On National Making Life Beautiful Day, I’m giving a plug to my book, “Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero.” It offers tips on how to make the world a better place — at no charge! “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
In the book I talk about things like sharing (being vulnerable) so others can relate to you; creating an incredible life with what you have, as we are all unique; coming from a place of honesty and being true to yourself; and how generosity keeps coming back to you.
Believe me, it’s not always easy. The world can be an ugly place. Yesterday I was so down in the dumps. It was the anniversary of my mom’s death and I was simply overtired and irritable. It’s hard to be a hero when you’re not feeling like one, so don’t always beat yourself up.
Today is a new day and my husband and I are going to yet another concert tonight. Our lives are so beautiful. Every day is different. We’re both go with the flow kind of people. We wake up, we have each other. We have our kitties, our families, and our friends.
I have a blessing journal that I like to write in each day. It’s cute that according to our moods we feel blessed for different things. Sometimes it’s my career; other times it’s having a dependable car or a nice house. I love to take a moment — as often as possible, usually if I don’t have to be somewhere too early in the morning — to read my blessing journal.
Some light-hearted fun in Keansburg, NJ, with my husband after an intense day filming a time capsule of my life. I got to work with a very cool team and I’m so happy. (Stay tuned for photos and more info!)
It was a rewarding experience, digging back into my past. Talking about growing up in the 1970s, being bullied, becoming a teenager, my jobs before I became a writer — and how it all lined up so perfectly; writing was my destiny. I barely touched on being a speaker.
When I shared that with my husband, he said, “You’re a writer first.”
I also went back to my relationships with my grandmother and mother. I was so very close with Grandma. Not so much Mom. My mother wasn’t an easy person to get close to.
When I lost my grandmother in 1995, I felt like I really had nobody. I didn’t become close with my sister and uncle until this past year after my mom died. For 10 years, I felt alone, but concentrated on my writing career (and having superficial fun, which I’m great at).
At the end of 2005, I began dating my husband and my whole world lit up again. My enthusiasm shows in the documentary. I began to really live life as it was meant to be; first meeting my husband, and then a few years later working for myself.
THIS is why I embrace growing older, it just keeps getting better and better. And I’ve found that beautiful balance between being deep and being silly! Which we all need to be fun and interesting!
The weather in New Jersey has been absolutely gorgeous — not too hot, not too cool, just perfect. Today I’m running around covering THREE outdoor events: a festival for a First Aid Squad, a street fair, and a Pride festival.
Life is good! And I love being me. Even through the uncomfortable parts which will be shared in the time capsule documentary!
This is definitely a day I can get down with. Here’s a picture list of 10 things that make me smile daily!
My husband, Dennis. We’re going on 19 years today, and honestly, not one day goes by that we don’t make each other laugh and smile!
2. Our kitty, Nicholas. Nicholas came into our lives in 2016, two months after my kitty Derick went over the rainbow bridge. Nicholas was like a breath of fresh air. Magical, curious, smart, and entertaining. He’s pure perfection, the top cat in our house!
3. Our kitty, Sammy. Sammy is the sweet, cuddly, needy, and very vocal kitty. I adopted him in 2019 from an animal shelter. He spent most of his life there; two families returned him. Why? I don’t know. He’s a doll!
4. Our kitty, Happy. We adopted Happy during the pandemic, when his mother and father cat abandoned him. He was all alone and we were afraid he’d get hit by a car. He’s our shy boy, but he’s coming around.
5. My sister, Kim. Positive, sweet, hard-working, supportive, funny, and fun! I’m so lucky to have her in my life.
6. My writing career! In my journalism career, I get to write about great talents like Ty Stephens! Every day is an adventure, writing about all types of things. It’s such a blessing!
7. My speaking career. This photo is from a few months ago when I gave my “Going Going Gone” presentation at Barron Arts Center. Like writing, it’s another thing that keeps on giving. It’s great to present to an attentive audience. It’s a different type of creativity that makes people happy.
8. Live music (and music in general). That’s me enjoying an outdoor concert. I can’t even breathe without music. I need it almost constantly. I’m an avid concert goer, and true music collection. No streaming from me. I have vinyl and CDs — neatly arranged so I can find what I want.
9. My health. Taking care of yourself at 60 — and any age really — is so important. I love my fruits and vegetables, and exercising regular, along with meditation and a positive attitude!
10. My faith and spirituality. There’s a “devil” in this picture, but he don’t scare me! I’m strong in my faith, my spirituality, and who I am. The fact that I’m so trusting in the Universe is why it seems like I glide through life. It’s all about the process and the journey!
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.
Last night was brisk, but I headed out to cover the Springfield Tree Lighting, which will appear in next week’s paper. I always feel rejuvenated after covering an outdoor event. Thank goodness for fingerless gloves so I could take notes and navigate a phone camera.
