Happy National Museum Day!

The Met, “Play it Loud” exhibit, September 2019

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!

Silly me!

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/

Twinning with Miley

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.

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/

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

Rest in Peace, Ryuichi Sakamoto

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
I’ve been a fan of his music since the 1980s.
He was a Grammy award winning composer for his music (and acting) in my favorite Bowie movie, “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” (And of course so much more. You can learn about him on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryuichi_Sakamoto).
I also loved his band, Yellow Magic Orchestra, his solo work, and collaborations with the amazing David Sylvian.
Rest in peace, to a great talent. 🙏💔

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjAFg9QWPzjRgFI7RpLVu_A

I’m in the new Ian Hunter video, ‘I Hate Hate’

I am so excited, I am crying tears of joy! I am in the new Ian Hunter video, “I Hate Hate.”

A few weeks ago, my husband Dennis took video footage of me, twirling around with his Mott the Hoople umbrella, with the sign “I Hate Hate” and then submitted it for the video. Ian Hunter wrote on his Facebook page that he wanted photos of fans, sharing the message “I Hate Hate.”

I am ecstatic to not only be in an Ian Hunter video, but be a part of a POWERFUL message along with his other fans.

Ian Hunter is one of the most beautiful songwriters of our lifetimes. I carried the lyrics to his song Irene Wilde in my wallet when I was a teenager, “And I think most folks agree, a little put down makes them see, they ain’t no chain, just a link, and that’s why you made me think, I’m gonna be somebody someday.”

Now decades later, I get to be a part of something great, involving Ian Hunter. What a dream come true!

Here is the video, you can see me twirling with the umbrella around 2:51 and 2:52. It goes fast so you may have to pause to see me! WHAT AN HONOR! Thank you, Ian Hunter and your behind the scenes team! We love you! ❤ And continue to hate hate!!

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/

Moby’s ‘Punk Rock Vegan Movie’!

 

Yesterday I watched Moby’s “Punk Rock Vegan Movie.” It was excellent! It was informative, fast moving, and appearances from big names like Kat Von D. (such a sweetheart!), Dave Navarro, and Rob Zombie –ALL VEGANS!!

It also featured The Bad Brains (who I met and hung out with at the old Peppermint Lounge in NYC), who inspired some of the younger bands to go vegan. It was cool hearing about bands on the road in the 1980s before veganism was popular and it was harder to get food. (I was vegetarian around 1986, so I get it.)

All around great message, and as always you have to close your eyes during the slaughter house scenes. All the more reason to GO VEGAN!

And Moby’s dog was SO CUTE!!

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 10 – Has a Book Changed Your Life?

Me, at Cake in NYC, mid-1990s (Book cover by Darlene Foster)

My very first book, “On the Guest List” not only changed my life, but the life of others.

First, let me say, as a person who had a career in journalism almost my entire adult life, I had ZERO interest in writing a book. I loved the satisfaction of writing an article, having it published, and getting paid. And I was so good at it, not only did I make a living as a journalist, I received an award for investigative journalism.

Once I started my own business, Pear Tree Enterprises, in 2008, I had many clients who I helped edit their books and get them to publication. A friend said, “You’re doing this for everyone else, why not do it for yourself?” She planted a seed.

I wrote my first book, “On the Guest List” back in 2013. It was about my adventures as a music journalist.

While writing the book, I blogged about a man who inspired me when I was a teenager. He was an ex-marine and also did the pyrotechnics for The Plasmatics. How does this tie in with my book? Well, the original drummer of the Plasmatics, Stu Deutsche, was the first person to put me “on the guest list.” I met him at a record store and he asked me, “Are you going to our show tonight?”

I told him I was only 17 and couldn’t get in. Back then there were no “all ages” shows. Well, he put me on the guest list, and at age 17, I was in a bar watching the outrageous show The Plasmatics put on.

Anyway, thanks to my blog about this, a young woman contacted me and said the owner of the health food store was her real father. I put them in contact with each other! This story was so heartwarming, it made the local news!

THEN, at my very first book reading/signing, at a local library, I noticed a young girl in the audience who really seemed to connect with what I was saying. We locked eyes several times. I signed her book and we kept in touch.

About a year later, she contacted me and asked if I’d officiate her wedding! It turned at, her date at my book signing was a guy she was interested in. They fell in love and were now engaged.

I became a certified wedding officiant, and their wedding was the best wedding, other than my own, that I ever attended!

It’s amazing how your life can change in a heartbeat. Keep being true to yourself. And if you would like to write your own book, contact me to set up a consultation. My rates are competitive, so serious only need apply! I’m at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

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/

Don’t Treat Your Friends Like Fans

Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash

When you’re a creative person it’s no coincidence that you attract other creatives in your life. Maybe people you went to high school with, or maybe people you met during your creative career. Whether you’re a singer, actor, writer, or artist, creative people understand each other. We are there for each other. And it’s awesome when we can support each other.

Those who have a certain talent will definitely get the breaks if they stay focused. Sure, there will be ups and downs along the way, but you will accomplish some or many of your goals. You may lose friends because you’re no longer in the same place. They will not understand your drive or passion–and that’s understandable. But what about those whose career paths are similar to yours, yet it goes to their heads?! You begin to realize you’re being treated more like a “fan” than a “friend.” For example, you’ll go to his/her events but you won’t see him/her at yours. You’ll be “liking” their blogs, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram pages, but they ignore yours.

