Bloganuary – Day 12 – SPOILED! … Or Not?

Me, at CAKE, NYC, mid-1990s

Today’s Bloganuary prompt asks “What Chore Do You Find Most Challenging?”

When I hear “chore” I think about house cleaning. I suppose a chore could be anything, but let’s talk about house cleaning. I’m slightly ashamed to admit, I am spoiled. I was raised by my grandmother and she did everything for me. When I moved out on my own, the first thing I learned to do was wash clothes, because I felt clean clothes were important. However, there were many chores I actually liked — washing dishes, sorting things out (like paperwork, magazines, clothing, etc.) and putting things away.

I also love food shopping. Making the bed. And doing laundry. In fact, the chore that scared me the most is the one I embrace. Ten years ago I wrote a blog, “The Laundry Journals” (https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/the-laundry-journals/) which explains why I love doing the laundry (reasons you may not even consider!)

And, believe it or not, I don’t mind cleaning toilets!! Maybe I’m not so spoiled after all?

What I don’t like is cleaning floors. In fact, when I lived by myself, I hired help to do that. So, maybe I am spoiled?

I also hate vacuuming. My husband does that. Yeah, I’m spoiled.

But I LOVE cooking and serving. Again, maybe I’m not so spoiled after all?

And worse of all, home repairs! Even though hire someone to do it, you have these strange people coming in your home, sometimes saying dumb, annoying things (thinking they are funny), and having the house in an upset until everything is finished. If dealing with all that isn’t a “chore” I don’t know what is?

The point of this blog is, there will always be things we don’t love to do, and if we don’t love doing them, we shouldn’t have to. When I think of the chores I love or don’t mind, I believe it’s because of HOW I do them. I’ll listen to music, I’ll be in my head letting my imagination run wild, or I’ll be thinking of a health benefit to doing a particular chore.

Chores are like art. You will go through a period where it’s just downright ugly. But once it’s finished, you can look back at your masterpiece. Fresh, crisp laundry. A sparkling floor. A toilet so clean it looks brand new!

If you think of chores as art, you may feel like you are spoiled too! Embrace each day, each moment can be so much fun!

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Day 9 – The Most Memorable Gift I’ve Received

I can’t say it enough — the most memorable gift I received was from God and The Universe. My husband!

We knew each other forever. I used to follow his band when I was a teenager, but we hardly said more than “hello” to each other. I always thought he was good looking, but I was shy and it seemed we were always involved with other people. Then in 2005, the band had a reunion. That is when I had my moment to talk a bit more with Dennis. I was crushing very hard. A few weeks later he called me and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Now, over 17 years later, we’re still madly in love. He’s really my best friend. We connect on all levels, spiritually, mentally, physically, and intellectually. We both share a love for the most important things in life, animals (mainly cats) and music. We are never bored with each other and can talk — and laugh — for hours. Each morning we both wake up with smiles on our faces, ready to start another day. If we’re apart, we connect via emails throughout the day.

I’m so genuinely happy we are together. I can’t imagine life without him, or with anyone else. It’s truly a blessing to be with your heart and soul mate. I wish this for everyone. The key is, don’t settle!

(I offer one-to-one ZOOM classes on How to Meet Your Soul Mate, if anyone is interested, contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com … I’ve hosted them during the pandemic and will be starting up again. Rates are very reasonable).

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Day 7 – A Short Story About Rain

Anticipating rain with my husband’s Led Zep umbrella! (Montclair, NJ August 2022)

One of the best things about being a kid in the 1970s was walking everywhere. Everything was more spaced out, less congested. The world was your playground, but you had to walk to get there — like the mall or the candy store. Even going to a Burger King meant a long walk and hopping over a fence.

On a very hot summer day, my sister and our younger cousin were heading back home, from somewhere. We were tired of walking and sweating. It was annoying and uncomfortable.

But I had a bright idea, “Let’s do a rain dance!” (A North American Indian ritual to summon rain).

There we were, three kids, dancing in a circle on the sidewalk, as cars passed, chanting for rain.

Suddenly, the sky opened up and it did rain! We were so excited. We made it rain!

Nothing beats getting caught in a summer rainfall. It’s fun and exhilarating. But the real moral of this story is, we should continue to BELIEVE as we did as children. Life can be magical, if you believe!

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Day 5 – What Brings Me Joy? LIFE!

Me, silly as usual! (Summer 2022)

What gives me joy? LIFE!

I’m a silly person with a lust for life. Every minute counts and I love and embrace all of it. Every waking moment.

A typical day would be getting up early with my husband. Having some coffee together, playing with our kitties, and perhaps a slow dance to start our day. I’m so blessed to wake up every day to a handsome man who is my true soul mate and best friend. He’s never in a bad mood.

Since I’m a writer and public speaker, every day is different. Sometimes I’m also cat sitting or acting (I’m a non-union actress) or modeling or ghost writing. Variety is the spice of life in both work and play.

On the weekends (and sometimes during the week too) my husband and I enjoy going to vegan restaurants, long drives, or concerts — anything really. When we’re together, we always get into deep conversations or laugh so hard that tears are rolling down my face.

