I am a retired elementary school teacher and have been living in Portland’s fabulous Pearl District for the past twelve years. I am lucky to be living near my children and grandchildren and I get to enjoy time with them each week. Teaching piano lessons and taking musical events in the city are also part of my weekly activities. I live with Violet, the well known rambunctious Labrador who makes sure there are lots of walks involved in the daily routines. Every summer I spend a few months off the grid at a remote lakeside cabin. There is no electricity or running water but there are two pianos and lots of wildlife. Balancing an urban and country lifestyle is ideal for me. I also like to travel and am looking forward to some adventures in Africa this winter.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family:
I am part of a big family that loves to laugh and spend time together. When I was growing up, I was surrounded by lots of cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents in our small town. I’m incredibly lucky now that both my daughters live near me here in Portland and I get the honor of watching our family grow and thrive.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Our family homesteaded in Idaho in the 1860s. I grew up and attended school in Idaho and taught elementary school art there until retiring twelve years ago. In addition to public school teaching I have taught piano for the past twenty-three years. There is nothing more powerful than learning something new and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing learners at work. It’s been a great privilege to share what I can to make art and music part of the lives of so many.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
LeChon, LucLac and Carlitas
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been visiting Portland regularly for fifty years. I’ve been a full time Portland resident for twelve years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in our community?
My friend Mauri. She is completely confident, absolutely loyal, contemplatively spiritual, constantly curious and hysterically funny. Mauri has more patience, compassion and energy than seems humanly possible. Anyone who has ever met her would agree!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I watch PBS. I still have rabbit ears on my TV. I have enjoyed “Masterpiece“ on PBS for many years. My favorite movie of all time is “Wizard of Oz”.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always keep a sense of humor. Never run out of chocolate. Do something everyday to make the world a better place.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
“Montage” was a restaurant friends and family gathered at over the years. We were all so sad to see them close their amazing brick and mortar location. The many Mac and Cheese variations and the foil sculptures that contained the leftovers were the best. There’s really nothing that compares!!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?Where?
Steve Martin! We would have drinks and dinner at Lechon. He is the funniest person I can think of and I’ve enjoyed his comedy and his music for over 40 years.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Portland is a great walkable city and TriMet makes it so easy to get around without a car. It’s wonderful to be able to walk to the opera or jump on the streetcar and go to Powell’s. There are so many unique small businesses in our community. I continue to discover some place new every time I venture out into our neighborhoods.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I live in an incredible sixth floor apartment with huge windows that offer dynamic views of the city and it’s near both the river and the city. My life here is wonderfully full and active and I plan to stay here in the Pearl as long as I’m living in the states. I plan to retire in the distant future in South Africa.
Q: (Even for friends or family) what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hot dogs are still my favorite food after 67 years of eating all kinds of things. Most of my diet is vegetarian, so this is a shocker for some…
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Floating down the Clearwater river at dusk in late July.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren. They view the world in a positive light with awe, curiosity and a general sense of wonder. They are motivated, patient and always ready to say yes to any kind of adventure, large or small. They’re patient, kind and imaginative. They have extraordinary energy and stamina! Amazing and inspiring in so many ways!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends, Love
