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
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/
For so many people, putting “Best” and “2016” together is definitely an oxymoron, and in my world it’s no different. Personally, it was a bad year with many losses and tears. It all began with the death of David Bowie (https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2016/01/11/rest-in-peace-to-the-prettiest-star-david-bowie/) Then my favorite cat of all time had to be put to sleep, at the age of 19 (https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2016/04/30/rest-in-peace-derick-mommys-little-heart-6-24-96-to-4-29-16/). And finally, we said good-bye to my beloved father-in-law who passed at the age of 94 a few months ago (http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=181972211).
It was just one of those years where the “hits” just kept on coming and there’s not enough hours in the day for me to write about all of them.
Since I really don’t like to focus on negativity, let’s just say, THANK GOD for music; it’s what makes the world go ’round, and a salvation to many. Like every other year, 2016 was no worse in the music department. There were so many live performances my husband and I attended this year, including a few of his own with Rob Fusari and Pharoah. And my “Learn + Listen” series which made the cover of the Caldwell News: http://www.mypaperonline.com/library-patrons-learn-and-listen-about-famous-musicians.html
Lucky me, I also was blessed to write about many performances for various publications.
Whether it was outdoor concerts, or indoor venues, there was not one bad show in the lot. It’s always so hard to pick a “favorite” but as every music fan knows, there are those songs and moments that keep popping into your head, days, even weeks, after the show is over. To any musician who is reading, whether you’re mentioned here or not, if I approached you after a show, I sincerely loved your act.
That said, in my humble opinion, I’d like to present what I felt was the best on my radar this year. ENJOY!
BEST SONG/VIDEO – ROB FUSARI “Let Love Down”
TOP THREE LIVE PERFORMANCES
1 – ROB FUSARI – The Bitter End, NYC, May 24, 2016
(“Your Trap” featuring Andrea Martin, Matt, Mario, Dennis, and The Constellations)
2 – SOUND + VISION: THE MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE (Musical Direction: RICHARD BARONE) – Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
(“Fame” featuring Richard Barone, Jeffrey Gaines, Burnt Sugar Arkestra, Nick Celeste. In other outstanding performances: Wesley Stace and Elvis Perkins)
3 – PUNKY MEADOWS + FALLEN ANGEL BAND – B.B. Kings, NYC, June 14, 2016
(“The Tower” featuring Punky Meadows, Danny Anniello, Chandler Mogel, Bob Pantella, Charlie Calv, Randy Gregg. Felix Robinson also performed on bass in this show)
“She Makes Me Laugh” from The Monkees “Good Times”
BEST VINYL – JACK WHITE “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”
How cool to hear this on a record player!
BEST MUSIC MOVIE – “LET ME DOWN HARD”
Starring Keith Roth, DJ 95.9 The Rat “Electric Ballroom,” performs with Frankenstein 3000 and David Johansen; songwriter for Punky Meadows and so much more!
BEST MUSIC BOOK – CARMINE APPICE “STICK IT!”
Honest; and in a strange way, endearing! Loved it!
And, again, because some things have to be said more than once, in my own little world, quite a few super cool things happened to ease the pain of the sadness, like going to see so much live music, being around amazing people, being able to write for a living — and public speaking (which includes music and health programs!) Not to mention, my incredible husband who is my rock through all the hardships and triumphs. All in all, there were two stand-outs that made this year incredible.
First I got a new kitty, Nicholas Gray; my husband and I adore our new snuggle bun! How can you not?
Nicholas Gray
And, thanks to Ashley Valentin-Patino, I became a professional wedding officiant, and will be marrying many more people in 2017! Speaking of “bests” Ashley’s wedding to Mitchell was not only the best of 2016, but aside from my own, I’d say the best wedding of all time!
May 2017 will bring more love, music, and happiness to the world! Grim Reaper — be gone with you!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta and Ashley Valentin-Patino
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist, available on Amazon in paperback only: https://www.amazon.com/Guest-List-Adventures-Music-Journalist/dp/162903908X
To contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, write her at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com
With my supportive husband, Dennis Lords
It was my honor to sign copies of my two books, “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” and “Love Cats” at Randy Now’s Man Cave in Bordentown, NJ, yesterday (Sunday, Dec. 19, 2016).
Mary Muehleisen was also there representing her late brother, Maury Muehleisen who played guitar with Jim Croce, and died in a plane crash with Jim at the age of 24. She was selling two of Maury’s solo CDs (which are incredible, by the way! What a gorgeous voice he had, and a beautiful guitarist and songwriter).
Interesting story, a customer came in to buy a Jim Croce record for his girlfriend for Christmas. He did not know that Mary Muehleisen was going to be there. What a beautiful coincidence. The customer brought one of her brother’s CDs.
Mary Muehleisen and Maryanne Mistretta
It was such an honor to meet Mary Muehleisen, as well as selling quite a few books!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Randy Now’s Mommy, and Randy Now!
Thanks so much to Randy Now for hosting such a wonderful, memorable event!
My books on sale in Randy Now’s Man Cave!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta works as a professional journalist and public speaker. Her books are available on Amazon.
“On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” https://www.amazon.com/Guest-List-Adventures-Music-Journalist/dp/162903908X
“Love Cats” https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513
For more information on Randy Now’s Man Cave, visit: http://www.mancavenj.com/
For more information on Maury Muehleisen visit: http://www.maurymuehleisen.com/main.html
Dennis Lords ESP Custom Halloween Japanese Hell double neck Guitar
It’s been one helluva trying year, having to put my beautiful 19-year-old cat, Derick, down earlier this year; then my father-in-law passing just a few weeks ago. But my husband and I pulled through to enjoy the best night of the year — Halloween! And take some great shots to remember this one! ENJOY!
Our new Love Cat, Nicholas Gray
Love ❤
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
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
