A Bit About Me

My name is Olivia, and I’m the creator of Altstreamer: “Alternatives to the Mainstream.” Here I examine mainstream trends and offer contrarian, practical perspectives to help you live a more intentional and colorful life.

For the past five years, I’ve embraced digital minimalism (including years with a dumbphone), handmade hobbies, and deliberate living. My core belief is that a remarkable life comes from thoughtful choices rather than following the crowd.

On Altstreamer, I share weekly insights that challenge the status quo and explore wholesome, principle-driven ways to live better. If you’re seeking more depth and individuality, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the other side.

Some Fun Facts About Me

1. Every blog post on Altstreamer is written from my Neo2 word processor. It is a win/win because I can write without my computer while also emulating my work back onto my computer.

2. Very seldom do I watch/TV shows by myself for personal entertainment. When I do watch media, it is something I bond over with my husband (mostly for the snuggles). But I do enjoy wild west flicks and Batman quite a bit.

3. Most nights, I can’t go to bed without reading at least a few pages of a book. I am always reading something and definitely prefer books over movies.

4. I have acquired some quirky instruments over the years. One is a balalaika, which is a Russian folk instrument larger than a ukulele but smaller than an acoustic guitar. Another is a tank drum, which is made from a steel tank and sounds very soothing. And I have two Native American flutes that I have started learning how to play, one in A minor and the other in G# minor.

5. I downgraded to a “dumb phone” for two years, and it was such a liberating experience. Ever since getting a smart phone again, I have left the screen in black and white mode.

6. I am currently working on hand knitting a full wardrobe of sweaters for the winter. This includes Nordic sweaters, which I am very much inspired by.

7. I was almost featured in a digital minimalism documentary alongside other digital minimalism thought leaders. In the end, I wasn’t featured in the film, but it’s still so cool to me that I got that close.

8. I never bring my phone to concerts (unless I’m going alone). I really enjoy being in the moment and soaking in the full experience.

9. Very seldom do I take pictures nowadays. I would like to take some more to have more memories to look back on, but my husband does most of the photo taking.

10. My hobbies have shifted lot over the years. I used to do a lot of physical activities such as boxing, kayaking, yoga, and hiking, but now I predominately focus on knitting, songwriting and song composition, singing, and taking walks.

11. I have written a few different types of books over the years. This includes a poetry book, workbook, and family history book. I have since decided to “retire” from book writing.

12. I have written many different types of songs over the year as well, but I mostly write folk music since that is what comes naturally to me.

13. My favorite drink is coconut water. When I need an energy boost, that is my go-to.

14. One of my goals for the future is to be very adept at understanding music theory concepts. I strive to be a master at my craft.

15. I have seen just about all of my favorite bands live at this point. My favorite genres of music are folk from different cultures, hard rock, and various types of metal. I hope to one day check The Cure off my music bucket list, though.

16. I have accumulated quite a bit of hobby gear over the years and do come back to some of those activities from time to time. I don’t even know what boredom looks like at this point.

17. My inspiration heavily comes from time periods, books/movies, and people that came before me. It always seems like I experience nostalgia for eras I’ve never truly lived but find special.

18. I haven’t traveled as much as I’d like to yet, but the top two places I’d want to visit are the Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe.

19. I absolutely LOVE David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. It is one of those masterful works that inspires my own in some ways.

20. I am a knowledge hoarder. In fact, I keep an “information library” on my computer where I store important information I come across. You never know what information will be useful and when.