I entered Pamela Dangelmaier’s contest on Facebook in February, in an attempt to win a beautiful scarf, and I won The Gold!

Courageous Pamela decided to do a personal Olympic race, challenging herself by knitting a red, white and mystery colored scarf, during the Olympics in Canada. The goal was to start and finish three “Matthew Shepard” scarves, before the Olympics closed.   I received a letter from Pamela with the scarf, and a box of yummy Maple Leaf cookies.  In the video I will read the letter, which touched my heart. This letter speaks of hope for a better world.  Treating each person you meet, with kindness and respect, no matter how different they are from you.

It is my pleasure to wear The Gold proudly.  I lived in Canada for many years, and although California is much warmer, it can get pretty chilly here.  Thank you Pamela!

Last night when I went to bed, I decided to start reading Crush It by Gary Vay-ner-chuk.  Not being able to put a book down is rare for me, since I prefer reading in segments, to absorb the authors message.  I left the last 3 chapters to savor reading tonight.  Much like chocolate!  I have to tell you, and do trust me on this – you MUST READ this book.  I want everyone to read it.  Why?  Because it can change your life, change the way you think, the way you do business, it can change your future. How much of it you are willing to apply, will determine your success.  It has been some time since I have been this motivated, about business success, in such a powerful way. There was actually a physical/mental shift  happening inside of me, as I read Crush It.  I follow some of Gary V’s adventures from time to time, as I love his style, the ease with which he educates, shares and cares.

Check out Wine Library TV for a true Vay-ner-chuck experience. You can find Gary’s Fan Page -Facebook, on Twitter (Gary Vee.)  I am Twitter friends with Gary, I appreciate that he responds when I send him a message. Now this is one busy guy, but he cares about people, and responds to them. Bottom line –  it’s about being YOU, following YOUR PASSION, then sharing, caring, encouraging and inspiring others to follow their passion.  I can’t think of a better way to pay it forward. Can you?

Enjoy your Coffee, your Pillow Talk, and Cheers to Living In Courage – Debra Oakland

Today I have a guest visiting me in bed for Courage Coffee & Pillow Talk.  Johnna is a longtime friend from Laguna Beach, and is my favorite hatha yoga instructor.  Johnna has a program I want to share with you . There are two special offers at the end of this video for the first 100 friends of mine who visit Laguna Yoga to purchase Johnna’s Yoga In Bed program or the MP3 CD.

I have used the program myself, and find it of value – a benefit to my wellbeing.  I am sure you have heard of the benefits of meditation.  Yet, some people find it hard to sit still meditating, while their mind is full of chatter. Johnna’s CD gives the experience of meditation in motion.  The complete program incorporates yoga, meditation, positive affirmations, organic essential oil sprays, organic cotton jammies, eye mask and 2 votive candles.  The Awake CD helps you start your day on the right side.  The Sleep To Dream CD helps you release stress, and tension, as you fall asleep.  Great for assisting in manifesting goals, as well as eliminating unwanted habits.  Spraying the Awake organic oils, (on your pillow, skin, or in the room) will stimulate your mind, body and spirit. In the evening, spray the Dream oil to sooth your spirit, as you let go of your busy day.

I know you will love this program, as much as I do. Enjoy your special gift from Johnna!

Debra Oakland @ Coffee Courage & Pillow Talk

Grab your cup of coffee, and join me at Coffee, Courage and Pillow Talk. This video is about fashion and style for your closet, or home. I love fashion as much as the next girl, but let’s get some perspective on the fashion trap! Do you follow trends in a hypnotic haze, or have you developed your own true authentic style? I talk about Kelly Wearstler being a trend setter, and yes, I fashion my home decor after her style, to some degree. Then – I add my own taste, style and personality. Guess what? I have a winner.

At this point in time, I enjoy an eclectic vibe mixed with modern. Oh, and a big fun twist of me . It can be good to find an idea, or sense of style we love out in the world , then happily put a wonderful face of “our own” into the style of our clothing, accessories and home. What is your current or favorite style?  I love experimenting, don’t you?

Happy shopping!

Debra Oakland

Here I am again today, with coffee in hand.  I know – not very glamorous.  I suppose I could doll myself up like the beauty queens in the movies from back in the day, but hey, that’s not me. I  just like to get up, take a few minutes to decide what I’m going to talk about, and then turn on the camera.  No big plan really.  I’m just having fun.

I decided to talk with you today about Jack Armstrong’s powerful book “Lessons from the Source.” This book has touched my life in a very profound way, and many people I know around the world have told me about similar experiences. And when something like that happens, I’ve got to share it, right? I met Jack Armstrong on Facebook, and we became friends immediately. He is a great guy and has that “Be Nice” factor down quite nicely. I like people like that, don’t you?

Debra Oakland

Good morning! I am here to wake up, talk to you while enjoying a cup of coffee, and share pillow talk. (And that only means I am in bed. Don’t worry, Doris Day I’m not!) I’m at my best in the mornings, so why not chat with the world about courage or whatever I feel might be interesting. I’ve found that, if I start the day out right, the rest tends to fall in to place. I have no idea where this idea will go, but I’m up for some fun, and I love to share things that I enjoy with people…..people like you. Maybe I’ll even have guests visit (but sorry, no sex!) This could be greatly entertaining – can’t wait to get started.

Today I am talking about my friend Winn Claybaugh and his book “Be Nice (or Else!).” It’s a wonderful book that Larry King and Marianne Williamson both loved, and I encourage you to get a copy – and then go out and be nice to someone today.

Visit my main site at http://livingincourageonline.com/ for all things courage. You can find articles and videos of some of my favorite courageous people there, blogs I love and my links to Social Networking Sites.

Debra Oakland