here, just working lots. And how are things for you? MIL: That’s smart thinking, but not the tradition. At the 4th of May you have to hoist the flag half way the whole day (that’s new, normally from 18.00 hour til sunset). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/b86b7f4b-2109-4c0f-888e-43e24eb36658/Screenshot_20250506-150457.png Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. - Make it stand out Description: A WhatsApp exchange between the Sailor and I on May 4th 2022. It says - Michelle: The papierbak is uit (the paper recycling is out). The flag is at quarter mast apparently I messed it up and it won’t come all the way down now. I need to get a ladder to undo it. This is why I shouldn’t flag. Sailor: Haha. I’m happy about the container. The flag part makes me a little sad [sad crying teal gorrilla sticker]. But I’m happy your tried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/bf6b6477-1c0c-40cf-a1d8-cc6a99fb0b7c/935026030-IMG-20220427-WA0017.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1746541109812-GSWM4YDFHAKVNBL7M82B/kings+day.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/a1e1c930-5f92-4ba9-8212-7e24d8f25f5e/Pablo+Kings+Day+2023.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/2799bc97-4a35-4952-a338-02be2f7827f0/processed_IMG_20250426_154654592.jpg Prose - Freedom, Flags, and… Canadians. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/adventures monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/201bab9d-9abf-437f-aa19-db8a48f2aa0d/MB+Creative+Press+Release+Template+%282%29.png Prose - Adventures. - Make it stand out Description: Mark Twain quote, “20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” in white text against a teal blue ocean image. There's a small corner of cliff rock on the upper left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/5fc1b0a3-ddb9-473a-b99a-08678be1b58b/processed_IMG_20250421_153320211%7E2.jpg Prose - Adventures. - Make it stand out Description: A letter sized paper with a colourful header that says, "Fun in Sondel" below the header is fun items as a checklist, some of the items are checked off like "Tulip Field" and some are still unchecked like "Puzzle Museum (Joure)." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/6df6f5aa-6569-4fe5-963f-f88b49e4f466/Michelle+B.+Tulip+Fields%403x.png Prose - Adventures. - Make it stand out Image Description: A woman (Michelle) wearing a long purple and pink dress standing in a field of red tulips. The tulips come up to her knees. She has a big smile, her hair in a ponytail and her eyes a little squinty from the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/14e3fcfc-941c-4358-ae50-88238c826efd/Franeker+11+fountains+fountain.jpg Prose - Adventures. - Make it stand out Description: The Oort Cloud Fountain “The fountain is an ode to the world-famous astronomer Jan Hendrik Oort, who was born in Franeker. His assumption that a ‘cloud’ of billions of comet-like objects is moving around our solar system was a breakthrough in astronomy. The fountain is designed as a series of waterfalls that flow into the water basin from a bowl, along a vertical chain of night-coloured pearls. One of the pearls is silver-coloured, like the colour of the moon, another is gilded, the colour of the sun. ‘The Oort Cloud’ fountain itself is a mist of fine droplets falling from a gold-coloured mesh into the bowl.” - 11Fountains website https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/art-vs-ai monthly 0.5 2025-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/be8139fe-39d5-48b8-80d1-d52b72ce1775/Jamie+Anderson+Grief+Poem.jpg Prose - AI can try but it can’t do better than this. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/f55ffff7-0a48-494c-ba20-9195261e10b5/Albert+Camus+Quote.jpg Prose - AI can try but it can’t do better than this. - Make it stand out Image Copyright: Bake,Table, & Tea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/6cfbf9fa-6921-4c34-b038-d31cf84bf9ed/The+Chief.jpg Prose - AI can try but it can’t do better than this. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/8fb5072e-d76c-4c34-8623-4e9a1b954eb5/processed_IMG_20250331_164541671_MF_PORTRAIT.jpg Prose - AI can try but it can’t do better than this. - Make it stand out Description: A small soup bowl with little rounded handles on the sides. The pattern features a bird (I say Chicken, the Sailor says Pigeon) there’s tall grass and a flower. The design is colourful - purple, green, burnt orange, bright orange, blue, and yellow. Think late 60’s / early 70’s Mexican vibes. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/soledad monthly 0.5 2025-03-24 https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/its-okay-to-flop monthly 0.5 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/b0bb940d-f024-4fcd-8b13-ccbcd40b316e/processed_IMG_20250303_132637581_HDR.jpg Prose - It’s Okay To Flop. - Make it stand out Description: Four Appleflaps (Apple Turnovers) baking inside a convection oven on the same wire rack. The pastries are drooping down the edges and between the rack wires. The oven's interior is visible, with a rotating glass plate at the bottom and red heating elements glowing at the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/762798ea-d3ff-463c-b69a-f548db1cfc02/processed_IMG_20250303_142757464_HDR.jpg Prose - It’s Okay To Flop. - Make it stand out Description: Three golden-brown fully baked, Appleflaps, are cooling on the same small wire rack on a speckled kitchen countertop. The pastries are slightly hanging off the edge of the rack and between rack wires. In the background, a black electric kettle and an orange paring knife. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/imprints-of-kindness monthly 0.5 2025-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/9843fa85-0d86-46fd-87cb-62f698b2205c/Met+opruiming+deelneming.jpg Prose - Imprints of kindness. - Make it stand out Description: A blue watercolour background, the colour of a rainy day, an overcast sky. The words "Met Oprechte Deelneming" in gold and a little gold heart overlap the watercolor sky. A Dutch condolence card example. Translation - “With Sincere Participation” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/4ab966e8-1759-49a9-b942-014144bfd9db/Knitted+slippers.jpg Prose - Imprints of kindness. - Make it stand out Copyright: Ravelry “Grandma’s Slippers” pattern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/e81fb036-bfca-468d-9c5e-0182f9fef4bb/Your-impact-on-other-people-TinyBuddha.png Prose - Imprints of kindness. - Make it stand out Copyright: TinyBuddha.com Description: A long quote (typed below in the upcoming text too) on a mustard yellow background. A cartoon heart hugging another heart is in the right bottom corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/d3b72f4f-7029-491c-919a-adf91db2f552/You-might-think-that-you-dont-matter-600x600+TinyBuddha.png Prose - Imprints of kindness. - Make it stand out Copyright: TinyBuddha.com Description: A white square with a flowery frame. Inside is a long quote (included below in the upcoming paragraph) by TinyBuddha https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/how-to-write-a-press-release monthly 0.5 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/107950eb-1508-4f0e-8f9a-9b7c9e4e27e0/Recipe_Scroll_Final_Maritsa+Patrinos.gif Prose - How to write a Press Release. - Make it stand out Copyright: Maritsa Patrinos via Buzzfeed Description: A four-panel comic by Maritsa Patrinos humorously illustrates the frustration of online recipes. A man finds a lasagna recipe but is forced to scroll through a long personal story. As time passes, he turns into a skeleton before finally reaching the recipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/26e4fcef-dbe1-43e4-b909-e039869fc147/MB+Creative+Writing+a+Press+Release.jpg Prose - How to write a Press Release. - Make it stand out Description: A young woman (me at the Yacht Sales Company) with long, curly dark hair sits at an office desk, smiling while holding a grape. She wears a grey cardigan over a patterned dress. A laptop, a phone, a notebook, and a container of green grapes are on her desk. She also holds a reusable coffee cup. Behind her, a large window reveals a parking lot with multiple vehicles and trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/fc94d524-118e-4062-9881-cec4afbebdcc/Article+screenshot.png Prose - How to write a Press Release. - Make it stand out Copyright: MEGAYACHT NEWS Description: A classic megayacht, Atlantide, with a deep blue hull and wooden decks, docked at a marina. The yacht has tall masts with colorful nautical flags, and the background features boat sheds and a blue sky with scattered clouds. The image is part of an article from Megayacht News, dated May 22, 2012, about the yacht being for sale with the author listed as Diane M. Byrne. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/a-lesson-from-grandpa-jean monthly 0.5 2025-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/8cd0affa-a5dd-4a37-8193-5263238d0e94/Grandpa+Jean%2C+MB+Creative.png Prose - A Lesson From Grandpa Jean. - Make it stand out Description: I asked ChatGPT (AI) to create a picture based on my description of my Grandpa - “An old French Québécois man with a beard, long hair, and flannel outfit.” The above photo looks like a rediculously good looking old man that does have the same features as my Grandpa. And maybe that’s how ladies of his generation saw him I always thought he looked a little funny with his beard and long hair and flannel. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/how-being-deaf-is-like-learning-a-new-language monthly 0.5 2025-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/7c9d9342-0b81-4ab4-9613-219a4c2d22fa/Polaroid+photo.jpg Prose - How Being Deaf Is Like Learning A New Language - Make it stand out [Description: A polaroid photo taken two weeks or so after losing my hearing. I am wearing a pink blazer, resting my head on my arm and smiling. My eyes say, I can’t really hear you and I want this interaction to end soon. But I need to be polite because this person is trying to be friendly with me. ] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1738613917002-ZWC0QEOO5CBG2O2AT5FG/El+Deafo%2C+Cecil+Bell%2C+page+1.png Prose - How Being Deaf Is Like Learning A New Language https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1738613917115-1ZBITSVFEJUT1X176ZNA/El+Deafo%2C+Cecil+Bell%2C+page+2.png Prose - How Being Deaf Is Like Learning A New Language https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1738613918838-KN63C7UMAPUG0DPVOE1C/El+Deafo%2C+Cecil+Bell%2C+page+3.png Prose - How Being Deaf Is Like Learning A New Language https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1738613919003-LOLHPLI5AFNBY9I09MJL/El+Deafo%2C+Cecil+Bell%2C+page+4.png Prose - How Being Deaf Is Like Learning A New Language https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/theres-a-monster-at-the-end-of-this-book monthly 0.5 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/213f2469-5ae1-4822-bdf4-13a7a35499fe/There%27s+a+monster+at+the+end+of+this+book+cover+photo.png Prose - There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book! - Make it stand out [Description: The cover of the beloved children's book "The Monster at the End of This Book" by Jon Stone from the Sesame Street series. The cover prominently features Grover, a blue, furry monster, waving cheerfully with a big smile and saying, "Hello, everybodeee!" in a speech bubble. The title is displayed in pink and yellow lettering on a white background, framed in green. Below the title, it reads, "starring LOVABLE, FURRY OLD GROVER" in bold yellow text. The scene takes place in a charming cartoon depiction of Sesame Street, with a brick wall, a green street sign reading "SESAME ST." on a lamppost, and a trash can visible on the left-hand side.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/05711de8-eca2-4821-810d-0ba1cb4d2429/Monster+page+2.png Prose - There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book! - Make it stand out [Description: Page 2 and 3 from "The Monster at the End of This Book", On the left side, Grover looks wide-eyed and worried, with his arms raised and a large thought bubble containing the bold, pink text: "WHAT DID THAT SAY?" outlined in black. On the right side, speech bubbles emphasize Grover's growing apprehension. One bubble reads, "On the cover, what did that say? Did that say there will be a Monster at the end of this book???" The word "Monster" is highlighted in red for emphasis. Below it, a yellow speech bubble with large orange letters says, "IT DID?" followed by smaller text in red: "Oh, I am so scared of Monsters!!!"] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/3aa1d855-7365-445c-8fbf-8f27d27b61c3/Another+page.jpg Prose - There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book! - Make it stand out [Description: A lively and animated page from "The Monster at the End of This Book", showcasing Grover in an exaggerated pose of distress. On the left, Grover throws his arms up in panic, looking upwards with wide eyes and a dramatic expression. His fur is slightly ruffled, and colorful stars and lightning bolts surround him to emphasize his frantic state. On the right, large, bold text in orange and green reads: "YOU TURNED ANOTHER PAGE!" Below it, Grover exclaims, "You do not know what you are doing to me!" in a mix of plain and colorful text. At the bottom, bold, vibrant letters in yellow and black declare, "Now... STOP TURNING PAGES!" with the word "STOP" emphasized for dramatic effect.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/f1ec9b5f-6626-42ab-b950-45383e02ceea/grover-monster-end-of-this-book+MIDDLE.jpg Prose - There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book! - Make it stand out [Description: A humorous and chaotic scene from "The Monster at the End of This Book" where Grover finds himself buried under a massive pile of reddish bricks. Only one furry blue hand pops out from under the rubble. Above the rubble, a speech bubble emerges from Grover, with the text: "Do you know that you are very strong?" The background shows cracks and damage to the pages, further emphasizing the comedic destruction caused by the readers' actions.