Befriending a cat in Woodstock, NY
“Like leaves we touch, we see
We will know the story
As autumn calls we’ll both remember
All those many years ago…”
(Lyrics “Turn of the Century,” by Yes, composed by Alan White, Steve Howe, and Jon Anderson).
The reason I chose song lyrics about death is that last month, another friend passed.
His name was Richard. He, and his friend Karl approached me at Willowbrook Shopping Mall back in the autumn of 1980. They wanted to talk to me because I was wearing a Gary Numan shirt and they had also attended the concert. Who would have known from that meeting, I’d be a great fan of their band Pharoah, be in the band as part of the stage show, and later marry the bassist.
When you know people that long and are still in touch with them they are like family. (Richard called my husband and I from time to time and always told us he loved us). And it hurts so much when they are gone; and to see their ashes put in the ground.
This has been a helluva summer, first my mom passing, then being blindsided by the death of Richard.
May he rest in peace; he was absolutely awesome. You can read my special tribute to Richard on my regular blog: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2023/08/27/rest-in-peace-richard-ayala-aka-rik-fabio/
I try to stay strong because there’s a lot going on business-wise and people are depending on me. But truth be told, I’m still walking around like a zombie. Maybe next month I’ll feel better. Death takes its toll on your mind and body, that’s for sure. One day at a time.
Meanwhile, I’m very busy writing for Trenton Journal and Worrall Media. And my cat sitting business is over the top! All my repeat clients, plus two new ones decided to go on vacation at the same time. It’s been a cat dancing party every day and is going on until mid-September!
There are four “Going Going Gone” lectures coming up (see below) and one “Newies.”
Sales for “So You Think You Know the Jersey Shore?” are going super strong! It may be my biggest selling book yet!
And there’s a very special surprise in October!
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
- BOOK EDITING (Completed manuscripts only)
- SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- OVER 60 MODELING
- EVENT HELP
- CAT SITTING via Meowtel (https://meowtel.com/cat-parent/762c6cabde88c8018866d0aa648de998)
- ACTING (Supporting roles or extra work, non-Union) – Link to Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/2097959-5860927
- JOURNALISM
Contact me at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com
EVENTS
Contact me (maryannechristiano@gmail.com) if your library, JCC, rotary club, or senior group would love to have a presentation. Topics are listed below. Or we can discuss creating a topic for additional cost.
I’m also available to help at trade shows such as Chiller and Comic Con.
For all events, payment is due day of. Waiver or contract must be signed in advance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 2 p.m. “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” @New City Library, New City, New York. FREE, but call the library to register.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 1 p.m. “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” @Chatham Senior Center, Chatham, New Jersey.
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 2 p.m. “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” @ Glen Ridge Library, Glen Ridge, New Jersey. FREE, but call the library to register. (Rain/Snow date, November 18, 2023).
Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 7 p.m. “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” @ Nutley Library, Nutley, NJ. FREE, but call the library to register.
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 2 p.m. “Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” @Scotch Plains Library, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. FREE, but call the library to register. (Rain/Snow date, February 24, 2024).
List of Topics for Speaking Engagements
General/Seniors
“Newsies: History of the Newspaper Industry”
“Going Going Gone: What the Next Generation Won’t Remember” (land lines, typewriters, etc.)
“Lockdown in the 1970s…what if?” (NEW!!)
Workshops
“Meet Your Soul Mate: It’s Easier Than You Think”
What makes my lectures unique is that I get the audience to participate, sharing their views and experiences. They always have a great time! (And we have giveaways!)
Call 908-276-1514 for pricing and availability.
JOURNALISM
Here are some highlight stories from last month:
Trenton Journal: https://trentonjournal.com/matriarch-of-mill-hill-turns-9/
Essex News Daily: https://essexnewsdaily.com/headlne-news/actor-reflects-on-career-during-strike
Union News Daily: https://unionnewsdaily.com/sports/union-farmers-market-promotes-shopping-locally-and-a-sense-of-community
BOOKS
“So You Think You Know The Jersey Shore?” by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta – https://www.amazon.com/You-Think-Know-Jersey-Shore/dp/1928758088
“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta Be ExtraOrdinary
“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta I Don’t Want to Be Like You
INSPIRATION
If you need further inspiration, check out my You Tube channel. There are dozens of videos to make you smile: Be YOUnique, the anti-bullying You Tube channel
FREE BUTTONS
Pear Tree Enterprises has buttons! If you are interested in supporting Pear Tree by proudly wearing a button, please send your address to MaryAnneChristiano@Gmail.com Please put “Button” as the subject head.
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