Laura's List

HOW CAN FAITH INSPIRE US? Share your faith journey today!!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:09:00 +0000

“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.” – Mother Teresa The smell of incense surrounded me at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church located in Central New York. In close proximity was Jeanne’s lifeless body situated in a black casket that seemed to be too large for her corpse given the slender weight of one hundred fifteen pounds. All her worldly belongings were now absent in this moment, to include the silver polished serving cart and simple porcelain china cups which she held in high esteem. Instead, the spirit of an angelic woman was present who far surpassed material possessions accumulated during her lifetime. Jeanne was the host of a spiritual renewal group for past six weeks prior to her death. Jeanne’s stern pride to worship God and encourage others to act out their religious convictions was evident at our last renewal meeting, as she said “You mean out of all the things you do on the weekend, you cannot give up one hour for the praise of the Lord and attend mass”. Her journey of faith was not an easy road. God stripped Jeanne of a good leg which she cherished as a former tennis all state champion and as a result she was wobbly in the legs; therefore, utilized a walking device. God acquired her husband many years prior and she was forced to live alone in a one bedroom small apartment on a modest budget. God situated her daughter with a severe handicap child that presented multiple emotional challenges. Also, her grandson was deployed for another military term overseas in a dangerous area. Jeanne had every right to question faith but instead she was persistent in the desire to accept challenges set forth in life and prayed even harder for God’s love. Jeannie taught me and I now pass on this advice: - Life is precious so make the most of your time on earth. In a matter of moments, you can be called to leave this planet and stand in the awesome presence of the Lord. - A kind person in small ways can affect others greatly –Demonstrate Random Acts of Kindness. Remember, Jeanne was not a saint, a doctor, or a preacher but a woman who had the ability to show acts of kindness to others. At present, Jeanne serves as an angel from heaven blowing whispers in our ears to be faithful and live out our faith. Laura Ponticello pens real life stories and publishes, Laura’s List: Books for Women. Share your faith filled stories with Laura at www.askamydaily.com and laurasbooklist@aol.com

God is Bigger Than Elvis - What Do You Think?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:02:00 +0000

“When I met Elvis, I met a very sweet and very courteous young man who jumped to his feet and said ‘Hello,’ and ‘How do you do, Miss Dolores?’ I was very touched by his courtesy and honesty, and I thought immediately I would like this fellow.” - Dolores Hart I recently stumbled upon a You Tube Video about Reverend Mother Dolores Hart. My intention was to search for an inspirational You Tube video to inspire my next article. Immediately, the first thing that popped up on my computer screen was the link for God is Bigger Than Elvis. The idea of Elvis Presley brought a smile to my face. In my childhood days, my parents would insert the eight track tapes into the tape player and the loud music of Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley would blast out of the tape recorder while we performed our family ritual of spaghetti dinner on Sunday nights. Then our television would play the hip smacking dance moves of Elvis. Therefore, I had to know more about God is Bigger Than Elvis, a spiritual documentary movie about Dolores Hart. As a former Hollywood actress who kissed Elvis Presley in a movie, Dolores now lived as Benedictine nun in a cloistered monastery and the documentary was her life story.

Dolores Hart was a Hollywood scarlet deemed as a Grace Kelly lookalike with both parents in the Hollywood business. She was the first to kiss Elvis Presley in a movie and acquired superstar success in the movie business. With an unexpected turn of events, Dolores went to the countryside in Connecticut during a recess from the movie business and fell in love with the grounds of a monastery. Over the course of three years while continuing her movie superstardom, she would return to the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Connecticut. There she found that spirituality called her to a religious vocation. Dolores abandoned Hollywood parties, statue, movie contracts and engagement to famous Hollywood jet setter Don Robinson for a simple way of life at the monastery. Mother Dolores on the Red Carpet at the Oscars in 2012 for the spiritual documentary, God is Bigger Than Elvis Her story inspires me to share: 1. God calls us to follow what’s in our hearts. In spite of the opposition, Reverend Mother Dolores followed her passion and became a Nun. 2. Share the gift of inspiration. Reverend Mother Dolores told her spiritual journey to inspire others to lean on their faith and follow God’s will for her life.

Creating a National Buzz about Your Business

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Join us Tuesday, February 7th for this inspiring Luncheon.
Women TIES Mohawk Valley Luncheon: "Creating a National Buzz about Your Business" sponsored by the Women's Business Center of NYS being held at Chesterfield's Restaurant, Bleeker Street, Utica. CEO Tracy Higginbotham of Women Ties shares "I know Laura Ponticello, Founder of Laura's List: Books for Women and Big Bridge Connections as well as PR agent for nationally syndicated columnist Amy Dickinson will inspire you to create a larger national buzz for your company."

