Hopefully this is a good omen. It has been raining since yesterday afternoon, a thunderstorm during the night, but now the sky is clearing and the sun is coming out. That is exactly what I need this morning because I am exhausted! Yesterday was a very long day. I would say it was a successfully day, but definitely a long one. Thank goodness it is Friday!
My mind is moving a little slowly as I wake up (even though I've been up since 5am). The big news of the day, for many, many women and publicists, is that the rumors are turning out to be true and Oprah will end her groundbreaking talk show in 2011, after 25 seasons. I like Oprah, but I'm not an avid fan of hers. Nothing against her, I actually have great respect for her, what she's done, and all the people she has helped and enlightened over the years, but maybe I've just been too busy to watch her show. No one can deny her incredible power in elevating people's (actors, musicians, authors, etc) careers higher than they may have ever thought possible. Getting a spot on Oprah's couch (or a 'pick' on her "Favorite Things" episode) is probably the most sought out seat in all of the entertainment industry. Heck, even for politicians and non-profit advocates! Now, it's even going to be worse as there is a finite number of seats left.
Women and men who listen to Oprah's every word might be feeling a bit lost this morning. What are they going to do in 2 years when they don't have her to turn to each day? It is a bit like losing a friend. Isn't that a bit odd? She is a TV personality. Word has it she is going to focus on her new cable network, OWN. Word on the street is also that she's not going to move her show there (which was the rumor going around). The Oprah Winfrey Show might not be on TV every day, but I think we can all predict that she is not going anywhere. She is still going to have quite a strong influence on pop culture. She has done a lot for communities in need, to promote health, well being, education, a strong future for America. Just because the show is ending (two years from now) does not mean she will stop doing any of that, I have a feeling she'll just be doing it in a different way. I'm very curious to see what OWN will be like - the programming and the website. There are so many possibilities it will be very interesting.
You know, I just thought of something while writing this. Oprah has it pretty good right now. She's worked extremely hard to get to where she is, she's been on TV for 25 years, has an extremely successful show and brand. She is taking a HUGE leap of faith leaving the comfort of her couch and moving in this new direction. So many of us need to take a leap of faith, but might be too afraid to jump. Maybe this is another lesson she is teaching us.
Okay, time for me to get to work. Have a GREAT Friday everyone!!
