Re-blog from Maryanne’s Jukebox

Guantanamera on YouTube by The Sandpipers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm1anurhbeg Last night, as a journalist, I was assigned to cover a Diversity Festival in a school in New Jersey. The night featured so many things, but as a music lover, to me, my favorite part was the talent. And anyone who has children knows just how talented kids […]

Guantanamera — Maryanne’s Jukebox

Growing a Spiritual Skin

Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

It’s been so long since I’ve been hurt by negative words, I can’t remember when the last time was.

It’s not that I’ve become hardened, or grew a thick skin, as I am still extremely sensitive towards animal abuse, or when a friend dies (as that happens often when you’re my age). It’s more like a spiritual skin, where unimportant things just blow off of me and don’t harm my psyche. I’m not sure if it came with age or meditation or being vegan. It just happened, like a spiritual awakening of sorts. I realized unimportant things no longer bothered me and I live in peace.

Living in the moment is so beautiful. I told someone years ago that sitting in traffic doesn’t bother me. I get in a groove with whatever music or radio talk show I’m listening to and just roll with it.

It’s beautiful when you love every minute of the day. In my career I wear many hats — author, journalist, over 50 model, non-union actress, cat sitter — so every day is different. But there are things in my life that are stable. Going to bed and waking up with my amazing husband, as well as our three kitties. Working out. Meditation. Taking a shower. Brushing teeth. Blow drying hair. Putting on make-up. Driving somewhere. Writing in my diary. And my work itself. (And playtime too).

Time goes super fast, and not just when it’s party time. I mean, ALL TIME goes fast. Even something stupid like standing on line in a supermarket.

How did I get to this beautiful bliss? How did I get to a point where I can honestly say 95 to 100 percent of the time I am honestly HAPPY? I wasn’t always like this, though I strived to be. And that’s just the key, you have to want it.

Some people can wallow in misery because it’s actually safe. They don’t understand anything else. But once you get in a realm of elevation, you want to stay there.

For example, some time ago, I don’t know how long ago because as I grow spiritually, I keep less track of time, I gave up watching a television show that wasn’t doing me any good. It was fun and sassy. The characters were pretty and wore cute clothes and shoes. But the message wasn’t in alignment with who I’ve grown to be. I noticed a shift in my thought pattern when I watched this show. It was like taking a step down a ladder. You’re not quite as on top of the world. And why should I feel any less than I felt when I first woke up in the morning? No one died. It’s just a television show. But, that’s the deal, it was junk food for the brain. As a treat, fine, but not on a regular basis. I was feeling too good to go down.

But two days ago, I watched a dark movie and it didn’t change how good I was feeling. I didn’t “go dark” as one can. I enjoyed the movie, and that was that. It didn’t linger in my psyche.

Another way to elevate on a spiritual journey is to humble yourself and admit you didn’t know something. About a decade ago I was talking to a friend, telling him something, and he said, “I didn’t know that.” Those four words touched me in the most beautiful way — I DIDN’T KNOW THAT! What does it mean when you say those words? It means you learned something!

Now, every day, I try to say it at least once — I DIDN’T KNOW THAT! How beautiful! What a great concept! You didn’t know something and now you know. Very cool.

Another way I’ve learned to elevate on a spiritual journey is admitting you were wrong. You don’t have to announce it to the world on Facebook or in a blog. But just admit it to yourself, out loud. Don’t let your inner voice try to find a way to justify what you did wrong. Just say it to your inner voice — no, I was wrong and I take accountability for it. Move forward and don’t let it happen again. I’ve made many mistakes in my life and have learned from them. Yes, sometimes we can backslide and make the same mistake more than once, but that’s because we are human.

When you do some of this stuff, you’ll shock yourself. And smile at yourself. Wow, I can do it. I can dance through life on a lovely cloud. Then if something happens that feels sad or uncomfortable — death of a loved one, loss of a client, loss of a pet, growing in a different direction from a friend — you deal with it more beautifully, and realize the emotion is just temporary and life is exactly how it is supposed to be.

