Freddie Mercury, Bullied as a Young Boy

Farrokh Bulsara (photo found via Google Search)

The other night, my husband and I once again went to see our favorite Queen tribute band, Almost Queen (http://www.almostqueen.com/). Note that they have been around long before the successful Bohemian Rhapsody film. That said, if you’re a true Queen fan who loves the deep tracks, as well as the hits, be sure to check them out, as you will definitely hear some rare gems.

Anyway, before the show, I thought about how I’ve heard the stories of Freddie Mercury being bullied as a young boy because of his overbite. He was called a donkey by school bullies.

But did that stop him from becoming Freddie Mercury? Absolutely not.

If you’re having a hard time and being bullied, perhaps you have that special something that you can bring to the table by being YOUnique!

Check out my new video, where I speak about Almost Queen, Freddie Mercury, and how being bullied didn’t stop him from becoming a household name! (And if you like it, give me a thumbs up).

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 (in which she mentions Freddie Mercury in both, and how he inspired her as a child, teenager, and still today!):

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

Best Evaluator at Toastmasters

Maryanne Christiano Mistretta – Best Evaluator, Toastmasters International

It’s been a glorious week in my public speaking journey. Sunday I was honored to present a workshop, “Be Your Own Hero” for Toastmasters District 83. And Thursday night I won for “Best Evaluator.”

I’ve only been a member of Toastmasters since October 2018, and in seven short months I’ve scored the workshop, won for “Best Speaker,” “Best Table Topics,” and “Best Evaluator.” All this for my journey to become a motivational speaker!

Being an evaluator scared me. Who am I to judge someone else’s speech, which they worked so hard to present? The thing is, unlike having a prepared speech, when you’re an evaluator, you have to come up with something to say on the spot! (Kind of like being a judge on American Idol!) I was so terrified to do this, I procrastinated for several weeks, even avoiding going to Toastmasters by going to other events on Thursdays instead, like concerts, book clubs, etc.

When I got up there, I was so nervous, but I channeled my nervous energy into positive energy. Luckily I had the pleasure to evaluate a positive speech, called “Follow Your Dreams.” The speaker was amazing and I was so high on what she said, that I was able to nail my evaluation of her. It was hard finding something to give feedback on because she was so good. But I thought about myself, when I read in front of an audience and realized I could give the same feedback I’ve been given. Not to use filler words.

In the past few months I’ve watched so many amazing motivational speakers on You Tube and Ted Talks and in person. Using filler words like “like,” “so,” and even “um,” seems to be the norm; something we can all be aware of.

Hell, I even caught myself saying “um” during my presentation, but I still won! And the person who evaluated my evaluation offered ZERO critique on my evaluation. He said my evaluation was “perfect.” I also received praise from others in my Toastmaster group that it’s rare that someone wins at a “first.” But I nailed it.

The point of all of this is, don’t worry about being perfect, just get out there and do it! Not everyone will notice your imperfections, or that you are nervous. And maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised by a win — whether it’s your first time doing something, or after many tries!

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

She is available for motivational speaking engagements and is the author of the following books: 

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

“History of Motown Music” Presentation at Bridgewater Library

Stephen Fuller gets library patrons groovin’

Last night I presented “History of Motown Music” at the Bridgewater Library (one of many times I’ve presented there!) This presentation is a 40-minute bio, followed by 20 minutes live Motown music.

I was honored to work with Stephen Fuller (who actually was a warm-up act to Motown Recording artist, Stevie Wonder). Stephen Fuller brought the house down! Check out his website at: http://www.fullersounds.com/

Stephen Fuller works with me on two other presentations in the “Learn and Listen Series” — “The Life and Music of Nat King Cole” and “The Life and Music of Frank Sinatra.”

For more presentations that are available for libraries, assisted living facilities, senior groups, rotary clubs, Jewish Community Centers and more, please visit my website “about” section: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/about/

For bookings, pricing and availability, email Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“Here’s To Your Health” at Mt. Arlington Senior Living

Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

It was a gorgeous day in New Jersey to take a ride up to Mt. Arlington Senior Living.

This was the fourth time I was hired to present there as a public speaker. It’s a lovely facility and the first place I ever gave a lecture at, back in September, 2013!

Mt. Arlington Senior Living is very health conscious, so for the third time I presented “Here’s to Your Health and the Benefits of Walking.”

As always, the seniors had a great time. This group was very inspiring. Every single person exercised regularly. No one smoked (it’s not allowed in the facility anyway). And some even impressed me with their knowledge of apple cider vinegar and eating backwards (breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper) — something I’ve been doing on and off for ages!

