Welcome to my brand new website. I do apologize for any mistakes, it’s been a while since I had my own website and I need to get the hang of things again. But when I do, you never want to leave me!
I’m Ellen, I live in the Netherlands for now, but I never know where I will end up in the future. And don’t we all?

But born and raised in this small, pretty country for now I enjoy everything The Netherlands have to offer me.
The reason I will keep my texts in English mostly is because I don’t feel Dutch per se. I’m a world citizen. I’ve lived in the USA for quite a while and through my job as a travel agent I was fortunate to travel the world and visit lots of places.

After my job ended at the travel agency, not through my doing mind you :), I pursued my life long dream by becoming a writer. Also, I’ve also been very interested in mindfulness, long before we started calling it that. I had the pleasure to work with very spiritual, wise people in this field. I’ve finished the Writers Academy and specialized in something called journal therapy. I can call myself a ‘journal therapist’ and am certified to teach journaling. So, after al this boasting I want to tell you that I love to help people de-stress by using mindful writing.

My sister and I own a gallery in our home town of Wijk bij Duurstede. Of course you’re always very welcome to walk in and say HI. We’re open on Friday, Saturday and first Sunday of the month. But just to be sure during holiday season, check our website first: https:/www.galeriesommer.nl

My courses on mindful journaling will start somewhere in September 2026. I will let you know on my website and the one of our gallery.
But I will also start course online for any of you interested to get rid of stress. Please check out my blog ‘mindful journaling’.