𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟐𝟑: 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝑭𝒖𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚

B. David Bisset was my father, James W. Bisset’s, brother. The two were born nine years apart, so by the time “Jim” came along “Dave” was well into his own life. It was those circumstances that shaped their relationship into one that was never especially close.

My earliest memories of my father’s brother date back to when I was 8 years old. That's when Uncle Dave, his wife, Irene, and their three children, Dave, Jim and Karen, traveled from their Radford, VA home to Buffalo as part of their summer vacation.

I had never met any of them, so we had no real connection. Yet, Uncle Dave changed that from the moment he walked in our house and began revealing his plans for their week-long stay: trips to the Buffalo Zoo, both Fantasy Island AND Crystal Beach and an afternoon at the movies.

For a latch-key kid of working parents, rearranging a segment of my traditional "day camp" summer into a combination of family and fun was beyond my comprehension. And as I quickly learned, it was a dream experience---one to which I looked forward every few years when the Virginia Bisset Clan returned.

One of the reasons my uncle was so devoted to family fun was that it was, quite literally, his job. He was the Director of Recreation for the City of Radford. Creating enjoyment for people of all ages was part of his DNA.

My father, however, never seemed to know quite what to make of his brother’s work. “Rec Director” didn’t fit his idea of a profession, and, thus, he never gave it the credit it deserved.

The irony is that the work my father never fully valued led the City of Radford to honor his brother in a lasting way: with a 57-acre park set on the New River which, in 1975 they dedicated as Bisset Park.

The official proclamation noted that the dedication recognized Dave Bisset not merely for working in the Recreation Department, but. "... for helping to shape and oversee the development of parks and recreation throughout the City of Radford."

Since its dedication, Bisset Park has become the realization of Uncle Dave’s lifelong commitment to creating places and spaces for people of all ages to enjoy games, picnics and special moments---the kind of fun he spent his life making possible for so many individuals, groups and families—including his own.

This week, Uncle Dave’s elder son, Dave, sent me a poster of Radford’s “250th Fourth of July” Celebration. Like many American cities, towns, villages and hamlets, their list of events included food trucks, vendors, music, games and fireworks.

Yet, for my nickel, it was the location of the red, white and blue event that made it extra special-- within the beauty and welcome of Bisset Park.

On the Fourth of July—or any day—there simply couldn’t be a better tribute to B. David Bisset, the man I was blessed to call my uncle.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟐𝟐: “𝑨 𝑩𝒂𝒅 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅”

It’s been a week.

The challenges began when I caught my laptop power cord with my foot as I was moving past the table where I was working.

No big deal, you say? Yeah. That’s what I thought.

Then I picked up my laptop, which had followed that cord to the floor, and discovered the new psychedelic design of my shattered laptop screen.

I’ll spare you the painful details of the endless chaos in trying to figure out a new piece of technology---which I know nothing about other than creating words and images—along with the agita of trying to recover all those words and images no longer accessible behind that shattered screen.

The good news is that I am blessed by the friendship of people like Bob Reynolds and Marc Odien, who kindly and patiently led me through the maze of electronic information and options. Within 24 hours of the shattering experience my words and images life was restored.

The rest of my week offered the usual silliness and stresses---compounded by Mother Nature's insistence to make everyone in WNY feel as if we were living in Kansas and were all named Dorothy!

A little bit ‘o wind is no big deal. When gusts take out my plants---and destroy the first hand-crafted piece of pottery I'd dreamed of owning and finally purchased this garden season--- you get the picture.

Frustrated but determined, I kept on keepin' on, spending part of the week finishing up shopping for a client who just moved into a new home. It’s part of the services I provide through my new business, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆.

One of the stops on my list was a chain store where I needed to make a few exchanges. As I approached the assigned area, my eyes lit on the employee behind the counter—a lovely lady wearing a great big smile---and a hat filled with flowers.

My brain---clouded with the frustrations of my week---stalled for a moment. I couldn’t quite register the vision before me. Then, without thought, my week-long frown turned upside down and transformed into outright laughter.

Approaching the woman, I asked her if she made the hat? She nodded in affirmation.

I questioned if she wears her hats everyday, to which she said, “yes.”

My third query was if people call her “The Hat Lady?” This time, she laughed and stated, “Even when I go to the Erie County Fair!”

At this point my whole being was filled with a sense of joy---a significant accomplishment considering the week I'd experienced. As I stood and marveled at this sweet human being before me, I wondered out loud, “Why do you do this?”

Without missing a beat, she beamed and replied, “Because it makes people smile.”

And that, ladies and gents, is how a bad week is made good.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟐𝟏: 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑨 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑!

My name is Christina and I drive a truck.

To be clear, my truck is not a dually, extended bed, monster vehicle. It’s a short cab style that puts me up above the traffic and allows me full view when changing lanes and at intersections. And. to my delight, Ruby, (of course I've named my truck) is an adorable color of red.

This is not the first time that I’ve driven a truck. For almost 15 years, my family bred, raised and owned Morgan Horses, which we exhibited at shows across the United States.

In the later years of our equine adventures, our mode of transportation was a extended cab, extended bed, dually F-350 with a 24-ft, gooseneck four-horse trailer attached--- including space for everything needed for humans and horses to live and compete at a show for four-to-fourteen days.

If all of that reads like a foreign language, my best translation is a big-a** truck with an equally oversized trailer attached. The thing is, when I pull up at a location with Ruby the reactions of people range from surprise, to amusement, confusion and even disapproval.

Yet hands down, the times Ruby and I attract the most attention is in a crowded parking lot. People actually stand and stare, almost as if they are waiting for me to scrape the side or scratch the bumper of the vehicles around us. And when that doesn’t happen, they turn away seemingly disappointed.

Until this week.

I was shopping for a client, looking for items to decorate his new home. Of course, I journeyed to the mecca of all home décor ---The Boulevard South District, which offers a connected conglomerate of Home Goods, Home Trends and TJ Maxx. I'm pretty sure there is not a more congested parking lot in the world!

Undaunted, I eyed a spot that offered plenty of room for me and Ruby to glide between the yellow lines. Making the turn I employed the technique I have perfected over the years. I angled deeply to one side and at the last minute straightened the wheel, perfectly aligning to center.

I was feeling truly accomplished---until I looked up and saw a woman standing outside her car on the opposite side and one space down from where Ruby and I were parked. All I could imagine was that this person was winding up to offer some comment about how I almost hit the other cars surrounding us.

Taking a deep breath I opened the door and exited Ruby, ready to take whatever this woman was going to dish out. Immediately she yelled,

“You're amazing! I’ve never seen anyone park a truck like that.”

Then, with a raised fist she she called out,

“You are a champ!”

Yep. My name is Christina and I drive an adorable red truck named, Ruby---like a champ.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟐𝟎: 𝑨𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨 𝑷𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆

They say good things come in threes. That was certainly true for me in May—a month of abundance.

The first good thing involved my friend Bryan Wittman, Owner and President of the Dry Creek Group. He invited me to collaborate on the script for a Key Ceremony he was producing in honor of WNY Army veteran Nathan Kalwicki and his wife, Veronica. The “key” unlocked the door to a mortgage-free, specially adapted home built for the Kalwickis by the nonprofit, A Soldier's Journey Home.

Bryan and I have worked together for more than a decade, and each event has been creatively fun. This time, the experience went beyond that into a realm of meaningful and life-changing. It was also consuming for everyone working with Bryan on the ceremony—all of us striving to go above and beyond for the Kalwickis in thanks for what they have given to our nation.

At the end of a ceremony filled with music, patriotic pageantry, heartfelt speeches and fireworks, it was everything we had planned, worked for and hoped for—and more. And I will be forever grateful for the experience.

The second good thing that came my way in May was a client for my new business.

Yes, I have started a new business. It’s called The Next Chapter: Moving You and Your Memories with Care. I decided to launch this service after reviewing my life experiences of moving my family 12 times in ten years, working as the move-in coordinator for Fox Run at Orchard and helping family and friends downsize, upsize and relocate throughout my life.

That review helped me realize I have the skills to help people during one of the most stressful times of their lives: moving.

My client is also a friend---Mike Billoni--- who recently was downsizing from a suburban, 1,700-square-foot house with land and gardens to a one-bedroom condo in the city. The work is everything I anticipated and more. More fun. More interesting. At times, more challenging. And unexpectedly, more meaningful.

Yesterday, Mike sent me this note: “Thank you for all you did for me in making this move. My new home is a dream come true.” I’m going to frame his words, along with a couple of photos of his beautiful condo, in affirmation of all that is possible in life.

I saved the best for last with my third good thing from May. I have been invited to participate in the San Diego Festival of Books, sponsored by @https://www.facebook.com/KPBSSanDiego. This is my first foray into Southern California, and I am excited for the opportunity to bring 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆, and all of my books, to new audiences. I am also reinvigorated to make additional national connections for 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆presentations and signings.

The abundance of goodness in May was equal parts exhilarating and exhausting, especially when adding the demands of my weekly podcasts. Looking ahead to my summer calendar of gardening, family birthdays, weddings and seasonal traditions—and the need to cram in as much fun as possible before it starts snowing again—one thing has become clear.

I need to step back from my podcasts until the fall, or perhaps even the New Year.

It’s a decision I made thoughtfully and with a twinge of regret. Nonetheless, there are only so many hours in a day and only so many ways I can stretch. Ultimately, I am grateful for the abundance of May, which has provided me the wisdom to choose—and a direction in which to grow.

