Does size matter?

I love that Marigold Over Lunch attracts sell-out crowds, but I yearn for a more interactive format that allows for discussion among all attendees. Instead of a keynote speaker, we would facilitate conversations with a group of 20-25 women over lunch, addressing broad issues of interest with permission to get off topic.

We have such a vast pool of knowledge among the women of our region, I want to find a way to share our expertise, experiences and findings as we all "bob and weave" through the ups and downs of being career women.

Not to worry, Marigold Over Lunch will continue, and keep growing. These new smaller format events will be a new offering. Please post your thoughts on this idea, as well as topics of interest and suggestions for what to call them.

The Salute is back!

Probably my favorite Marigold program, the Salute to Women in Business, is back in full swing with the generous support of Grand Traverse Auto co-owners, Jayne and Mary Jo Sleder. These two awesome women really "get" what Marigold is all about: Bring attention, lots of attention, to women who have taken the riskier road to success.

The 26 women who have been chosen, come in very different shapes and sizes, upbringing, educational backgrounds, AND have wildly different reasons for choosing entrepreneurship. They do all have inspiring stories and straight-shooter advice for other women.

Few occasions arise where a business owner is recognized for their efforts, unless they are chosen as the BEST at this or that. Marigold is delighted to bring a spotlight on 26 different women each year who inspire us.

Please show your generosity of spirit in sending your congratulations to these women.

Changing the world... one facial at a time

Last week we took the Mary in the Morning Spa Tour to Salone de Capelli where one of our spa tour winners reported that the experience "spoke to her soul". After a manicure, facial and hair styling she was "transformed". I believe that it was more than just a physical transformation, but more of a new appreciation for the art of caring for yourself enough to take time in your day for pampering and rejuvenation.

Tell us how you fit pampering into your schedule! Does it relieve your stress? Make you a better wife, mom, boss? Please share your thoughts.

More Talk Less Music!

The radio gods have spoken and Mary in the Morning is now re-formatting to include more talk, less music. Lots more talk. Co-host Lori Cole and I are just thrilled to be able to have complete thoughts and not have to return to music every time we get a good conversation rolling.

With this change, comes more opportunities for guest appearances and call-in interviews. We are devoting every Wednesday to food, dining, eating, all things gastronomic. If you have a take on food, let us know!

If you have other ideas for show topics, want to be a guest or have requests for songs that get you going in the morning, just let us know! mary@1067wsrt.com

Congrats to Marigold Scholarship Recipient, Jacquie Wilson

At this week's Marigold Over Lunch, Jacquie Wilson, owner of The Chocolate Buzz and Jacquie Caters will receive an $800 check from Marigold to the Leadership Grand Traverse program. Jacquie exemplifies the Marigold spirit of helping others and she will make a meaningful contribution to our community as she steps into the role of community leader. Congratulations Jacquie!

Jacquie writes:

Dear Mary'
Thank you for your very generous scholarship to Leadership Grand Traverse. I have only heard about your conversation with Laura O on your show. We had worked into the wee hours the night before and I was fast asleep. One of my friends called to admonish me for neglecting to tell her that I had applied for the Leadership program, let alone that I had become the recipient of your scholarship. ...Oops.

I hope you realize that becoming involved with Marigold has been life changing for me. You continue to offer avenues to sample, to nurture and identify who you are and who you might want to become...I just spent the better part of last week working with Ann Dougherty and her business....thanks to you!

Hugs,
Jacquie
...plays with food....

What does vacation mean to you?

When you think of "vacation", do you think of going on new adventures? Packing the kids in the car with coolers and bug spray? Exploring a new city?

For my summer vacation, I'm spending half of it doing the family car trip, then I get a few days to myself. All I want during my upcoming break from work is unplanned time and the pure luxury of deciding what I want to do with it. Maybe I'll nap. Maybe I'll read, have lunch with a friend, go to the beach. Don't ask me what time I'll get there, I don't want to know. I think this is such decadence, to have no responsibility for much of anything for even just a few days.

I love the hustle and bustle of my career as much as anybody, maybe I love it a bit too much. But during this summer break from Marigold and Mary in the Morning, I will not be thinking about web site sponsors or upcoming speakers, not even the daunting task of converting my financials to Quickbooks 07. This is my challenge to myself, turn off the business brain and plug into...... absolutely nothing!

#1 Morning Show for WOMEN!

Mary in the Morning is the #1 morning radio show among women age 35-54. We just got our first book of ratings from Arbitron (think TV's Nielsen) and the show came out on top! This show has been a group project from the get-go, and I want to thank all of our guests, the listeners, the many contributors of ideas and suggestions. Most of all, I'd like to thank my co-host and producer, Lori Cole who brings it all together.