Ringing in Halloween Weekend with a Full Moon

Reporter with a press pass.

It’s been unseasonably warm in New Jersey.

Dennis and I were out and about. Looked up — gorgeous full moon. Though tonight it’s officially the full moon. I just love when it happens on Halloween or Halloween weekend, truly contributing to the spooky vibe.

First up, I covered an awesome play that was performed in a gorgeous Unitarian church in Summit for a fundraiser. Afterwards, just on a simple ride home, we saw so many Halloween decorations. It just seems as the years go on, homes get more and more elaborate. And I have to admit, they are scary. I’m afraid to walk in front of houses, thinking something is going to jump out at me!

Today I’m covering a small event for children, then the weekend is ours! Of course we’ll be celebrating on Tuesday too. You have to do Halloween on the actual day, right? Though it seems we’ve been celebrating all month long. I’m going to be bummed when the Halloween decorations come down. I said to Dennis, “Can we just keep them up and have a Halloween house?”

Our house is over 100 years old and so cool, so appropriate for Halloween. We’re not minimalists by any means, and there’s art on all the walls, and even a 5-foot marionette hanging in my Pear Tree home office. It’s just so fun and cozy.

Anyway, here’s just a little taste of what we’ve been experiencing … Of course photos don’t do justice to how amazing they look in person!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a small pumpkin! https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

The kindle version of the second printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5M3KNT#customerReviews (The new print version is coming soon!)

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Good Stuff That’s Out of This World!

It’s no surprise that so many good things happen in October. It’s always been my favorite month and my high vibes during this month attract them. When I shop for clothes, I like to find stuff that illustrates my personality. Since I’m always talking about “The Universe” I found this cool dress of the galaxy. I love all the colors. This is what I wore to the Les Claypool show the other night, and honestly, five people stopped me to say they loved my dress — two women and three men. The last time I got that much attention from strangers was when I had magenta colored hair, helping out at Chiller Fest a few years ago. As I grow older, I’m more subtle in my clothes and make-up. I like to blend in, but have a little bit of a “kick” to show my personality. But, yeah, this is me at 60!

So, what’s happening lately? Some I’ve written about, and some I haven’t yet. This is all the stuff I am grateful for right at this moment.

1. The second printing of my book, The Gypsy Smiled has been out on Kindle. The print version should be out any day now. (Link to the Kindle version is below)
2. I’m so thrilled to be living my passion as a writer. Every single day is different because I cover all types of events and talk to all types of people. The other day I had a great phone conversation with famous illusionist, Jason Bishop. I can’t wait to meet him next week at the upcoming show. (And, of course I’ll share the article). Another awesome person I interviewed a few weeks ago was Keeley Freeman who runs Sierra House. You can read my article here: https://essexnewsdaily.com/headlne-news/helping-the-homeless-get-a-home
3. TA-DAH!!!!! A perfect bill of health! I’ve put myself in a vulnerable position and shared that after my mom died, my body rebelled and I struggled with vestibular migraines — for months! As time went on, they did lessen thanks to acupuncture, chiropractic care, CBD oil, and lots of natural sinus herbs sprayed up my nasal cavity. Well, guess what?! I’ve gone seven consecutive days without any trace of sinus issues! How awesome is it to wake up with a clear head, and not have to take CBD oil or use sinus spray. WOW!! When I went to the show the other night, I was able to have a vegan-friendly signature cocktail prior and feel relaxed and normal. When I had the condition, I couldn’t even drink because it felt like my head wasn’t even a part of my body. It was weird for sure. Now I feel normal again. As healthy as I was before my mom got sick. When I think of her, I shed a tear, or many tears, but I am no longer sick!
4. My husband Dennis is private, so I try not to write about him too much. But I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t add how grateful I am to have him at my side. The other night someone at the show asked Dennis if I was his “friend, girlfriend or wife?” He referred to me as his “wife AND girlfriend.” That’s a perfect way to describe our love because it always feels fresh and new. He is truly my best friend, and my favorite person to be with. Damn, I am blessed!
5. Freedom. As much of a write-a-holic as I am, I feel extremely fortunate that I don’t have to take every job the editors offer me. I can pick and choose according to my own schedule. I don’t have to sacrifice for my career. I live a beautiful work/play balance. Write to live, live to write!
6. It’s always nice when your work gets recognized. A few weeks ago, my article on Helen Carr was published in Union News Daily: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/linden/headstone-created-to-mark-jazz-singers-unmarked-grave … A writer from In Tune International — a publication from England — asked for permission to use my photo of Helen Carr’s gravestone, and also link to my article in an upcoming editing of In Tune International. Our publisher granted permission, and it will be in the November edition of In Tune International!
7. With Halloween around the corner, I want to share my article on the legendary candy, Smarties!! Everyone knows Smarties! The company has only been around over 70 years! It’s a female-run business, and I was happy to interview one of the co-owners. Read about it here: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/union/the-iconic-halloween-favorite-thats-based-in-union

