Although Yvonne Conte's humor-filled career was hard-won, it was blessed from the beginning as if by the heavens above. Formerly in sales, Conte reached a point in her life where she was in a self-described “financial desert,” and did not know what to do to keep her livelihood and quality of life.

“My son said, ‘Gee, mom, why don't you become a comedian because you're really funny.' I thought, you certainly can't support yourself doing that,” Conte said.

However, when Conte later met with her friend and accountant, she heard the same message, and took heart. Within days she was performing stand-up comedy at Wise Guys comedy club in Syracuse.

She had the performing bug.

In addition to enjoying the rush of performance, Conte appreciated stand up comedy as a way to let out her frustrations. Although she was good at stand up, her career would eventually blossom into much more. After a time when Conte had begun to think that she was making a mistake in her career, she included in her prayers for “a sign” if she was not meant to continue. Several days later, a woman who thought Conte was a speaker on the subject of humor called to book Conte, who put together a 20-minute program and didn't look back for the next 12 years.

Of her Auburn performance, Conte says “they're going to be laughing from the time I start until the time I'm done.” Although Conte's performances are a lot of fun, audience members still walk away with a message about life, the way people look at it and how their reactions have everything to do with how they feel.

“Life is a short ... we're only here for a short time, so wouldn't it make sense to try and enjoy every day?” she said.

For those who are curious about how one becomes a motivational speaker on the subject of humor, Conte implies that it doesn't hurt to multi-task and to not take no for an answer. When she was beginning her career, Conte went to the library and checked out everything she could find on humor, laughter and joy to put together her program. She started getting clients right away.

“It's the best job I've ever had. I've been able to do so many things because of this job,” she said.

One of the standout qualities of Conte's performances is that she only offers good, clean, real-life experiences to her audiences.

“She considers herself a motivational humorist,” said Janet Taylor of the Cayuga County Office of Aging. “She's more of a speaker, and she's very funny.”

If you go

What: “The Positive Power of Humor” by comedienne Yvonne Conte

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn; free parking is offered in the garage off Loop Road

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27

Cost: Free

For more information: Visit Conte's Web site at yvonneconte.com where you can view a seven-minute clip of her speaking

Special note: Handicap access is available at the event by calling ahead to organizers at 253-1103.

Coming tomorrow

€ Watch the Cato-Meridian Community Recreational Center's Osteoporosis Class and get information on joining

When: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: At the center, Route 370, Cato

To learn more: Call the center at 626-6735

€ Auburn Memorial Hospital's “Medically Speaking” Lecture Series presents

“Exercising to Prevent Falls,” a lecture

by physical therapists Tom Bishop

and Daniela Kowal

When: 7 p.m.

Where: AMH's Rowley Auditorium (basement), 17 Lansing St., Auburn

Cost: Free

To learn more: Call the AMH's Community Relations Office at 255-7239