Where Stories Begin

Stories of creativity, home, and belonging.

Michelle Fizzard, teacher, writer, and photographer, welcoming readers to her blog about creativity, home, and belonging.

Welcome—I’m Michelle

Michelle Life Beyond the Classroom creativity, home and belonging, life transitions, midlife, new beginnings 0

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge to return to something you once loved—or to make space for something new? I’m Michelle—a teacher, writer, photographer, and published children’s author—sharing the stories and creative projects shaping this next chapter.

Michelle holding a camera and looking through the viewfinder, reflecting her love of photography and everyday storytelling.

Finding My Way Back to Photography

Michelle Photography & Storytelling creativity, everyday storytelling, family memories, motherhood, photography 0

Photography came into my life when I became a mother, teaching me to notice and preserve the beauty in everyday moments. After years of leaving my camera tucked away, I’m ready to pick it up again and reconnect with the creativity and joy I have missed.

Grace, the classroom cat featured in Amazing Grace, stretching across a student’s work beside a yellow pencil.

The Animals Who Shape Our Lives

Michelle Family, Animals & Belonging Amazing Grace, animal companionship, animals, childhood memories, grief and healing, pet loss 0

The animals we love become part of our families, memories, and stories. A heartfelt reflection on Thomasina, Amazing Grace, grief, love, and the lasting lessons animals leave behind.

Creative supplies arranged for a quiet moment of making and everyday creativity.

Create What You Love

Michelle Life Beyond the Classroom creative inspiration, creativity, everyday creativity, midlife creativity, personal growth 0

Creativity can be woven into the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Writing, photography, cooking, gardening, and making things by hand can help us feel more present, connected, and at home in ourselves.

A person in a yellow sweater holding a white mug decorated with red and black hearts.

Slow Down. Savour the Moment.

Michelle Life Beyond the Classroom creativity and presence, everyday moments, intentional living, mindfulness, simple pleasures, slowing down 0

Ordinary moments often hold the greatest beauty. This gentle reflection is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and notice the small moments of comfort, connection, and joy already woven into each day.

An open journal and ink bottle resting on a wooden table, representing writing, reflection, and personal storytelling.

Stories Begin with a Single Page

Michelle Writing & Publishing creativity, journaling, personal growth, reflective writing, self-discovery, storytelling 0

Writing helps us slow down, preserve meaningful memories, and reconnect with ourselves. From journals and photobooks to children’s books, every story begins with the courage to write one sentence.

Michelle walking with her golden retriever, Harry, through a field of sunflowers on a sunny summer day.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Michelle Life Beyond the Classroom everyday moments, finding joy, healthy living, life with animals, midlife wellness, simple pleasures 0

True well-being is about more than exercise and nutrition. It is also found in slowing down, caring for ourselves with kindness, and noticing the small moments that bring joy to everyday life.

Create What You Love

Michelle Life Beyond the Classroom creative inspiration, creativity, everyday creativity, midlife creativity, personal growth 0

About Michelle

Welcome! I’m Michelle—a teacher, author, photographer, and lifelong collector of stories.

Here, I share the stories and photographs shaping this next chapter of my life—from writing Harry’s Golden Heart and creating our Newfoundland home to returning to photography and imagining life beyond the classroom.

Must Reads

Welcome—I’m Michelle

Create What You Love

Stories Begin with a Single Page

Slow Down. Savour the Moment.

Where Stories Begin

About Michelle

Follow Me

Notes from Michelle

Thank you!

Must Reads

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