Smarties are vegan, so I really hounded them to get the interview! I called, left emails, repeatedly. As a journalist, sometimes you have to make a pest out of yourself. That’s part of the job. But Liz Dee, one of the co-presidents thanked me for my persistence. I am so proud of that article. I love Smarties for being vegan and that’s the candy we’ll be giving out this Halloween!

Life is good!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me Smarties candy! https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

The kindle version of the second printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5M3KNT#customerReviews (The new print version is coming soon!)

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Les Claypool Fearless Flying Frog Brigade at Wellmont Theatre, Montclair

This show was absolutely incredible, with Les Claypool on bass, Sean Lennon on guitar, Harry Waters (son of Roger Waters) on keyboards, Sherik on saxophone, Mike Dillon on percussion.

Also, xylophone was featured, and nearly stole the show.

Sean Lennon’s playing was exceptional. You can hear much of John in his work. He also has John’s legs, John’s stance, John’s essence — and John’s vocals. He has that musical genius gene and it explodes to the hilt. John would be so very proud.

The entire band was absolutely stellar … and, God, I love Les Claypool — I’m always all about the bass. Hell, I married a bassist. The whole vibe of the show was euphoric, and nearly mind-blowing. It took you to another dimension and I stood the entire time in 4-inch heel boots.

They played nearly three hours. Early on, after a short break (which I needed to go to the bathroom because I would not budge during the show!) they played the entire Pink Floyd “Animals” album!! #1, that’s my favorite Pink Floyd album, with “Pigs” being my favorite song. #2, They played it flawlessly!

Someone recorded “Pigs” from last night’s show! I’m thrilled to re-live it this morning!

After “Animals” they went on to play another hour!

People were joyous, dancing, singing along, bonding. Some people dressed up in frog costumes and we took photos with them. The vibe was the best I’ve seen at a concert in a long time. Dennis and I even made a new friend who I may collaborate with artistically.

When I was still on social media, I followed Sean Lennon and he was always about love. This audience was full of love. Just nice people everywhere. So many strangers talked to us before the show, after the show, and during intermission (note, of course during a show we talk to no one but each other). But, wow, life is rarely like this when you’re out in public. It was like being in heaven. Seriously, these music fans were shockingly the coolest!

At this point I want to give a great big shout out to the Wellmont Theatre and their great staff!

We also loved the bar Pharmacie, which is a part of the theatre, but in a separate building. That’s another great rock ‘n roll vibe. They played Les Claypool, which was a nice warm-up to going in to the theatre. Signature cocktails were reasonably priced and there are vegan cocktail options. (I was standing outside like a jerk, Googling the drinks on the menu. But as a vegan, you do what you got to do!)

Now I’m off to Amazon to purchase more Les Claypool music!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a toy frog! https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

The kindle version of the second printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5M3KNT#customerReviews (The new print version is coming soon!)

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Jane McLaughlin of Haunted History Productions

Jane McLaughlin and Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

“Haunted Cranford History Tour” was one of the events I’ve covered this weekend for Worrall Media (and I will link to the article when it runs, as I always do).

It was a gorgeous, crisp autumn evening here in New Jersey. My husband Dennis and I caught the tour during daylight, and it ended by the evening.

Jane McLaughlin, dressed as “Miss Cookie,” is the one who puts Haunted History Tours together so that people of all ages can stroll through towns and listen to stories about the town’s famous and infamous folks who make a special appearance from the world beyond!

I interviewed Jane on the phone prior to the event. (You’ll have to wait until the article runs to see the other photos and read what it was about; and my interview with Jane).

Nevertheless, I wanted to give her a shout out before the article actually runs since she has one tour left and other cool stuff happening in New Jersey this Halloween season. To learn more, visit Haunted History Productions at: https://www.hauntedhistoryproductions.com/

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a little pumpkin! https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

The kindle version of the second printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5M3KNT#customerReviews (The new print version is coming soon!)

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Head Over Heels

Joe Leo, Director of “Head Over Heels” (Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta)

Over the weekend I had the honor to cover the fantastic play, “Head Over Heels.”

It was presented at the Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre and will be showing until the end of the month.

To say I’m Mad About Head Over Heels is an understatement! I might say it was the play of the year!

Here is a link to my article: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/cranford/audiences-are-head-over-heels-for-new-musical-comedy-at-cdc

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used CD: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

Pre-orders for the 2nd printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” are available here: Pre-Orders: https://www.highergroundbooksandmedia.com/product-page/the-gypsy-smiled-by-maryanne-christiano-mistretta

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

The Gypsy Smiled, 2nd Printing, Now Available for Pre-Orders!

COVER MODEL – PLEASANT GEHMAN

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA HUGHES

Earlier this year my book The Jersey Shore was published; and now the 2nd printing of The Gypsy Smiled is available for pre-sales.

But if you can’t wait for the book, it’s also on Kindle RIGHT NOW!

Pre-Orders: https://www.highergroundbooksandmedia.com/product-page/the-gypsy-smiled-by-maryanne-christiano-mistretta

The Amazon Kindle Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL5M3

Note, Pleasant Gehman was inadvertently put as “author” instead of “model.” I let the publisher know and hopefully it will get fixed asap. These things happen in publishing sometimes but it will be fixed. 

Thank you for all your support and for celebrating with me! 

Let’s make “The Gypsy Smiled” the number one Halloween read this season!

I AM ECSTATIC!

Special thanks to Rebecca Benston, publisher of Higher Ground and Pleasant Gehman for being such a gorgeous cover model.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used tarot deck: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Rest in Peace Suzanne Somers

Last night my husband said, “Her death really affected you” when he saw me crying upon hearing the news.

I’m not really a “celebrity person.” I enjoyed “Three’s Company” very much, but what made me really love Suzanne Somers was her honest book “Keeping Secrets” which helped me get through a hard time in the 1980s when a family member was struggling with a drinking problem.

But I was also shocked. Suzanne Somers was a health advocate and she died way too young in my opinion. We expect every health advocate to be like Jack LaLanne and live until their 90s. But, of course, there are no guarantees in life.

Back in 2010, I had the honor to interview her doctor, the late Nicholas Gonzalez, for my column “Here’s to Your Health.”

I will always remember how highly Dr. Gonzalez spoke of his patient Suzanne Sommers. She was the main focus of the article. He couldn’t say enough good about her.

I wrote more on Dr. Gonzalez here: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/tag/death-of-doctor-gonzalez/

Now their souls are together again. Rest in peace to both Suzanne Sommers and Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez who was doing amazing, innovative work for cancer patients

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used CD: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Just Another Night at the Vampire Club

Bela Lugosi, everyone’s favorite Dracula

After witches, I’d say vampires are my favorite Halloween characters. Who wouldn’t want to live forever? (Especially after seeing the Johnny Depp version of “Dark Shadows,” my favorite vampire movie ever).

Last night Dennis and I attended a lecture on vampires at the Barron Arts Center. It was presented by historian Greg Caggiano: https://www.gregcaggiano.com/

I have to say, Greg Caggiano is one of my favorite speakers.

Nearly two hours of vampire history was a fabulous addition to this month’s festivities, as Voltaire’s “The Vampire Club” keeps dancing around in my head. I love that song so much because it pokes fun of goth culture and people taking themselves way too seriously (which I also do in my upcoming book, “The Gypsy Smiled” giving the lead male character an obnoxious fake name “Dionysus”).

And just being in the historic Barron Arts Center added to the touch.

Of all the stories in Caggiano’s presentation, I have to say I loved the story of Elizabeth Bathory best, a Hungarian serial killer who was known for drinking the blood of young peasant virgins in order to stay youthful.

What is it that’s so fascinating about vampires? One of my Halloween costumes as a kid was a vampire, though I remember hating the fake teeth I wore.

Each Halloween Dennis and I visit the house Charles Addams lived in. I had a cat, Derick, who lived to 19 and he never wanted to leave our side. So, the last two years of his life, we dressed him up and took him out on Halloween when we visited Charles Addams’ home. One year we put a little cape on Derick and we told children he was “Count Cat-ula.” Derick loved dressing up. He went along with everything, as long as he held him. During our Halloween walks, Derick would sit on Dennis’s shoulder, like a parrot. It was the cutest thing when children would point at him and say, “Look, it’s a cat!!” They got so excited to see him.

Derick and Sparky

And also relevant to Halloween — CANDY!