A few days ago I wrote about my grandmother and her lust for life. I take right after her and am looking forward to living a very long happy life, with continuous joy in each day!

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Day 3 – What is the Earliest Memory You Have? Grandma!

Grandma, looking like a movie star in Florida, back in the day!

I honestly didn’t like being a child and my honest earliest memory involved a nightmare about going down a stairway to hell. We had a parakeet that I was afraid of, and the stairway in the dream was lined with birdseed. Tragic!

But a more positive memory was about my Grandmother. She was the most adorable, sweetest lady and I always wanted to be with her. I remember my mother saying that she was going to sew me and my grandmother together. I spent many summers with her in Florida as a child, and as I grew older she became my rock. She was the one who believed in me as a writer and knew I was going to “make it.” She was right.

My grandmother died in 1995. I took it so bad, it took years to get over. I was only 31 at the time, so the experience made my 30s a wild rollercoaster. While I became very successful in my writing career, I was still a lost soul.

When I began dating my husband in 2005, I felt like I got my grandmother back in a way. He loved me as unconditionally as she did. He also had her old school Italian sense of wit — dry and sarcastic. He took my grandmother’s place as my rock.

Not one day goes by that I don’t think of Grandma. How fun she was. Up to her 70s, she went on rollercoasters. She was always up for a great time and got along with everyone. She just had that way about her that brightened up a room, yet she had a tough side too. She smoked too much and hated my hamsters. And that goes to show even the most perfect, coolest people have a dark side that should be forgiven.

I miss you Grandma. I will always love you! xo

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Day 2 – How Are You Brave? (Ah, yes, let me count thy ways!)

Autographing one of my books in 2018

Brave is easy for me. The challenge would be doing things that aren’t “brave.” I couldn’t live with myself if I was stagnant. If I played it “safe.”

I’ve always been an independent woman. Before I met my husband (later in life), I lived by myself 15 years. During that time, I supported myself fully. Yet I quit jobs without having another lined up. This is brave and it’s not something people do, especially if they aren’t married.

There was a time, not to long ago, when I wasn’t brave. Prior to the 9/11 tragedy, I worked in New York City as a writer. I wanted to start my own business and took a class on legal proofreading. I was supposed to have my first assignment, and interesting, the receptionist messed up and the woman I was to interview with thought I didn’t show, so I missed out on a long-term assignment. That was a Friday. The next Tuesday, the towers were hit. I realized it was a blessing in disguise not to get that assignment. Even though it wasn’t in the twin towers, imagine being in New York City on that day?

Moving forward, I took a job in New Jersey as an editorial assistant at a local newspaper. It was a $20K pay cut from what I was used to making, but I liked the job and ending working there from 2001 to 2008. The last few years I was there, it was rough. The editor was a diabetic and had massive mood swings. One day he yelled at me for 45 minutes straight because I failed to get an obituary in the paper. In my defensive, the funeral director knew our paper was closing and he didn’t get back to me in time.

The next day I gave a month notice. I couldn’t do it though and ended up quitting within two weeks — without another job lined up. I stayed in bed four days straight. By now I was living with my boyfriend (who became my husband). That summer I took a job at a health food store. It was fun, but I realized I wasn’t a “people person.” I needed to be my own boss, and with my 401Ks, I began my home-based business, “Pear Tree Enterprises.” I took all my talents and created a sweet life for myself — journalism, book editing, and promoting. As time went on, my business changed, of course. I realized I didn’t like promoting/marketing, but there were other things I loved. Now I can add to the list non-union actress, over 50 modeling, public speaking, and cat sitting (I became a certified feline behaviorist during the pandemic!) In 2013, at the age of 50, I wrote my first book. Now I have several books and two of them are in Barnes & Noble.

This is when I realized just how brave I really am. It takes a brave person to become self employed and write their own books. “Friends” get jealous and leave you (after they write you nasty emails about how “narcissistic” you are), there are “dry” periods when you may not get royalty checks or work, people either think you’re loaded and are often asking you for money, or they look down on you and think you sit around all day eating bon bons. OR, worse of all, they assume the only reason you can have your own business is because you have a husband to fall back on. That part is true, and people shouldn’t begrudge me for having a great man. I have a great man because I never settled for a lesser one. We adore each other and it’s a blessing!

And that’s another reason why I am brave, I don’t settle — for men, or for friends or for clients. I live my life honestly and that’s something that’s hard for a lot of people.

Truly being brave means taking a lot of chances and being true to yourself. People may feel threatened, but the ones who understand are the ones you can share a beautiful life with.

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

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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/

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 29 – How Are You Changing the World? (I’m NOT!)

Autographing my book “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” for a child who was being bullied at school

Whenever I get down on myself, my husband reminds me what a difference I make in people’s lives. He also reminds me of all the positivity I put into my monthly newsletter, promoting my business, which is hosted on WordPress: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Sometimes I say to myself, I wish I could be as good as my newsletter persona!

I guess the truth is, I find this question cringe-worthy.

Years ago I was having a discussion with a younger woman who was in a desperate rush to get married and have children. At the time I was happily living with my husband. We knew, in our hearts, we’d get married but we weren’t rushing–as the love would always be there. Plus, I always thought it was so romantic waiting and marrying later in life.

