This page was inspired by the post I did on O magazine's 10th anniversary. We are looking for people that have found their passions and have dedicated their lives to pursuing them. People that are fearlessly following their dreams and impacting lives in the process. Viva Laverne believes these people deserve to be highlighted as a way to encourage us all to do the same. Do you know someone that deserves the spotlight?

Nominate them by sending an email to vivalaverne@yahoo.com. Please include a brief summary of where their passions lie, what prompted them to follow their dreams, and anything else they would like to share including a picture or logo.

Lena Horne (1917-2010) was one of the most captivating women ever. She had beauty and guts that catapulted her into not only into black history but women's history. Throughout her career she has broken many racial and gender barriers and has received countless awards for doing so. I remember seeing her on TV as a kids and being totally in awe. I choose this clip of her on Sesame Street because this is how I remember her.

One of the worlds richest men, Warren Buffet is widely know for his modest principles and honet values. He as long taught that the values you hold determines your wealth. I read an article about his son and here are two of Peter Buffet's quotes that struck a chord.

"I am my own person and I know what I have accomplished in my life," says Peter Buffet, Warren's 52 year old son. "This isn't about wealth or fame or money or any of that stuff, it is actually about values and what you enjoy and finding something you love doing."

Peter Buffet who teaches the rewards of self-respect and pursuing one's own passions and accomplishments rather than buying into society's concepts of material wealth goes on to say:

"Entitlement is the worst thing ever and I see entitlement coming in many guises," he said. "Anybody who acts like they deserve something 'just because,', is a disaster."

Boy, boy, boy those Buffets are on to something... Read the entire interview here.

Thought I'd share a few products I'm loving right now...

1. Pure Coconut Oil is a light oil often used for cooking. I love this after a shower on my elbows and knees. It's also great for a mid-day spruce up for my curls. Along with it's delicious smell it's hailed has the best dry scalp treatment money can buy.

2. OK, so I'm not 100% on Carol's Daughter products but i do like the hair smoothie conditioner. It's great for deep conditioning and has a great smell that last with you all day.

3. While my husband and I were browsing through LUSH getting sold on every product by the 'world's best' salesman we found Flying Fox body wash. Neither of us are big on fragrances in soaps and detergent but this one won us over. It smells like pure honeysuckles, yet not too floral, and works on both men and women. Love, Love, Love the scent and the second hand aromatherapy I get when my hubby uses it.

Viva Laverne would like to wish all of you mothers a wonderful day. Whether you are a mom of many children or of none, a stepmother or grandmother, a godmother or even an aunt it's through your selfless giving of love to a child that makes us celebrate you today. So kick back relax and be pampered or pamper yourself, you deserve it.

Post are going to be slow for the next couple of days since I'm traveling for work. I've come to love fiction stories that take place is distant lands especially if it's about redepmtion or following your dreams! I'm all over it. While in the airport gearing up for my 4 hour flight to Portland, I picked up a book to read. I'd heard this book mentioned on book lists a couple of times but never really paid much attention to it mainly because I could barely pronounce the title. The Alchemist is a compelling story about flowing your heart, realizing your dreams, and recognizing your Personal Legend. It's chock full of great quotes that I will be shamelessly stealing and posting for you all to enjoy. I'm only half way through it and it is already on the top of my 'must read' list. First up in the series of great Alchemist quotes: