Birthday celebration with my husband (and our friends, Rob & Jayne) August 18, 2022
From left, Dennis, me, Jayne, Rob, August 18, 2022
Led Zep umbrella, in case it rained! (August 16, 2022)
I love birthdays, especially mine (I won’t lie!) I love being fawned over and getting gifts. Sometimes we can get too hard on ourselves (I am especially hard on myself) and birthdays are a great reminder how loved we are.
I never would have imagined being in my 50s would be so much fun. I’m blessed to still be very healthy and high energy. Life is so precious I make it a point to have an amazing one, with amazing people in my life. My husband spoils me so much and makes me laugh so hard. Our friends are the same. Always a memorable time together.
For the last year of my 50s, I do have some goals. I’d like to get a second printing of my book “The Gypsy Smiled” which is now out of print. (There might be a few left on Amazon by indie sellers). I’d like to book more speaking engagements (I have four from now until the end of the year!) And I’d like to continue doing all the other creative stuff I’ve been doing: journalism, over 50 modeling, working at events. Plus the fun stuff like concerts, going to vegan restaurants, and clothes shopping!
I want everyone know that I am PROUD of my age and not afraid to grow older. I trust that I have a lot more time on this planet, but you never know, so I’ll keep having fun until the fun runs out!
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.
One year ago today, from a photo shoot with David Esposito.
I was 57. Photo unretouched. David Esposito doesn’t touch up photos. He likes them to be real.
Always be proud of your age, and all you’ve done in your life.
When you filter your fine lines, you filter your character.
I also don’t do Botox or any other face alterations. If you do it, fine, good for you. But I don’t like the idea of it. That’s just me. I think every woman can look amazing with face yoga and facial massage. But that’s just me. Do what you like as long as you are happy.
There are days when I look old and tired too. But I realize I just need more rest or to make a change in my life. Your real face is a barometer for how happy you are. You may not need a facelift, just a change. 🙂
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.
Most women over 50 realize that your metabolism does slow down. I’m sure there are plenty of women who could eat whatever they want and not gain weight. I’m not one of them. Even though I lead an active lifestyle and exercise between 5 to 7 days a week (yoga, kickboxing, low impact cardio, light weights, Pilates, swimming, stretching, etc.), sometimes my metabolism is great, other times not so great.
During my older years, I discovered a “trick” to be able to stay in shape without starving yourself, without counting calories (which is dumb anyway because not all calories are created equal), or being obsessed with exercise (doing too much that you don’t have much of a life).
The trick is intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is giving yourself a window of time to eat and staying in that window. I’ve done this many times over the years and it works better than any diet. (I’m not a fan of dieting or counting calories – I never did either.)
My time window is from noon until 6 p.m. For the past two weeks I’ve been waiting until noon to eat my first meal. And once 6 p.m. hits, I do not eat anymore until the next day — at noon. In two weeks I lost four pounds of winter weight gain, and am at my happy weight of 129. (I am a petite 5’2″ and a size 6).
I am a vegan, and let’s be honest, vegan food is fantastic! I try to eat as clean as possible, salads, whole foods, vegetables, and healthy protein. But when the weekend comes, I do like to have my vegan “treats” like whole wheat bread, fakin’ bacon, vegan “cheeze” or whatever. Not as healthy as I eat during the week, but I’m enjoying this food and no animal suffers for it. But after the weekend, I used to gain a pound or two and it would take two to three days to get back to my normal weight. With intermittent fasting, it’s easier to bounce back!
Intermittent fasting is healthy. It gives your body a break from food. I did it, on and off, as far back as the 1980s. In addition to not having to worry about your weight, you also feel more energized–and happier in general. The body is able to handle stress easier.
I highly recommend intermittent fasting. But before you begin, do your research and consult with a physician if you have a health condition.
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.
2021 was just as crazy as 2020. The pandemic neared an end, thanks to masks and vaccines, but then another strain came in and New York City is shut down again. But over here, in a small town in New Jersey, my husband and I continue to make our own magic as we navigate life’s ups and downs.
However, in due respect to our private lives, I’ve chosen to make this year end review more about creative projects (and threw in some shows we’ve seen). Of course there is much more to a year than this, but these are definitely the highlights! ENJOY!
JANUARY
January started off with lots of creative energy — and pretending to be a mess.