Here is a reminder of the event schedule:

* Strategic networking with promotional display tables run from 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Remember to bring your business cards and promotional materials.

* If you have not paid for the event online yet, please bring cash or a check made payable to Women TIES for $28. Please note we cannot accept credit or debit cards at registration.

* At 12:15 p.m., the luncheon program will begin with a welcome, distribution of the sales contact list, attendee introductions, lunch and the program.

* The event will end at 2 p.m.

It looks like the weather should cooperate but please be aware of our cancellation policy:

A special thank you to our network of regional volunteers including: Eileen Kent, Stories of a Lifetime; Julie Darling, Alzheimer’s Association; Linda Fake,Uniquely Yours; Mary Yoder, Chiropractic Family Care & Shaklee; Michelle Shauger, Primerica; Michaela Rosenberger, Romantic Weddings by Michaela; Sharon St. John, Small Business Development Center; Tracy Black, Pampered Chef and Veronika Freeman, dotcalm. I hope your remember them when you need products or services.

AskAmyDaily.com - all advice portal to share and connect

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

"I'm so happy to announce that my web site has finally launched! I hope that reading Askamydaily.com will become a regular part of your day. I've found great bloggers who offer entertaining and informative advice -- creative ideas and tips on a wide variety of topics. Read my favorite "Ask Amy" Q and A of the day. Contribute your own ideas to the conversation." - Best selling author and syndicated advice columnist, Ask Amy, Amy Dicksinon.

Be sure to check out my blog called the Spiritual Side, where real life stories inspire us to pause, take notice and share life experiences.

Creating a National Business Buzz in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Women TIES Greater Mohawk Valley Luncheon
"Creating a National Buzz About Your Business"
Sponsored by the Women's Business Center of New York
Date: February 7, 2012

In a world of a billion businesses selling a million different products and services, how does one business stand out to gain enough attention to drive new consumers, maintain current clients, and propel media attention to their company?

In Utica on February 7th, Laura Ponticello, Founder of Laura's List: Books for Women and Big Bridge Connections, will share 5 successful strategies to reach your target audience, create a buzz in the marketplace and connect with your demographic to drive productivity and sales.

Be prepared to walk away knowing how to get people talking about your product or service so much they want all their friends and associates to experience it! You won't want to miss this exciting business discussion, by one of Central New York's most energetic woman to get you even more excited about your entrepreneurial venture.

This event is sponsored by The Women's Business Center of New York State. The Women's Business Center of NYS is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women reach their goals and aspirations for personal and professional development.

Pink Ribbon Retreat- Saturday, 24 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:44:00 +0000

For Breast Cancer Survivors, Friends and Family
9am– 3pm at Stella Maris Retreat & Renewal Center
130 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY
Reservations/Info: Call 458-4098 or email RealeWell@gmail.com
Space is limited. Pre-registration required by Monday, Sept. 19th
Take a day to relax and renew yourself
• Learn about growing interest in Lifestyle Medicine
• Discover 6 steps to Compassionate Self-Care
• Try several forms of Meditation and Mindfulness
• Experience Mindful Eating and Gentle Yoga
• Learn how meditative practices can be prayer forms
Fee $55 includes registration, instructional materials, breakfast snack and lunch
Registration 8:30am, Program 9am - 3pm
Sponsored by RealeWell.com
Retreat Leader - Marnie Blount-Gowan
Mind/Body Instructor, Researcher, Author

Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:26:00 +0000

3rd Annual Inspiring Success: The Women TIES RetreatOctober 5, 2011
The Lodge at Welch Allyn
Skaneateles, New York
Women TIES proudly presents its third annual all day conference to bring women entrepreneurs together for an empowering, educational and enriching entrepreneurial experience. "Inspiring Success: The Women TIES Retreat" sponsored by SUNY Oswego Metro Center is designed to gather our regional members and other New York State women entrepreneurs together once a year in an relaxing and inspirational environment to create stronger economic ties with each other, to infuse inspiration into their lives from powerful presenters, to enlighten them on vital business topics, and to ignite powerful strategic and financial connections to grow their companies.