There was a time when I said I was happy 80 percent of the time. This went on for YEARS before I made my breakthrough and got up to 95 to 100 percent. I’ve had spurts of that type of bliss in the past, like decades ago. Some challenged me, said that you can’t possibly feel like that without drugs. But it’s funny when you look back to where you were in your life back then. You’ve attracted different types of people. You elevate spiritually, and you outgrow many of them. Some will grow with you. Some will disappear for awhile, then return when you’re both in the same place. Others will seem to have fallen off the face of the earth. This is normal. Do not fight it.

I’m very blessed in that I married a man who is on the same spiritual level as I am. Right before we began dating, I felt that connection — here is a person I can relate to, someone who is not afraid of growing older, someone who is at peace with where they are at, someone who will always be fun and exciting, someone I’ll always be attracted to. Even though I was much younger, I knew all this. I knew he was my Twin Spirit. This was 18 years ago. We still are a beautiful couple. We go to bed and wake up smiling, laughing. Sometimes if we’re planning to go to a restaurant that’s about 40 minutes from where we live, I get excited thinking about the great conversations we’ll have on our drive!

Am I lucky? No, I just didn’t settle. I was smart.

As I grow in my spiritual skin, I realize life isn’t as easy, and as blissful, as my marriage. Clients come and go. Friendships come and go. Weather doesn’t always cooperate with what you want to do. And sometimes, in my career, I have to take a trip and be away from my husband and kitties; and that is painful.

But by taking one day at a time, by learning — and I mean truly learning — from the lessons that life gives us, by being flexible with life, by being appreciative and grateful, and by saying “thank you” to the Universe before you get your blessings, rather than when you get them, you will grow in your spiritual skin. And the “little things” in life won’t matter at all.

Then, remember, you didn’t grow a “thick skin” because you are still a beautiful, sensitive human being. You grew a SPIRITUAL SKIN!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

Pre-sales for Maryanne’s 6th book, “So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” are now available: 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: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

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

Cat Gives Birth to Three Kittens and a SQUIRREL?!?!?!?!?

BREAKING NEWS!!! Cutest news ever!

Cat gives birth to a litter of three kittens and a squirrel!!

I can’t believe it!! This is just nuts!

And I wish all of you a very Happy April Fool’s Day!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

A Shout Out to Happy Healthy Vegan/Lovespirals

Anji Bee and Ryan Lum of Happy Healthy Vegan and Lovespirals

A few months ago I came across a very cool, inspirational You Tube channel, Happy Healthy Vegan (https://www.youtube.com/@HappyHealthyVegan).

I’ve been vegan almost two years now — steady! (I say “steady” because my journey began in 1986, and I haven’t had pork, lamb, or veal ever since. But I kept going back to fish and cheese. What was steady though, was giving up products testing on animals in 1996).

I wish I found Happy Healthy Vegan channel sooner. Anji and Ryan are extremely informative and a perfect testimony to just how healthy it is to be a vegan.

I love that they are in my age bracket and music people. I was thrilled when I learned they were in the band Lovespirals! Over 20 years ago, I came across their music by chance. I worked at a local newspaper, The Montclair Times. Our paper had a music column called “On That Note.” Any reporter could write for the column, but I was the only one who wanted to, so I received free CDs from countless labels.

At the time Lovespirals were with Projekt Records, founded by Sam Rosenthal. I was honored to give great reviews to Lovespirals in a few of the On That Note columns. I have some of their work in my vast music collection and now that I’m reminded of them again, I put in an order to the Easter Bunny that I’d like to find more Lovespirals CDs in my Easter basket, along with vegan chocolate and kombucha! In fact, in time I’d like to collect ALL the Lovespirals CDs, as there are PLENTY! YAY!

But back to Happy Healthy Vegan … I’m just so jazzed about this couple because I can resonate with them. Too many vegans behave holier than thou and it’s a turn off. Ryan and Anji seem like me (and my husband), accepting of people wherever they are at in their journey. I mean, you just can’t go around calling non-vegans “murders.” It’s a huge turn off and will make people not want to become vegan. You have to be chill, like Ryan and Anji!

