Hi, my name is Esther and it's lovely to meet you! I'm a girl who was raised in the Pacific Northwest and now call Portland home.
Most of those Portlandia stereotypes aren't true when it comes to my life: I don't like beer, I don't even know where to purchase patchouli, I don't own a chicken, I don't go camping (actually, I've never been camping), and I don't frequent a coffee shop to get my artisan brew. However, I do compulsively stop for pedestrians, I rarely use an umbrella, and I LOVE brunch.
A large part of who I am is influenced by my classical musical training in violin and piano. After spending much of my childhood participating in music around town, I spent some time in Indiana to further my skills. I still perform, teach, and enjoy music regularly (for more about my musical life, please look below). Besides that, I'm a L. M. Montgomery reader, loyal Grey's Anatomy fan (yes, I know, still), a Sephora-aholic, and a cheese connoisseur. I'm happiest in the kitchen cooking and entertaining for my friends but I would rather scrub toilets than do the dishes.
Why do I have a blog? Well, why does anyone have a blog? I was finding that I had lots of thoughts and that long Facebook posts weren't a very sophisticated platform from which to share them. Whether it's a current event that needs my two cents, a teaching method that I can't comprehend, a cosmetic product that I want to purchase stock in, or a performance that gave me a spiritual awakening, you'll find all my opinions here. Obviously, we won't always agree on these perspectives- and that's okay! I am still grateful to have you in my life, differing views and all. I hope my posts put a smile on your face or tears in your eyes, make you think twice, and always encourage you to look to those around you with more love and respect than you had before.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!
Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this blog are taken by me. Photos on this page taken by Maddie Churm.
For those of you interested in what I do as a musician: I am a regular orchestra coach for Union High School as well as other schools and youth orchestras in the area. I have adjudicated for OMTA Syllabus, NFMC Junior Festival, as well as numerous solo and orchestra festivals for the public schools. I am the violinist in the Northwest Piano Trio and also have been a part of many larger performing groups in the Portland Metro area. However, my current regular performing is limited to the Willamette Master Chorus, Portland Festival Symphony, and subbing with the Oregon Symphony. My favorite musical activities include teaching privately and collaborating on chamber music with close friends. I work full time at a local violin shop which allows me to stay really connected with all of our wonderful local musicians.