It was so adorable that my lecture was after their Cracker Barrel (http://www.crackerbarrel.com/) luncheon.

And I got a kick out of their Mt. Arlington Daily News which read:

2:00 Here’s to You Health w/Maryanne

I love how it’s simply “Maryanne” (like “OPRAH” or “CHER”!) Ah … the little things in life, right? You gotta laugh.

Anyway, here is the synopsis for my program:

Here’s To Your Health and the Benefits of Walking Synopsis

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, author and public speaker with a great passion for health and nutrition. She’s the former editor of NJ Health & Fitness magazine and had a health column called “Here’s to Your Health” that was published online. Her work was also published in Skinny News magazine.

Maryanne has interviewed many celebrities about health and fitness including supermodels Oleda Baker and Carol Alt, and health advocates/authors Patricia Bragg, Paul Nison and David Wolfe.

She also had the opportunity to interview Jack LaLanne but he passed away two weeks prior to the interview. Nevertheless, she received a lovely email from his family, praising her efforts.

In her presentation, “Here’s to Your Health and the Benefits of Walking” she offers simple health tips she learned from experts in the health field – and it won’t cost a dime!

Maryanne creates a friendly atmosphere where the audience can participate.

If anyone would like this program for their senior group, senior center, etc. please contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com for pricing and availability. Will travel for the right price.

 

“Senior” Prom

 

Today I presented “Senior Prom” at NJ Eastern Star Home (http://www.njeasternstarhome.com/).

“Senior Prom” is a program I developed to share with seniors the positive benefits of companionship, whether it’s a spouse, friend or family member. And how love/friendship ties in with other ways to take care of yourself including eating healthy, exercising, positive thinking and not smoking.

I had a wonderful time at NJ Eastern Star Home. It’s always extra special when residents tell you, “I love you.” I look forward to going back!

“Senior Prom” is a one-hour presentation available for libraries, assisted living facilities, senior centers, etc. For pricing and availability, please contact Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

For other programs, please visit my website: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

 

“Italian American Food, Family and Community” at Carlstadt Public Library

Carlstadt Public Library

Last night I presented my lecture: “Italian American Food, Family and Community” at the Carlstadt Public Library and I had a blast! Website: http://carlstadt.bccls.org/

About 40 people showed up — and one was artist Andrea Mistretta: http://www.mardigrasgraphics.com/

I was thrilled when she gave me two of her prints! I never met her before and it was an awesome surprise.

This presentation was poignant as I had a few other firsts. Another lady said I moved her to tears, reminding her of things she hadn’t thought about in a long time. Then a male patron called his friend on the phone and said, “Come see this!” And she showed up!

Rebecca, the adult program coordinator, was a perfect host! And I’ll probably be back next year! I drove home, almost in tears because I was so happy. What a great group and what a great library!

Here is the synopsis for my program:

Italian American Food, Family and Community

Between 1820 and 2004, about 5.5 million Italians immigrated to the United States. Italian women who arrived during the massive immigration period had to quickly adapt to new and unfamiliar social and economic conditions. Learn how, during that time frame, Italian women placed highest priority on family, remaining strong while adapting to new circumstances and used their home-based economic skills in order to avoid factory work.

Also discover how in the second half of the 20^th century Italian American women excelled in practically all fields such as politics, television, health and more. And how today, even though many Italian Americans have inter-married within other ethnic groups, they kept a sense of their culture including Italian food, drink, art, and above all, family commitment – all of which has made its way into American culture.

For more information on other lectures I have available for libraries, rotary clubs, senior clubs — and yes, Italian clubs, please visit: www.peartreeenterprises.com

A Shout Out to Teaneck Public Library, Teaneck, New Jersey

 Teaneck Public Library

A shout out to Jonna Davis and the Teaneck Public Library (http://www.teaneck.org/)

Today I was honored to present my lecture: “Newsies: History of the Newspaper Industry” to an audience of over 75 people. I’ve worked in the newspaper industry as a journalist most of my adult life and this is always my favorite lecture to present.

In my presentation, I take the audience back to ancient Rome when the first “newspaper” was carved in stone, up to modern times and how the radio, T.V. and internet caused a decline in the newspaper industry.