Here are some of the community stories I’ve had published recently:
Monday I interviewed two men in blue for a heart-warming story Santa in Blue. Today I have double duty. Later this morning I’ll be reporting on a L.E.A.D. program (Law Enforcement Against Drugs), and tonight I’ll be reporting on a winter ceramics class. Thursday I’m off to run more Christmas errands and will spend the day writing these stories; and Friday night I’ll be covering another Wizard of Oz show. This time it’s at the Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre.
Saturday I’m looking forward to the 50th Anniversary screening of Jesus Christ Superstar. Ted Neeley, Yvonne Elliman (who I interviewed last week for Trenton Journal) will be there, along with other cast members.
Monday I sent out holiday gifts to my repeat cat sitting clients. Some of them received the gifts already. It’s adorable seeing photos of the cats viewing their gifts. My cat mom clients are THE BEST!
And in our own little cat world, I have this cat I rescued back in 2019 from a shelter. His name is Sammy and he’s the biggest mush. I spoke about him before, how he went from shelter to supermodel, modeling cat collars for Max & Molly on the Only an Ocean website.
Last night Sammy was mewing at us. And his mew isn’t cute, it’s demanding–like a loud, raspy Rod Stewart vocal. Even his fur is punky like a young Rod Stewart. It’s hilarious. That mew either means he wants treats or to be held. Seriously, this cat rarely plays and when he does, we crack up because it’s so out of character.
So, I pick up Sammy, and yes, that’s what he wanted–to be held. I was rocking him in my arms and began singing to him, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” When I reached the part, “way up high,” he looked up as if on cue! Dennis and I laughed so hard, tears were rolling down my eyes. You can’t make this stuff up! With entertaining cats, you don’t even have to leave the house!
Sammy modeling for Max & Molly cat collars (Photo by Esposito)
This morning Dennis was playing the Jethro Tull “Songs From the Wood” album, which truly puts me in the spirit of solstice.
And now I’m listening to the Clay Pigeon show on WFMU. (We have a radio in the kitchen that is always on, and always tuned in to WMFU — the best radio station in the world, that I’ve been listening to since, like, 1980.) And on that note, it was interesting, I found an old calendar I had from 1982 and inside the calendar was a list of phone numbers of indie radio stations, and sure enough, WMFU was there! You can listen to WFMU from anywhere in the world (https://wfmu.org/).
“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.
As I continue my journey in journalism, the week ahead is filled with rewarding assignments: Santa in Blue (the police department collecting donations for children newborn to 16); a town Christmas lighting; a winter ceramics class; covering an L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program; and writing a review for the “Wizard of Oz” play at Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre. (“Wizard of Oz” seems to be the theme of the month. If you read my blog yesterday, “Chasing Tornadoes” you’ll understand.)
And yesterday I covered a Home for the Holidays House Tour, which was an exciting fundraiser presented by the Woman’s Club. Dennis was able to accompany me. It was super fun and everyone was grateful to have “the press” coverage.
It was a dreary, rainy day, and afterwards, we just cooked a nice vegan meal and chilled.
This week is strictly journalism. No public speaking. No cat sitting. And, boy, what a week it will be with non-stop busy. I have five articles to write and only one to write from home, which means I’ll be attending four events. (Not to mention the one I attended yesterday).
I’m shifting into high energy gear because aside from writing, there will be running around to the dry cleaner, the post office, UPS, cooking (and un-cooking as I try to consume many raw foods to keep my energy high), and working out. Of course I’ll have time for an acupuncture session and time with Dennis. It’s only Monday, and only the Universe knows what else the Universe will offer.
I say, “Bring it on!” I love my career; I love my life.
“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 week begins with great vibes as yesterday I had a free day so my husband and I were able to spend time with family who live up in the mountains. It was a gorgeous day in New Jersey and the one hour drive was relaxing, viewing the vast lake area and mountainous beauty.
For the next week, in addition to journalism, I’m cat sitting a Bengal cat! It was the first time I ever saw one, but I knew about them because a friend from the 1980s has some and I saw photos on Facebook. I met this little girl cat Saturday night during the Meet & Greet. She’s a playful little thing and is also very affectionate. My time with her last night was so well spent. Whenever I’d text photos of her to her owner, she gave a big “Meow” because she wanted my undivided attention. I love her to pieces and she will certainly be one of the highlights of this upcoming week. I WISH I could post pictures of her, but I won’t out of respect for the owner. But do note, since I’ve been cat sitting this past year, I keep all the photos of the cats. Whether my clients are repeat clients or a one-shot deal, I cherish all of them and remember them fondly. I just absolutely love cats and each one is loved like they are my own.
