My Blog
I’m Jeanmiree van der Werf
My dad’s stories sparked my imagination, and my husband’s belief in me reignited my courage. After years of doubt, I’m finally embracing my fearless eight-year-old self. I’m done playing small—ready to shine (metaphorically, of course). Let’s grow and dream big together!
‘Horns’ was a lot!
TW/ sexual abuse/ assault By mid-July, I decided to have a "summerween" by reading something "dark". I can't remember if I told you all that I gathered many exciting books from my sister's shelf at the beginning of the year, and I'm too lazy to look at older stories....
E Serie Cu a Laga Tur Hende ta Pensa
TW/ abuso/ agresion sexual Wel… esnan cu a wak e anto. ‘Baby Reindeer’ a sali dia 11 di april ultimo. Manera candela den un mondi hopi hende tabata papia di dje ariba medionan social. Ami mes no tabata sa di dje te ora cu mi a wak un post ariba un pagina di...
This Music Video Truly Madly Deeply Gave Me Anxiety As a Child
Yesterday was the last day of my spring break. Schools will open back up tomorrow, and I'm returning to work. As usual, I wash my hair on Sundays. It was boiling today, so I knew I needed to make my bathroom experience as pleasant as possible. I was in the mood to...
Big Bad Brown Book
My mom's cousin gave me this book when I was 7. I loved reading it as a child because it had so many pictures on every page and was easy to read. One day, I took it to school, and I wanted the teacher to read a story or two in class. I remembered the teacher looking...
Random Book Review
Doing book reviews again! This year, I want to read more. Doesn't matter what; I just want to read. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Right now, I'm reading anything under the bookshelf of my little sister's desk (my desk, too!). Why this...
Everyone Tap In. Let’s See You At 21
Querido diario, Papiamento, claro cu si! Mi sa, e titulo ta zona straño y porta bo ta custuma lesa mi storianan na Ingles, pero e aña aki mi a dicidi di reta mi mes door di skirbi mas contenido na Papiamento. Mi ta bayendo un curso tur diasabra di Papiamento. Ayera mi...
Do you dare…?
Dear Diary, It's been a few (crazy) months since I last wrote you. A lot has happened. My four blank walls and (mostly) myself have decided not to wait any longer and to just pour it out. I came to you the most this year when my head was packed and I had "negative"...
La Cosa Mas Bella
When I was about seven years old, my mom bought a CD, also known as a compact disc. It was very popular in the 90's. This time, she brought home the CD of this man who sung strangely. I couldn't stand his voice, but my parents seemed to love him. "What was wrong with...
Tijd Voor de Billeshake
Disclaimer: If you are closed-minded, see things only in black and white, and lack critical thinking, this article is probably not for you. But if you disagree, please share your thoughts with me. On an early Thursday, I put on the radio on my way to my mother's...
No Internationals (Sorry) (Part 2)
By the end of July, when it was almost time to leave, my sister was still without a roof above her head. For a moment, we did think we got help from an online consultant for students who also helps students with housing; in the end, they basically robbed my sister for...