Our last two annual retreats received a 95% approval rating from the attendees because we are very selective in choosing the right presenters who will educate and inspire women on the most important entrepreneurial topics of the year. The Retreat also allows time for important networking and marketing opportunities all day long to encourage and foster sale connections between women.

The entire day is set in one of the most comfortable conference settings in beautiful Skaneateles, New York allowing women to take time away from their hectic entrepreneurial lives to bond with other engaging women so they can return to their businesses empowered and enriched from the information, insight and inspiration of the day.

This is an annual event you won't want to miss because it will open your business up to endless economic possibilities, connect you with other successful women entrepreneurs, and train you in timely topics to take your company to the next level. Be a part of this powerful program and propel yourself into a place where strong, successful women gather to motivate, inspire and empower each other.

This special annual event is designed to gather New York State women entrepreneurs together in a relaxing environment to create stronger economic ties with each other, infuse inspiration into their lives from powerful presenters, enlighten them on vital business topics, and ignite powerful financial connections to grow their companies. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Listen to seven exceptional women entrepreneurs share their success strategies on vital business topics, promote your business at a one hour speed networking session, and be in the presence of women like you striving to achieve their biggest entrepreneurial dreams. We promise you will leave inspired!

I hope to see you on October 5th in beautiful Skaneateles, New York at the relaxing Lodge at Welch Allyn. Don't miss the premier fall business event for women entrepreneurs in New York State.

Be a part of this powerful program and propel yourself into a place where strong, successful women gather to motivate, inspire and empower each other.
In entrepreneurial spirit,

Tracy Higginbotham
President, Women TIES

State Pride Sponsors

Creekside Books & Coffee

Healthy Transformations

Maria DeSantis

Michelle Shauger & Allison Haslam of Primerica

Laura's List: Books for Women

Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce

* Interested in marketing your business to 2,80 women entrepreneurs each week for the next two months?

* Interested in promoting your business at the event as an exhibitor?

Learn more about how you can, by clicking here

Our Website

Benefits

Members

Inspiration

Online Store

Regional Marketplace

About Us

Register for the Retreat and Become a Women TIES Paid Member

And Receive 3 Months Added onto Your Membership for Free!

Sign up for the 2011 Women TIES Retreat and become a paid member at the same time and receive three months added onto your membership! To join go to www.womenties.com/join.cfm. Make sure to note in the membership comment section "Retreat Membership Special"

Offer Expires: October 1, 2011

Exciting News, Editor of New Yorker Magazine Coming to Our Area with new fabulous book release

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:29:00 +0000

Founder of Laura's List: Books for Women, Laura Ponticello introduces and hosts with Auburn Public Theater

Dorothy Wickenden, author of Nothing Daunted
Saturday, Sept. 17
Auburn Public Theater, Auburn, NY

" An amazing evening of conversation, inspiration and a riveting story of two women with roots in Auburn, NY who venture out to wild wild west at a time unheard of for women, to stand on their own."

About the Author
Dorothy Wickenden has been the executive editor of The New Yorker since January 1996She also writes for the magazine and is the moderator of its weekly podcast “The Political Scene.” She is on the faculty of The Writers’ Institute at CUNY’s Graduate Center, where she teaches a course on narrative nonfiction. A former Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Wickenden was national affairs editor at Newsweek from 1993-1995 and before that was the longtime executive editor at The New Republic. She lives with her husband and her two daughters in Westchester, New York.

Dorothy Wickenden Talks About Nothing Daunted,

Tickets at Auburn Public Theater

Skaneateles Labor Day Race Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:28:00 +0000

SkanRaces.com
Saturday, September 3, 2011
7:30 a.m.
Location:
Clift Park, Skaneateles, New York

$100.00

The 7th Annual Skaneateles Labor Day Race Weekend, which embodies fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, is now widely recognized as CNY’s premier Labor Day Weekend event for racers, volunteers, and spectators. The event's mission statement is to support health, wellness and recreation.

If you are a woman entrepreneur considering joining the fastest growing sport for women between the ages of 29 and 49 in the country,(with the Northeast Region showing the most growth) consider signing up for the Skinnyman race or by becoming a sponsor! By becoming a sponsor you are supporting 50% of its participants who are women.

This weekend of races encompass a spirit of excellence that is synonymous with the Women TIES brand. We wish all our members who are race participants a successful race! Go get them girls!

Executive Director, Sharon Slater has been a long time Women TIES member and former saleswoman for The Worth Collection.

