With my husband, Dennis, outside The Met, September 2019
Happy National Museum Day!
I’m so lucky to live in an area, rich with museums. I live just 15 minutes away from New York City, but New Jersey also has many beautiful museums with incredible exhibits.
I loved museums since I was a kid. I think most kids growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, living in New Jersey, had a field trip to the Museum of Natural History in New York City. And many of us returned as adults.
One of my favorite exhibits ever was at NYC’s MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) that featured the work of the legendary Robert Mapplethorpe.
Other exhibit stand-outs over the years were the “Play it Loud” exhibit at NYC’s The Met, that I went to back in 2019 with my husband. It was similar to a Hard Rock Cafe exhibit, featuring dozens of guitars played by famous musicians including St. Vincent, Buddy Holly, Jimmy Page, Prince, Bo Diddley, Nancy Wilson, and Joan Jett. They also had rare video footage of Keith Richards talking about his guitar techniques.
A few years back, New Jersey’s Morris Museum had a great mechanical exhibit. The Newark Museum of Art and Montclair Art Museum are also worth a visit if you’re in New Jersey. And, the most beautiful, Lambert Castle in Paterson, New Jersey, which has a museum inside it. And while you are in the area, be sure to visit Paterson’s Great Falls! People come from all over the world to see it!
Happy National Museum Day! What is your favorite museum? Tell me in the comments section below!
“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.
Do you ever come across a celebrity photo and say to yourself, “Hey that looks familiar!!”
When I came across the above photo of Miley Cyrus in Rolling Stone magazine a few years ago, that’s exactly what I thought.
I had a photo of myself from around the mid-to-late 2000s that had a similar vibe. Hotel. Land line. Feet on the bed. Black pants. Sassy look. Such fun!
And I remember that night vividly. My husband’s band Pharaoh was performing. This was in the hotel prior to the show.
Now mind you, I didn’t copy Miley Cyrus, as my photo was taken a good 12 years before hers. But if Joan Rivers was still alive, she might say something like, “Bitch stole my look.” But I’m not that crass (though it is a funny saying that makes you laugh).
I think Miley looks great, as always! I wish I had more photos of myself with a Miley vibe.
“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.
It was in the 1970s and I was about 6-years-old. We had just moved into a new neighborhood and I met a little girl about my age. She had very short hair — and earrings. I had super long hair, and no earrings.
While I was pointing at her, screaming, “I want earrings!” she was pointing at me and telling her mother she wanted long hair.
My grandmother didn’t have her ears pierced. Back then they had earrings that you could clip on, both costume and real. I’d often go through her jewelry box and try on the clip on earrings.
My grandmother decided to take me to get my ears pierced, and she would get hers pierced too! But I’d have to go first.
It was a sweet bonding experience, getting my ears pierced with Grandma.
In the 1980s, it was popular getting a second piercing in one ear. I did that too. But in that higher layer of skin, the earring hurt more. I’d put the second earring in from time to time, but eventually stopped. The hole is still there.
I also have another hole — in my nose. In the early 1990s I thought it would be cool to get a nose ring. I wore it for eight months before it was annoying me to the point where I couldn’t stand it anymore. I just didn’t like stuff on my face. The hole is still there. But I’m still wearing earrings. I love them. I have mostly costume jewelry and in every photo of me, if my hair isn’t covering my ears, you will see earrings. I wear them every day. I have mostly fun earrings, like cute costume Betsy Johnson types. But then I have my cherished chocolate diamond earrings that my husband got me for some occasion.
Earrings are just so fun. And sometimes I’ll get a nice compliment on them. I love earrings on guys too, especially when they have both pierced. Nowadays piercings are not a big deal, but back when I had my nose ring, it was. People were offended by it. One of my favorite musicians, Sierra Ferrell has a septum ring — and she rocks it!
My love for celebrities with piercings goes back to the 1970s, seeing Cher in her great Bob Mackie gowns. She always had a cool pair of earrings to go with the outfit.
Though I’m a minimalist when it comes to jewelry (I wore more when I was younger), I like to see others with a lot of jewelry and piercings. I think they make people look interesting, though plain is good too. We’re lucky, nowadays, to be living in a time where most things are acceptable. I love going into a bank and seeing a banker with tattoos and earrings. It’s great!
Do you have piercings? Tell me about it in the comments section below.
“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.
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!
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.
Billie Eilish performance at The Prudential Center in New Jersey (Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta)
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
The year of 2022 should be called The Year of Concerts. My husband and I attended many outdoor concerts during the pandemic, but it was great going to live shows indoors again! We started off with The Glimmer Twins on New Year’s Eve; and then saw Billie Eilish in February. Many more were to follow throughout the year: Johnny Mathis, 1910 Fruitgum Company, Jonathan Richman, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paula, Cole, Patti Smith, The Smithereens, Todd Rundgren, and The Bongos … to name a few!