Thank you to everyone who supported my podcasts and enjoyed them. I look forward to returning to them in the future.

Talk soon.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller #HeartAndSoulPodcast

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟗: 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝑬𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔

On Saturday, May 30th, I was part of an inspiring "Key Ceremony" where organizers and volunteers from A Soldier's Journey Home and volunteers from Kathleen and Bryan Wittman's Dry Creek Group presented a mortgage-free, specially adapted home to Ret. US Army Specialist Nathan Kalwicki and his wife, Veronica.

Truly, there are no words to describe the emotions and feelings of the experience. So here are some photos from start to finish of this remarkable event.

Enjoy and take pride in the many people from our WNY Community who generously stepped forward to help make this happen.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller #StoriesThatMatter

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟖: 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

As a writer, I deeply appreciate the ability to edit my words. Reworking drafts into cohesive narratives allows me to shape the musings of my mind into something readable — hopefully, engaging.

As the host of a live Zoom podcast, there is no editing involved. What forms in my mind exits my mouth without the opportunity to review, revise, or reform it into something more entertaining — or more appropriate!

That’s exactly what happened on this past Thursday’s Heart & Soul ZOOM Podcast.

The topic for the evening was “Thanking a WNY Veteran.” The guests included members of the national nonprofit A Soldier’s Journey Home. This amazing group of volunteers have come to Western New York for two weeks to build a mortgage-free, specially adapted home for local Retired Army Specialist Nathan Kalwicki and his wife, Veronica. Joining them were Bryan Wittman, organizer of the Key Ceremony to officially present the home to the Kalwickis, and Nathan himself.

To be clear, the podcast was everything I hoped for — inspiring, informative, and heartfelt.

It also was 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞.

So repetitive that, while uploading the podcast recording to my YouTube channel, I started counting the number of times I said the same phrase — over and over again.

As the mounting word count and my embarrassment kept growing, I realized I was not the only one speaking the two words. Every guest, and even members of the podcast audience, were doing the same.

Fascinated, I re-listened to the full podcast and kept track of how often the phrase was spoken. The final tally was 65.

Sixty-five times in a one-hour podcast, the words “thank you” were spoken. That’s more than once a minute. There were also two “gratefuls,” two “thoughtfuls,” and one “appreciate” as well.

Repetitive?
No doubt.
Unprofessional?
Perhaps to some.
True gratitude from the hearts and souls of everyone on that podcast?
Absolutely.
And one of the best experiences of my storyteller’s career.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟕: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

Long before I dreamed of becoming an author, I held a passion for libraries---a place defined by books and people who cherish storytelling.

That passion is why, whenever one of my books has been published, I’ve donated copies to libraries where I have been invited to present and sign—- from Indiana, to Florida, Oregon, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

Yet nothing has ever touched my writer’s heart and soul as much as providing my books to libraries in my own Western New York Community.

I still remember the first time I walked up the expansive entrance to Main Branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, cradling copies of Crown Hill in my arms.

All I could think about was that my books were going to be circulated throughout the City of Buffalo and beyond---into the hands of readers just like me, lovers of libraries and the books they offer.

Recently, I made that walk again, this time with copies of my newest book, The Secret Sand Circle. Once inside, I was met by the library’s Collection Development Manager, Kelly Donovan.

Kelly and I spent a few minutes chatting about the library, and as we did, readers of all ages surrounded us—groups of young people engaged in conversation, individuals quietly searching for their next reads.

The atmosphere was vibrant—a community space much different from the “silent” libraries of my youth. Yet still centered on the thing that connects all who enter their doors: a love of books.

Including mine.

The thrill never gets old.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟔: 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒕

Before marrying and becoming a mom, I had completed one year of college. As I witnessed my girlfriends and the women in my family earn their college degrees, I always felt lacking—-nowhere near as educated, or capable as those who had walked across a commencement stage and received that valuable diploma.

I carried that sense with me for years, even speaking publicly about it, particularly when presenting to audiences of young women. It was at one of those presentations at my high school alma mater, Mount St. Mary Academy, that my perspective on my lack of a college education began to change.

After delivering my speech on my experiences as a newspaper/magazine writer and author, a faculty member approached me. She was clearly a senior member of the staff and wasted no time in delivering the message she intended

“Why do you think you need a college degree? Your life experiences have given you an education equal to anything you could have learned in a classroom. Remember that.”

Blinking back tears, I thanked the woman for her kind words. Then, over the next twenty years, I did my best to follow her clear and pointed directive.

This week I worked as part of The Dry Creek Group (DCG) in producing the D'Youville University Commencement Ceremony. Bryan Wittman is the Principal of DCG. He is also the former Vice-President of Global Special Events for Disney.