So, now, the three most exotic cats I’ve sat for are: a Bengal, a Siberian, and a Sphynx.
I hope to someday meet an Oriental Shorthair cat. They are cute AF and seem really nice.
I have two stories on the agenda thus far. This morning I’m interviewing the president of the Nutley Historical Society. And Wednesday covering a luncheon for The Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Lion’s Club, and UNICO; with a guest speaker.
I’m psyched about Thanksgiving. Dennis and I did some shopping Saturday night. I’m making vegan cranberry sauce from scratch. (I say “vegan” because sometimes when people make it from scratch they use honey–I won’t.) We also got the good old famous Tofurkey, sweet potatoes, and apples for baking. I am hooked on vanilla bean powder and have been putting it on everything lately, including popcorn. So that will be the special ingredient for the day–for the sweet potatoes and the apples. And knowing my husband, he’ll make another stop or two to pick up more food. I usually don’t eat sugar or gluten, but I make exceptions for holidays and special occasions, as long as it’s vegan. Some time ago we stopped going to vegan restaurants in order to stay healthier. And it works — I feel fantastic! Lots of energy. Clear skin. Life is good!
“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.
Thanks to Lynn Patmalnee, marketing manager of Union County Performing Arts Center for the comp tickets for me, my husband Dennis, and brother-in-law Joe. And for assisting us in meeting Bishop after the show.
The show was phenomenal!
It was a fast paced 1.5 hour show with illusionists Jason Bishop, Naathan Phan, and Ben Blaque. Each illusionist had their own rich personality, in addition to bringing magic to the show you also had music and comedy. There was also audience participation, from all acts. Each illusionist was a true professional.
Without giving anything away, here’s my brief take…
Bishop was assisted by his long-time partner Kim Hess and their adorable pup, Gizmo who stole the show! If you loved the old school Harry Houdini, Bishop modernizes it. He’s also fun and funny.
Blaque was the dark goth/metal magician–amazing with swords and cards. He had a gorgeous helper named Camille, who was very brave working with him.
Phan was an adorable showman. With his turquoise glitter, a powerful singing voice, and unusual tricks, he was an all-around diverse entertainer.
I also want to point out that there were others helping on the stage, running around doing such hard work. So much goes into these shows. After the show my brother-in-law went to the stage and thanked some of the workers.
Maryanne with Naathan Phan — How adorable is he?!
And, this my friends is why I never sleep. I get to go to exciting shows like this, get so wound up I get to bed late and wake up much earlier than I have to. Oh well, it’s great to start the day early. Today I have a fundraiser to cover, and then cat sitting. Come home and write two articles. (And also a “normal person” thing — laundry!)
At this point, before signing off, I’d like to give a shout out to every home who still has their Halloween decorations up! God bless you! In a short drive last night from our house to the theatre, it was like living in “Nightmare Before Christmas.” We saw decorations of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all in a matter of minutes. All we needed was some Valentine hearts to complete it. C’mon people, let’s not rush it! It’s still Halloween in my book!
And, finally, a side note for my vegan followers — My jacket is faux leather; and my boots come from a vegan company called “Yes We 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.
Last night was astonishing! Dennis took me to see Nick Cave at the Beacon Theatre, NYC. (I saw him once before in the late 1990s). Nick Cave is one of my favorites too, and I have 10 albums (mostly solo, but also Grinderman and The Birthday Party).
The tickets went fast, so we weren’t too close to the stage, but still on the floor. In fact, we even moved further back because a guy who was sitting in front of us was coughing and not covering his mouth. It was very gross.
Dennis thought maybe it would have been better getting balcony seats, but during the show, we did run up to the front once, so I could see Nick Cave close up.
He performed two hours, just him at the piano and Radiohead’s fabulous bassist Colin Greenwood.
I like the stripped down show, just as much as a full band. Cave was in great form, joked around plenty, and performed beautifully. Highlights, for me, were “Into My Arms” (one of the most gorgeous songs from “The Boatman’s Call.” This album wasn’t out the first time I saw Cave, so this was so appreciated);” “Green Eyes” also from “The Boatman’s Call; “Papa Won’t Leave You Henry,” “Cosmic Dancer” (a T-Rex song); “Nobody’s Baby Now” (from my FAVORITE Nick Cave album “Let Love In”); “Carnage” and “The Weeping Song.”
It was also cool when he did “Balcony Man” and directed those in the balcony to cheer. From where we were sitting, it sounded epic.
This was the second night Cave performed in NYC, and I’m glad we went to this one. He received many standing ovations throughout the show. Someone tossed him a bouquet of roses.
Prior to the show, we took photos by Nick’s piano.