Little by little, I’m going backwards to check out the earlier videos. There’s over a thousand so I may never catch up! But it’s cute learning about a couple that lives a lifestyle similar to my husband and I. Their home looks a bit like ours, with all the albums and lava lamps. They choose to be child-free. And they have cats! (If you’re a cat lover like me, it’s so cute seeing a cat get in the video. I love that!)

I’m also inadvertently following Anji’s hair routine, as I’m growing out the processed portion and going back to my roots (as always, pun intended!) Right now I’m in the ombre stage with the roots being several inches and the brassy (former magenta) portion is on the bottom. I get compliments, but I can’t wait to be all dark haired again! It’s inspiring to see Anji’s natural hair. She’s a beautiful woman, almost my age, who also doesn’t wear a lot of make-up or fake eyelashes or do other unnatural things to her face like Botox or fillers. Go Anji! That’s my gig too — totally!

And also like my husband and I, they eat mostly healthy, but they will go out to restaurants and try vegan treats. One of my favorite episodes, so far, was an older one where Anji had a vegan coffee box reveal from Vegan Cuts. She gets so excited about the items. It’s adorable.

Vegan Foodies

Over the years, I’ve done the raw thing (for several years). I’ve done the Master Cleanse. Now I feel best eating the healthiest vegan food with a treat day on the weekend (like going to a vegan restaurant and not obsessing over every ingredient). Seeing this vegan couple eat as I do is a big relief. You don’t have to be raw vegan or doing juice fasts all the time to reap the benefits. Ryan and Anji, who have been vegan over a decade, are living proof of that. They are both vibrant, glowing, and in great shape. Ryan sometimes talks about his blood work and perfect bill of health, and how much energy he has playing basketball and surfing, in his 50s.

My new Saturday morning routine involves watching Ryan Lum’s Friday night live streams “Ask a Vegan” which is a 2.5 to 3 hour You Tube party, where Ryan chats with vegan friends and followers as well as random trolls who sneak in. Ryan handles the trolls with such finesse as he backs up veganism with science and his own experiences living the lifestyle.

If you’re vegan and you haven’t watched the Happy Healthy Vegan channel yet, be sure to check their You Tube channel, which I linked above. Also check out their web page https://www.happyhealthyvegan.org/ …and, of course, their band, Lovespirals (https://www.lovespirals.com/).

Let me know what you think in the comments below 🙂

VEGAN FOREVER!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Trees

Photo by Jeremy Bishop, Unsplash

I had an amazing day yesterday.

Or as people say nowadays, A-mazing!

Well in Montclair, Montclair, New Jersey, had an open house, and to be honest, for the first time in my 59 years I was in a room full of women where I not only felt comfortable, but I felt safe. It was like, “These are my people.”

I was able to be everything I am without judgement — silly, fun, and deep/spiritual/philosophical. ZERO small talk and everyone I talked to “got me.” I dreamed about days like this with other women.

The day before, I was in a car accident and just not myself. I was also a bit down-hearted because I thought I was going to score a speaking engagement I really wanted, but they went with someone else. Then, at this event, I was able to participate in a Sound Therapy session. By the end of the session, I was giggling and crying at the same time. I felt completely elevated and like a brand new person.

But the craziest thing happened as I was entering the building. A beautiful woman was walking in before me. She was smiley and held the door open for me. (Sounds normal, but this is New Jersey, and trust me, strangers don’t smile at you!) Anyway, we ended up having one great conversation after another. It got so deep, so fast. I felt like she was my twin! We had so much in common and so many relatable experiences.

One of the themes of our conversation dealt with trees. I won’t get into it because I respect people’s privacy, but it was heavy.

Keep the word “tree” in mind though, as I continue…(And note, I was also wearing my Banyan tree necklace).

When I came home, my husband said, “You are glowing!”

I excitedly told him all about the event. I began with, “Never, and I do not say this lightly, never, in my 59 years did I feel so comfortable in a room full of women. Not only did I feel comfortable, I felt safe.”

Whether I meet with any of these women again, or not, it was a day to remember.

I slept so good last night. When I got up, I went to my dressing room (a small room where I have my spiritual altar).

On my altar was a card.

What is this?

It was a beautiful card from my husband. He purchased it after work yesterday, while I was at the event.

