Meet Linda – Buzzing Through the Golden Years
Welcome to the third edition of my blog series, Women of Wisdom, where we celebrate the extraordinary lives of women who continue to inspire and thrive in their golden years. As a functional nutritionist, I believe that true wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Relationships, personal growth, and resilience play vital roles in living a fulfilling and vibrant life.
Every month, I interview a woman who inspires me to be better and who exemplifies all of these sentiments. As I have learned through interviewing each of them, these remarkable women are not only full of grace and wisdom but also have a little mischief sprinkled in. In this series, we explore the stories of those who have embraced their later years with grace, wisdom, and a sense of playfulness, continually reinventing themselves. Their experiences provide invaluable lessons on resilience, joy, and holistic wellness.
Join me as we explore their lives, uncovering the lessons from their challenges, triumphs, and the enduring wisdom they offer. Let’s be inspired to live fully, embrace every stage of life, and nurture all aspects of our well-being.
Women of Wisdom: Celebrating Linda
God has a funny way of bringing people into your life at just the right moment. A couple of months ago, I reached out to Linda, asking if I could interview her for my third edition of my Woman of Wisdom series. Little did I know, September is National Honey Month, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a beekeeper and a breast cancer survivor, Linda embodies both of these observances, and it feels like divine timing that I interviewed her at the end of September, now writing this in October. But these are not the reasons I reached out to Linda for this edition. I wanted to discover how she embraces life in her golden years and how she inspires us all to step out of our comfort zones, engage with our communities, and find joy in what truly makes our hearts full.
In this month’s “Women of Wisdom” feature, we celebrate Linda—a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and joyful connection to her community. With a 37-year career at 3M, a breast cancer survivor, and a vibrant member of her rural Texas town, Linda represents the beauty of embracing life’s shifts with grace, curiosity, and authenticity.
I began my day with Linda and her husband Eric, immersed in their world of beekeeping, discovering their land, the bees, their hives, and so much more. Amid the hum of busy bees and the scent of honey-filled hives, I learned not just about the incredible world of bees but also a beautiful reflection of life itself.
Linda and Eric explained the inner workings of the hive—how the queen, the brood, and the tireless worker bees all play their part. The bees thrive in their intricate roles, working with purpose and precision to keep their community strong. Here are a couple of my big takeaways:
The Matriarch – The queen bee is the sole reproductive female in the hive, who is responsible for laying eggs to ensure the colony’s survival. A honey bee colony only has one queen and in many ways, her health and performance determines the health of the colony.
Worker Bees: The All-Female Workforce – Worker bees forage for food and take care of the entire colony, including the queen. Each worker bee has assigned tasks and a role in the hive.
Drones: The Males’ Role: Drones have only one job—mating with a queen. They do not gather nectar or defend the hive. After mating, drones die. If they don’t mate, they are expelled from the hive before winter, as they are no longer useful to the colony.
Broods: Future Generations of Bees: Brood refers to eggs, larvae, and pupae. The health and size of the brood are critical for the colony’s future. Worker bees regulate the temperature of the brood nest to keep it at an ideal 95°F for development.
Swarms: Swarming happens when a queen and a large group of worker bees leave the hive to establish a new colony. This typically occurs when the hive becomes overcrowded.
Nature’s Sweet Miracle: Worker bees collect nectar in their “honey stomachs” and, back at the hive, pass it among each other, mixing it with enzymes to break down sugars. They store the nectar in honeycomb cells, fan it to evaporate water, and once it’s thickened into honey, seal it with beeswax for future use.
As we watched the bees return with their legs heavy with orange and yellow pollen, I couldn’t help but think of the many roles women juggle daily—nurturing, building, and ensuring everything keeps running smoothly. And just as the bees know when it’s time to swarm and move on, we too understand the importance of recognizing cycles of change in life. It reminded me of the seasons of womanhood—of stepping into new roles and phases as we grow.
After visiting the hives, we returned to their lovely home where Linda showed me samples of each years honey collection. We spoke of the nourishing power of honey and its magical by-products like propolis and royal jelly.
Propolis: The Hive’s Natural Defense: Propolis is a substance that bees collect from tree sap, buds, and other botanical sources, mixing it with their own enzymes and wax to create a sticky material. It serves several purposes in the hive, including sealing gaps, reinforcing structural stability, and protecting against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, earning it the nickname “bee glue.” Propolis has been valued for its medicinal properties, known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects for centuries. Humans commonly use it in supplements, ointments, and lozenges to support the immune system, treat minor wounds, and soothe sore throats.
