As OWAA celebrates its 90th birthday in 2017, we have kicked off “Member Spotlight Monday,” a new weekly feature that celebrates our present—the gift of our talented current members and their ongoing excellence in outdoor communications. Today, we introduce Linda Nelson:
- Where were you born?
Cleveland, Ohio - Where do you call home now?
Austin, Texas - What’s your nickname?
I’ve never had one and it’s too late for one now. At 71, I’m afraid I’d forget it. - What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Driving to a great off-road location – mountains, coast, inland — where phones and Bluetooth don’t work, settling in and just watching what happens. Yellowstone and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in the winter were among the best. - What is your profession/connection with outdoors communications?
I am an outdoor writer specializing in the vehicles that get you and your gear to your outdoor adventures and work. I’m a conduit between the vehicle makers and the outdoor enthusiasts and I don’t know anyone else doing the same thing. - Why did you choose to become an outdoor communicator?
I was an automotive generalist and someone asked me to take the publishers for an outdoor magazine for the ride of her life off road in a heavy duty truck. By the time we got back, I had my first outdoor writing gig. I never looked back., and still write a column for that magazine seven years later. - What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
Because I was so late to the game, I’m most proud to have gained acceptance from outdoor writers, photographers, publishers, and others who have let me grow my passion, been great boosters and helped me find my joy. - What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Inventive, accepting, generous (the fourth would be loopy). - What is the best piece of advice you have received as an outdoor communicator?
Never forget that you offer something unique. - When you head for the Great Outdoors, what is the one thing you do not leave home without?
Something to capture the words: iPad, pad/pen, phone to record experiences. - What would you do if you won the lottery?
Travel and create new experiences for my husband, kids and grandkids. - Who do you most admire in your life and why?
No single person – there have been extraordinary individuals at every stage of my life – and it isn’t over yet. I love to collect people. - What was the last movie you saw?
Stars Wars: Rogue One – not a favorite. I could watch Silverado, The Big Chill and A River Runs Through It a hundred times. - What are your top three favorite books?
Too many to count. I love mysteries and anything Poe ever wrote. Also loved Nora Ephron and Carrie Fisher. Life is full of mystery, humor and irony. - Can you juggle?
Used to when I was a professional clown making appearances for Clark Chewing Gum. Too uncoordinated these days. - What is your favorite dessert?
Exceptional small batch ice cream. - If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Never grow too old to do it all. - Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I’ll be 81, but I still see myself sharing my experiences and passion with readers of my work. - What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Living well is the best revenge.” - What do you like best about OWAA?
The people and the fact that they love what they do and want to share it. They inspire me.
Thank you, Linda, for not only your answers, but also for being valued part of “The Voice of the Outdoors.”
If you are an OWAA member and wish to be featured in a future Member Spotlight Monday, send your answers to the above questions and a photograph of yourself enjoying the outdoors (in JPG format sized for the web) to Colleen Miniuk-Sperry at cms@owaa-oldsite.birchbarkmedia.com.
Not a member? Check us out at http://www.owaa-oldsite.birchbarkmedia.com.
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