Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Hobby.
Hi Linda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in the hills of Tennessee, and my family moved to Orlando when I was in elementary school. After finishing high school, I graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a degree in Teaching. During college, I married a man who wanted to be a sculptor; I supported him through graduate school and worked three jobs to keep us afloat. When our marriage ended in divorce, I returned home to my parents, who offered me comfort and encouragement. They helped me set up a small pottery studio, which gave me the space to embrace my lifelong interest in art.
I went on to learn sandblasting and eventually built a successful business, contributing sculpted glass windows to many significant projects in Orlando, including churches and restaurants. One of my favorite accomplishments was creating the windows for St. Luke United Methodist Church under the direction of the renowned architect Jack Rogers. After my glass period, I decided to create with Bronze. My statues were a hit, and it was through them that I was able to enter the celebrated Winn-Win Emerging Artist Exhibition at Orlando’s number One art haven: MIlls Gallery. But more about that later.
Now, I’m about to embark on a new adventure, starting my own podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that one of my first guests will be the celebrated writer and philosopher Deepak Chopra.
Because of my excellent production team, I have been able to score amazing guests such as the aforementioned Deepak, however, I’ve also been blessed to have the following individuals say yes to me: Kay Rawlins, Founder and President of Orlando City Soccer, Gabriel Preisser, Grammy Award-winning Opera Singer, Daniela Garzon, 16-year old prodigy, Violinist, Pianist, aspiring Orchestra Conductor, and Vonda Wright, double-boarded, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon and author of current bestselling book, Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like everyone, I’ve faced my share of challenges and heartbreaks. Still, my parents raised me to be grateful and optimistic. My divorce was deeply sad, yet I treasure it as a valuable learning experience. Losing my beautiful parents was truly traumatic, but I am profoundly grateful that I was there for both of them, especially that my father passed away in my arms, in my home. I was able to protect them and give them the love they had always given me.
After going through those two experiences, most other challenges in life have felt relatively minor. I’ve learned that when you take the time to acknowledge all the wonderful things you’ve been given, things many of us overlook, you realize you are surrounded by abundance, beauty, and incredible people. You simply have to pay attention.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My teaching career, which spanned 20 years at Lake Highland Preparatory School, was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I loved being around children and having the opportunity to guide them. Two of my former fourth-grade students are now doctors. And, ironically enough, now they are my doctors. Something that fills me with incredible pride.
After teaching, I dedicated my life to art. I have to admit that the universe was kind; my art career took off almost immediately. Still, I eventually set it aside when I remarried, focusing all my energy on being a wife.
Years later, after suffering a bad fall that left me with a broken humerus and a fractured sacrum, I found myself in a difficult place. Then one day, I received a call from my dear friend Mike Winn and his lovely wife Gail, who invited me to apply to Mills Gallery’s prestigious event, The Winn-Win Emerging Artist Exhibition. I am so grateful to Orlando’s community unifier and gallery owner, Juan Pablo Santa Luna, for selecting me and seven other artists for this extraordinary event.
The Winn-Win exhibition was truly a gift from heaven. It opened doors I didn’t even realize had been closed. Not only was I the best-selling artist at the event, but soon after, my work was featured at both private and public exhibitions. I was also interviewed by local newspapers and even appeared on The Ted Show.
Then came another opportunity I couldn’t resist: hosting my own podcast, Linda Hobby – Old Enough to Know Better. Through this adventure, I’ve learned that no matter your age (Even at 80) it’s never too late to try something new or begin a fresh chapter.
In my podcast, I hope to encourage young people to overcome their irrational fears of aging and death. My greatest wish is to help everyone realize that life is full of opportunities at every stage.
As my mother used to say, “I’m just happy to be on this side of the dirt.”
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Picture this: At just three years old in 1947, I caught the attention of legendary Hollywood producer Hal Roach, the mastermind behind Laurel and Hardy and The Little Rascals. He wanted to make me the next Shirley Temple! Can you imagine?
My parents said no. They were protecting me from what they saw as a potentially destructive lifestyle, and honestly, they were probably right. But here’s where it gets interesting! Hal Roach never forgot about me.
Fast forward fifteen years. I’m eighteen, about to graduate from Florida Southern College, when Roach tracks me down again. This time, he’s offering me a starring role in a short film written specifically for me. Hollywood was calling my name twice! But once again, I turned it down. I was getting married, and I knew my future husband wouldn’t approve.
The regret hit me later. Every time I watch a Laurel and Hardy movie, I’m reminded of those two missed chances. Life was literally handing me golden opportunities, and I kept saying no.
That’s why everything changed when the opportunity came up to star in my own podcast. This time, when life offered me a chance to shine (in a medium tailor-made for my voice and story), I didn’t hesitate. I said yes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindahobby.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.hobby.39
Image Credits
Credit to Juan David Tena
Credit to Marvin Welch