Translation: the DYU Commencement included red carpets, bright lights, multiple cameras connected to movie-sized screens, two DJ’s, rooms filled with food and decorations, an NFL Star Keynote speaker, a massive fireworks display and….wait for it….an audience participation moment of clapping feet together to set a Guinness World Record.

Yeah….it was an extravaganza!

To pull off such an event takes months of planning and days of rehearsals. One of the early rehearsals included practicing the graduates walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. Since the graduates were otherwise occupied, members of our DCG crew stood in for them…including me.

The task was simple. Walk up the steps to the stage. Wait for your “name” to be called. Walk to center stage where the ceremony producer was standing-in for DYU’s President. Pause. Shake hands. Smile for the person acting as the graduation photographer. Walk offstage.

As I watched my fellow staffers perfectly execute the task at hand, my mind left the reality of the rehearsal. Standing there, I became a student at an actual graduation waiting to receive my college diploma.

As the stage director gave me the signal, I walked toward the woman holding the valued leather-covered document. As I reached her, I extended my hand and together we smiled for the memorable Kodak moment.

Then I was offstage, once again just me. Yet a magically fulfilled version of myself. I had finally walked the walk that I had dreamed about all of my adult life.

Amid the hoopla of DYU’s Graduation Day, I passed by one of the amazing lighted balloon displays set up for graduate photo ops. This particular one proclaimed that whoever was in the picture was a DYU Graduate. Tempted, I paused. I wasn’t really a part of the DYU Class of 2026, but still….

As I stood debating, a woman came up to me, offering a warm smile and kind words, ”Can I take the picture for you?” Before I lost my nerve, I said, “Sure!

It might not be a fancy diploma in a leather cover, but it works!

#HeartandSoulStoryteller #collegegraduation2026

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟓: 𝑨 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝑨 𝑳𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 "𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒇𝒇"

I got married at 18 and gave birth to my first child at 19. For the next 20-plus years, my life centered on being a wife and a mom.

In my 40s, I finally had the space, time and desire to start figuring out my own life---who I wanted to be/become. At the core of that journey of discovery was how to earn a living without a college degree or traditional job experience.

I started with what I knew.

I combined the skills I had built as a wife and mother—communication, organization, intuition—and melded them with my ability to tell a story.

I began offering PR and media services, treating my clients the way I would treat my own family. Ultimately, that led to two decades of unusual jobs and meaningful work.

I helped rehab homes for veterans, promoted both the National Buffalo Wing Festival and the Eden Corn Festival.

I worked as a PR/media specialist for the Erie County Legislature, and marketed/launched and served as move-in coordinator for a continuing care retirement community.

I spent 13 years as a newspaper op-ed columnist and a commentator/special reporter for @WBFO (BTPM NPR ) and hosted my own, community-focused talk radio show on 1230 AM WECK.

I was part of a diverse collaborative that distributed COVID-19 vaccines to underserved communities and was hired to coordinate town, city, county and state political campaigns—-then ran for state office myself.

It was a mosaic of work that led a WNY businessman to once comment that I was one of those people that, "....does a lot of stuff."

It was not a statement of admiration.

For a long time, that man’s dismissive assessment lingered in my mind—- not just as criticism---but as motivation to blend the life skills I had developed with my “heart and soul” ability to truly connect with clients, and deliver the services they needed.

This week, I again recalled that businessman and his assessment of my career when a large manila envelope arrived in the mail.

Inside was an executive summary detailing a groundbreaking project on Buffalo’s East Side, designed to attract and inform potential funders. It was the culmination of a collaborative project with WNY Media House, who hired me to write the copy.

After reading through the five-page document I found an enclosed note from, Lisa Napier, who brought me into the project.

“Thank you for your special gift of communication, consistency, and the role you play in keeping my business operating at such a high level.”

Yep, I’m that person who “does a lot of stuff"…like help move projects forward, support businesses and make a difference in my community. And I’m totally good with that.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟒

In case you're not a lipreader, the word I'm shouting out in this picture is, "HELP!" While the reason may be obvious, here's the story.

For three decades the same person has cut my hair.

While to many that may not sound significant, to anyone who has struggled with a bad haircut, I can feel your angst streaming through this post. Now here's the real kicker---

My hair stylist has retired.

Simply writing that phrase turns my stomach into knots! Yet obviously, I have yet to do anything about the looming disaster that awaits---finding someone new to cut my hair.

I'm being overly dramatic, you say? Read on...

My hair is wavy, thick and has a mind of its own. There's a pretty good cowlick at the back of my head near the top and my hairline at my left temple has decided to recede from the union.

As a kid, my mom would cut my hair short. So short that if I wore a hat people would mistake me for a boy. Obviously there are some lingering issues regarding those memories.

When my mother passed, I chopped off my hair in a pixie style after wearing it below-shoulder length for twenty years. That led my daughter to proclaim that she felt as if her mother had disappeared!

