Gentle on Our Minds

Glen Campbell (from his website)

The trending musical topic of today is the heartfelt documentary, “Glen Campbell, I’ll Be Me” that aired on CNN last night.

It was an insight on the performer’s struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease and what it is like for his loved ones. It was very sad to watch. I agree with Glen’s wife that this is probably the worst way to die.

I was one of the fortunate ones who saw Glen’s last tour in 2012. Please visit my blog: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/getting-cards-and-letters-and-blogs-from-people-i-dont-even-know/

Noted below are some of the highlights from the show I mentioned in the blog, but to get the full gist of the show, I highly recommend clicking the link above.

2012 Farewell Tour Highlights

Glen hit the stage and began with “Gentle on My Mind.” He was forgetting lyrics from the get-go and had to restart the song.

The best things about the show were: #1, Glen Campbell, at age 78, is still a wonderful showman. This was the first time I ever saw him and he really commands the stage and has a great presence. He still looks good and healthy, in spite of having Alzheimer’s.  God bless his soul.

#2, Glen can still play the guitar. And unless you’re a musician or have a really good ear, you may not even realize he was playing the wrong key. (Most of the time I didn’t, but one song it was very obvious and his daughter, Ashley, kept helping him out and mouthing the right key to him).

#3, To hear so many songs that I love and have loved since I was a little girl, performed right before me by a legend gave me thrills throughout the night. I screamed like a teenager throughout the show. Even though he did many hits, including “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Southern Nights” I have to say my all time favorite Glen Campbell song is — and always will be — “Galveston.”

My love and prayers to his family during this trying time.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” and “Love Cats” — both available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Celebrating “I DO” in 50 States!

Victory!

Hooray! Now everyone has the right to get married in all 50 states! It’s certainly something to be celebrated, as all my friends are doing so on Face Book. It’s thrilling to see all the positivity for something that was long overdue!

I’ve always been a supporter of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender rights. In fact, on my first Valentine’s Day with my husband, when we were still dating, we went to a rally for gay marriages. We wanted to be the straight couple that showed our support.

Over the years as a reporter, I was always determined to write pro-gay articles. That said, it was a thrill to be on the set of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” — one of my favorite shows back in the day.

Me and Kyan Douglas on the set of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (2004)

Now as an author, I’m able to continue to respect in written word via books. In my first fiction book, “Love Cats” I created a gay character, Heather, who falls hard for the main character Janey, who is bisexual. There’s a lesbian love scene between them.

Love Cats (back and front cover)

My upcoming book “The Gypsy Smiled” is much more tame (rated PG) and I still put in a lesbian character to support and respect the gay/lesbian community.

Everyone deserves the right to live their lives as they feel most comfortable. Even if we don’t understand, the best we can do is to love and be a friend — that is how you learn. And always allow others to be safe around us.

Always remember, we are all human beings.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

ALL MY GAY/LESBIAN FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES!

“Love Cats” can be purchased on Amazon, available in paperback and on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBGVJQS/

Joseph Mercola’s Maple Miracle Whey Protein Powder

I’m all about free samples … who isn’t?

So I was thrilled to see a container of Joseph Mercola’s Maple Miracle Whey Protein powder at my doorstep! I won the product via a promotion.

It’s extremely tasty and you can feel a difference in your energy right away. It can probably be a weight loss supplement too as I felt extremely full after drinking just one scoop in a glass of water, though a serving is two scoops. I mixed my second scoop in grass-fed yogurt with blueberries.

I feel amazing!

For more information, visit: http://proteinpowder.mercola.com/Miracle-Whey-Protein.html

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author and public speaker. She presents her lecture “Here’s to Your Health” and many others to libraries, assisted living facilities, senior groups, rotary clubs, etc. For pricing and availability, contact her at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Will travel for the right price.

Induct David Cassidy Into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame!

My husband took this shot when David was shaking my hand (2011)

A few days ago I signed the petition to induct David Cassidy into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. You should do by visiting this link: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/induct-david-cassidy-into-rock-roll-hall-of-fame.html

Not only is David Cassidy a musical talent who plays several instruments, he’s also an artist who respect other musicians in his work. Not to mention a great actor, author and story teller (that’s my favorite part of the shows, when he shares his heartfelt stories!)

He also has amazing people behind him. The official “Induct David Cassidy Into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame” Face Book (https://www.facebook.com/Cherishistheword?fref=nf) and Twitter pages, David Cassidy Rocks (https://twitter.com/CassidyUnited) are absolutely awesome in thanking everyone that signed the petition. It’s just fantastic that they go out of their way to show appreciation and make everyone who signs feel special.