7th Book Lovers' Ball - Friday, September 23rd, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:55:00 +0000

The Aurora Free Library 7th Annual Book Lovers' Ball
Black tie is optional at this elegant affair. All proceeds benefit the Aurora Free Library.
The Aurora Free Library is pleased to announce that it will host its 7th Book Lovers' Ball on Friday, September 23. The gala event will take place at the Aurora Inn (391 Main Street, Aurora). Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner overlooking Cayuga Lake at 7:00 pm, and dancing to Johnny Russo and the East Hill Classic Jazz Band from 8:00 to 11:00 pm.

Tickets are still only $75 per person and are available now. Please call Book Ball co-chair Marie Dentes at 847-946-5923; reservations are also being taken online at Book Lovers' Ball Tickets.

Black tie is optional at this elegant affair. All proceeds will benefit the operations of the Aurora Free Library. Special guest John C. Hartsock, author of Seasons of a Finger Lakes Winery, will speak during dinner. Hartsock is professor of communication studies at SUNY Cortland. His book spotlights Long Point Winery in Aurora, NY. A book signing will be facilitated by Creekside Books of Skaneateles.

Parking in Aurora is free, and the public is warmly invited to join in this gala celebration. Event sponsorships are available, and donations of goods and services are being solicited for the silent auction fundraiser.

For more information, to make a donation or offer an item to the silent auction, or to reserve your seats for the 2011 Book Ball, please call 847-946-5923 or 602-318-8603.

The Book Lovers' Ball is presented by the Aurora Free Library's 2011 Book Ball Committee.

Join Me at Holisitic Retreat- Nourish Our Mind, Body & Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:23:00 +0000

Laura’s List helps host Holistic Retreat
Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center
Skaneateles, NY
August 1-6 or Day Retreat

Stella Maris in the Summer!

Join Laura at Stella Maris Retreat & Renewal Center the first week in August
- a haven on the lake for peace and tranquility.

Speakers, drumming, art by intuition, Sharing the Medicine of Love tea ceremony,
organic foods, book buzz.

Sponsor a woman to attend or join us!

Day packages available for $85 includes overnight, retreat and meals

or week rate of $450 (Sunday to Saturday)

For More Information: Stella Maris or Call 315.685.6836

Sensational Summer Reads

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:53:00 +0000

Reading is a great pastime and chance to expand our horizon, secretly travel to a place in time and become connected with characters that we envy or share some attributes. My favorite genre is inspirational; however, I love all types of great novels during the summer.

Sensational summer reads include:

"The Provence Cure for the Broken Hearted: A Novel" by Bridget Asher

Critically acclaimed, bestselling author, Julianna Baggott, also writes under the pen name Bridget Asher. She has published 16 books over the last 10 years. About the book: Widow Heidi takes off to her family's home in a French countryside, where according to tale, generations of family members found love, where she finds mystery, healing and a second chance at love. If you loved "Under the Tuscan Sun," this read is for you.

"Georgia Bottoms" by Mark Childress

For those of you who love a southern fried novel, this book is hilarious. Publishers Weekly shares "Sassy Southern belle Georgia has a lot of secrets: a rotation of gentleman callers with unique sexual needs, a mother with a tenuous hold on reality, and a lucrative (if dodgy) business of selling at a huge mark-up the folk art quilts she buys and passes off as her own creations. But then Sept. 11 comes along, Georgia's world of naughty innocence is changed forever, and all the plates she once spun so effortlessly in midair come crashing down. Childress (who authored ‘One Mississippi') is sassy magnolia literature's Truman Capote -sharply observant, unrelentingly honest, and downright hilarious - and his Georgia peach is the freshest bad girl to rise from the South since Scarlett O'Hara."

"Women, Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything" by Geneen Roth

Geneen begins this book with her most basic concept: The way you eat is inseparable from your core beliefs about being alive. Your relationship with food is an exact mirror of your feelings about love, fear, anger, meaning, transformation and, yes, even God. Geneen Roth is the author of eight books, including the New York Times best-selling "When Food is Love," and "The Craggy Hole in My Heart And The Cat Who Fixed It, A Memoir."

"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl" by Ree Drummond

Ree is known as the Pioneer Woman, this creation took her a year and a half to finish and is chock full of her favorite recipes (plus the photography is breathtaking in the book). The author shares, "I'm a desperate housewife. I live in the country. I channel Lucille Ball, Vivien Leigh, and Ethel Merman. Welcome to my frontier!"

Connect with Laura Ponticello via Laura's Book List, laurasbooklist@aol.com and share your favorite reads that inspire, ignite and empower.

