About Me

 Take Time To Do What Makes Your Soul Happy

Welcome to RiseAndDesign99!

Thanks for taking the time to explore some of the pages. I'm Michele, and I'm genuinely happy to have you here.  I know you could be doing other things with your time. 😊

                                                    My hubby and I. Still going strong 

                                                      after more than 35 years!

I am a happy, fortunate and wise wife, blessed mother of 3 kind, intelligent, determined, wonderful kids, Mimi of one wondrous granddaughter, dog lover forever, former school teacher and current school counselor. I grew up with a mother who was creative and fun and also loved to make things and a father that was always fixing things around the house and tinkering with random projects of his own. I definitely was lucky enough to grow up in a house where we were encouraged to try out new skills and figure out how things work. My dad's favorite expression was often "Follow your nose, you'll figure it out."  I love being outdoors and take advantage of all that has to offer, from hiking and camping to gardening to kayaking. I love walking, especially out in nature, but also adore sitting on sandy, sunny beaches with expansive ocean views relaxing me.  I enjoy cooking and love big family and friend gatherings. I love listening to music and almost always have something playing while I'm working and creating. Sometimes I am a Pinterest junkie and lose track of time as I scroll and pin and imagine. If you want to see my Pinterest rabbit hole feel free  to follow me at www.pinterest.com/michele2280. I have enjoyed photography ever since my dad got me my first SLR camera when I was a freshman in high school. Taking pictures is also another time-sucker for me. I adore capturing perfect expressions and scenic views... and really everything in between. I'd have to say my biggest joy though is spending time with family and friends. It brings my life so much joy and meaning. And last but not least I am wildly passionate about designing and creating things. Being creative isn't a hobby for me; it's truly a way of life. I whole-heartedly subscribe to Picasso's thought that "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Hopefully you can relate to that too. And if not, it's never too late to learn new tricks. Just follow your nose.