I modeled as a health care practitioner junkie for a photography contest. I collaborated with a doctor/photographer to illustrate opioid abuse in the health industry.
I also had a role in the ZOOM presentation, “The Holiday Channel Christmas Wonderthon” which aired on The Jesse Walker Show on You Tube. My character sociopath Carol was in love with the guy in the coma.
Me, in the upper left as crazy Carol
MARCH
On March 14, I spoke about Women Empowerment at a local NJ venue. Here I am photographed with organizer, Carolyn M. Gourdine.
Maryanne with Carolyn Gourdine
MAY
In May I did an Over-50 model shoot for David Esposito. This was my favorite shot.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta (Un-retouched photo by David Esposito)
JUNE
In June, I was thrilled to have my poem, “All About Eve” included in a Black Lives Matter art show, hosted by the West Orange Arts Council. Here’s a candid shot from the event.
JULY
July was amazing because I was assistant to The Amazing Kreskin for four days in Boxwood, Massachusetts at ComicCon. It was a blast!
Maryanne and The Amazing Kreskin
SEPTEMBER
September was double the modeling fun, as I got to work with two great photographers. Over 50 has never been so much fun!
Photo of Maryanne by Jeff Danze
Photo of Maryanne by Beautiful Photo Moments
OCTOBER
My husband and I go to see so many concerts, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But The Smithereens always deliver! I was honored to meet Marshall Crenshaw for the very first time; and Smithereens guitarist, Jim Babjak
Marshall Crenshaw and Maryanne Maryanne and Smithereens guitarist, Jim Babjak
DECEMBER
Earlier this year I began taking art classes. By December, I got pretty good. This is a painting I did of birch trees at dawn.
Birch tree painting by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
REST IN PEACE
Earlier this year, we lost the incredible Lori Burton. I had the honor to meet her twice when I was a teenager. She was a great talent and a wonderful human being.
We also lost, rock legend photographer, Mick Rock. I was a fan of his work since I was 12. I was honored to not only review his photography show for New York’s Westsider in the 1990s, but I also had the chance to meet him.
Mick Rock, Maryanne, and Lenny Kaye, circa 1999/2000
And finally, on a very sad note, a photo tribute I did for Michael Nesmith who we lost this year. I was lucky to see him in the original Monkees tour in the 1980s and many more Monkees shows, including his own solo show; and finally with Mickey Dolenz, just a month or so before Nesmith passed. He was a great artist, and truly my favorite Monkee.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats
Living in New Jersey, USA, we are so blessed to have four seasons. I appreciate all of them, but autumn is the most beautiful of all. Leaves turn to shades of orange, yellow, and red — and the weather is perfect. It’s in the 50s or 60s. You can wear a heavy sweater or a light jacket. You don’t have to bundle up yet with scarves and gloves. Fashionably speaking, it’s the best!
Halloween was last weekend and it was a perfect autumn day. This season seems to go by so quickly, then we’re in for a long, snuggly winter. So, why do people RUSH the holidays. Halloween ended, and there are Christmas decorations everywhere already.
Not one to rush, I like to continue celebrating Halloween right up until Thanksgiving. I love driving around and seeing the homes of Halloween enthusiasts who leave their decorations up. It’s so festive to see, especially since we turned the clocks back and it gets dark so early.
So, for those of you who appreciate the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky, this post is for you!
Do you love Halloween? Talk to me in the comments! 🙂
Photo of Maryanne and husband, Dennis by Jayne DiGregorio
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats
I just got off the phone with a new vegan friend. We shared our stories of how we became vegan. I went first and told her mine was long-winded. It was refreshing to share my on-again/off-again journey with someone so sweet and unjudgmental.
As a child, I did not like meat. I’d hide it in my napkin or feed it to the dog. When I was 22, I decided to no longer eat meat. This was in the 1980s and back then if you were a vegetarian, you were looked at as if you had two heads. People thought it was weird that I wasn’t eating pizza. And if I was stressed and had some vegan candy, I’d hear rude comments, “What do you do when you really go off the deep end? Eat meat?”
But I put up with it. For 28 years. (And the comments were worse when I was a raw foodist for a few years, but that’s another story). During these 28 years of being vegetarian, I dabbled in veganism on and off.
