Love + Unity Festival Kick-Off, Chalk the Walk!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Carl Brister

Yesterday was awesome meeting Carl Brister (first-ballot Grammy nominee, creator of Love + Unity Festival, and Music Village).

The Love + Unity Festival kicked off with several bus loads of students creating chalk art in front of West Orange Town Hall. There was also live music from guitarist Kevin Brooks. Hosted by Councilwoman Tammy Williams.

Stay tuned for my article, and you’ll be able to see all the cool chalk art created by the students. Their messages were POWERFUL!

In the meantime, check out the Love + Unity website, events are happening all week long! (I’ll be back covering more of it on Saturday! Looking forward to it!) https://www.musicvillage.live/loveunity-music-fest/

You can also check out my article/interview with Carl Brister, from earlier this month: https://essexnewsdaily.com/arts/local-artist-releases-song-and-video

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker. She can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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

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

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

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

Date Night and running into a favorite client!

With my husband at Union County Performing Arts Center for The Doo Wop Project show.

I recently interviewed Dominic Nolfi to promote the show. Here is the article: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/the-doo-wop-project-comes-to-ucpac

They were fantastic!! We actually moved to the balcony so I could dance without disturbing anyone because the audience was made up of mostly seniors. But, wow, the vocals, the music, the choreographed dancing in synch — just beautiful and romantic.

Earlier in the evening I ran into one of my clients!! I helped Beth write and edit her personal memoir. It’s being traditionally published later this year by Higher Ground in limited edition for her friends and family only. It won’t be available on Amazon or in Barnes & Noble stores.

If that’s something you may want to consider for yourself, you can email me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Maryanne and client, Beth

This is one of those weeks I’m running on coffee and just being hyped up. I’ve been extremely busy with career and socially (which is often because of my career, getting comp tickets).

I’m covering two more stories this weekend and we’re going to the theatre tonight and tomorrow.

I just keep drinking coffee! Life is great!

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker. She can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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

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

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

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

It’s all about the packaging

Cover photo by Christina Hughes; Model: Pleasant Gehman

On National Packaging Design Day, I wanted to once again share the cover of my latest book, The Gypsy Smiled. This is the 2nd printing, traditionally published by Higher Ground.

I hired Pleasant Gehman to get permission to use her photo because she had the perfect look I wanted to represent the wonderful supporting character, Gypsy, who advises main character, Lucretia, that she needs to slow down.

It’s the late 1980s and Lucretia is a young gothic singer, living alone and burning the candle at both ends. She’s working two jobs while trying to pursue a career in music. She’s working so hard, but why isn’t anything happening? Only Gypsy knows!

The Gypsy Smiled is available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker. She can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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

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

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

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

Dropping Acid, not bombs, at the ‘Hair’ premiere, Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre

If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and GO see “Hair” at the Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre, it was nothing short of phenomenal!

Do note, were not allowed to film or take photos. Nevertheless, this play will long be in the memory chip in my brain! I can’t express how much I loved it!

I’m definitely going again. It’s only on for a few weeks.

Here is a link to the preview I wrote, when I interviewed director Michael Kidney about a month ago: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/let-the-sunshine-in-at-the-cdc

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker. She can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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

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

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

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

Walking barefoot on the beach is the best foot massage!

Ocean Grove, New Jersey

As a journalist, I’m usually covering back-to-back events most of the weekend. Monday rolls around, and that’s often my weekend! Today my husband and I took a trip down to the Jersey shore. Just walking barefoot on the beach — the best foot massage — was awesome.

It was so romantic spending the day with Dennis.

There are quite a few vegan restaurants down the shore, but the area we were in, they were all closed. But then we scored big on a restaurant that had vegan options. It was called Hatch44, in Bradley Beach.

I had a wonderful chickpea omelet filled with vegetables, plantains, and rye bread.

The day was just perfect, and I love having that beach smell on you. I used sunscreen but I still got some color. I feel very healthy and happy.

Earlier in the day, my favorite freeform radio station played two cool, 1970s AM Gold hits, back to back; “Heartbeat It’s a Love Beat,” by The DeFranco Family; and “Mama’s Pearl” by The Jackson 5. I was ecstatic! Of course those tunes are in my own collection, but it’s extra special when in comes on the radio.

THEN, in other great music news, one of my favorite live bands, Redd Kross, is coming to New Jersey this summer — JULY 25! I’m ecstatic. Tickets go on sale Friday morning and I already blocked out that day on my calendar — don’t do anything, Redd Kross tonight!

Here’s their new tune that they dropped today, and will be on their upcoming album this June.

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker. She can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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

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

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

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

Scoring at Record Riot!

