May 26, 2011, Vol. 9 Issue 5

Dear Friends,

I just finished watching Oprah’s last show. Wow. It was one of the best motivational speeches I have ever heard. As a friend and I were talking about it afterward, she said, “It was all in there.”  Yes, it was all in there, all wrapped up and tied with a huge bow of love. If you didn’t see it, it was just Oprah and the audience. No couch, no guests, no celebrities, no giveaways. The only back stories were a few clips and memories from 25 years. Oprah was as real as she’s always been. It was all about her love and appreciation for the audience — her safe harbor — and the difference her guests and all the people who have watched and listened for 25 years, have made in her life.  Because she was standing and talking to the audience, it really felt like a motivational speech to me.  And, I know it was, because it moved me. I felt better for it. It gave me affirmation that I’m okay just as I am and it gave me hope that I can be better and I can make a difference. And grateful. Wow.

Many of our speakers got to be on Oprah, and there are others whose dream for that spotlight will not be realized.  I was thinking today that I wish I’d had the experience of going to a show and being in the audience. Too late now, but I’d welcome feedback from anyone who did get to have that experience.

Comedy & Cancer

I removed the content of this story as I am no longer representing the speaker who was featured here. I represent other awesome cancer survivor speakers who tapped into the power of humor in their cancer journeys and enjoy spreading the word about how that made a difference for them.  Please contact me for recommendations or feel free to visit the website.  In the Speaker Directory, look under EVENT TYPE, Cancer Events, or TOPICS, Cancer Survivor.

Camping Anyone?

One of my favorite Oprah shows this season was when Oprah and Gayle went camping in Yosemite.  Talk about real — the cameras were up close and personal with Oprah and Gayle in PJ’s in the camper, and there was no make-up artist or hairstylist in sight. Oprah and Gayle were hilarious as they were clearly out of their element in the woods, and willing to laugh their way through their discomfort. Yosemite, I’m sure they found, was worth it.

I won’t be doing any camping this Memorial Day weekend.  Those who do in our part of the country, may need a snow shovel to find their picnic table. My husband and I (and beagle Bella) went hiking last weekend on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.  We chose this particular hike because, according to the guide book, the wildflowers are spectacular in mid-May. Now, I have been on hikes up there when the wildflowers took my breath away — lupine, paintbrush, bear grass. Not this time.  We crossed snowbanks part way up the mountain and by the time we neared our destination, we had to turn back because snow was covering the trail, making it too obscure to follow any further. It was still a beautiful hike — very quiet, gorgeous views and lots of fresh (cold) air. Whether it’s a local park, a national park, the beach or the forest, I hope you can get out and enjoy a little nature this weekend.  Just be sure to take your sense of humor along — it will help you handle any unexpected snowbanks.  Until next time, take care of yourself for your well being and those you love.

Yours truly,
Barbara

PLEASE NOTE: The information shared in this e-news is designed to help you make informed decisions about speakers and the programs they offer. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment prescribed by a doctor. If you suspect you have a medical problem, seek competent medical help.