Now, in desperation, and before my bangs reach my chin, I'm asking for your help. If you have a hair whisperer that knows how to tame tresses like mine, please share that savior's name and contact info in the comments.

Time is running short. It won't be long before I'll be forced to pull up my bangs ala Peebles Flintstone--a look I definitely don't need to add to my repertoire of bad hair memories.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟑: 𝑨 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

Recently I presented 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 to the members of The Twentieth Century Club, an iconic and respected woman’s club in my hometown of Buffalo. To my delight, it was a full house.

That's been my experience with this organization since 2002, when they first invited me to speak about my 9/11 essay "Why Are You Waiting," part of a 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 Memorial Collection.

In the 24 years since, I have been invited to return to TCC with each of my seven books. Every time the room has been full. Every time, audience members have lined up to purchase my books—as you can see in this photo—-a testament to the extraordinary support TCC members have extended to me over the last two-plus decades.

As an indie author, I am constantly reaching out—to book clubs, bookstores, libraries, churches, community groups, schools, and event organizers—inquiring about presenting/signing/speaking. Thankfully, that outreach has cultivated a network of loyal groups and individuals who encourage and sustain my belief in me---in my author's career.

Still, the members of The Twentieth Century Club hold a special place in my author’s heart and soul for their unwavering support of my work—and for always welcoming me as if I am coming home.

"We have many speakers here, but you are one of the best---so engaging and entertaining. We always look forward to your presentations."-Twentieth Century Club Member

Photo credits: Lisa Abt

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟐: 𝑨 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒐𝒈

I grew up in the city of Buffalo and its suburbs. Yet my childhood was deeply imprinted by memories of my parents and I leaving those urban highways for the dirt roads of nearby Wyoming County. There, we traveled to the town of Java, NY where, with a turn onto Curriers Road, we reached our ultimate destination—-the dairy farm where my mother was born and grew up, and her parents and one of her seven siblings remained.

The house defining the farm was a rambling country style set on a hilltop, close to the road. The front was highlighted by a porch that ran the entire width of the home, encompassing the formal entryway. It was an entrance that led directly into a gracious receiving room, adjacent to a formal parlor. I recall this area as the “fancy" part of the farmhouse. I also recall that the only time people came through that front door was when a family member had passed and was “laid out” or waked” in the parlor.

During my family’s visits to the farm, that area of the house became my “special place.” While the rest of the family gathered in the kitchen—- around the wood burning stove where my grandmother actually cooked all the meals—-I would quietly make my way to the receiving room. There I would get lost in time playing on the upright piano, set off to the side in a nook created by an open staircase to the second floor.

The stairway was formed by beautifully turned oak spindles topped by a sturdy oak rail and anchored by an elegant newel post. The stair treds were oak as well, with a deep-red patterned runner serving as safe footing for all headed upstairs to bed or coming down to begin a new day. The stairs were divided into two sections—-one of four risers with a landing wall that turned stair climbers to the left—- and the next eight risers leading straight up to the second floor.

Truth be told, it was the landing wall more than the piano that kept me in that part of the house for as long as my parents would allow. The way the piano was set gave me an unobstructed view of that wall and an oversized picture in a antique carved frame hanging there.

The image was of an angelic little girl trustingly asleep within the comfort of a majestic Newfoundland dog. And whenever I sat mesmerized by the innocent beauty of the image, I found myself dreaming about being that little girl.

Years later, after that my mother’s brother and her parents were waked in the parlor and the farm was sold, mom asked if I wanted anything from the house as a keepsake. Without hesitation I asked for the picture. And for the last 50 years, where ever I have lived, the little girl and her dog have resided with me on a wall in my bedroom.

Recently, through a series of coincidences, my daughter discovered that my cherished artwork is more than a childhood treasure. It’s actually a work from the 1890’s created by a famed English painter. She went on to say that it has a significant value in the art/antiques world.

Yet I cannot imagine any value to match the sense of comfort and joy this print brought into the life of a little girl sitting at a piano and dreaming.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller

*

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟏: 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

In my new novel, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆, I have crafted the story of a psychologist and five of her patients, based on extensive research on psychology, medical conditions and the fascinating ways that the brain and the body interact and impact each other.

I then spent hours into days discussing my research and my characters with mental health and social service experts and one remarkable psychologist, Dr. Kathleen Calabrese. It was crucial to me that the proven research and clinical data I wove into the storyline would suspend any sense of disbelief a reader might hold.

When 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆 finally launched, Dr. Calabrese unequivocally told me that this book---this story that came from my imagination---was going to help people in ways I could never imagine.

This week, I spoke to a friend whose life in the last year has been devastated by a rare heart condition .She told me that she feels “dehumanized” as she has had to take a leave of absence from her job, lost her health insurance and spends most of her days going from hospitals and ERs to doctor’s offices and counseling appointments to try and regain some semblance of her life.

