𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟖: 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐬

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 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.

#HeartandSoulStoryteller

www.christinaabt.com

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.

www.christinaabt.com

#TheSecretSandCircle #HeartandSoulStoryteller

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟑

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

www.christinaabt.com

#TheSecretSandCircle #HeartandSoulStoryteller

Photo credits: Lisa Abt

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟏𝟐

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

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.

#TheSecretSandCircle #HeartandSoulStoryteller

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

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 10

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

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.

#HeartandSoulPodcast. #HeartandSoulStoryteller #TheHighHolyWeekend2026

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 8

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

www.christinaabt.com

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 𝟕

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

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!
#HeartandSoulStoryteller.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 5

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!

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 4

I'm a day late posting this week’s Heart and Soul Writer. One of the reasons is that, as I sat down to gather my thoughts, I became totally immersed in the afternoon broadcast of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

I didn’t push aside my workday chores cavalierly. The redirection of my attention was instead an innate response to that first glimpse of the intertwined rings and the stirring strains of The Olympic Hymn.

The thing is, there was little in my growing-up years that connected me and my parents---common interests we could relate to and enjoy. For whatever reason, the Olympics was one of those.

Now, decades later, the sights and sounds of the 14-day global competition take me back to those childhood memories. Yet the 2026 Opening Ceremonies provided me something else--something different from my cherished Winter Olympics memories--which brought me to tears.

It happened during one of my favorite parts of the opening ceremonies---the United States Olympic Team’s part in the Parade of Nations.

It’s fun to see the new design of our country’s official uniforms.

It’s inspiring to witness our team’s looks of awe and excitement as they begin realizing their Olympic dreams.

It’s a matter of national pride as the camera pans to the VIP seating area where leaders from around the world are seated. The lens focuses on our nation’s President, or his representative, and cheers rise from the audience as other leaders nod and applaud in respect.

Until this time.

This time, when the camera lens focused on the individual representing America, there weren't cheers, nods of respect or appreciative applause. This time, boos echoed throughout the massive Olympic stadium. And in that moment, I realized that the world’s long-held admiration of the United States is no longer the standard---and that brought me to tears.

Tears of embarrassment for U.S. athletes carrying our country’s banner.

Tears of frustration and anger for we, the people of America. desperately trying to survive the dysfunction of our nation.

Tears of sadness for the tarnishing of my childhood Olympic memories long held in my heart and soul.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥. 3

I started this weekly post to offer a glimpse into my author/writer's world--- the words I write, and why and how I write them. I envisioned sharing pithy phrases and touching tales about the story behind the stories of my work, both as an author and a multimedia storyteller.

Then I received a reminder of one of the most integral parts of my word work, which has NOTHING to do with grammar or sentence structure.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending two hours with a group of women---sharing engaging conversation and delicious food. Our gathering was actually part of a "meet and eat" tradition we have honored three times over the last ten years---all of them connected to books I have written, and they have read.

This group was one of the first in line to invite me to speak about Crown Hill, after its launch in 2014. I can still remember the thrill of sitting in a circle of book lovers who wanted to listen to me talk about MY BOOK!

In 2019, I was again invited to speak to this group about my newest work of historical fiction, Beauty & Grace. The hostess of the event went so far as to craft mini leprechauns for all in attendance in honor of the Irish backdrop of my book.

Yesterday, this group and I came together in friendship and food once again, this time to discuss The Secret Sand Circle. This time I approached the women with slight apprehension---wondering how comfortable they had been reading a book about a psychologist specializing in cases of abuse and trauma.

As my mother often said, "Oh ye of little faith."

These women were engaging, observant and sensitively intelligent in our book talk as it wound around and across our dining table. And at the end of our lunchtime discussion, they thanked me for writing this book. Then asked what I was going to write next.

Why do I write?
Because telling stories is an integral part of who I am. And because for more than a decade these women, and readers like them, have cared about me and my books.

Thank you ladies from the depths of my heart and soul.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥.2

I don’t write books in a specific genre.

Rather, I write what touches me deeply enough that I’m inspired to spend years imagining characters, developing storylines, and undertaking endless edits to craft a book worthy of a reader’s money, time, and support.

That said, I do have one constant in all of my books—food.

I actually became fascinated by the idea of elevating food to character status when I started reading the work of award-winning author and prolific mystery writer Lawrence Sanders. While Sanders wrote and co-authored 46 books, my favorites were his Deadly Sin series—primarily because of the main character, Frances X. Delaney.

Delaney was a retired NYC cop who did some of his best detective work while putting together unimaginable sandwich combinations in his kitchen—which generally required him to lean over the sink to safely consume.

Not only were his layered creations outrageously imaginative, they provided readers a breather from whatever violent and disturbing murder case Delaney was trying to solve. It was brilliant!

I’d never read a book where food played such an unmistakable part in a storyline. Yet from the first oversized sandwich Delaney layered and inhaled, I was hooked. And why not? What’s more essential to any of us than food?

Perhaps, on some level, that’s one of the reasons my first book—Chicken Wing Wisdom—was focused on food. Yet as I’ve continued to write, food experiences have become part of my six subsequent books: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, prepared and enjoyed in fine-dining restaurants, diners, and home kitchens.

I won’t lie. Most of my book/food passages are based on my insatiable hunger for chocolate, cookies, ice cream, and cake—my four basic food groups! However, with age comes wisdom. In The Secret Sand Circle, I made sure that the main character, Dr. Jo Harkins, indulges in healthier food options.

Interestingly, last week a fan of my books wrote to me about one of The Secret Sand Circle’s “healthy” food passages. It’s a section where Jo enjoys a midday treat of yogurt and homemade granola mixed together.

“I am loving this book. I’ve never had granola for lunch. I have never bought granola for lunch, but like Jo, I am now eating granola and yogurt for lunch!” — Diane D.

It’s wonderful to know that readers are enjoying The Secret Sand Circle and benefiting from trying out the book’s healthier food offerings. Now if I could just write a story that would help me realign my major food groups into fruits and vegetables!

#HeartandSoulWriter #TheSecretSandCircle

Click to order The Secret Sand Circle

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐥.1

There are so many authors in the world---best sellers, self-published, Indie, ghostwriters and aspiring. Together it is estimated that they publish more than one million books a year.

Again---𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫.

Now imagine what it takes to be an Indie author, like myself, competing for your book lover's attention in the midst of 999,999,999 other books! My only hope is to find words to effectively describe how my books are different than the rest--- then find ways to entertainingly share those words with readers anywhere and everywhere.

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲

I was inspired to undertake this project while watching the recent Golden Globes Awards. Stay with me here....

Towards the end of the show, Director, Chloe Zhao, accepted the Best Drama Award for her movie, "Hamnet." Though visibly stunned, she managed to eloquently explain her artist's passion for making movies. In listening to Zhao, I found myself relating to her words as they perfectly reflected why I write books---and especially why I wrote, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘭𝘦

So, for my inaugural 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 & 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 , I am proud to post the words of someone other than myself. And as you read them, know that they represent everything I put into my books to share with you, from my very heart and soul.

#HeartandSoulWrite #TheSecretSandCircle

The Best Ever....Until Now

Best Thriller Book Reviewer, Teresa Brock

A few weeks ago, I received the first professional book review of my author's career for 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙡𝙚. (https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/teresa-brock/the-secret-sand-circle-by-christina-m-abt).

It was written by Best Thriller Books Reviewer, Teresa Brock, and it was the most amazing and well written review I could have imagined---until now.

Today, Teresa posted another review of The Secret Sand Circle on her Instagram page—- fullybookedinkentucky---and I cannot quite wrap my brain around her words and the five stars she gave the book. Posting part of it here with deep gratitude....

The Secret Sand Circle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Christina M. Abt

This book is a reminder that we rarely know what others are carrying and that the world could be so much kinder if we remembered that. It honors the courage required to face what hurts and celebrates the slow, brave work of becoming whole.

Christina Abt is an exceptional storyteller and an exceptional woman, and her compassion shines through every line. If you want a novel that stays with you, challenges you to see people more gently, and offers genuine hope alongside hard truths, you absolutely need to pick this up.

Abt should be on everyone’s radar. She is more than a writer. Christina Abt is the kind of writer whose compassion shapes every page she touches. She listens deeply, writes bravely, and tells stories with a rare blend of honesty and grace. Her insight into human resilience is extraordinary, and it’s clear she understands both the weight people carry and the quiet power of healing.

She is an artist, an advocate, and a force of empathy.

---

A portion of the proceeds from this book will be used “to help create/help fund peer-to- peer mental health counseling for the counselors who go out into our communities during time of tragedy or disaster and help us get through the trauma of such events. But then when they go back to their desks or to their homes or finish the counseling that the community needs , they carry all that trauma with them with no place to offload it. There are no counselors for the counselors in effect.”

Christina is working with the National Alliance of Mental Illness Buffalo and Western New York (NAMI) in her hometown. One of her books, Beauty & Grace, was chosen by the South Dakota Women’s Prison Book Club where she was invited to participate in The South Dakota Festival of Books, and allowed to go into the prison and speak to the book club

To order a signed copy of The Secret Sand Circle w.bookmark: www.christinaabt.com
#TheSecretSandCircle #HeartandSoulWriter