My husband and I also saw the play performance of “The Wedding Singer,” which was a hoot.
Creatively, I participated in Bloganuary (spelling?) for the very first time! I didn’t write all days, but I wrote many. It generated some interest in this organic blog, which I write for my own benefit — not to jack up followers or make money. This is strictly for ME and if anyone likes what they read, that is cool.
MARCH
In March, I was a guest speaker for Leading by Mission. My topic was “It’s All About Your Stories.”
That same month, “Bad Vegan” debuted. It was a documentary about the downfall of Sarma Melngailis, former owner of Pure Food & Wine. I was a huge fan of that restaurant and was honored to dine there many times. To this day, Pure Food & Wine remains my favorite restaurant of all time; and I am fully in support of Sarma Melngailis and always wish the best to her and her dog, Leon.
APRIL
In April, I was a guest on James Burns’ Anti-Bullying 101 podcast for the second time. I linked the podcast to my own anti-bullying YouTube channel, and you can see/hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh3cqhKbdWA&t=531s
Howie Pyro at Vintage Vinyl, a few years back
MAY
In May we lost the legendary Howie Pyro. Not only was he a fantastic musician and deejay, he was a very kind person. I first met him backstage at a Redd Kross concert in the early 1990s. A few years later, a friend told me about this “great band” called D-Generation. Howie Pyro was the bassist and I was hooked on their music. I saw them perform so many times and also ran into Howie many times over the years. He always had the time to chat. He is so missed.
(New Jersey sunset photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta)
JUNE
June 2022 was the beginning of the Summer of 90 sunsets. It hardly rained and almost every night you could see a most gorgeous sunset. Fun and games continued and my husband and I saw The Glimmer Twins perform for the second time in the year.
JULY
Lots of summer fun and many date nights with my husband–concerts, going out to dinner, movies.
AUGUST
August started out horrible. My husband found a mauled bunny near our home and all animal rehabs in our area were filled to capacity! We drove over an hour to a beautiful rehab with wondrous grounds. I had high hopes that the bunny would survive and thrive. Sadly, the bunny didn’t make it. RIP, sweet little angel. We tried.
On, August 19, I celebrated my 59th birthday. I am extremely proud of my age, my accomplishments, and all the fun I’ve squeezed into my lifetime. I am fortunate and look forward to being 60 in 2023!
SEPTEMBER
In September I continued living my best life. I took some chances in my career–writing and acting–that didn’t pan out, but you win some, you lose some. Nevertheless the HIGH you get from trying is phenomenal.
My cat Sammy, the supermodel! (Photo by James Esposito)
OCTOBER
October was super special. My cat Sammy had the opportunity modeling collars for the Only An Ocean website! The photographer said he was a prince to work with. I am so proud of him for being so good and cooperative!
That same month I became a cat sitter for Meowtel. Earlier in the year I became certified to work with small animals, but I decided that was not what I wanted to do. Instead I figured I’d take advantage of my feline behavior certification and cat sit! I’ve only had two clients so far, but it is extremely rewarding. I’m meeting the nicest cats — and people!
October was also the month my public speaking engagements took off again! I stopped speaking during the pandemic and took a break from it. Come October, I started and now I have bookings up to April 2023!
Another cool thing in October, besides Halloween, is that it’s the month I get my eyes checked. For the second year in a row my eyesight improved! I attribute this to a vegan lifestyle because prior my eyes stayed stable from 2011 to 2020. Now my eyes got so much better, I’ll be getting glasses with a lesser prescription in May!
And if relating to the “Bad Vegan” story wasn’t close to home (with Pure Food & Wine being a restaurant I frequented often), another popular documentary, “The Watcher House” is relatable! Why? I live about 8 minutes from 657 Boulevard in Westfield, NJ.
While we are on the topic of Westfield, NJ, I’d like to point out, that’s also where Charles Addams lived. Westfield celebrates Addams every year. This year we visited the Rialto movie theatre which showcased his work. I even touched the desk her worked at!
While we were in Hoboken, it was cool to visit the building on Marine View Plaza where I got my start as a writer and wrote for Outlaw Biker, Tattoo Review, and In the Flesh (body piercing).
Maryanne as Mrs. Claus
NOVEMBER
In November I worked a gig as Mrs. Claus, and I hope to do more work as she in the future!
And before my husband and I went into hibernation mode, we went to see May Pang’s movie “The Lost Weekend” along with The Beatles exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Newark, NJ.
DECEMBER
I had my last speaking engagement for the year early in December. Other than seeing some friends and family, our plans for the rest of the month are pretty low key. But then again, with us, you never know.
This is all just a brief summary of the year. I’m sure as soon as I press the “publish” button I’ll think of 25 more things I would want to add.
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.
The Watcher House series is currently a big deal on Netflix.
But those who live in the area were well-aware of these happenings way back in 2014 when it first hit the news — a family was being stalked by mysterious letters.
When my husband and I were first aware of the house, we visited. No one lived there at the time. He was brave and went right up to the porch. I was terrified, so I stayed near the lawn. Who is this “Watcher”? Was he a real person or a psychic phenomena?
Over the weekend, in Halloween mode, we visited The Watcher House again — 657 Boulevard, Westfield, NJ. Because of the Netflix series, there was a line of cars all the way down the street. The home is now occupied and had some Halloween decorations. It was a gorgeous day and quite a few people from other towns were taking photos of the house. We all began having conversations with each other. My husband and I didn’t watch the series and others were telling us how good it was.
Suddenly a car drove by and a woman screamed out the window, “IT’S ALL FAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
We all laughed and agreed, “Who cares if it’s fake? We are having FUN!”
My husband and I in front of the Watcher House, October 2022
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.
The above photo was from Tuesday night. I was in anticipation of another outdoor summer concert, but reflecting back to a few days prior when I saw one of my idols, Patti Smith, perform at Count Basie Theatre.
It was one of many concerts I saw of her. And this one was more thrilling because I was accompanied by my husband, who never saw her before and really enjoyed himself.
Since then, I’ve been on a binge watching everything Patti Smith on You Tube. As much as I love her music, I especially love her interviews. She’s a wise sage; a warrior.
One interview in particular touched me. It illustrated how we can manifest our own destinies. She said after seeing Jim Morrison on stage, she said, “I could do that.”
Four powerful words can take us to the next level fierce. When we believe in ourselves, we can tap into something inside of us that can make others believe in us too.
Early in my career of being self-employed, before I became a professional speaker, I would help book artists gigs in restaurants, senior centers, assisted living facilities and libraries. One time an activities director wasn’t interested in the musician I was promoting, but said she wanted someone to speak about health.
I can do that, I said to myself. But first I asked her, “Do I need certification to speak on health?”
She said I didn’t.
“I can do that!” I said, eagerly.
Nevertheless, I did my homework and was able to speak about general, common sense type things like the importance of walking, eating whole foods, and not smoking.
I was nervous and read from the page, not connecting with the audience as I do today when I speak. But I was well received and invited back several times! Since then, I’ve spoken in front of countless audiences, from very small–as in four people–to over a hundred.
Nowadays, I hardly read my notes. I don’t stand behind a podium. I walk around, crack jokes, talk to the audience, and ad lib.
During the pandemic, my speaking career was on halt, but I’ve used ZOOM to my advantage, reaching people all over the world! Now that the pandemic has lightened up tremendously, I’m out and about again with six upcoming lectures!
And it all started with four great words — I can do that!
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.
When Covid hit the USA earlier this year, the lives of many changed. I am an author, writer, ghost writer, and public speaker. Of course during these times my speaking engagements are not so public. I had many of them lined up for 2020, and one by one my face grew long as they canceled.
But have no fear, ZOOM is here!
At first I was hesitant. I’m a technophobe and also like to stand during my lectures, and presentations. However, I got used to giving ZOOM classes. I nail them like a pro.
All summer long I’ve given classes on anti-bullying, meeting your soul mate, and being extra-ordinary. But the best one was the one featured above, “Healthy Pasta Alternatives.” Notice everyone is smiling? How can you not when you’re talking about food! We discussed the different pastas available for all dietary needs like keto, vegan, and low carb. We also talked about our favorite pasta dishes. Unfortunately students couldn’t taste the dish I made; technology is not quite there yet! Nevertheless, we had a blast. There was a giveaway too — a gift certificate to Whole Foods.
I’ve been giving this class for years and I’m grateful to the Cedar Grove Library, Cedar Grove, NJ, for sponsoring my program.
How has Covid changed your career? Share some fun stories!
If anyone reading would like to sponsor “Healthy Pasta Alternatives,” drop me a line at maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, 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
Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique
Today is National Nude Day! But you don’t have to take your clothes off to have a good time. You can live vicariously through my characters in my fictitious, erotic book, Love Cats. The second edition was recently published by Pink Flamingo Media. Just click here to order: Love Cats
Love Cats is the story of Janey Peyton, a spoiled rich girl who meets Beck, a working class guy. It’s the 1980s and they connect mainly on music, but there’s also a strong sexual chemistry. Beck works hard to make a life for himself, and Janey mistakes his hard work for neglect. She goes out on a sexual rampage with both men and women. Broken hearted Beck could only take so much and finally dumps her.
While they are broken up, a kitten shows up on Janey’s doorstep. Learn how a kitten helps Janey change her evil ways, and learn that what she had with Beck was real.
Do you plan on celebrating National Nude Day?! Do tell!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, 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
That’s me in the upper left hand corner! 
Love Cats by Krystianna Mercury
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 