Then I hit my 50th birthday and menopause was upon me. I began having dizzy spells and getting kind of sluggish. Three male nutritionists said I’d be better off with some meat. Against my better judgement, I said a prayer to the animals and began to consume grass-fed beef. But I continued to stay away from pork, lamb, and veal. For some time I followed the paleo diet and I did feel better.
Last year during the pandemic, something happened. I changed. For the better. I wasn’t sad or stressed about anything. My husband and I continued to thrive in our careers during the pandemic. However, I did feel a sense of loss because one of my best friends died, not of Covid, but a heart attack. The best thing I could do for dealing with it was look inward.
I used to meditate in the 1980s. I somehow came across the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and started doing his meditations, and other ones–twice a day. What came out of it was not only being incredibly at peace, but having greater compassion for both people and animals. My husband and I had just took in a feral kitten that was abandoned. My bond grew so strong with the kitten and it led me to study feline behavior.
When I got my certificate, I was looking for a shelter to volunteer at. None of them got back to me. Perhaps because we’re still in a pandemic? I don’t know.
I started following more animal groups on Facebook, to continue learning about cats and other animals.
Pigs were always my favorite farm animal. Protecting them was my biggest concern during my original run with vegetarianism. I never paid much attention to cows. Then watching what loving creatures cows are, on Dodo videos and videos on vegan pages, it inspired me give up meat again.
Then a few months later, while on one of our vacations, my husband and I were in a sea aquarium. A stingray kept going over to him. It seemed they made a connection. Then I saw a beautiful octopus. He winked at me! I can’t eat octopus anymore, I thought to myself. I just can’t.
I’ve been to aquariums before, but this time, due to all the meditation I was doing, I was moved like never before. These are living beings and we are one with them. With that in my head, I decided to stop eating fish. Might as well give up rennetless cheese too. And a vegan was born. Cold turkey. It wasn’t a hard decision to make. All the time I was on the paleo diet, I never stopped buying cruelty free/vegan make-up products. I never stopped going to cruelty free/vegan hair salons. And I never drank alcohol that wasn’t vegan. Absolute Vodka and White Claw were always my go-to drinks.
My husband asked me if I was sure eating vegan was what I wanted to do. He pointed out that I was feeling great, that the dizzy spells stopped, and I was sleeping good. That was all true, so I decided to hire a vegan health coach to make sure I was doing it right this time. I now knew too much, and experienced too much to go back. For months I was following vegan pages on Facebook, educating myself. I saw vegans of all ages thriving on the diet. I knew if I tried one more time I would thrive too. And I wouldn’t go back.
With the health coach, I learned which supplements you needed, and was inspired to experiment with different colored vegetables. I also learned of a service called Imperfect Foods, where you can get cheaper organic produce because it may be bruised or look weird (like a carrot with two legs!)
Now, three months later, I am feeling fantastic and I even lost a few pounds–at age 58! My husband has been eating more vegan meals, and so are my friends when they are around me. I recently signed up as a volunteer for vegan group to help animals.
I’m so happy and at peace with myself. Each day has so much meaning. It’s another day to save animals.
Sometimes I beat myself up and wish I never listened to the nutritionists who told me that I’d benefit from eating some meat. I was a meat eater for almost six years. But I did learn from the experience. The most important lesson is that everyone is on their own journey. People eat meat for their own reasons. Who are we to judge? The best I can do as a vegan, is to humble myself and lead by example. I will never tell a meat eater he or she is a “murderer.” It’s not right. It’s not my business.
But I will go to restaurants and suggest vegan options. I will continue to support vegan companies. I will continue to talk about the fun vegan food I get to eat on weekends (because during the week, I’m a more serious vegan, natural as possible).
It feels good to enjoy oatmeal again, after shunning it for years. And making scrambled tofu brought me back to a beautiful place. It was one of my first favorite vegetarian dishes back in the 1980s.
My husband and I drove past a farm a few weeks ago. He said to the cows, “She’s saving your lives.”
It was a beautiful thing to hear. Yes, I am saving lives. And it feels like home.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is available for blogging, editing, and writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements(via ZOOM during covid).She is now coaching aspiring writers via ZOOM.
Maryanne 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
Today is my last day of age 56; tomorrow I will be 57. I’ve always been a person who looked forward to aging, not against it.