Yesterday afternoon I was THRILLED to interview one of the co-presidents of Smarties! Yes, the candy that’s been around for over 70 years (and haven’t changed their formula!) It’s a female run business, and guess what? Smarties are VEGAN! So, that will be the Halloween candy du jour in our household this year. I’ll link to the article when it runs.

I can go on all day with Halloween stuff, but as a music fan, I’ll end with a few cool vampire songs. Since everyone knows “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus, I’ll leave that one out and go for some that aren’t as popular, yet super cool.

As I mentioned earlier, Voltaire’s “Vampire Club.” His lyrics are absolutely genius and sarcastic as fuck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2j4vbaK2VI

And this super cute, catchy song by Jonathan Richman, “Vampire Girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOnOTyN10I0

🧛

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used CD: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Headstone Created for Jazz Singer Helen Carr’s Unmarked Gravesite

Rest in Peace, Helen Carr

Jazz artist Helen Carr passed in 1960 at the age of 37.

Up until a few weeks ago, her gravesite remained unmarked.

I covered the Memorial Service and wrote the story about how it all came to be, which you can read here: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/linden/headstone-created-to-mark-jazz-singers-unmarked-grave

It was an honor to meet Carr’s niece, her daughter, their friends, and David Nogar who made it all happen.

If you have a chance to score Carr’s albums or CDs, you’re in for a treat. Her voice was beautiful.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used CD: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

National Stop Bullying Day

At a book reading/signing for my two books on anti-bullying

The second Wednesday in October is National Anti-Bullying Day, bringing together parents, students, and faculty, in efforts to put an end to bullying.

Children shouldn’t be afraid to go to school because of bullying. I was one of those children, which is why I take my part when I can to speak out about bullying. My book, “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” has been part of a teenage book club, where I met with teens to talk about bullying.

Interesting, the teens I spoke with at this particular book club said they were never bullied. This dispels the myth that “everyone was bullied.” No, everyone was not bullied. Though more and more people are coming forward sharing that they were because now the stigma of shame isn’t as heavy as it once was. Most people now know that those who have been bullied are truly victims, not someone who “deserved” it. And that bullies themselves have issues. They may be insecure, or even bullied at home by their own parents. Hurt people hurt others and we have to break the chain.

Today I want to share my guest spot on James Burns’ Anti-Bullying 101 podcast. I’m embarrassed that I cut James off a few times while he was talking, but I was so passionate about the cause! James is awesome for all he is doing and I was honored to be his guest, not once, but twice!

And if you don’t have time to listen to an hour-long podcast, here’s a shorter message from my own channel, “How do you want to be remembered when you die?”

The inspiration from this video came from the cult classic “Heathers.” When the biggest bully of the school dies, people aren’t really mourning. They are relieved!

And, hey, I have to be honest here. A woman who internet bullied me 20 years ago died some time ago and my first thought was, “At least she won’t bother me anymore.”

Another person who knew her told me he was glad she was dead. He defended me when she talked fake shit about me. WHOA! That is crazy, but not really uncommon because another friend shared that she thought the same exact thing about a woman who bullied her in adulthood.

Of course, deep in our hearts, we really don’t want to see people die. Maybe we’d rather make amends with people and even be friends. In my head I’ve forgiven all who have bullied me. As a kid, I always did want to be friends. I’m a lover, not a fighter. It’s just a great feeling to be happy all the time.

But many people are stubborn and thrive on hate. Again, they are hurting for some reason, leading them to lash out on random targets. Perhaps someone shy like I was. Or they join a clique and gang up on someone others are already picking on.

Yesterday I was watching a cute YouTube video on Christie Brinkley. Yes, even a super model gets internet hate. She said she tries not to read it, but sometimes she can’t help but respond, in a nice way. It was adorable hearing this gorgeous woman’s take on internet bullying. It can happen to the best of us, especially if you’re in the public eye — a model, a writer, an actress, a political figure, an artist, a comedian…

While we really shouldn’t care what others think of us, I think most people would prefer to be remembered as someone who did something good for other people, not a bully.

How do you want to be remembered when you die?

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a used CD: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is now available: https://omni-pub.com/product/so-you-think-you-know-the-jersey-shore/

And while we are celebrating, here is a wonderful article about the book: https://www.mypaperonline.com/beautiful-ride-in-maryanne-christiano-mistrettas-front-row-seat-to-the-jersey-shore.html

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

I’m also a five-star cat sitter. Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? I’m available: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting