You can’t beat the days when you can spend all day and night with the one you love. My husband Dennis doesn’t like having his pictures on the internet, but nevertheless, we had a most beautiful day — and night — together.
I waited to see this movie for at least a month, “This Much I Know to Be True” about the intense musical collaborations between Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. Astonishing and engrossing, the film begins showing the art work of Nick Cave. Seasoned and humbled, you see another side of Nick Cave. There’s a guest appearance from Marianne Faithfull too.
I’ve been a Nick Cave fan since the 1990s and was able to see him perform live, once, in NYC. The show was mesmerizing and I have at least seven of his albums. This movie triggered me to get them out again and listen. He’s quite the storyteller and his songs are like mini novels. Dark, but also some tongue-in-cheek.
The movie was the highlight of the evening. Earlier in the day my husband and I had a quick bite at worldFlats, which had many vegan options. I wanted to rave about them on Yelp, but the Montclair restaurant isn’t up yet, only the other locations. I had a wonderful salad. Prices were reasonable. Service was great — and quick! I was also given a white rose, which was sweet. They are known for their flat dishes, but I was carb-d out from a pasta lunch my husband made, so I went for the salad, which had arugula, chick peas, quinoa, red peppers, onions, and more.
Salad, worldFlats
Earlier in the day, Montclair, NJ
I lived in Montclair, New Jersey, for a short time. Whenever I go back, I get a beautiful sense of nostalgia. It’s a small, artsy town, with so much to do. And people are friendly. It’s also sad that many places I loved to frequent are now closed. It’s foreign to me, looking into windows of places that are “new” and remembering the former…
No matter where I’m now living, or where I’ll end up, I’ll always see myself as a Montclair resident. It’s always great to go back and visit. The town was good to me in so many ways.
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.
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.
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll see the name Union County Performing Arts Center come up quite a bit. It’s a historic theatre from 1928 in Rahway, NJ. “School of Rock” filmed some scenes there.
Last night my husband and I went to see “The Last Picture Show” directed by the late Peter Bogdanovich. Filmed in 1971, and set in a small town in Texas during the early 1950s, it was a somewhat dark, coming of age movie the featured some pretty cool old country tunes.
I’ll leave the rest as a surprise for those who didn’t see it (you can Wiki the plot though), but I’d like to share a little more about the experience in itself.
Prior to entering the theatre, we were greeted by a really cool guy called Jung Wombats who played guitar for us.
Me, with Jung Wombats
When we got inside, the theatre was giving away free popcorn and coffee. There was also a bar.
Prior to the main feature, we were treated to a guy playing the Wurlitzer, which you can see on the far left in this photo:
Maryanne and Dennis
Then the lights dimmed and before “The Last Picture Show” there were no “coming attractions.” Instead there was a Popeye cartoon from 1944! It was truly a journey back in time.
We are great fans of The Union County Performing Arts Center, and hope to return real soon!
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.
Last night was a concert dream come true! I took my husband to see Billie Eilish at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. I waited two years for this show! Back in 2020 it was canceled because we just entered the pandemic. It was a few months prior that I learned of her music. My husband was then working a night shift and Billie Eilish’s music helped me get through the sad, lonely nights.
Now we made it to the show and it was fantastic, including warm-up act, Dora Jar.
I am truly Happier Than Ever!
I’ll let the music speak for itself, via some really cool videos I found on You Tube of the show:
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 Just Like That promo photo swiped from Google search
I’ve said many times that I’m a late bloomer when it comes to Sex And The City. While the original series ran, I was living my own Carrie Bradshaw life, writing for a series of newspapers in NYC and then for a local New Jersey paper after 9/11. I was living alone and dating up a storm. By the time the second movie was out, I was happily married and working for myself as a book editor and gearing up for writing my first book. Sex And The City was not on my radar. Until one day my business was a little slow and I was under the weather. I laid down on the couch to chill and put on the television. I fell asleep, then woke up in a daze and saw one of the early episodes of Sex And The City. I was hooked!! I caught up on all the episodes I missed and watched both movies within a matter of weeks. Over the years I re-watched several times. It was a fun show and reminded me why I’m happy I’m no longer single. Many of the episodes reminded me of some bad ex. I’ve invested in the characters and had a love/cringe relationship with all of them. (I wouldn’t say love/hate because I honestly don’t hate any of them, including the least popular Jack Berger).
I wasn’t going to watch And Just Like That, mainly because I do not have HBO/MAX. However, once I heard Big died–wow, that made me sign up in a heartbeat. The scene was so tragic, it stuck with me for days. A fake TV character died, yet felt like I lost a friend. Something this intense deserves a watch. And Just Like That, I purchased an HBO/MAX subscription.
During the 10 episodes of And Just Like That, I had mixed feelings.
As a professional writer/editor, I feel there shouldn’t be holes in any story. In And Just Like That, there were many. That’s what irked me the most. TV should be relaxing, not work. We shouldn’t have to use our imaginations in order to justify sloppiness. And that’s exactly what I did.
For example, they start off with Bitsy running into the girls, Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte. Bitsy asks where Samantha is. Charlotte says, “We lost her.” (Meaning she moved away to England after a fight with Carrie). Bitsy’s face dropped because at first she thinks Samantha died. There is no mention that Bitsy’s hubby Bobby died 18 months ago, but we find out at Big’s funeral. So, why is Bitsy so jolly when her husband had just passed? Major fail #1, in the very first episode.
Fail #2. The children. According to the timeline, all the kids should be older than teenagers. If we use our imaginations, you can assume the time of a TV show or movie stretches out a bit, making time go slower than real time. What was supposed to be 20 years later is only 15 years later. But then how would that explain…
Fail #3?Why are the characters appearing so much older than mid-50s? This is the biggest fail. This is what is angering many fans, including myself. It’s so ageist. First of all, these are high society characters. They have the money to go to the gym, access to the best doctors, the best of food, they don’t have money worries that middle and lower class people do. They SHOULD look and BE healthier than portrayed! But we have Steve with hearing aids, Harry getting a colonoscopy, and Carrie getting hip replacement. I’m a good three years older than these characters and have none of their health problems! Nor do I sit on TV every night eating desserts as Steve and Miranda do. Which brings me to the most obnoxious comment ever, from Michael Patrick King, producer of the show. He said that 90 percent of married couples are unhappy. Uh, where did he get that demographic? I’ve been happily married since 2011 and with my husband since late 2005. ALL — and I do mean ALL of our coupled friends have been together even longer, some since the 1980s and are HAPPY!! YES MPK, we are all HAPPY! I don’t know what planet you come from, but perhaps try hanging out with more positive people? Don’t be such an angry little elf. Happiness exists! Single people, do not listen to MPK!
Fail #4 – What happened in Cleveland stayed in Cleveland. In one of the later episodes, we have Miranda surprising her lover Che by taking off to go meet with her in Cleveland unexpectedly. The show ends with Miranda gleefully saying, “I’m in a rom com!” But the next show picks up with no mention of Cleveland, yet Miranda surprises Che by showing up at her apartment unexpectedly. Che gets taken aback from this. So, was it okay that she showed up in Cleveland, but not at the apartment? Or did Miranda back out and not go to Cleveland. I guess we’ll never know.
There were also other cringe moments and timeline fails that I don’t care to get into, but you can find out yourself by watching the series, or reading the reviews of others. I’d rather spend some time on the positives of the show.
But it had its moments
With all the messiness, I did LIKE the show. I just didn’t love it. Nor did I “hate watch” it. And I would love to see a Series 2. Here are some of my favorite moments from the series:
Hello It’s Me. When Carrie and Big were listening to Big’s record collection and Big sang “Hello It’s Me” to Carrie. Totally romantic. It reminded me so much of my own relationship. We dance and talk and listen to records. So old fashioned and cool, which is why when Big died, I felt a part of me died too. I never take my marriage for granted to begin with, but this episode really had me thinking. What would life be like without my husband? I can’t even imagine! I felt Carrie’s pain–Big time (no pun intended, that’s Carrie’s job).
Steve’s reaction to Miranda breaking up with him. David Eigenberg’s acting was so realistic, I almost cried. We had another epic Eigenberg moment during a painting scene where Steve asked Carrie about Miranda and Che’s relationship. You just wanted to reach into the screen and give him a hug!
The new characters. No matter what we thought of these characters in the beginning they all grow on you. By the end of the series, the viewer becomes interested in their lives too.
The fashion. While there were many fashion fails, there were plenty of wins, along with cute hairstyles. Many fans complained about Miranda’s wig, but I liked it.
The final episode had two fab moments–when Carrie texts Samantha and they agree to meet for lunch in Paris; and when the producer of the podcast gives Carrie her own podcast called “Sex And The City.”
And Just Like That, my Thursday morning show is over. I really hope there is a Season 2. What do you think?
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.
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.
Love Cats is a fictitious book I wrote under the pen name Krystianna Mercury. Janey Peyton is the lead character. She’s a 20-something rich, selfish woman who falls in love with Beck Stewart. She doesn’t understand his work ethic. He is working hard to establish himself and hopefully marry her someday. Janey takes this as neglect and goes on a wild sex spree, cheating on him for “revenge.” The story takes place in the 1980s, so there’s a lot of great music as a backdrop. I purchased the rights to use lyrics from two songs, from Hal Leonard Music, “Love Cats” by The Cure; and “Mass Production” by Iggy Pop.
Maryanne: How could you fail to see what a nice guy Beck is?
Janey: I’m not sure. I was young and sowing my wild oats. Deep down, I wanted to settle with Beck. I guess I was hesitant.
And you hurt others along the way.
Only one. Heather. I could have fallen deeply for her, but I did meet Beck first.
So, you basically used her to “get back” at Beck for something he didn’t even do?
Not intentionally. Like I said, I was young and everything happened so quickly. Beck was a bit of a workaholic. I was alone often. I was bored.
In the end, was it all worth it?
You will have to read the book to find out!
And, finally, can you tell us why the title, “Love Cats?”
My story takes place in the 1980s, when The Cure had a hit with the song “Love Cats.” But I hate cats! Well, back then I did. When I temporarily broke off with Beck, I dated a famous photographer named Adam Durian. He was cat-obsessed. This is when I became a bit intrigued … and well, you’ll have to read the book to see what happened next. A cat and a kitten both played a large role in getting Beck and I back together, believe it or not. You can get the paperback on Amazon or via the publisher. The link is at the bottom of this blog. Or you can get the NOOK Book from Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-cats-krystianna-mercury/1137026365
Do note, the book is erotica. Readers 21 and over only!
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.
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: Love Cats
Mick Rock, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Lenny Kaye, 2000
RIP Mick Rock – LEGENDARY rock photographer, (David Bowie, Queen, Miley Cyrus).
I interviewed him twice during my writing career, for New York’s Westsider newspaper, but in this photo it was just a fun party at CBGB’s gallery, late 1990s or possibly 2000.
What a great guy! He asked me to get high, but I don’t smoke pot. Now I wish I did.
I first became aware of Mick Rock when I was 12 or 13. He photographed album covers for my favorite band, Queen. But he’s been known for photographing so many legends, as far back as Syd Barrett.
His work with Queen was dark and mysterious. But Rock seemed to be a huge fan of color too. A favorite of mine is the magenta/turquoise theme from Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll” album cover. His use of color has always been genius, with colors that pop out and grab you.
It’s always sad to see an icon from your youth pass away. In this day and age, 72 is not that old.
Did Mick Rock’s work inspire you? Share your stories in the comments section below.
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: Love Cats
Some of my older readers may remember him from The Johnny Carson Show. Kreskin is a mentalist who became popular as a guest on talk shows in the 1970s.
For four days, I was hired to serve as his assistant. I drove him from his home in New Jersey, where he lives with four beautiful cats, up to NE ComicCon (https://necomiccons.com/), at the Regency Hotel in Boxoboro, Massachusetts.
Thursday, July 1, we drove up to Massachusetts during a blinding rain storm. It was an adventure I’ll never forget. It took seven hours to make a 4.5 hour trip.
The next day, Kreskin signed autographs and sold plenty of merch. Saturday afternoon, he did a Q&A segment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7seM7iODYE), followed by an evening performance, which truly was AMAZING! And now, I can tell you firsthand, his act is not rigged in any way, shape or form. He is the real deal!
Other notables at NE ComicCon were Tim Rice, who designed the puppets in Fraggle Rock and Dark Crystal; Butch Patrick, actor best known for playing Eddie Munster on The Munsters television show; (https://www.instagram.com/the_real_butch_patrick_/?hl=en) and actor John Capodice.
Of all the cool things I’ve done in my career, this is truly one for the books. In addition to helping out Kreskin, I’ve made some great friends; and I am also now helping out booking Kreskin for gigs!
If you are interested in having Kreskin perform at your event, contact me directly at: maryannechristiano@maryannemistretta
Tim Rice and The Amazing Kreskin
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta and John Capodice The Amazing Kreskin at home with one of his four kitties.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 