During the 80’s, my sitter would watch The Oprah Winfrey Show religiously. Being only eight or nine years old, I was supposed to be sitting my narrow behind down and staying out of grown folk business, but as soon as that jam started, I was WATCHING THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOOOOOOW! That’s why I’m so wise and happy now. Thank you, @Oprah. Let me just say, I was the kid that would flip through every single page of those huge JC Penny catalogs and pick out clothes (down to the underwear) for my pretend children, my pretend husband, myself, and decorate every room in my entire pretend house, based on the photos in the catalog. I am Queen and still reigning champion of the hood game “That’s my car” and “That’s my house”. So, one day while I’m trying to mind my business, Oprah debuts a look featuring a baller-ass gold and diamond necklace. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Even though no one was playing with me or even paying me any attention for that matter, I quickly whispered, “That’s my necklace”. The universe was on notice that, that was my shit. Still at 40 years old, I count that piece of jewelry as number one on my Top 5 Baller-Ass Necklace List, and not just for sentimental value either. The thick, one inch or so wide, braided link necklace, with the diamond center medallion is a timeless accessory. Oprah found various ways to incorporate my necklace into her television looks. She rocked it with various shoulder padded skirt suits, and sweater dresses. Meanwhile, I daydreamed about pairing my necklace with my blue Care Bears t-shirt, and pink corduroy skirt, or with my Rainbow Brite jogging suit. I would be sure to put my hair into a high ponytail so not to hide my necklace under my hair. I also said I would wear small stud earrings, gold ones, so not to clash or look too grown, but to keep it cute. Looking "too grown" risked an ass whoppin’ or worse, being shunned, both were punishments I chose to reserve for high school incidentals. Just the other day I struggled through some emotional episodes looking for a glimpse of my necklace. I discovered two things: one, now that I’m grown those episode topics hit a little different, and two, that necklace is still fire. If Oprah ever invited me to her house (yes, I still daydream)I think she’d say, “Look around, Baby, take anything you want”. Also yes, I imagine her to have that type of Fairy Godmother personality. I would ask her for the necklace, and a slice of bread, because Oprah makes bread sound like something I’ve never tasted before.