Holistic Retreat - Join Me

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:49:00 +0000

Laura’s List helps host Holistic Retreat
Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center Skaneateles
August 1-6 or Day Retreat

Stella Maris in the Summer is a peace haven for renewal. I love this locale.

Join Laura at Stella Maris Retreat & Renewal Center the first week in August - a haven on the lake for peace and tranquility.
Speakers, drumming, art by intuition, Sharing the Medicine of Love tea ceremony, organic foods, book buzz. Presenters include: Women's Wellness Bonita Shear, Inspirational Speaker Susan Major, International Artisan Cindy Prado, Empowerment Coach Val Cook to name a few.
Sponsor a woman to attend or join us!
Day packages available for $85 includes overnight, retreat and meals
or week rate of $450 (Sunday to Saturday)
For More Information, Stella Maris OR Call 315.685.6836

Embraces Nature and Harmonious Living

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:24:00 +0000

My grandmother used to say, "that which we tend with love and care will surely blossom." As an avid gardener, there are times when I seek refuge and solitude in my garden; I embrace Mother Earth and throw my worries away to the wind.

I recently traveled to the New York Botanical Garden (in Bronx, NY) where roses were in full bloom. Amidst the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, with over 4,000 roses and more than 680 varieties, one of the most beautiful rose gardens I've ever seen; I realized how we, as women, can cultivate our own beauty, each of us uniquely defined by our spirit and that which we tend to in ourselves to flourish. I invite you to pause and stop 'n' smell the roses in your life! Inhale the beauty of a flowering plant, pause to see the sunset, meditate for a few moments in nature.

Women are cultivators because we have the power to plant seeds of hope for ourselves and others.

--Laura Ponticello
Laura's List: Books for WomenSowing Seeds of Hope- The Bridge that Connects Women

Breaking Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:44:00 +0000

On June 9th, Maria Filice, author and food stylist of Breaking Bread in L’Aquila, will make a donation toward the construction of a playground for primary and secondary school students in Rocca di Mezzo. Using the net profits of her cookbook, Filice will donate $5,000 to build that playground for the children of Rocca di Mezzo. The playground will be dedicated to the memory of Filice’s late husband, Paul Piccone.

The official ceremony for the donation will take place at 11am in Viale Giovanne Minozzi, where Filice will present her donation to Emilio Nusca, mayor of Rocca di Mezzo and the coordinator responsible for reconstruction among all mayors of the areas surrounding L’Aquila, and the school’s principal.

A small town 15 kilometers from Celano, Rocca di Mezzo is a town of about 2,000 inhabitants, though the population swells to 10,000 at the height of the summer tourist season. The town is situated atop a beautiful plateau among the highest mountains of Abruzzo and Appennini, about 30 kilometers from L’Aquila. As a smaller town, somewhat removed from the main destruction of the April 2009 earthquake in Abruzzo, Rocca di Mezzo has not received much help with reconstruction. Though the Protezione Civile rebuilt the school that is home to the primary and secondary students of Rocca di Mezzo as well as the nearby villages of Ovindoli and Rocca di Cambio, the playground has not yet been restored.

Piccone’s love of the region was the inspiration behind Filice’s cookbook. Together, the couple travelled throughout the Abruzzo region, experiencing its delicious food, lively culture, and beautiful music. The recipes found in Breaking Bread in L’Aquila celebrate the cuisine of the region, both classic and contemporary. The cookbook was published on April 6, 2010, on the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the Abruzzo region. Releasing the book on the earthquake’s anniversary was a message to the people of the region that “we have not forgotten.”

First-time author Filice considers herself an honorary “L’Aquilana.” Her book has received abundant praise from print and online reviewers, including the Library Journal, i-Italy, and Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts. Breaking Bread in L’Aquila is available directly from the publisher at www.foodandfate.com or from Baker & Taylor, Follet, Coutts, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Midwest, or YBP. For more recipes and tips, visit Maria Filice’s blog

Extraordinary evening of private shopping & pampering to benefit Vera House!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Join us at Lord & Taylor
April 17th
7-10pm
Carousel Mall
Coffee & desserts, complimentary makeovers, massages, music featuring the John Spillett Jazz Duo, exciting raffles...and of course, shopping!

Lord & Taylor will be offering a 25% discount on almost the entire store (excludes UGGs) -- sale items too -- along with 10% off all cosmetics.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased securely at Vera House or by calling (315) 425-0818.