I’m always a person who lives by love and trust, not hope and fear.
My 56th year was a beautiful one. The summer of 2019 was a great one. And I had some kick-ass memories, like promoting at trade shows during autumn, performing my poetry live (something I haven’t done since the 1990s — and thanks to Toastmasters, I memorized all my words). The Covid pandemic hit USA in March of 2020, but that didn’t break my spirit. Loved ones stayed safe, and my business Pear Tree was thriving — and continues to thrive. Dennis and I loved the lock-down, and for the very first time we’ve created together and made a music video, my singing debut, which we’ve shared with many friends. AND during this time, the second edition of my fiction book “Love Cats” came out! I also gave some incredible ZOOM classes which were very well-received.
The saddest thing that happened this year, or any year for that matter, was losing one of my best friends, Vinnie Bordogna. It was one of my biggest losses ever. And I’ve yet to move on, and doubt I ever will.
For my 57th birthday, I asked the Universe for two special wishes–one of them came true already! (Stay tuned, you will know in September). Good-bye to age 56, it was one of my favorite years! (So thanks to everyone who said, last year, “Best Birthday Ever.” — you blessed me for an entire year!
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
My response is something not many women want to hear, but it’s a reality that isn’t talked about much.
I came from a broken home. My mother worked two jobs to support two girls. I went to a prep high school and did excellent freshman year, but because we lacked the funds, I had to transfer to a public school, which I hated.
Bottom line, I graduated by the skin of my teeth and went straight to work, without college. Nevertheless I got opportunities and became what I wanted to be — a writer!
The first magazine I worked at, I KNOW I was hired because of my looks (back then, I am now in my 50s and just mediocre). And I am fine with that because back then I had nothing else to go on. Prior to that I was a waitress, drinking on the way to work, because I lost my dear grandmother who helped raise me and I felt devastated. I felt hopeless day in and day out. Not every woman is born an Einstein; and not every woman has opportunities. Some of us work very hard at it and if being cute and stylish gives some of us an edge, why not? At the time it might be all we know.
Don’t hate beautiful women, you don’t know their story!
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
It’s been an incredible year. My fourth book was published and I wrote a fifth (which will be published later this year). I’ve helped two other people write their books, while I tried to help even more who have given up on the process. Yet I never give up.
It’s been another year of growth, spiritually and creatively. I joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker. I not only won a spot to present a workshop, “Be Your Own Hero,” but I’ve won “Best Speaker,” “Best Evaluator,” and “Best Table Topics.” I’ve continued to present speaking engagements in libraries.
I also started an anti-bullying You Tube channel. And blogging, lots of it for major companies and small businesses.
I’ve loved hard; and I’ve lost hard. Last summer my husband and I took in a beautiful feral cat, Bennie, who chose us to live with during the final months of his short three years. We gave him a happy last few months, then he was put down due to brain cancer. We’ve also lost some friends who died way too young. As well as some high profiles like Shakti Gawain, who has been inspiring me since I found her book in the late 1980s, “Creative Visualization.”
As always, it’s been a year of much fun. Friends, concerts, trips, and lots of laughter. And yet, another cat we adopted back in April–Sammy, with the full name, Samuel Keane Clemens.
I end the year in good health, for which I never take for granted. Young people still tell me, “You look so young” when I share my real age, for which I am always proud of. Many do not make it to 55, so I am so grateful for each day on this planet, and thank the energy we call God or the Universe.
It’s a great life and I’ve manifested it; being in harmony with the universe. Being myself. Being YOUnique. God bless everyone who is a part of my own little world.
Bring on year number 56! I am ready!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing, and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :
Several months ago I won a $100 gift certificate from UjENA: https://m.ujena.com/
I don’t know how this company slipped off my radar over the years, because their swimsuits are truly the best! I should know, I’ve been buying them since I was in my early 20s. And now, just 11 days short of 53-years-old, I’m still a fan!
The suit is comfortable, classy, and age-appropriate. Today at the beach my husband couldn’t keep his eyes off me. He kept saying, “That’s a great suit!”
You too can be the belle of the beach with UjENA! You deserve it! ❤
And now for a little retro action, here I am in 1986, age 22, wearing my UjENA suimsuit!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
Age 52
Age 22
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 