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/9e105a89-7ade-4da3-b0fb-878ee8f39806/Monster+last+page.png Prose - There’s A Monster At The End Of This Book! - Make it stand out [Description: The final page of "The Monster at the End of This Book." On the left, Grover speaks through a speech bubble, saying, "Well, look at that! This is the end of the book, and the only one here is... ME." The word "ME" is written in large, bold, pink text surrounded by small hearts and arrows. He continues, "I, lovable, furry old GROVER, am the Monster at the end of this book. And you were so SCARED!" The word "GROVER" is in bold, blue lettering, while "SCARED" is in bold red for emphasis. On the right, Grover looks directly at the reader, smiling warmly and shrugging, as if to say, "See, there was nothing to fear." Behind him, the words "THE END" appear in big, yellow, blocky letters. Another speech bubble adds, "I told you and told you there was nothing to be afraid of."] https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/spoon-theory-or-monopoly-theory-which-is-better monthly 0.5 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1737468349087-OR264P1U30J1Q5ENQ01T/Hidden+Disabilities+Spoon+Theory+3.png Prose - The Spoon Theory Or The Monopoly Theory: Which Is Best? - "How to Use Spoon Theory" Guide "How to Use Spoon Theory" Guide This graphic has a green background with a sunflower motif. It explains the basics of Spoon Theory using a single green spoon as a visual aid. Key points include: "Imagine starting the day with 12 spoons." "Different activities use up different amounts of spoons." "Once your spoons are all used up, you will need to rest/recover to get some spoons back." The sunflower logo of "Hidden Disabilities" is at the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1737468350271-1RX7F5UBA5FSTE8TNC0R/Hidden+Disabilities+Spoon+Theory.png Prose - The Spoon Theory Or The Monopoly Theory: Which Is Best? - "Different Use of Spoons for Everyone" Explanation "Different Use of Spoons for Everyone" Explanation A green background with sunflower graphics conveys an inclusive message about Spoon Theory. A green spoon with a sunflower detail is central to the design. Key text reads: "All disabilities, conditions, and illnesses affect people in different ways. Even those with the same diagnosis." "An activity that uses 1 spoon for one person may use 3 spoons for another person, and that's okay!" The "Hidden Disabilities" sunflower logo is at the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1737468349321-MN3PFHQBKAUVXVTXG2SC/Hidden+Disabilities+Spoon+Theory+2.png Prose - The Spoon Theory Or The Monopoly Theory: Which Is Best? - "Spoon Theory Example" Graphic "Spoon Theory Example" Graphic A green background with a sunflower design on the edges showcases the concept of Spoon Theory. The image features a grid of activities, each with a corresponding number of spoons (energy units). Examples include: 1 spoon: "Get out of bed," "Get dressed," and "Brush teeth." 2 spoons: "Bathe," "Read or study for 30 minutes," "Wash dishes," and "Do laundry." 3 spoons: "Make and eat a meal," "Light chores," "Exercise for 15 minutes," and "Walk the dog." 4 spoons: "Go to school or work," "Go shopping," "Socialize with friends/family," and "Go to doctors or appointment." A note at the bottom reads: "The ratio of spoons to activities will be different for everyone." The "Hidden Disabilities" logo with a sunflower is displayed at the bottom right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/8e556c5c-5194-4bde-b62a-2ac2769eb9f0/Threads+Spoon+Theory+MB+Creative.png Prose - The Spoon Theory Or The Monopoly Theory: Which Is Best? - Make it stand out [Description: The image features a series of social media posts from Threads discussing Spoon Theory. The posts are formatted as a vertical thread, each with a different coloured bunny icon representing the user. Pink Bunny, 12/05/2024: “We need to stop saying "Everyone has the same hours in a day as Beyonce!" Learning about Spoon theory has really helped me with this language.Spoon theory was originally created to discuss the physical and mental load people with Chronic Illness manage, but it can work for all of us. You use Spoons as a measurement for how much energy you have in a day. Let's say I start out with 12 spoons of energy: single, no kids, work from home.” The post has 449 likes, 139 comments, and 32 shares. Teal Bunny, 12/05/2024: “Please don't use spoon theory if you don't have a chronic illness. It's specifically about how regular, daily life activities cost 'spoons' for people who live with chronic conditions and how they may be able to get through things SOMETIMES but other times even getting out of bed is impossible because they don't have enough spoons for that. There are days when people with chronic health problems can't walk downstairs. THAT'S what the analogy exists for.” The post has 93 likes, 4 comments, and no shares. Aqua Bunny, 06/15/2024): “DisabilityThreads how do y'all feel about not-disabled folx without chronic illness using spoons to describe being tired or burnt out? I'm...irritated by it. FWIW I was an OG moderator on the butyoudontlooksick.com forums (started by Christine Miserandino, the author of The Spoon Theory) ~20 years ago. I spent years in remission not being disabled & now consider myself disabled again.” The post has 68 likes, 118 comments, and 3 shares. Purple Bunny, 06/2024: “Tbh I think gatekeeping spoon theory probably feels really good but there are folks who never would have realized they were chronically ill, or found language to describe what they were experiencing, if we tried to keep that language inside the community it originated from. It’s okay to share sometimes.” The post has 13 likes and no comments or shares.