Coincidentally … wait, there is no such thing as coincidence. This was The Universe.

I opened the card and it was a spiritual metaphor about an oak tree.

He got me the card because I was disappointed in not getting that speaking engagement.

Then I realized, I didn’t want that one. Something much better is coming. My branches are still growing.

I never thought a day like this would happen.

THANK YOU UNIVERSE!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Animals Understand

This cute Bernadoodle, named Bear, belongs to our friends Rob & Jayne. He is an official therapy dog.

The photo was taken February 24, 2019, just nine days after my kitty Bennie had to be put down. It seems as if Bear understands what’s going on in my head. That I was missing my dear Bennie so much, but happy to be among friends.

How do pets know what we’re going through? How do they know who needs comforting?

If you’re sad, always go to a pet — your pet or anyone else’s. They always understand.

For more information on the great things Bear is doing, visit: https://www.jaynedigregorio.com/giving-1

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Yes, Guys and Gals Can Be ‘JUST FRIENDS’

With my friend Johnny, December, 2021

In the past few months I’ve seen some disturbing comments on the internet. Yes, in this day and age, people are STILL saying that men and women can’t be “just friends.” People say a guy is only friends with a woman because he wants to screw her. I couldn’t believe reading that! But I’ve read it more than once, spoken by both men and women.

It’s such backwards thinking, and I pity people who are stuck in that ancient mindset.

Since I was a teenager, I probably had more male friends than female friends. Sure, some probably wanted to date me. But is it wrong to have a healthy sex drive? Big deal. And sure, you have guys who say, “I have enough friends, I’m looking for a girlfriend.” Okay, that’s immature, but that’s the exception, not the rule.

The rule is, guys make great friends. Sometimes even better friends than woman. (Ladies, don’t get down on me, please hear me out). For me, while I dress like a girl, wear make-up like a girl, buy shoes like a girl, I find that stuff boring to talk about. I couldn’t care less about make-up tips, or talking about hair (other than saying, “She has cool hair!”) or worrying about breaking a nail. BORING!!!!!

Then women tend to get on a tangent complaining about their looks and weight. That’s not me. Not to say I wouldn’t prefer looking like someone else, like say, Cher, or Angelina Jolie. But I’m not going to waste my life dwelling on it. I can appreciate myself and be confident in myself. Women have gotten mad at me for my confidence. They scold me and say, “You’re like a guy with your confidence.” No, it’s draining to bitch about what you look like. Sorry ladies!

And, yes, clothes shopping together is super fun, but I don’t want to spend hours discussing fashion — or worse, gossip. I want to talk about deeper things like music, philosophy, animals, career. And it seems like guys want to talk about those things more than women. In my experiences.

Not all men are idiotic yahoos who sit around bonding over Sunday football drinking Bud. What an ugly cliche. But from what I’ve read on the internet, many women BELIEVE that! WEIRD!!!

I also joke around … a lot. I can carelessly throw around the F word and say things to men that I dare wouldn’t say to women (except maybe my sister who has a similar sense of humor). Like, I’ll joke about periods, for instance…And women get their knickers in a twist over it.

I guess, what I’m trying to say is men are not as literal. You can say something crass to a guy and he won’t think you’re a bad person. Whereas a woman will twist it around and become mortified, and probably hate you.

Over the years I’ve stayed friends with guys who were once a romantic interest. But today, I’d like to share some great stories about men who were strictly platonic. (There’s a ton more, but this is all off the top of my head).

1. Johnny (pictured above) is one of my favorite male friends. He’s my husband’s friend. My husband dated Johnny’s younger sister when they were in high school. When I first started dating my husband, his friend Johnny quickly became one of my favorites. He loves cats. He’s into music. And he helped me move in with my husband a year after we began dating. When Johnny and I get together, we laugh so hard about just anything. He’s a super fun person. I adore Johnny.
2. I had another friend named Jon who I had a falling out with, but I will never forget the time I was very sad about something and he wrote me a beautiful poem. Jon and I were always “just friends.” He was a deep person and we’d go for long drives and talk about interesting things. I was so happy for him when he finally got a girlfriend he adored. She was a sweetheart and I have a photo of us hanging out, stashed somewhere.
3. A friend named Rich. … I worked with Rich in a music store when I was young. He was a great guy and we found each other on Facebook. He endorsed my upcoming book.
4. Husbands or boyfriends of my girlfriends. I have quite a few friends who married, or are with amazing guys. Double dating is super fun and it’s great when everyone gets along. All these guys adore their ladies, so I highly doubt they’d want to be with me, let alone anyone else. Aside from double dating, some of my favorite male friends on Facebook are those who are happily married. Men who have wives really know how to be a good friend to a female. That’s why they are married, they’re what a grandmother would call “a good catch.”