While my friend and I had spoken several times before about her condition she never mentioned the official name---until this week---Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

As soon as she said the words, I fully understood what she was going through. Why? One of the patients in 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆, is impacted by the same condition---also known as “Broken Heart Syndrome”---which I spent a great deal of time researching.

One of the many fascinating things I learned about the condition is that those affected are primarily women aged 50 and older—a factor researchers linked to their lower estrogen levels---a direct result of menopause.

I told my friend the storyline I'd created about a woman whose life was impacted by the same heart condition. I asked if her doctors explained the menopause connection to her. What unfolded was a lengthy conversation about a surgery my friend underwent in her mid-thirties that put her into early menopause. She said that she has continually shared that information with the lineup of medical professionals dealing with her heart condition. All have discounted the impact it could have on her current health crisis.

At that point I pulled up the manuscript of The Secret Sand Circle, copied the pages regarding the Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy storyline, pasted them into a word document and emailed it to my friend---information she's going to further investigate and then offer to her physicians.

As we wound up our conversation and my friend thanked me, I could hear hope in her voice.
And I heard Dr. Calabrese’s words affirming all I had given to writing a book of fiction that was helping someone in a way I had never imagined.

For more information about 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆: www.christinaabt.com

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟎: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

Last night was my second Heart & Soul Zoom Podcast. The topic was Chocolate. As you might imagine, it was great fun with lots of humorous chocolate stories shared by the audience. We also enjoyed a wonderful interview with Andrew Watson Beecher, a fourth generation chocolatier in his family's Watson's Chocolates Business.

All in all, the podcast was a great success---although it didn't start out that way!

At 6:50 (the podcast begins at 7pm) my laptop that I use for Zoom decided it no longer wanted to connect to the internet. As I determinedly (and in somewhat of a panic) worked on changing my laptop's mind, my producer, Colleen was setting up a two-camera system of one laptop and one phone. We needed it for the podcast cooking segment where I was going to make my "world-famous" hot fudge sauce.

Eight minutes, and a select number of inappropriate phrases later, my laptop and I came to an understanding. My Zoom screen was up and ready to go. Colleen and her two-camera setup were not.
As she furiously kept trying to make it work, another of those inappropriate phrases escaped my mouth. Without taking her eyes off her laptop screen, or her finely manicured hands from the keyboard, she softly stated:

"I'm dealing with a lot at the moment and I don't need to hear those kinds of things. If you would not say anything like that again right now, I would appreciate it."

Now, I've been dressed down by a lot of people in a lot of life situations. Never....ever....has someone in the midst of a tense situation, spoken so softly, or stated their issue so politely. Truthfully, it was so shocking that it took me ten seconds to even understand she was telling me to shut up and buck up! I immediately responded "Absolutely," followed by a quiet, "Sorry."

Seconds later, Colleen made the decision to use her laptop as our second camera. I had my doubts, but this time I did kept my mouth shut! With no time to spare Colleen opened the podcast and we began a wonderful hour of words, people and stories that matter---and often made us laugh.

Moral of the story: that's why Colleen is the producer...and I'm not!

Here's the link to the podcast. Now that you know the story-behind-the-story, give it a watch

https://youtu.be/qcOIWvaexSI

#HeartandSoulPodcast. #HeartandSoulStoryteller #chocolate

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟗: 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 13

It's Friday the 13th. AGAIN! According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the 2026 calendar possesses the most possible of the "unlucky" days/dates---three.

Having been born on the 13th, I tend to dismiss the superstitions surrounding it. Instead, I like to laugh in the face of the fates and celebrate. And on this particular Friday the 13th, I have a list of goodness...

For starters, it's the High Holy Weekend! Of course, my family has a full schedule of music, food and drink planned. Yet the revelry I most look forward to is a 20-year-old tradition that involves going to JP Fitzgerald's. We have a collection of treasured photographs from those moments, witnessing the ways our family has grown and changed. #Priceless

I am going to be gathering with family and friends at a memorial for a neighbor who passed recently. It will be a true celebration of his life with storytelling, laughter and undoubtedly, a few tears---just as he would want it. It will be an honor to be there.

I just posted the recording of my 1st Heart & Soul Zoom Podcast on my YouTube Channel! While I have a bit to learn about lighting and makeup, the audience of people who participated and the wisdoms they shared created a discussion that was inspiring.

Thanks to my producer, Colleen Young and all who showed up. I can't wait for next Thursday at 7pm to do it all over again!

(Link to March 12th podcast: https://youtu.be/hJManIs5H84 )

So take that Friday March 13th! And if your November relation is anything like you, I look forward to the goodness it will bring.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟖: 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆

I don't traditionally follow celebrities on social media. However I do admire Valerie Bertinelli for fighting back against ways that the television industry disregards women as they have the audacity to age in their body shape and appearance.