The Chocolate Pizza Company
Royal Treatment Day Spa
SpaZend
Innovations Salon & Spa
Chair Massages by Erin Reid, LMT

Positively Pink Packages Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Volunteers Needed This Weekend
Looking for volunteers to help stuff Kentucky Derby invitations in the envelopes this weekend. Please call me at 278-0645 or email me at jenniferatom@aol.com and I will be happy to drop of the invitations and envelopes to you.

Wine & Cheese Packing Night
Wednesday April 13th from 5:30-8:30
At my house which is: 116 Pine Ridge Rd in Fayetteville
Please invite your friends. Let's fill the house w/people and have fun while we pack care packages! Food and drinks will be served so come hungry! If you are planning to come, please call me or email me at jenniferatom@aol.com so I can better estimate how much food to get.

Kentucky Derby Fundraiser
May 7, 2011
Mark your calendars. Our annual fundraiser will be Saturday May 7th from 5 pm - 9 pm at BAR in Armory Square. This fundraiser has been a crowd pleaser. What a better way to cheer on the 137th Kentucky Derby than enjoying some mint juleps, good Kentucky bourbon and a scrumptious buffet with friends while supporting a great cause. Please help us raise money for breast cancer patients by telling your friends and attending this event!
The tickets are $50 for advanced purchase and $75 at the door. Please call Positively Pink Packages at 278-0645 or email Jennifer Tom at jenniferatom@aol.com for your advanced tickets.

Make A Difference
Even if you have 15 minutes extra to spare, you could help a breast cancer patient!
How can you help?
*Hang Kentucky Derby posters at work or businesses
*Tell your friends about the Derby
*Email your friends the Derby info
*Email me names and addresses of your friends you would like us to send an invitation to
*Sell tickets
*Buy tickets for the event

If you have more time to spare, please consider these opportunities:
** Kentucky Derby Fundraiser: We need help for set up and the night of the event. Set up is between 10:30 am-1:00 pm and the event is from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm.

Upcoming Events
Wine & Cheese Packing Night
Kentucky Derby Fundraiser
Make A Difference
Thank You!
We are grateful and honored to have been awarded a $1000 grant from the Women's Fund of Central New York!

Corporate Sponsors

We couldn't do it without them...

Diamond Sponsors
Greco & Sons
Macy's Foundation

Platinum Sponsors
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Gold Sponsors
CNY Surgical Physicians
Hematology Oncology Assoc. of CNY
Magnetic Diagnostic resources

Grants
Cottonwood Foundation
Saint Agatha Foundation
Women's Fund of CNY

Positively Pink Packages, Ensuring No One Faces Breast Cancer Alone

Writer's Luncheon to support Samaritan Counseling Center

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:15:00 +0000

Samaritan Counseling Center Presents…

Meet the Writers Luncheon
Saturday, April 30, 2011
11am – 3pm
Held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church
701 West Main Street, Endicott, NY

Featured Presenters:
Laura Ponticello & Elizabeth Cohen

Book/Author Signers:
Joanna Higgins
Mary Pat Hyland
Jo Malin
Adrienne Martini
Molly Morgan
Bianca Podesta

RiverRead Book Store will be present to sell books by various local authors and
Books personally signed by Liz Rozenberg & Rivkah Slonim

Tickets $20 per person - Book Clubs Welcome!

For Info and Tickets call 607-754-2660
Or Visit Samaritan Endicott
Sponsored in part by The M&T Charitable Foundation
Proceeds Benefit Samaritan Counseling Center

Welcome Springtime and Nourish Our Health

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:28:00 +0000

“I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty.” - Georgia O'Keeffe, one of America's most celebrated women painters, became renowned for her abstracted images of flowers.

As spring emerged with flower blossoms, I am reminded how much women are like a blossom; beautiful, ever changing, and evolving. Many times, in life, we are forced to hide in a blanket of life's experiences, which can feel like being shoved face down in the dirt. Yet, once we pull ourselves up, whether thru love of self, or supporters in our life, we then know with confidence, that we will never be the same - we have blossomed.

I invite you this month, to see the beauty within and admire the ever blooming flower of your mind, body and spirit. Let's grow together.

When was the last time you surrounded yourself with nature? Nature demonstrates signs of vitality; helps to heal and teach us. The sheer act of seeing things alive reinforces the fact that nature has new beginnings. My recent spiritual quest to Lake Tahoe, which some call, God’s country made me realize the magnitude of our Creator’s masterpiece. A brilliant blue sky shimmered along the backdrop of the white snow capped mountains while the crystal clear Lake magnified the sun’s luminosity. One word, “majestic” summed up the topography.