So, no, not “all” men are these sex-crazed monsters who want to hunt down women and score with them. Men are human beings. And if any woman is lucky enough to find a man she could have a platonic relationship with, it’s a true blessing!

Do you have a platonic friendship with the opposite sex? Tell us in the comments below! Let’s praise men! They are great!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Bloganuary Day 11 – How Do You Define Success?

Me, last June … A picture of happiness!

Why are we put on this planet? To make the leave the world in a better place than when we found it. There are so many ways to do this, by being a great wife/mother/daughter/sister/friend, by excelling at our careers and then giving back to the community, volunteering, writing a book, etc. …. All of this CAN be done. But in order to do so, we have to put ourselves first.

In order to do this, we have to know what we want and not settle for less. Sometimes we don’t know what we want, so we have to ferret out what we don’t want.

I can honestly say I live a successful life because I have more happy days than sad ones. I work for myself as a public speaker and writer/editor. I also cat sit, model, and am a non-union actress. I’ve created this beautiful bubble of a life where I prefer to be around creative like-minds and avoid gossipers and trouble makers.

Best of all, as I write almost every day, I married my soul mate. My husband is my best friend and biggest supporter.

When you have a foundation such as this, you can get through the sad times (the saddest times are ALWAYS death – whether it’s a good friend or a family member or a pet, this happens more often when you’re over 40).

Life can be hard at times. Look at 2020, we were all in the same boat with the pandemic. People lost jobs (I lost about 15 speaking engagements!). People got sick. And some even lost friends. (I lost three; only one to Covid, but two for other illness, including someone I could consider one of my best friends). But during the pandemic, I also grew. I didn’t write another book like I thought I would, but I had quite a few writing and editing clients. I also was able to collaborate with my husband and record a song together. (Those singing lessons paid off, but I am so NOT a singer! This was work, and I haven’t recorded a song with him since!)

So, you see, we all have our crosses to bear, but if you have that foundation of things that are solid in your life (for me, it’s my husband and my career), you won’t be as shaken during a bad time. But most of all, the success has to come from within — what is in your heart, and even your brain! You are the creator of your success, your happiness. Nothing is stopping YOU!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Bloganuary Day 9 – The Most Memorable Gift I’ve Received

I can’t say it enough — the most memorable gift I received was from God and The Universe. My husband!

We knew each other forever. I used to follow his band when I was a teenager, but we hardly said more than “hello” to each other. I always thought he was good looking, but I was shy and it seemed we were always involved with other people. Then in 2005, the band had a reunion. That is when I had my moment to talk a bit more with Dennis. I was crushing very hard. A few weeks later he called me and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Now, over 17 years later, we’re still madly in love. He’s really my best friend. We connect on all levels, spiritually, mentally, physically, and intellectually. We both share a love for the most important things in life, animals (mainly cats) and music. We are never bored with each other and can talk — and laugh — for hours. Each morning we both wake up with smiles on our faces, ready to start another day. If we’re apart, we connect via emails throughout the day.

I’m so genuinely happy we are together. I can’t imagine life without him, or with anyone else. It’s truly a blessing to be with your heart and soul mate. I wish this for everyone. The key is, don’t settle!

(I offer one-to-one ZOOM classes on How to Meet Your Soul Mate, if anyone is interested, contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com … I’ve hosted them during the pandemic and will be starting up again. Rates are very reasonable).

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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

Bloganuary Day 5 – What Brings Me Joy? LIFE!

Me, silly as usual! (Summer 2022)

What gives me joy? LIFE!

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!

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

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

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