After being summarily dismissed by a network, Valerie is getting ready to share her talents independently through her Valerie's Place online. There she will continue her tried and true talent for cooking, as well as launch a book club.

That’s where she and I intersect.

In promoting her book club, Valerie has asked authors to pitch their books as possible club choices. She didn’t have to ask twice for me to tell her about The Secret Sand Circle. As I wrote my book's description, I was sure it would resonate with her. I couldn’t wait for that phone call announcing my book’s inclusion in her club.

Sadly, I’m still waiting….

But there's good news to share as well. Last night in an Insta video, Valerie stated that she was in Buffalo for her son Wolf’s concert.
Wait! What?
Valerie Bertinelli---the woman I have been trying to convince to select The Secret Sand Circle for her book club is merely miles from my home?

Immediately I commented on her post, welcoming her to Buffalo. After a few minutes, Valerie (ok, maybe one of her people) liked my what I wrote. That’s all it took for me to write another, longer comment about my book and offer to bring a copy to the venue where her son was performing.
This time---crickets.

The longer I sat on the couch the more I stewed. Until I realized that it didn’t matter what Valerie did in responding-- or not. It mattered what I did.

So, I grabbed a copy of The Secret Sand Circle, inscribed it to Valerie, added a bookmark and put them in a manila envelope with a note suggesting that it would be a great book for her club. Then I jumped in my truck with the concert venue as my destination. I had no idea how I was going to get my book to her, but I was determined it was going to happen.

Twenty minutes later, and, following a phone call to a friend who knows the security setup of the club, I parked illegally on the backside of the venue, in-and-among the tour buses. I jumped out into the dark and rainy night and headed to the security entrance. When the door opened, I was faced with a retinue of security people.

Taking a deep breath, I spewed the speech I’d been rehearsing during my drive---which may have included a few little white lies (LWL).

“Hi, (here I added the name of one of the club co-owners LWL #1) he told me to come to this door. I have a book for Valerie Bertinelli. She's here tonight for her son, Wolf’s concert.”

Nods by the security guys encouraged me to believe they were buying my story, so I continued.

“I’ve been messaging with Valerie’s people on Instagram (LWL#2) and they told me to drop a book for her here and ask security to deliver it (LWL #3).

She’s starting a book club and has been asking for authors to suggest their books. I’m an author and I’m from Buffalo, so please make sure this gets to her.” (Finally---a redemptive statement of truth! )

The security posse listened politely and even smiled in encouragement. That’s what made me ask the name of the gentleman who accepted the book. Later, when I talked to my friend who's familiar with the venue, I described the man to him. He laughed when he said, “That’s the other owner of the place.”

As an Irish Catholic, it's been deeply imprinted into my being that lying--even white lies--can end in a “punishment. ” In this case, that could be Valerie not receiving the book, or receiving and not liking it.
Then again, I’m hoping God is a booklover and will take pity on my Indie author’s heart and soul. And any day now, I’ll be hearing from Valerie that she has chosen my book for her club..

#HighHolyMonth2026 #StPatricks2026 #HeartandSoulStoryteller

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟕: 𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

While many of you know me as an author and PR/media consultant, I began my storyteller’s career as a newspaper editor, writer and layout designer for The Ridgewood News. This picture shows a current edition of the paper alongside the highly official press pass I was issued so many years ago.

Yet there’s a story behind that story….

In 1974, my family relocated to the Big Apple bedroom community of Midland Park, NJ--- a career opportunity move for my then-husband.

At the time, my daughter was of kindergarten age. As an Irish Catholic mother, I wanted her to attend a Catholic school. The problem was that Nativity School---the closest to our new home--- was facing dwindling enrollment and in danger of closing. Undaunted, I joined with other parents in the parish and staged a “Save Nativity School” Campaign.

For my part, I did what came naturally. I wrote a heart-warming press release about the school and, as luck would have it, distributed it to The Ridgewood News just in time for the state-wide celebration of Catholic Schools Week. I then followed up with phone calls to the editors of the various sections of the newspaper back in the day--news, community, education, religion---pitching the story as integral to the people of the 35 New Jersey towns who subscribed to and read the paper.

That Sunday when the Ridgewood News published there were FOUR articles about this tiny Catholic School in that one edition---an unmistakable breach of newspaper standards.

The end result was that Nativity School continued---and I was offered a job at The Ridgewood News as a newspaper editor, writer and layout designer.

The beginning of being recognized and rewarded for being who I am… a storyteller.
#HeartandSoulStoryteller

Gold Medal Memories Four Decades Apart

Forty-six years ago today, our family gathered in the home of my then-husband and I and our children. Our purpose was two-fold: to celebrate the birthdays of my husband and his uncle born on the same day 50 years apart. AND to watch the USA/Soviet Union Olympic Gold Metal men’s hockey game.

