Happy Valentine’s Day from Nicholas Gray
Can’t get enough of cats? Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” an erotic chick flick novel set in the 1980s. He loves cats; she hates them! Will this couple survive? Find out and order “Love Cats” — available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513
Nicholas Gray and Maryanne
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France. 
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” available on Amazon in paperback and kindle editions: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513
Iben (left) and Maryanne at Mundo Vegan in Montclair, NJ
Yesterday was an incredibly special, happy day. I finally got to meet my lovely friend Iben, who is visiting the USA, from Denmark. And her 14-year-old son, Mads, who is wise beyond his years and an all-around great kid.
Two years ago, Iben and I bonded online, over our love for animals. Cecil the lion was just killed and, of course it bothered us both terribly.
This was the summer of 2015. A short time later, Iben told me she’d be visiting the USA in 2017, so we planned to set a date to meet.
Yesterday I met Iben and Mads for the first time at a train station in Cranford, New Jersey. They’ve been staying in NYC, enjoying their holiday.
After two days of rain, we lucked out with a warm, windy day, perfect spring day. First stop was Montclair. We first went to an indie bookstore, then enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Mundo Vegan: http://www.mundovegannj.com/
We couldn’t rave enough about how great the meal was. I had organic quinoa salad and pumpkin “cheese” cake for dessert (made with tofu, almond crust, pumpkin and cashews). Delicious!
Afterwards we did some shopping in Montclair, then went for a walk around the gorgeous Verona Park. There, we coincidentally started a conversation with a woman who was from Denmark, living in the United States for 60 years! What are the chances of that?! And her brother lives in the same town as Iben.
And why did we start talking to the woman to being with? Because she had two cute dogs! It’s always hard to resist stopping to meet dogs, especially in a park.
We all ended our beautiful day with a last stop to my house so Iben and Mads could meet my kitty Nicholas. Nicholas is definitely a “people kitty.” Nicholas loved my new friends and did his “Circus flips” for them (which my husband taught him).
I’ve been so high since yesterday, meeting two incredible people. Fresh air, good food, and great conversation. So much fun!
I wish Iben and Mads a beautiful, safe trip while they continue their visit in the USA. And thanks to Facebook, we’ll be in touch, ’til we meet again! ❤
Maryanne and Mads, Montclair, NJ
Verona Park (Photo by Iben)
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, left; and Fran Larkey, right
Thanks so much to Fran Larkey and the Caldwell Library for hosting my book reading/signing for my second book, “Love Cats” — available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions at: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513
Portions of today’s sales will benefit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y. on behalf of my non-profit animal rights organization, R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights). Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/respectouranimalsrights/
Nicholas with your eyes so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513
Nicholas Gray
Yesterday my husband and I got word that our new rescue cat has a perfect bill of health.
He’s about 3-years-old and a friendly little bugger. He loves to cuddle, but really loves to play. He’s also a big guy; at 11 pounds, he’s heavy!
It’s been so long that we had a cat so close to kitten-hood. My last two lived to 19. The oldest, Billy Cat, passed in 2013 and Derick, just a little over a month ago.
Derick wasn’t even gone a week and friends started asking if we wanted a cat. We weren’t ready. We mourned a long time and even after getting Nicholas, things about him reminded us about our others that made us sad.
That’s the thing, you never forget your old cats. But a new one can bring so much joy. Since my other two lived so long, I forgot what it was like to have a cat that loved toys and jumped around a lot and scattered through the house. It’s just so much fun!
Like the other two, Nicholas has some “dog-like” qualities. He loves people. He runs to the door when we come home. And he’s very affectionate, purring up a storm when we hold him.
Just like love for a human being, it’s always when you least expect it that you’ll fall in love with a new pet. When the right one comes along to adopt, you just KNOW it.
We love our new baby and are very happy with him.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681020513
Photo from Megan Meyer’s petition to save Seaside Cats
Please sign this petition which will go to five decision makers in Seaside: https://www.change.org/p/tony-vaz-seaside-heights-mayor-save-the-amazing-boardwalk-cats-of-seaside-heights-nj
What this is about
From Megan Meyer’s petition:
The Seaside Heights Animal Welfare Organization has cared for the majestic cats of the Seaside Boardwalk by creating a colony system, which provides well maintained shelters and feeding stations since 2012. Through grants and individual donations, over 300 cats have been trapped, neutered and released at no cost to the tax payers. We all love to see the cats under the Boardwalk but the way they control the rodent population in this tourist hot spot is of huge importance. Recently, the board members who work tirelessly each day to feed and maintain the colonies, have been stripped of their positions leaving the cats without the care they are used to or supportive people who would do anything to protect them. Please sign this petition to help the Mayor of Seaside Heights understand how important these cats are to the public who visit this town regularly and love seeing them. Further, to see how the team leading SSHAWO need to be reinstated to their established place helping the cats in a hands in way. With the upcoming camp outs on the beaches-the cats are of critical importance against rodents that might move in. TNR works and this group is a wonderful part of the town of Seaside Heights. Please sign and share with anyone who comes to the Jersey Shore.