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/827722a9-f0e4-4085-8471-9b12297ff80b/monopoly+theory+mb+creative.jpg Prose - The Spoon Theory Or The Monopoly Theory: Which Is Best? - Make it stand out [Description: a classic Monopoly game board, a square grid divided into various property spaces, utilities, railroads, and special spaces. The background is pale green, and the center features the iconic "MONOPOLY" logo in bold white letters on a red rectangular background, along with the mascot "Rich Uncle Pennybags," a man with a top hat and cane.] https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/how-did-you-decide-where-to-call-home monthly 0.5 2025-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/9abb2ef2-2cfb-45b1-ba93-473974f86dbe/terschelling+in+winter.jpg Prose - How did you decide where to call home? - Make it stand out [Description: "My favorite photo of Terschelling. A picturesque winter scene in a small Dutch village. A tall, rectangular brick lighthouse from 1594 dominates the centre of the photo. The streets and rooftops are dusted in fresh snow. Surrounding the tower are charming, traditional Dutch-style buildings, some with gabled roofs, housing small shops and cafes. The street is lined with bare trees (it is winter) and vintage-style lampposts, adding a rustic charm." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/c7a1acd4-0c43-404c-95b8-3434e4ddd7ba/processed_IMG_20230928_150637428.jpg Prose - How did you decide where to call home? - Make it stand out [Description: “The view of the Bow River from my Grandma’s house in Calgary. A peaceful autumn landscape featuring a calm river cutting through a scenic area. The foreground includes a grassy area scattered with fallen yellow leaves, hinting at the season. A fire pit sits off-centre, suggesting a spot for outdoor gatherings. The river flows gently through the middle of the image, with its opposite bank lined by trees in vibrant shades of yellow and orange, marking the height of fall foliage. Beyond the trees, rolling hills are visible under a partially cloudy sky.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/2f3c0b9e-4ae5-4060-b964-693fd23bc9b9/Bergsma+House.jpg Prose - How did you decide where to call home? - Make it stand out [Description: Look at this adorable brick bungalow, I call home. This charming single-story brick house with a neatly maintained front yard features a white-framed bay window with a red-and-white striped retractable awning, and a small circular window just below the roof peak. A lush pink rhododendron bush is in full bloom near the front wall, while the foreground prominently displays a pink rose bush with a fully bloomed rose in soft focus. The surrounding lawn is green with a few patches of dry grass because Michelle is a lazy gardener, and there are big trees on each side of the house and neighboring houses visible in the background.] https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/launch-of-prose-blog-by-michelle-bergsma monthly 0.5 2025-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/7da0192b-6e52-43c6-9e35-1a6f5b8f9fb2/Michelle+Bergsma+backpacking.jpg Prose - Welcome to Prose - Make it stand out [Description: "A young Michelle (24) at the Guatemala border, pointing to a green sign with 'Guatemala.' The scene features her wearing a big backpack with a yoga mat at the bottom, a smaller day pack on her side, and she’s also carrying a full plastic shopping bag. There are rural surroundings with a small building in the background under trees and sunlight." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/98bf057f-b88d-4ad9-a09c-de4a9c9513b8/Prose+Blog+by+MB+Creative+%282%29.png Prose - Welcome to Prose - Make it stand out [Description: Prose logo with a vibrant background of alternating half-circle shapes in teal, pink, purple, and white. The title 'Prose' is written in elegant black cursive in the center.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/88cf9293-49c8-461c-bece-a0a8183d0689/tea+time.jpg Prose - Welcome to Prose - Make it stand out [Description: A smiling woman (me) enjoying tea in a cozy setting, wearing a pink scarf, and holding a floral teacup. A plate of sandwiches, orange juice, and decorative tableware (High Tea) are arranged on the table in front of her, with warm curtains and natural light in the background."] https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/what-does-your-linkedin-profile-say-about-you monthly 0.5 2025-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/8a2de760-0cdb-4730-b066-0d9ba8f4f6f5/LinkedIn+profile+photos.