Anyway, this girl was really getting on my nerves, pushing her “clock is ticking out” agenda on to me. I wanted to get married someday, but never cared to have children. To shut her up, I said, “My children are too good for this world.”

She shot back, “My child could change the world.” Her smirk was like chalk on a blackboard.

Ew. Imagine having a mother who puts that kind of expectation on you? Her twisted vision haunted me for years. How can any one person change the world? First of all, we’re all so different. In order to change the world, you’d have to get everyone on the same wavelength, the same thought pattern, at the same time. And that’s not going to happen. Even if you did something incredible and you became famous for it. You still didn’t “change the world.” You may have changed your country, but there will always be those who didn’t agree with the change and won’t subscribe to it. For example – if you invented the Covid vaccine, many people won’t get it for whatever reason. You didn’t change “the world” you changed a portion of it. Only God can change the world.

But can we change our own little world? Of course we can!

Every day we can do one small thing for someone to make a difference. A nice compliment makes someone’s day. A hefty donation can make someone’s week. An opportunity can make someone’s year. An effective insight can change someone’s life.

I’d never be so pompous to say I’m “changing the world” but as a non-believer in false modesty, I’m confident to sometimes agree with my husband’s statement–I do make a difference. I’m the friend who shows up on time, who gives generous compliments, and who is the first to call if someone’s pet died. I’m the professional who writes articles about the homeless; and how great children are doing in cities that are known for the high crime rate; and cops who donated their Christmas turkeys to needy families. I’m the wife who makes my husband feel like a little kid again because I’m so much fun. And I write books that people can turn to if they are being bullied in school, giving them away to those in desperate need of support.

When we all put together our pieces of the puzzle, it makes a difference. The key word is “we.” No one person can change the world, but together we all can! Let’s do it! Let’s make the world a more tender, compassionate, happier place to be.

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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.

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 28 – What is On My Music Playlist? EVERYTHING!!

In front of Queen + Adam Lambert Tour Bus

Music? Did someone say music? I live music and even have a 45-rpm spindle tattooed on my forearm.

This is my favorite topic, and I will not shut up about it. In fact, I’m a music snob, so do not challenge me, I will win any music argument.

I have a vast collection of CDs and albums in the thousands. I was a music journalist most of my life, and interviewed many of my favorite artists. Or I just met them either by chance (easy when you work and hang out in NYC) or at a record signing/book signing. I go see live acts at least once a month, much more in the summer time because you have the outdoor shows.

All my free time is spent listening to music. I can’t even brush my teeth without music on. That said, everything is on my playlist. I like a variety of music from all genres, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but here’s just a taste of what is in my collection: Queen, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, Cher, Sonny & Cher, Serge Gainsbourg, Ella Fitzgerald, Sierra Ferrell, Lou Christie, The Monkees, ABBA, Gary Numan, David Bowie, The Stranglers, The Sex Pistols, Neurotic Outsiders, Iggy Pop (solo stuff trumps The Stooges, don’t argue), HIM, Mission U.K., Ben Kweller, Amy Winehouse, The Smithereens, Hanoi Rocks, Japan, David Sylvian, Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Daniel Ash, Mick Karn, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Blondie, The B52s, Boomtown Rats, Jim Carroll, early KISS, early Aerosmith, Keith Richards solo, The Stones, Redd Kross, Cocteau Twins, Alabama Shakes, Charles Bradley, The Pixies, The Movies, Jonathan Richman, Culture Club, Coyote Shivers, D-Generation, Dead Boys, Joe Jackson…to name a few. This was all off the top of my head, but I’m probably missing quite a bit that I really love, I’m sure.

Also, if anyone wants to talk to me about music – I don’t do “greatest hits.” If you tell me you like a band and I ask, “What is your favorite album by them?” and you say, “Greatest Hits,” please, do not talk to me about music, ever. I’m a character out of the movie “High Fidelity” and I will shame you for not exploring a band’s history if you say you love them.

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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.

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 27 – Where Do You Go When You Need Solitude?

I’m so blessed to live alone with my husband and our cats in a decent-sized house. We have no children, so it’s always peaceful here. If my husband plays the stereo too loud, I kindly ask, “Can you please turn it down?” If I need to concentrate on work, I’m in my office and I tell him not to disturb me. Otherwise, we are either quiet or loud together, whichever way we’re feeling.

Upstairs, in addition to other rooms, I have a private room I call my “Zen Den.” This is where I keep my recent diaries, my incense, my crystals, many books, and all my CDs. I also have a spiritual altar there. Each morning I go in the Zen Den to have some moments to myself, to write in my diary and speak to The Universe.

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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.

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 26 – Favorite Part of Yourself

MY PERSONALITY!

Yes, I’ll say it shamelessly. I have a dynamic personality!

In a world of pigeons, I’m a flamingo.

I’m fun and funny. I’m upbeat. I smile at strangers. I make lemonade out of lemons.

I have a great lust for life and appreciate each waking moment.

Loving yourself is a blessing. Love yourself today!

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

She is the author of the following books:

“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.