It was hard to get these because fans were walking all around. Even during the show, I never saw such an antsy audience. The back doors kept swinging open as people jumped up and down to go to the bar, the bathroom, whatever. I was like, “Damn, are they here to watch the show or to drink?” And it dawned on us, a bunch of middle-aged to old fans drinking a lot, and some older people have problems with holding their bladder.
If you’ve ever been to the Beacon Theatre, you know how gorgeous it is….(Here are a few photos, but we took a ton more for our collection).
And for the fashionistas who want to see my full dress, which was designed by Bettie’s Bombshells..
In a bathroom at Playa Betty’s before the show.
After the show, to say we were wound up was an understatement. Even though the show ended at 10:40 and we were home by 11:20, by 2 a.m. lights were not yet out at our house. I hardly slept and today is a day I could have slept. I don’t have anything to do except look over the proofs for my upcoming second printing of “The Gypsy Smiled” and send out some invoices for articles I’ve written. Tonight I have an event to cover at a school, but that’s not until later.
So, I treated myself this morning and watched a 45-minute long Nick Cave interview. Whenever I can’t sleep or something isn’t exactly going as it should, I ask myself, “What is the message here?”
Well, there was a sign/message. The interview was recent, and Cave said something about while not being against “woke” he feels it stifles creativity.
That was the message I needed to hear!
The first time “The Gypsy Smiled” was published, I was extremely stifled because the crew at the first publishing company had an issue with me using the word “gypsy.” They felt it slighted the Romanian community. Though a friend who was of Romanian descent said she had NO PROBLEM with the word.
The title of my book was inspired by the Lou Christie song “The Gypsy Cried.” It is in no way, shape, or form a “slur.” Yet the first publishing company published the book and did NOTHING to promote it. NOTHING. It basically sat on the shelf for five years gathering dust.
But, the joke is on the first publishing company, whose name I won’t mention.
A MUCH BETTER PUBLISHING COMPANY STEPPED UP TO PLATE — HIGHER GROUND!
Rebecca Benson, from “Higher Ground” who published my book “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” gets it. After waiting FIVE LONG YEARS to get out of the contract from the other publisher, Benson is going to publish “The Gypsy Smiled” and it is coming out THIS MONTH!
Benson is great to work with and I am stoked.
And, hearing that interview this morning, I’d say, in a strange way, I have Nick Cave’s blessing.
“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.
My husband Dennis and I were reflecting on time, and how fast it goes. I said it seemed like yesterday when we first met and next thing you know, we’ll be the old couple sitting on the porch, holding hands, and watching the neighborhood cats walk by.
Next thing you know — our cat Nicholas walks by! We laughed to hard. That’s definitely a sign that we will be the old couple sitting on the porch, holding hands, and watching the neighborhood cats walk by (and even our own cats walking by, ha-ha!)
Signs are everywhere, when you keep your eyes open.
A few weeks ago I had the honor to interview Luisa Frey, who wrote the book “Trust the Signs.”
In my mother’s later years she really took a liking to squirrels and would sit outside and feed them every day. We started calling her “the crazy squirrel lady.” We got her mugs and sweaters that said that, and she loved it! The morning after she died, a squirrel was in a tree staring into the upstairs window, right across from our bedroom. I saw with the squirrel for at least 30 minutes. The squirrel just stared at me. I sat by the window and spent some quality time with the squirrel.
Finally I said, “Ma, I have to go to the bathroom, I’m getting up now.”
Dennis said that after I left, the squirrel left.
Since that day, we haven’t seen other squirrels in that tree.
Magical? Yes. Unusual? No.
This kind of stuff happens all the time–to me, to my husband, to my family, to my friends. We all talk about it too, sharing our experiences. In the 1980s, the term was “an omen” or “a good omen.” It’s nothing new. Signs have always been around, but it seems like people are now more open to talking about them.
If you have a question about something, pay attention, the Universe will show you a sign.
It could be anything, something in your home that you’ve been oblivious to will suddenly pop out and grab your attention like a photo on the wall. Or maybe you’ll hear a song on the radio or your livestream. Another favorite sign was the Father’s Day after my father-in-law who we all called “Pop” (and was like a father to me) passed. Dennis and I were driving and saw a license plate that said “Pop.” But better yet, it also had a symbol for The Yankees, Pop’s favorite baseball team!
I read Frey’s book in just two or three evenings because it was so relatable. She was so awesome to interview and talk to because we were both on the same page.
I’m thinking in this day and age, maybe everyone is? Or is my inner circle just very in tune with the Universe? I mean, people in my life are all very different from me, but one thing we can connect on is Signs. Mention a sign, and you immediately go into a super fun deep mode, producing memorable conversation for all.
Signs are everywhere. If you haven’t seen them, pay attention and you surely will. Every day there’s at least one sign.
“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 
You must be logged in to post a comment.