Yesterday I worked the front desk at Record Riot (https://www.recordriots.com/), which I do from time to time. It’s just so much fun talking music with people all day long. When it slows down near the end of the day, I get to shop.

My three big finds for the day were:

1. A Bow Wow Wow EP with “C30, C60, C90” and “Work.” I had this as a 45 when I was a teenager and it got lost in the shuffle. But I never worry because records always seem to find their way back to me.

2. A Dean Martin CD with “Everybody Loves Somebody” … For some reason I couldn’t find a record or a CD with that song on it. Now I did.

3. A CD compilation with Lucille Bogan. Blues so old (and naughty) I didn’t think I’d ever get something on CD or vinyl unless I paid top dollar. But, no, this CD was a steal to begin with and the vendor gave me an additional discount for working the door.

Happy record shopping!

And if you want to read a great music-themed book, check out my book, “The Gypsy Smiled” available at Barnes & Noble! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gypsy-smiled-maryanne-christiano-mistretta/1132781418

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

Happy Record Store Day!

Not only will I be record shopping later today, but tomorrow I’ll be working the front door for Record Riots, as they will be in Clark, New Jersey. Check out their website for the location if you want to stop by and say hello: https://www.recordriots.com/

And, there’s some record store action in my fiction book, “The Gypsy Smiled” available in Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gypsy-smiled-maryanne-christiano-mistretta/1132781418

Interesting side note, cover model, Pleasant Gehman, is the girlfriend of Coyote Shivers, who played Berko in Empire Records!

Keep the records coming! Sending love to all vinyl lovers 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.

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

Recent Music Articles

At Union County Performing Arts Center for The Hit Men show.

Last night I saw The Hit Men at Union County Performing Arts Center.

Here’s the article I wrote to promote the show: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/classic-rock-super-group-to-perform-at-ucpac-on-april-13

Before the show I met Steve Murphy, who I interviewed for the article. (Thanks to Lynn Patmalnee, marketing manager of UCPAC).

And while we’re on the topic of music, I was honored to interview L.A. musician, Joe Normal recently: https://unionnewsdaily.com/news/l-a-musician-honors-hometown-of-elizabeth-in-new-cd-release

I was a fan of Joe’s band Double O Zeros in the 1980s and was happy to recently reconnect.

Also, a few days ago I wrote that I met Sherrie Schneider, author of NY Times best seller, “The Rules.” I’m going to interview her tomorrow!!

Stay tuned for more excitement and happiness in this magical month!

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is available at: 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: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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/

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake in New Jersey

Photo by Shefali Lincoln on Unsplash

(Note, this wasn’t our earthquake, just a cool photo I found on Unsplash to represent)

Yesterday I was covering an event at a hotel, and suddenly the room starts shaking, including a chandelier that looked like it was going to fall.

Everyone looked at each other quizzically, but the event carried on, and the panel continued speaking.

It happened so fast, I didn’t think much about it. I thought maybe there was some repair work going on. No one seemed all that concerned and some were even smiling. Again, it was all so fast I didn’t have much time to think. But I did notice that I was sitting near an Exit sign, just in case.

I later learned that it was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake. My husband emailed me to let me know he was okay. I thought about our cats (and the cat I was sitting) and he said, “They’re probably fine.”

From our area, it wasn’t that big a deal. Just something you don’t expect. Our west coast friends in Cali get these all the time. When I got home later in the day, I just noticed my Freddie Mercury bobble head fell down. That’s it.

Early in the evening I had to cover another event. And we had an aftershock — another earthquake. This one I didn’t feel at all. I was in a huge building surrounded by a ton of people. But when I got home, my husband said the house was shaking and one of the cats looked at him, confused.

The last time we had an earthquake was over 10 years ago. That one I remember vividly. I was working at home, and my Billy Cat was still alive. The house was shaking and I was wondering what was going on. I thought something hit the roof. I went outside to look and everything was okay. My Billy Cat looked up at me, with his big owl eyes, as if to say, “What is going on?” I later learned it was an earthquake.

All just an act of nature. Shake it up!

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is available at: 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: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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/

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting

Concert for Peace and Love

Ty Stephens and Maryanne

Last Saturday night I was honored to write about this amazing concert at Nia Fellowship Baptist Church, featuring Ty Stephens (who I interviewed three times over the course of 23 years in my career!) Read all about the concert here: https://essexnewsdaily.com/arts/church-hosts-concert-for-peace-love

If you like this blog, feel free to support me at: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

“The Gypsy Smiled” is now available in Barnes & Noble stores! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1132781418

“So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” is available at: 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: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“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

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/

Need a cat sitter in North/Central Jersey? Maryanne is a 5-star cat sitter: https://meowtel.com/cat-sitters/NJ/kenilworth/purrrrrfect-paws-cat-sitting