Immediately met upon my arrival, I met a couple who had traveled the world and now owned a bed and breakfast. What’s the chance of meditating in front of an Elephant statue, Ganesha that traveled from India, to the backyard garden of this couple? Highly unlikely; but with tea in hand, I looked at the landscape, gave gratitude and rubbed the belly of the statue for abundance; a ritual known in Hinduism.

I realized as my feet walked for hours each day thru 100 foot pine trees, in search of the bald eagle that nature nurtures us. I invite you to immerse in nature, nourish your health!

Annual Room Full of Sisters- Join Me at this Amazing Event

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Tickets are now available for the 16th Annual Room of Full Sisters, April 14, 2011, Holiday Inn, Auburn. Reserved tables are available for groups of four or more. Purchase your ticket by April 8 at the lastest (we expect a sold out crowd).

This annual event draws 350 guests and dozens of marketplace artisans of unique products & services by and for women. Back by popular demand are two favorite RFOS performers, Seattle poet Mona Lake Jones author of “A Room Full of Sisters” after which the event is named, and Native American Grammy & Nammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Joanne Shenandoah.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa, www.mirbeau.com; Laura’s List: Books for Women, www.laurasbooklist.com, created by Skaneateles publicist Laura Ponticello; Kim Vinciguerra’s PTL Promos’s, www.ptlpromos.com of Syracuse; and Laura Coburn of Auburn’s Coburn Design, www.coburndesign.com have joined RFOS as major sponsors for 2011.

Event support is generously underwritten by Creekside Books & Coffee of Skaneateles, The Flower Shop, Auburn; and, The Go-To Girl Personal Concierge Services based in Skaneateles.

Event founder and co-producer, Melina Carnicelli says, “Room Full is a joyous gathering where every woman and girl who attends is celebrated for who she is individually, and for the women she represents in her personal lineage and throughout the world.” JoAnn Blake, RFOS co-producer says, “Don’t miss RFOS this year…reserve early and plan to be wowed by dozens of artisans and providers of very unique products and services for the woman’s heart, body & soul.”

Street Logic by Steve Sundberg

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Pyschologist and advocate for homelessness,Dr. Mary M. McLaughlin shares, "Street Logic is a fictionalized account of the author’s own experiences as an outreach worker to homeless men and women who somehow survive, for a while at least, on the streets of Boston. While we’ve all heard that wonderful song about leaving your heart in San Francisco, like most people who come from the Boston area, I left my heart there when I moved away years ago. I know the city well; I grew up in its suburbs and went to college there."

"Boston is home to many of the most prestigious universities and hospitals in the world and to some of our finest sports teams and museums. It is the location of one of the richest fishing grounds anywhere on earth and it gave birth to many of our nation’s legendary political leaders. So I must admit up front: it was with overwhelming sadness that I read Street Logic."

"Why is it that human beings have to shiver and suffer in a city characterized by so much intellectual strength, power and greatness, living underneath the beautiful bridges that traverse the Charles River, on which such great campuses as Harvard University and MIT are located? Why it is that dumpster diving coexists adjacent to world class doctors and hospitals, renowned restaurants and top research programs, in spite of the city’s enlightened social values and ideals?"

Writing Street Logic was clearly Steve Sundberg’s commitment to “Do something.” It is my hope that readers of Street Logic will be motivated and inspired to “Do something” too.

Author, Steve Sundberg, “My goal was to alert people to the hard core cases, the ones who don’t want to “go in.” He has achieved exactly that: this book is an expression of the daily trauma of chronic homelessness and the intense frustration of very caring outreach workers limited by having so few acceptable options to offer."

Room Full of Sisters...gift for the heart…body & soul

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Tickets are now available for the 16th Annual Room of Full Sisters, April 14, 2011, Holiday Inn, Auburn. Mark your calendar and visit www.roomfullofsisters.com for complete information and for guest and vendor reservations. Reserved tables are available for groups of four or more.

This annual event draws 350 guests and dozens of marketplace artisans of unique products & services by and for women. Back by popular demand are two favorite RFOS performers, Seattle poet Mona Lake Jones author of “A Room Full of Sisters” after which the event is named, and Native American Grammy & Nammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Joanne Shenandoah.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa, www.mirbeau.com; Laura’s List: Books for Women, www.laurasbooklist.com, created by Skaneateles publicist Laura Ponticello; Kim Vinciguerra’s PTL Promos’s, www.ptlpromos.com of Syracuse; and Laura Coburn of Auburn’s Coburn Design, www.coburndesign.com have joined RFOS as major sponsors for 2011.