My credentials are that I wrote for New York papers: The Westsider and the Chelsea Clinton News (which is named after an area of NYC, not the former president’s daughter). I was also a journalist at The Montclair Times for seven years. After I left The Times, I went on to write for several online publications including The Paterson Press, where my feature articles also appeared in The Herald News. I also wrote for The Aquarian Arts weekly, a newspaper that is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information on my lectures, pricing and availability, please visit my website at: www.peartreeenterprises.com

An Italian Girl Lectures on St. Patrick at a Jewish Community Center

At one of my “Luck of the Irish” presentations, March 2014

For almost two years, I’ve been a public speaker at assisted living facilities and libraries. I’ve also included Jewish Community Centers to my roster.

Yesterday I spoke at the Jewish Community Center in West Orange and received a ton of compliments. It was just the kind of magic that transpires when you have a true connection between speaker and audience. It’s still cold in New Jersey, so I wore a snowflake necklace my husband gave me when we first started dating. Interesting, it also looks like a Jewish star and over the years I’ve received lots of compliments on the necklace over the years.

When a lady in the audience complimented me on my “Jewish star” I told her I was Jewish at heart.

She asked me why and I told her because I eat a lot of kosher food: kosher cheese, goji berries with the parve label, potato latkes, falafels and pickles (my favorite thing at the famous Katz Deli!)

And as a St. Patrick’s Day side note, which I share in my lecture, corned beef and cabbage is not an Irish dish. Originally the dish was bacon, but it was too expensive and the Jewish New Yorkers, from the Lower East Side, taught the Irish about a cheaper alternative.

Whenever I present this lecture, I ask the audience if anyone has ever visited Ireland and if so, what did they like best about the country. Every time I get the same answer: the people.

I was truly touched that a Jewish audience embraced the Irish (and me, as an Italian, giving a lecture about Ireland to a Jewish audience!) This just goes to show that we’re are all not as separate as you’d think. The world is one big melting pot and we can all learn from each other and live in harmony.

After the presentation, as I always do, I invite audience members to sing Irish songs. This time we not only had a singer, but a pianist. Both brought the house down!

I said to the audience, “Do I know how to host a party or what?”

And as always, I was treated to a grand round of applause. It was an honor.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all my blog followers!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is available for public speaking events. For a list of topics available and upcoming events please visit: www.peartreeenterprises.com

For availability and pricing, call Maryanne Christiano Mistretta at 908-276-1514 or email: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Confirmed! I’ll be Speaking for NotMom in Cleveland this October!

Proud to be a Kitty Mom!

“National Be Heard Day” is a perfect day to share that October 9, I’ll be speaking for The Not Mom Summit in Cleveland, Ohio. My topic is: “Mean, Rude, or Ignorant? Smart Responses to Unsolicited Comments.”

I’m extremely honored that The Not Mom (http://thenotmom.com/) choose me to speak and even more proud is that they found me via this WordPress blog!

When I received an email from them, I was thrilled! For a little over a year I’ve been a public speaker in New Jersey at libraries, women’s groups, antique groups and assisted living facilities. Occasionally I’ve traveled to Pennsylvania to speak, but this will be the first official road trip I’ll be taking. The hotel where the event is held is right across the street from The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I’ve been there before, but not with my husband, so we’re making this event an exciting road trip too.

For those interested, here is the blog that got the attention of The NotMom, my blog about Mommy Jacking: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/mommy-jacking/

I’ve also written another “not mom” type blog which I feel should be brought to attention as well, “Having Kids is a Blessing, But so is Not Having Kids”: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2012/06/15/having-kids-is-a-blessing-but-so-is-not-having-kids/

As a person who is basically shy and mostly vocal around people I love and trust most (or in front of an audience) blogging and writing professionally has helped give me a voice — a voice that spoke volumes, inspiring and influencing other people.

With this blog post, I’d love to encourage all of you readers, especially those who are shy and/or quiet, to continue writing your thoughts and views. You never know what the grand result may be.

See you in Cleveland!

Note: For a list of public speaking topics I offer, visit my website (www.peartreeenterprises.com). For pricing and availability, contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“Eat Well for the Holidays” at Westfield Library

Maryanne and librarian, Jennifer

Thanks to Jennifer and Westfield Library for having me present “Eat Well for the Holidays.”

I spoke about little “tricks” you can do to stay motivated during the holiday season as well as how to deal with “food pushers.”

Afterward, I served paleo, gluten free, grain free, sugar free zucchini bread from The Squirrel and The Bee  in Short Hills, NJ (http://thesquirrelandbee.com/).

For a list of all my lectures (available to libraries, JCC groups, seniors, health clubs, schools, etc.) please visit me at: www.peartreeenterprises.com