As with all good family gatherings, there was food, beverages, and a birthday cake to boot.

As with all good Irish Catholic families, there was also a priest and the celebration of a mass before the party began!

The perfect ending to our gathering that day was the “Miracle on Ice” USA Victory, eventually immortalized in an inspiring movie of the same name.

Today as I watched the US men’s hockey team reclaim the gold for the first time since that miraculous Sunday, I was filled with emotions and memories from forty-six years ago. And the realization of a whole new set of memories to cherish.

For while our family’s uncle has since passed, my then-husband and I are divorced, and and I watched the game on my own my children, grandchildren and I still cheered on our nation's team together in the way of the world today---via memes and messages shared in a group chat.
USA! USA!

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟔:𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥-𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲-𝐢𝐧𝐠

This week’s Heart & Soul is a test.
Hang on…don’t scroll by. Give me a minute.

Here’s the test: If you’ve read any of the previous Heart & Soul Posts over the last five weeks, what’s different about this week’s Heart & Soul Title?

Honestly, if I didn’t write these posts I wouldn’t know either.
That’s my point.

We have become a society of skimmers, scanners and scroll-on-byers. It’s not our fault. More, it’s the by-product of the world of immediacy in which we’re immersed, primarily due to social and online media.

I’m not complaining about such advances. Many of them are amazing---life changing. It’s just that there are times I wonder if, in our hurry to be the quickest, most well-informed society, we’re missing out on the elements that make us human. Things that connect us in ways that encourage kindness and consideration---true communication.

That’s why I’ve decided to launch a podcast.

Yeah, I know. Me and a million others. But hold on---hear me out on how this podcast will be different.

Each week I will invite you into my virtual home. Like any home, it will contain a collection of rooms, each with their own décor---themes, if you will. The podcast topic will be centered on the décor/theme of the room in which we’re gathering that week.

Now, here’s where it really gets good.

These podcasts will be broadcast LIVE online via zoom. They will be free and open to the public and will encourage interaction. And by interaction I mean your voice being heard.

The podcast will debut on Thursday, March 12th at 7:30pm. More information will come as the date draws near. I just wanted to start sharing the news and hopefully engage and encourage you to join me.

As for this week’s test? If you think you know the answer, reach out to me via this website’s contact page. (www.christinaabt.com/contact). If you send me th the correct answer by next Thursday (Feb. 26) you will be entered to win a signed copy of one of my books, including my newest The Secret Sand Circle (winner’s choice.)

Have fun!

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥.𝟓: 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

As I write this, I am faced with two facts:
Today is Friday the 13th.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.

Since the purpose of this post is to discuss words and why...

I've never truly bought into the idea of Friday the 13th being unlucky. Nor did I know that there is a term for such a belief..."paraskavedekatriaphobia."

I can't even begin to try to sound out the word!

Anyway, it seems that Friday the 13 and/or the number 13 is NOT universally acknowledged as unlucky.

#1 In Italy 17 is considered unlucky
#2 In China 4 is unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death.”
#3 In Spain & Greece only Tuesday the 13th is an unlucky day.
#4 In some cultures 13 is actually a lucky number.

I take great umbrage with those who consider the 13th an unlucky day, since it is the date of my birth! And for those who wish to mount a counter argument (yes, I'm looking at you James Abt save your breath....and typing skills!

Onto February 14th....

Like a lot of holidays, a date dedicated to love can be tough on people. Before you start typing a counter comment to my observation, hear me out.

I am divorced. I live alone. I am not currently dating.
Those three things alone could qualify me as a Valentine's Day hater.

I will admit there have been years when my heart day celebration consisted of spoonfuls of ice cream straight from the carton, washed down with a few glasses of pinot noir--- all while warbling along with Frank Sinatra on his "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" Album.

(If you don't get the reference, get yourself to Spotify or Prime and search/listen. It's a classic.)

Thankfully, I am now a recovered Valentine's Day hater, after finally realizing that love is far more meaningful than the "Prince Charming Fairy Tale" version that defined my young world.

While there may not be a singular person to whom I'm connected by a ring or a license, I am surrounded by love---

From family, friends and neighbors, readers and writers, people for whom I work and who work for/with me, and from total strangers who smile, say hello, or comment on whatever crazy hairdo or outfit I've chosen for the day.

And though it may sound trite---knowing full well my faults and shortcomings--- I've come to love and even like me. To quote Academy Award Winning Actress, Sally Fields," I really like me!"

And that just may be the best reason to celebrate a day dedicated to the heart.

Well, there was that one year when dozens of roses arrived.....

Happy Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day to all ❤
Cheers!