Event support is generously underwritten by Creekside Books & Coffee of Skaneateles, The Flower Shop, Auburn; and, The Go-To Girl Personal Concierge Services based in Skaneateles.

Event founder and co-producer, Melina Carnicelli says, “Room Full is a joyous gathering where every woman and girl who attends is celebrated for who she is individually, and for the women she represents in her personal lineage and throughout the world.” JoAnn Blake, RFOS co-producer says, “Don’t miss RFOS this year…reserve early and plan to be wowed by dozens of artisans and providers of very unique products and services for the woman’s heart, body & soul.”

For Fiction Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:20:00 +0000

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story by Ree Drummond. Ree Drummond began blogging in 2006 and has built an award-winning website, where she shares recipes, showcases her photography, and documents her hilarious transition from city life to ranch wife. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Ree lives on a working cattle ranch near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, with her husband, Ladd; their four kids; their beloved basset hound; and lots of other animals.

"Read along as I recount the rip-roaring details of my unlikely romance with a chaps-wearing cowboy, from the early days of our courtship (complete with cows, horses, prairie fire, and passion) all the way through the first year of our marriage, which would be filled with more challenge and strife-and manure-than I ever could have expected. This isn't just my love story; it's a universal tale of passion, romance, and all-encompassing love that sweeps us off our feet. It's the story of a cowboy. And Wranglers. And chaps. And the girl who fell in love with them."

All books on Laura's Book List are available at Creekside Books and Coffeehouse. For more information or to purchase, click on the book cover or visit

What are Women Reading? Share your favorites..

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I am carving out time to Awaken my mind, body and spirit and take time for me.

In March/April Edition of Syracuse Woman Magazine, Laura's List: Books for Women will have a featured section called Reads & Writes. I am so excited to share our movement and continue to empower women in our region. The magazine features inspirational stories of women in Central New York and helps encourage women to walk the talk, by empowering each other. I want to know, What are women reading?? Connect with me, send a jpg picture, your byline, and what you are reading for a chance to be featured.

Laura Ponticello

Women Living with Passion and Power

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ponticello) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Cathy Rodgers, Ph.D. spends her time bringing love, laughter and light into a world of transitions. Cathy shares "I am inspired by people who give of themselves to others. I am surrounded by people who take on making a difference in the world. That can take any form from working with one person to help them over a tough time to addressing world hunger. People who understand that when we look beyond ourselves to the needs of others we find the greatest joy and satisfaction, inspire me."

As founder and coach of Women Living with Power and Passion provides coaching and development for women taking on changes in their lives with new relationships, divorces, career changes or other life events.

Cathy describes herself as nourishing because every relationship she has, whether one on one or with groups, is grounded in ensuring that the people around her see their greatness and have the internal resources to act on it.

As an entrepreneur for close to 20 years, she went out on her own because she wanted to create my own environment and live my own values. For most of the time as an entrepreneur, she ran highly successful business creating training programs for corporations. Since that time, she has been creating coaching business as well as teaching psychology at the university level. The learning has been great fun as has working with the women who hire her.

Cathy gives Tips for Lives in transition:

1. Give yourself some leeway. Making a transition takes some time for figuring out both where you want to go and how to get there. If you are not flexible, you may miss terrific opportunities that you didn’t see because they did not initially look like the image you had created.

2. Talk to everyone. No matter what you are trying to accomplish, there are people who have valuable ideas, connections and experiences you may benefit from. It is particularly important to talk with others when you are not making the progress you want to make. You never know whose contact’s contact will be the perfect person to help you get over a hump.

3. See yourself through the eyes of others. Most of us have a voice in our head that speaks to us all the time talking about what we did wrong, how foolish we are or other negative assessments. The voice is particularly apparent when trying to fall asleep and some of us actually have whole committees talking to and at us. Do not listen to that voice! If you want to know how great you are and how much you have to offer—especially important in times of transition—see how other people respond to you. They are the ones who really know what you can accomplish.

4. Take care of yourself. Recognize that, while exciting, times of transition can also be stressful. What are you going to do to keep yourself moving forward? What about when you need some TLC? You are your greatest asset but you must be in good shape to utilize that asset.

Connect with Cathy A. Rodgers, PhD