This post is the first in a series that celebrates the wisdom and stories of The Chateau by Highlands’ active adult residents. It aims to connect our community by sharing our residents’ inspiring journeys, highlighting the diverse experiences that enrich our lives here.
This post is adapted from a biography originally written by Chuck Pierce, a friend of Linda, while she was a resident at The Village at Deaton Creek.
The Timeless Wisdom of Dr. Seuss
There is a book, initially written for children, that has morphed into a book for all ages, 64 pages of life’s adventures and misadventures masterfully crafted in entertaining couplets. Throughout the main character’s ups and downs, the reader is gently reminded that life is indeed a journey and that each of us is up to the challenge.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go was Dr. Seuss’s final gift to the world, and indeed he saved his best for last. How do we journey through this gift we call life? Dr. Seuss offers many suggestions, but for Linda Keller, the message came across crystal clear:
“You have brains in your head and you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
A Life of Adventure
Indeed, for this fifth daughter of six children, the directions have been many. As her dad’s favorite, Linda became his sidekick at the family home in the rural beauty of a small town on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. Linda enjoyed the outdoors. Fishing, hunting and horseback riding became her passions. She traveled with her dad and competed in barrel racing and loved every minute of it, so much so that she never noticed how poor the family really was, until her senior year in high school, when college tuition became a discussion topic. With the encouragement of her teachers and friends, this honor student applied to the University of Minnesota and was awarded an academic scholarship.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
From Rural Roots to the Skies Above
After completing her sophomore year, Linda decided to chart a new course. There was a job working for Western Union as a singing-telegram lady. Singing during work hours and taking flying lessons after work, Linda traded in her love of barrel racing for her private pilot’s license.
Education and Career Advancement
The next few years included the career change that would lead to more adventures. As a team member at US West Corporation, Linda was encouraged to return to school, and she moved to Nebraska to attend College of St. Mary and finished her business degree. Upon graduation, Linda was promoted to a new marketing and sales position in Denver.
It didn’t take long for US West to see Linda’s “blue chip” enthusiasm and leadership, and soon she found herself heading to the London office of their cable start-up TeleWest. This was an exciting time, when every day brought new discoveries and creations that sprouted from the minds of computer wizards, and Linda loved it.
Living in London, a new Stage
During her off hours, she explored the rich history of England and the beauties of the European continent. Of all the traveling and exploring she did, one of Linda’s very favorite memories happened every day right outside her flat as she watched the Queen’s Horse Guards on their way to Buckingham Palace.
In London’s West End, Linda took in her first live theater performance and was deeply moved by the emotion portrayed on the stage. Her love for live theater was born. Years later at The Village at Deaton Creek, she decided that being “on stage” was even more fun than being in the audience. She made her stage debut in It’s Showtime’s production of Dashing Through the Snow and has been in every play since. But her appetite was great and, sadly, there was only one play per year in our beautiful village. So, it was off to the Winder-Barrow Community Theatre. Now eight plays and ten roles later, acting is a major part of Linda’s life. If one listens closely while passing Linda on her daily walks, her lines for her next play will be revealed.
Another Chapter at The Chateau by Highlands
Linda has hung up her acting wig and has recently embarked on a new chapter of her life by moving to The Chateau by Highlands, an active adult community. This transition has been fueled by the promise of new connections and exciting opportunities. Linda has wasted no time immersing herself in the vibrant tapestry of her new community and has shared with her new friends the joy of puzzles while she has been introduced to the transformative power of yoga. Through her unwavering spirit of adventure and her genuine love for others, Linda embodies the essence of living life to the fullest and we are thrilled to have her as a neighbor.
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