I love Oprah. I’ve been a devotee for most of my adult life. When she ended her syndicated daytime show, I counted down to the last one, then followed her to OWN – the Oprah Winfrey Network.
She offered journals to the first people to sign up for ‘lifeclass’ – a show devoted to lessons about living your best life. I signed up because I wanted the reminder e-mail about the start date as it was a few weeks off at the time. But I had no idea whether or not I was in the number to receive a journal.
In fact, I forgot about it.
I remember her saying during one of the lifeclass episodes that she had been unhappy about the quality of the first journals presented to her for approval and that she wanted the quality to reflect the life lessons she wanted us to make notes about in the journal.
So yesterday, the first day of the new year when the mail ran, I received a package from OWN. What could it be? I’d long forgotten about the journal.
But she didn’t forget. And she didn’t have a lackluster journal sent out. It is beautiful and feels important in my hand. A silk page marker is sewn into the binding and an elasticized ribbon holds the lined pages together around the leather-like cover. It could be something purchased from a specialty gift store.
Just another reason to love Oprah and her generosity. Knowing her, she probably sent everyone who registered for ‘lifeclass’ a journal. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Now, I need to fill it with quotes, words of wisdom, mental exercises, challenges, and goals.
But as I was taught by my mother, you must not use a gift until you have written a thank you note. So here it is – my sincere appreciation for knowing there is a woman in the world who keeps her standards and her word. As Gayle King once said, what makes Oprah special is, “While she’s pulling herself up with one hand, she’s pulling others up with the other hand.”
Thank you Oprah. I’ll use my journal well.
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How fun! It’s ice to get something so special every once in a while!
And unexpected – a real treat.
I’ve watched a few in that series and found them to be (mostly) thought-provoking and useful. I’m having “journal envy” now 🙂
MJ
I’ll accept the ‘journal envy’ with pride. However, there is immense pressure to reserve it for the uber important stuff. I may never write a word in it.
understand!! 😉
What a wonderful surprise you had! The journal is beautiful: I hope Oprah sees your thank-you note. Well-written!
Love the quote by Gayle. Obviously it’s a true statement.
Enjoy the journal. I imagine you will!
Wasn’t that something nice for your best friend to say about you? I remember her surprise when she was told about the quote, “Gayle said that?” Proving how down to earth she still is. I hope she sees my note too. Gratitude is something I know she values.
That’s pretty cool.
I’m glad you think so. I wasn’t sure how male readers would respond to this. I guess everyone likes surprises and gifts.
Oh my. I’m such an Oprah fan, don’t know whether I’d write in ot or frame it and hang it on the wall. May your world be enriched by each entry you write.
What a nice comment. Just receiving it was enrichment. I’m always saying that the only thing I get in the mail is either a bill or an advertisement. Guess she just proved me wrong.
I thought your “Welcome the New Year” was so well written and heartfelt. I think this one is also, amazing. I think you’re on a roll and have much to pour into your special gift.
Thank you Georgette. That’s especially dear coming from you. Your talent as a writer, photographer and blogger is really shining as well.
What a wonderful surprise! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Wasn’t it? I’m glad she didn’t send out an e-mail saying it was on the way. This way I got to be surprised.
Lovely thing to get in the mail. While I’ve never understood the popularity of Oprah, she obviously knows how to do it up right. (Most of my friends adore her. I really can’t watch her for more than 5 minutes.) I think it’s me, not her.
Maybe you just don’t need her insight as much as some of us do. I follow your blog, so I know you’re already too cool as it is. I bet even Oprah doesn’t have a cashmere bathrobe. Just saying!!!
I put your award up you gave me today. Didn’t give it back to you since it seemed a bit redundant and you already know I think the world of you!
Right back at ya!
Renee, this year is going to unfold lots of surprises for you, and obviously good ones. This is just the start, next one is the biggest one, “when you ll get your novel published”. I am waiting for the day, when you will send me your novel by mail with a autograph on it. So that i can write a thank you note just as you did; and proudly say to everyone, this novel belongs to my dearest friend. 🙂
It’s a deal! Will send one to you hot off the press – when it happens of course.
How wonderful. What a neat surprise :0)
Love surprises!
I don’t watch much Oprah, but I hear she’s amazing 😛
What a great surprise! I love getting stuff in the mail.
Isn’t it great! Wouldn’t it be awful if we didn’t have a wonderful postal service to bring surprises right to the door!
There is nothing that inspires you to write as much as a beautiful journal will. I feel that Oprah is a kind and thoughtful woman, who never gives up on herself and others. She wants to grow spiritually and she wants to share her insights with others so we can all live our very best lives. I didn’t watch her show — I didn’t even have a TV for a long time, but that’s how I see her and I do admire her for it. What a beautiful gift, I know you will treasure it.
Thank you. It does feel like a treasure.