So, thanks for everyone involved in this, and I just know you’ll reach your goal of getting David in!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist and author.  Her books “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” and “Love Cats” are available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

David Cassidy Concert, Manalapan, New Jersey

David Cassidy

Hooray that the rain held out! My husband and I ventured out to Manalapan and saw David Cassidy perform (for the second time).

I was a few years too young to go Cassidy Crazy during the Partridge Family years, but I tapped into their greatness in the early 1990s when I was in my late 20s/early 30s. The songs are just perfect and David has a beautiful voice. He shared that he had to get an operation for lymph nodes, but he still sounded like he did as a teenager and delivered a five-star performance.

What I love best about his live performances is that he’s not only a great talent (the first time we saw him, he got behind the drum kit) he’s a heartfelt story teller. If you read his book, “C’mon Get Happy” you can feel like you’re right there with him, listening to his tales. His honesty gives you chills. It’s the same when he’s up on stage. He speaks to his audience as if we’re good friends. And he’s a music fan too! This go-’round we got to hear him speak fondly of his father, his family, John Lennon, Davy Jones and B.B. King and pay tribute in song: B.B. King “B.B. King Blues” and Cole Porter “Night and Day,” Davy Jones “Daydream Believer,” as well as John Lennon “In My Life.” And of course all the Partridge Family hits: “Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted,” “Cherish,” “I Think I Love You,” “I’ll Meet You Halfway,” and more.

A pleasant surprise was Jax, from American Idol, warmed up the show! She was one of my favorites of 2015 and did her signature tune, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.” She was absolutely lovely and a positive spirit. After her performance she was signing autographs for the crowd and I even saw her holding a little girl. (I usually like to meet music artists, but due to the extremely humid weather, I wasn’t feeling 100 percent up to par, so I didn’t make an effort to meet her or David Cassidy).

Interesting side note, both Jax and Cassidy are from New Jersey. Before moving to California, David Cassidy lived in West Orange. My husband and I visited his home (his book had the address in it) and took photos a few years back.

David Cassidy’s set list

Barefoot me, in front of the welcome truck — cute Partridge Family tribute!

Beautiful Jax, from American Idol

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist and author.  Her books “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” and “Love Cats” are available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Would You Date Someone If They Hated Your Cat?

Cute photo swiped from Google search

Why doesn’t Janey like me?!

In “Love Cats” when Beck Stewart meets Janey Peyton, he thinks he found the perfect girl … except …

Below is an excerpt from “Love Cats” (Kindle and paperback available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBGVJQS/) Note: Sexual content, 18 and over, please.

Love Cats excerpt

Faults? Of course Janey had them; he knew that from day one. First of all she hated his cat. It was almost like Janey was in competition with Morticia. He’d catch her doing crazy things like staring the cat down. And worse, he even caught her kick the cat once … not very hard, but hard enough to upset an animal lover. Morticia scampered away and hid.

“Don’t you ever do that to my cat again.”

“What did I do?”

“You kicked her! That wasn’t cool.” Beck tried to get his cat to come out of hiding by calling her. “Morticia … come here Baby!” Morticia was nowhere in sight. “That’s so messed up, Janey.” He shot her a look and continued searching for Morticia in the apartment.

“I’m sorry … won’t happen again,” Janey mumbled under her breath.

“Morticia is a living being. She’s not a stuffed toy. She has a little heart, she breathes. She’s more than just a pet, Janey. She’s family. I had her ten years, since I was a teenager. Mom gave her to me!”

“I said I was sorry!” Janey yelled. “I don’t need a lecture!”

Beck was so disappointed in her.

Readers: Would you date someone if they hated your cat? Share your thoughts and experiences!

Love & Mercy – Excellent Music Bio-Pic

Paul Dano (young Brian Wilson), John Cusak (future Brian Wilson), and Elizabeth Banks

You don’t have to be a Beach Boys fan to love the tragic bio-pic “Love & Mercy.”

I was never a Beach Boys fan. I can count the number of songs I like by them on less than one hand, but I can’t resist a good music bio. Plus, I’m a big John Cusak fan.

I came out of the theatre, still not a Beach Boys fan, but in total awe and sadness of Brian Wilson’s tragic life: panic attacks and struggles with paranoia/schizophrenia, manipulation from a greedy therapist who took advantage, and a tyrant father trying to run the show … what a horrible life that poor dude had.

All the actors were fabulous. I’m not a movie person and it takes a lot to get me to the theatre. This film definitely delivered. I was thrilled to see Elizabeth Banks (who I only knew from “Zac & Miri Make a Porno.”). She played an excellent role as Brian Wilson’s girlfriend, car salesperson, Melinda.

As a music fan, it was super cool to see actors playing as “The Wrecking Crew” a group of studio musicians that played with all the great talent in the 1960s and 1970s. And as a music fan, the genius of the recordings was also a favorite part for me. Even though The Beach Boys music just doesn’t move me, I can appreciate the work put into the songs.

And the fact that this was also a beautiful love story, that’s what really got me hooked. The movie left you wanting more, as all epic movies do, moving me to want to check out a book on Brian Wilson or even the more obscure music of Brian Wilson.

I wish the movie was just a little longer because I would have liked to see something about his daughters, musical talents Carnie and Wendy Wilson.

According to Wikipedia, Brian Wilson felt the film was “very factual” but that there were good parts to his life and the film focused on the dark.

Here’s a great trailer from the movie:

My favorite Beach Boys song:

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta wrote about music for music.com, Punk Magazine, The Aquarian/Arts Weekly, and various other publications. Her memoir: “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” is available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Dating Authentic

1980s

When I wrote my first fiction book, “Love Cats” I had to channel another lifetime since the book not only takes place in the 1980s, but with young people.

I did plenty of “Googling” and watching old television shows to make sure I had the right looks and the right dialogue. Nothing is worse than reading a fiction book that takes place in another decade and everything is dead wrong.

Though there are some things in life that the more things change, the more they stay the time. Like love gone bad. Even in this day and age my single friends complain to me about guys who don’t love them just as they are.

In “Love Cats” Janey Peyton has this issue when she hooks up with famous rock photographer Adam Durian. His demands on Janey are pretty harsh. From telling her what shoes to wear to insisting she lose weight before he takes her out again, the novelty of dating someone famous gets old pretty fast.

This morning I was watching an episode of “The Facts of Life” (television show 1980s) where Blair is dating someone who makes similar demands on her, like suggesting she cut her long hair.

Dating wrong people isn’t an issue exclusive to the 1980s. Girls still do it and always will, until they learn. Like Janey did.

Does Janey find true love after all? What lessons does she learn along the way. Find out. Get your copy of “Love Cats” today. A book for most generations! (18 and over).

“Love Cats” is available on Amazon.

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681020513

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBGVJQS/

Love Cats (back and front cover)

Paterson Honors Firefighters Who Fell in the Line of Duty

Photograph by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Read my full article here: http://www.northjersey.com/news/on-150th-anniversary-of-first-death-paterson-honors-firefighters-who-fell-in-line-of-duty-1.1350966

Bethel, NY

Quiet, peaceful grounds of Bethel, NY

Yesterday my husband and I took a beautiful trip up to Bethel, NY.

It was special. It was the first time we’ve been here since the first summer we were together. But the first time around, there wasn’t the Bethel Museum (http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/the-museum) which creates the feeling of being at Woodstock in the 1960s! It’s just so awesome, with tons of artifacts, clothes, videos (you can go in small rooms or larger rooms to see them; the largest being like a theater and the second largest is filled with bean bags to crash on!)

We spent a good three hours in the museum before we got a cup of coffee and walked the grounds. Bethel is the actual grounds where the legendary Woodstock concert happened (it was originally supposed to happen in Woodstock, but they changed it).

We ran into reporter Jonathan Fox who was actually at the Woodstock concert. He was awesome and took some photos of us, which was very nice.

It was a great experience and I encourage everyone to make the trip. But also, if you do go to Bethel, N.Y., be sure to also visit Woodstock, N.Y. (which is about an hour away). Even though the Woodstock concert was at Bethel, the town of Woodstock is where Bob Dylan lived and it’s a very artistic community (with excellent restaurants). Bethel is more vast and farm-like. The first time around we saw both towns in one day. We’ve since been to Woodstock two more times, but this was our first time back at Bethel. There is a definite magic about this town, which radiated with good energy.

Interesting side note: Woodstock was held from August 15 to August 18, 1969. My grandmother’s 51st birthday, the age I am now, was August 14, 1969 — the day before Woodstock began and my 6th birthday was August 19, 1969, the day after Woodstock. How magical is that?

Love is all you need

More love!

1960s fashion