These Are A Few Of Her Favorite Things

Oprah’s favorite things aired today. Regardless of your feelings about Oprah – and there are plenty of those to go around – you’d be hard pressed to find fault with her annual 'Favorite Things' show. Her always- surprised-into-tears-and-laughter crowd is an amalgam of fans who’ve landed on her radar by virtue of their character, merit, and giving ways. Oprah’s theory is to give to those who have given so unselfishly of themselves as a way of life.


It’s cathartic. I’m genuinely pleased for, and a tad envious in the most non-harmful of ways of, these audiences of elated men and women.  Some who may be on the verge of a possible coronary infarction. To me, there’s absolutely nothing better than showering people with unexpected giving. They ask for NADA and quite literally get everything! Women turn to hug one another in wide-mouthed astonishment with each gift announced by their generous hostess. Some appear to be in shock and most likely are. In today’s show, there was one handsome gentleman, a tall slender black man of a certain age, who repeatedly raised his hands heavenward in supplication, mouthing “thank you, thank you” over and over.  He was so sweet to behold every time the camera panned him. I think I love him.

And these people are most likely taking home a good many gifts they’d never think of or ask for or even need: say, the brownie pan called 'The Baker’s Edge' whereby every brownie has that chewy yummy edge that everyone tries for when they grab out of the display plate. Or the pricey $55 each perfectly scented candles for every room in the house in a set of eighteen. Or even the specially designed 25th Oprah show Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater with matching lap blanket. Books, cameras, diamond watches, and we’re not even halfway through the show.

But what’s so wonderful is that every one of these people are truly grateful for every little thing. Their tears are real. Their hearts are full . . . as will their arms when they leave the studio. It’s a perfect way to start off the holiday season in the right vein for the viewer. Because what it ultimately reveals is the joy experienced by the giver as they hand out to the unsuspecting around them. As thrilled as every audience member surely is – hard not to be – Oprah is just as tickled in her role.  She revels in exposing the episode's surprise identity at the beginning at the onset as she pulls off her cover gown to reveal her Santa-sequined dress beneath. She’s breathless with anticipation as she uncovers each new thing to their childlike eyes. She painstakingly categorizes every good and lovely thing ever bequeathed to her as something most excellent for her next 'Favorite Things' show.

Personally, I think I’m most excited about the Container Store gift: a new closet system for enhanced organization. The closet of my dreams! Wowser, as my mom says. And they’re dishing out the Nike Free Run shoes to their entire families! That’s what Gary wants this year for his birthday.  Oh, Oprah?!

Obviously, most of us folks can’t offer 5 years of free Netflix service with the accompanying 3D World Sony televisions and Blue-Ray players to the ones we love. But we can express our appreciation in ways just as significant if we tap into what we know about those in our sphere of influence. Step outside of ourselves and what we want -- that seven-day cruise which roused more screams than anything else in the entire lineup qualifies for me . . . Alaska! -- and take note of the hobbies, needs, dreams, likes, and dislikes of our own people.  Or the those at a local shelter.  Or a family in your church.  Or a child tagged on a Christmas tree.

If you need help getting that party started, I am uniquely qualified to assist.  Let me see.  Sushi, reading, audio books, gardening, walking, laptop accessories, writing, product for colored hair, coconut and lemon anything, watching movies in the theater, opera performances, MAC laptop, Peking duck in New York, a new bicycle, world peace, iTunes card, college tuition for three kids, a professional organic yard man, a Japanese maple tree, the chance to meet Julia Roberts, a family farm with property and houses enough for my mothers and Gary, my own study, a publisher/editor.  That's MY 'take note' list, in case you didn't catch on.

Oh, and there's the iPod, followed by the iPhone, Dell laptop, brown leather riding boots, bangle bracelet from Africa, Maya Angelou 'Phenomenal Woman' poetry book, Starbucks mug with the word COFFEE written in several languages, wooden little Angels, Heirloom tomato plants,  declarative letters, Marjolein Bastin calendars, Better Homes & Garden cookbook, power tools, built-to-order shoe rack, sparkling Rose wine, rocks from various regions, Manchego cheese, handmade pottery, Scrabble Deluxe board game, and my mom's high school senior ring, little hand imprint in plaster: my short list of favorite things I wouldn't mind sharing with the world.

Now, go forth and spread your joy.