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out [Description: “Headshots” of two cats (one tuxedo cat with one yellow eye and one all black fluffy cat with two yellow eyes) and a dog (with a big doggy grin and two very pointy ears straight up, he’s a mix of dark and light brown) because this blog is a playful and helpful take on LinkedIn profiles.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1736099521825-61VW8IJ0XCV0TX1TJOWJ/zorro.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1736099534152-4KP258Z2CY5PRW4J7QKR/olaf.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1736099539419-X1LTPFZFY3T2VKWG2UBS/pablo.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1736099521825-61VW8IJ0XCV0TX1TJOWJ/zorro.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/14a28920-21be-40c9-8d0c-126d7483c745/christmas+card.jpg Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/9ab59d7a-96f2-462c-a289-f5e86ca6b114/zorro+portrait.jpg Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/320aeeff-1e12-4a07-a2a9-0696750c6959/updated+zorro.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/1736099534152-4KP258Z2CY5PRW4J7QKR/olaf.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/2e1feb59-0167-4ca3-9a7e-7f451aea7490/olaf+updated.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/627fd07b-2e52-485e-97b2-b121d76c1ae1/pablo.png Prose - What Does Your LinkedIn Profile Say About Your Professional Brand? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.michellebergsma.com/prose-blog/donate-stem-cells-its-easier-than-you-think monthly 0.5 2025-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/a56abacc-b3b7-4bc2-ad72-23e21b56045d/Stem+Cell.png Prose - You Can Donate Stem Cells and Bone Marrow...It's Easier Than You Think! - Make it stand out [Description: Infographic showing the percentage of individuals unable to find a matching donor by ethnic background: 55% for Latino, 60% for Asian American, 75% for African American, and 75% for Multi-Racial individuals, represented by colour-coded human-shaped icons.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/b4c3b000-9b51-4b2a-83d6-9c348adc6b3d/Be+the+Match+graphic.png Prose - You Can Donate Stem Cells and Bone Marrow...It's Easier Than You Think! - Make it stand out [Description: Infographic titled 'Be the Match Registry Members' showing the number of potential stem cell donors by racial and ethnic groups: 18,000 Pacific Islanders, 146,000 American Indian or Alaska Native, 633,000 Multiracial, 848,000 African American or Black, 939,000 Asian, 1,400,000 Hispanic or Latino, and 9,500,000 White. Includes a breakdown of Asian donors by ethnicity, highlighting smaller subcategories such as 34,000 Japanese, 66,000 Vietnamese, and 269,000 South Asian.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/8b7ee296-a390-4cb9-bfcc-0521f2990315/HLA+Markers.png Prose - You Can Donate Stem Cells and Bone Marrow...It's Easier Than You Think! - Make it stand out [Description: Illustration showing the role of HLA markers in stem cell transplantation. The top section shows a donor stem cell with markers that match the recipient's HLA markers, leading to a successful transplantation with a green checkmark. The bottom section shows a donor stem cell with mismatched markers, resulting in an unsuccessful transplantation indicated by red cross marks. The recipient's HLA markers, represented by various shapes, are displayed in the center, highlighting the importance of compatibility between donor and recipient markers.] https://www.michellebergsma.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg MB Creative Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg MB Creative Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg MB Creative Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/38c81e77-824b-4322-891e-252a73cfdc9d/tim-mossholder-GOMhuCj-O9w-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/d001b775-979e-4486-b381-3ee3a39bb2a3/heart+and+creativity+MB+Creative.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/66c28a18-5492-419a-b824-a9fa8f1d0a75/MB+Creative+Press+Release+Template+%281%29.png https://www.michellebergsma.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2025-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/7f6a2bf5-ec8e-4446-b1d8-062f42206fb3/MB+Creative%2C+Is+it+time+to+grow+your+impact.jpg https://www.michellebergsma.com/about-michelle-bergsma daily 0.75 2025-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6101719f07cc3d6755be6910/d0b324c9-064f-42de-ae1a-520078682e6a/IMG_20220217_154927201_HDR.jpg