One time I received an email from someone who was trying a new career promoting bands. She asked me if I could “like” her pages to help support. I said, “Sure.” Then I asked if she, in turn, could help support mine too. She said, “I’m too busy.” I immediately unfriended her and stopped supporting her pages because to me, this type of person is a “taker.”

When someone starts being a “taker” it’s a major red flag that the person’s career is either going to their heads, or they are using you. Don’t ever let someone take advantage of you as they try to advance their career. It’s not right.

The thing is, we are all created equal. Any bout with success shouldn’t make someone feel superior. Motivational speaker, Jay Shetty, once said in a YouTube video that people support celebrities, why won’t they support their friends who are trying to get ahead? It really is a shame, but at least I am one friend who is very supportive (unless I feel I’m being used, then I cut ties).

I have to pat myself on the back because I know I am great in this area. I’m nobody special, but I am a good person to know; I’m every friend’s biggest cheerleader!

And, yes, fans do have their place in your world and you can’t get too close to them. You have to set boundaries. But a friend — or associate — is much more than a fan and he/she should never be slighted or not appreciated.

Here is clarification (or hard truths) regarding what a friend/associate is versus what a fan is.

1. They’ve been to your home, that is a friend, not a fan — obviously you invited them!
2. You had a meal with the person. Breaking bread with someone means he/she is a friend or associate, not a fan. (Unless you’re a rock star and they won a prize and dinner was part of it).
3. Someone wrote an article about you or had you on their podcast. That is an associate, not a fan.
4. You put someone on the guest list for one of your events. That is an associate or friend. Fans are not on the guest list unless they’ve won tickets to the event.
5. You dated someone. I don’t care if you’re Mick Jagger, if you choose to date someone, that elevates them to a higher status. They are no longer merely a fan.
6. You’re sending someone a holiday or birthday card in the mail on a regular basis. That is a friend, not a fan.
7. If someone buys your records/books/art and goes to your events and that’s the only time you see them, that is a fan, not a friend.
8. If someone knows more about you than you know about them, that is a fan. (Or a stalker!)
9. If someone “friend requests” you on Facebook and you don’t know who they are, they are either a fan or some egomaniac who is in some industry and wants to jack up their business.
10. If someone calls themselves a “fan” they are most likely a fan, but if they’ve been to your home, that is the best friend you can have because he/she is humble enough to admit you are cool and he/she admires your work.

Like any other relationship, creative relationships have the same rules (or they should). If you feel someone is looking down on you, or not giving you the time of day but expecting you to do things for them, or the only time you hear from them is if they need something, it’s no longer a friendship. It’s not even something that should be on “associate” level. Stop supporting them immediately. They may not even notice you are gone from their lives, but it’s okay. We’re here to support each other, not work for free for someone who doesn’t appreciate it.

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/

“The Lost Weekend” May Pang Movie at Grammy Museum in Newark, NJ

Dennis Mistretta, May Pang, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Last night my husband and I saw May Pang’s incredible movie, “The Lost Weekend” at the Grammy Museum, Newark, NJ.

People weren’t allowed to take pictures or record, so I’m not sure if I should review the movie. Instead, I’ll share a little story…

I met May Pang a few times over the years; she’s a real sweetheart (and John Lennon’s true love!) The first time I met her, she helped me clean wine off my dress at a party in NYC. Then she took a bunch of us to another party in her SUV.

Next time I met her, she was selling her hot sauce brand at the Chiller convention. I’m so glad to finally have gotten a photo with her and Dennis. We adore her! Look how happy we are!!

And if you have a chance to see the movie, GO! (And read her book, “Loving John” if you can find a copy. I have the original).

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/

Todd Rundgren And Other Rockers Celebrate Bowie at Union County Performing Arts Center

Todd Rundgren (photo by Dennis Mistretta)

It was a rock-star studded magical night!

My husband and I had 4th row, Todd Rundgren “Celebrating Bowie” Tour at the Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, New Jersey. (This beautiful old theatre is where they filmed portions of “School of Rock” and I’m always happy to be there!)

In addition to Todd Rundgren, other musical great included: Adrian Belew (Bowie, NIN, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Talking Heads), and CdB creator, producer, and featured artist Scrote bring Spacehog’s Royston Langdon, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and solo artist Jeffrey Gaines with saxophone great Ron Dziubla (Jon Batiste, Joe Bonamassa), Narada Michael Walden bassist Angeline Saris, and drummer Travis McNabb (Sugarland, Better Than Ezra).

With a cast of such great talent, so many Bowie songs were done to perfection. I loved the way the show flowed from one song into another without any talking, until near the end when the band was introduced. Throughout the show, some songs got me choked up, like Sound & Vision, Starman, and All the Young Dudes; others made me dance in my seat, like DJ, Boys Keep Swinging, and Blue Jean.

But the real magic happened when Let’s Dance got half the audience up from their seats. This was my opportunity to go to the front of the stage, where I remained until the end of the show. The last song before the encore was All the Young Dudes. I turned around to see my husband smiling and waving to me. I motioned him to come to the stage with me. Arm in arm, we experienced the magic. It was a heartfelt moment, that song is the truest Bowie classic.

As an encore, the audience went wild to Suffragette City and Heroes.

Here is the set list and more photos!

Todd Rundgren, and Angeline Saris on bass (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

Adrian Belew (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

Jeffrey Gaines (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

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/