Royal Jelly: The Secret Superfood of the Hive: Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance worker bees produce. It serves as the exclusive food for queen bees and larvae, playing a crucial role in their development and overall health. Its benefits for humans include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, supporting skin health, and potentially enhancing cognitive function and hormonal balance.
Leaning Into New Adventures
In June 2021, Linda and Eric sold their home in Austin during Covid and moved to a small town in the Hill Country (Wimberley). Shortly after that, Linda retired after 37 years with 3M. What does one do when they don’t know anyone in the area and now have lots of free time? For Linda, she found that exploring new hobbies and creating new experiences allowed her to learn the importance of community during her post-retirement life. Once or twice a week, she drives 30 minutes to meet up with friends and play pickleball for several hours. “It’s such a good way to start my day.” But staying active isn’t limited to just pickleball. She also attends Camp Gladiator, where she recently celebrated completing 250 classes. Linda believes in the importance of staying engaged physically, but equally important to her is the social element.
“I’ve started doing fun get-togethers, like learning how to make sourdough from scratch. My family and I even made sourdough pizza together last night.” Linda also enjoys Mahjong games and attending art classes with her friends. “There’s always something to look forward to, which has brought me so much joy.”
This sense of connection extends to her marriage and spiritual life also. Once a month, Linda and her husband, Eric, gather with a small group of 5-6 couples for fellowship, a ritual they enjoy together. Whether it’s these monthly gatherings, tending to their bees, or embracing their new role as grandparents, all of these experiences have brought them closer and created meaningful moments they cherish together. Linda’s faith is a foundation of her serenity, especially during her reflective moments at adoration in her Catholic church. “I feel a deep calling to it,” she explains. “It brings me so much peace.”
Advice for Women in Midlife and Beyond
Linda’s advice is simple but powerful for women in midlife who may feel uncertain or stuck: “Find activities you love, and pair them with doing something as a group.” Linda has realized that participating in activities she loves helps her naturally meet others who share her interests.. “It’s an atmosphere that brings out the true you,” she explains. “People are more of themselves when they are doing what brings them joy.”
She encourages stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved in the community. Joining the Wimberly Civic Club, for example, led Linda to become its treasurer, a role where she applied her finance background and learned new skills like QuickBooks. “I’ve met so many fantastic ladies that I never would have known on this level if I hadn’t joined the board. Now, I know what’s going on in the community, and I love it.”
This connection to her rural, tight-knit town has been a source of fun, peace, and contentment. Linda admits that moving from Austin to Wimberley was scary at first, but she now enjoys the slower pace, sitting outside with Eric in the evenings, cooking meals, and watching the sunsets—a simple pleasure she deeply treasures.
Spirituality and Healing
In October 2014, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, a moment that forever changed her perspective on life and deepened her faith. Surviving breast cancer, along with the passing of her mother, have been some of the most challenging times in her life. Yet, they have also enriched her understanding of faith and resilience. “Little whispers from God that gave me peace,” she recalls. “It’s like, ‘I’m looking over you.’ That kind of peace.” 
As she approaches her 10-year cancer-free milestone, Linda pays close attention to these divine whispers, often noticing signs in nature—like iris flowers and doves—that remind her of God’s presence. One of her favorite reminders comes from a wall hanging, which brings her comfort daily. These moments of connection to a higher power have provided Linda with immense peace, even during life’s toughest challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Authenticity
When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, Linda’s response is as humble as it is profound. “I would like to be known as someone who was authentic and sincere,” she says. “I’m not going to be the loudest person in the room, but I want to make a difference. Even if you touch one person, that’s all I want to do.”
Linda’s wisdom and grace remind us that life’s beauty lies in connection—whether through community, faith, or the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Her quiet strength, gentle nature, and ability to bring people together are what make her truly extraordinary. As she celebrates a decade of healing and continues to embrace each new adventure with curiosity and kindness, Linda’s story reminds us all that it’s never too late to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and love.
My Final Thoughts
After a day with Linda (and Eric), I walked away with more than a jar of honey—I left with a renewed appreciation for the strength and wisdom we embody, much like those hardworking bees. We are the queens of our lives, capable of transformation, nurturing, and keeping everything buzzing with life. Just like the bees, we know when it’s time to rest, move on, or start anew.
Live passionately,
Christina
Contact Linda to get information about their honey harvest: [email protected]
PROTEIN POWER BARS Click on the bars for the recipe
Click on the bars for the recipeOne of Linda’s favorite recipes is incorporating protein and honey into one yummy snack or treat.
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