To see me on the show, click here and then on “VIDEOS” link with photo of Bonnie and Ty Burrell.
Hello Everyone –
Just back from my whirlwind publicity tour in New York and had the best time ever. I must admit before I left I was a little, how to you say, ‘on edge.’ The opportunity to promote this book meant so much to me professionally and personally that I did not want to blow it. The pressure I put on myself was completely outrageous – my tour was coming to represent my whole life as some sort of ‘full circle’ for what I have been through. Crazy, right? But you know what it actually ended up being just that.
Something happened when I sat in the chair for Good Morning America – and I bet many of you can relate who have been through a life altering experience. All of a sudden my nerves just washed away because I no longer had the time nor the energy to be scared anymore. My experiences from the last few years had taught me that I could count on myself to come through and one way or another, perfect or flawed, I would give it my best shot. And beyond that whatever happened, I would ENJOY the experience. And you know what – I did!
I was actually excited to talk about the book and what I had learned through the experience. I also felt so supported by the many of you who have written in with stories of such courage and inspiration. I am amazed at what some of you have been presented with and how hard you have worked to come through, especially the fear and anger that so many of us struggle with. And it is worth noting here that we are not alone.
When I did the Joy Behar show with a very high profile group of women who had had very high profile divorces a couple of things happened. One – I had a blast. Joy Behar is even funnier and more wonderful in person and her off camera banter is a show in of itself. For this particular episode she devoted the whole hour to divorce and it was her highest rated show ever. Her questions and observations were very astute and I easily shared my story warts and all. As a matter of fact we hit it off so well, she invited me back on her show the next day!
Now after we had done taping and all the women were walking back to the green room I noticed that my fellow panelist didn’t seem to be as euphoric as I was. As a matter of fact – they were SCARED. They were frightened that their ex husbands would see the show and do something to adversely affect their lives. Both were divorced many years out BUT still fearful. That thought had never even crossed my mind – I began to wonder – should I be worried??? Was there something in store for me??
It was a real moment and reminded me once again how much courage and stamina it takes for all of us to get over the hurt and betrayal of divorce. Even Joy said of her divorce it was the worst time of her whole life and that she had never been more miserable or at a loss to who she was. But as I said to her – seems like you kind of came out the other side. She just laughed and said “thank god – because I would never be where I am without it!”
Such a great lesson for all of us.
So thanks again to all of you for your wonderful support and having the courage to share your stories!
Please keep writing and moving forward and tomorrow I will tell you all about the fantastic Bonnie Hunt!
Thanks
xo
MJ
What’s for Dinner Mary Jo? ^-^
I was so pleased to see you on the Bonnie Hunt show!
I’ve been a big fan of yours ~ “What’s For Dinner” is my all time favorite cooking show. We are lucky here in Detroit to be able to see Canadian TV.
Your warmth and gentle humor meant so much to me when I would watch your show from my hospital bed. I can’t express how healing it was to see your appealing sense of humor every day.
Both you & Bonnie are such positive examples for so many people. My heart hurt to hear your story ~ your strength & dignity comes shining through.
Hugs & Thank You
I loved seeing you on Bonnie Hunt and thought you were extremely classy and beautiful. Be very proud of yourself….your fans are proud of you and we love you!! You have shown us that we can get through any ugliness that life throws at us with grace and dignity. Thank you Mary Jo and I wish you all the best in the future.
I want to take this time to concur that while being Canadian seems to instantly (or often enuf anyways) kick in an intellectual balance and check with us, I hope that despite these challenges you realise that you are terrific new ambassador to the U.S. At this opportunity, I want to thank you and “Kenny” Kostick for a job well done in Canadian television. In 2002 I was very seriously ill for about ten months – put in Sunnybrook hospital due to a surgeon’s numerous errors that nearly cost me my life ( life isn’t fair sometimes ) but I am alive and able to live life despite the changes that year brought. If it had not been for the humour of your show I would have found that year and the long days there far more difficult. You made a positive difference – I am sure you will continue to do so! Best of Luck !
Mary Jo,
Saw you on Joy Behar and Bonnie Hunt! You are so composed but still real and hilarious! I can’t believe your story what a nightmare, but you finish with a happily ever after. You are beautiful and smart. I am sure this is just the beginning of your new career! Maybe your own talk show here in the US. That would be great and I for one would watch! Congratulations on all your success.
Taylor
Mary Jo I think you are a very strong women and wish you the BEST!!! Can’t wait to buy your book! kARMA!!!
Hi MJ-
Just wanted to tell u it was great seeing u on the shows …joy’s show was great among others. I enjoy hearing your story, you have a lot of women behind you who respect and support you. Also, from one pretty woman to another, i just have to tell you that you are absolutely gorgeous and i have no doubt one day an amazing, strong man will come into your life and you will be able to experience a great partnership. In the meantime, have fun, enjoy raising your son and being a free woman!!
Mary Jo,
Not sure what else to say then the below, but after watching you in the spotlight have to endure the public nature of your relationship as your Ex and Tori Spelling carry on like little children. I admire how you have taken the higher road, and clearly look to be raising two wonderful children, and being an advocate for divorced women….
I only ask that through all of this, you do not become a jaded mom, or feel like you are inadequate or worthless in anyway….
I can honestly tell you as a hardworking, middleclass, 35yr old guy who is pretty good looking, that you STILL are one of the most incredibly attractive women in Hollywood, Canada, and your unbelievably witty sense of humour. (Which I am man enough to admit I watched on your cooking show with Ken) is second to none….
If only you were open to dating younger guys if you are still single!!!!
Best of luck on the book tour, and I wish I was able to attend the chapters book signing later tonight 😦
Hey Mary Jo,
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a happily married guy. But I just cannot figure out what that man was thinking when he left you. Nothing against TS but from here, there’s just no comparison between you and her. I bet he realizes that now, whether he says it or not.
I saw you on Breakfast TV here in Toronto this morning. You looked great and it’s good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour. Well done and good luck with the book!
Any more TV shows in the pipeline?
Hi Mary Jo,
Was obviously aware of your life situation with your divorce, but was not aware of your book..so I will read it! Anyway, like other people out there, we have seen you in the media through your cokking show with Ken. Loved that show and thought that you were excellent. For me, you are characterized as a calm, classy, funny, articulate, sensitive, with the ability to add humour, beauty, and class to a situation.
I’m so glad that you are back in the media again and it was great to see you on Breakfast TV last Tuesday (Nov 3). I recorded the show especially to catch your interview. You are an interesting person and someone I’d love to talk to in person. As for me…lived through similar times…born in 1962, sound familiar? Life is interesting. Anyway, just wanted you to know that you have some truly sincere allies out there who would love to connect with you. Keep up the great work and with any luck, we will connect sometime. J
hi mary jo
just bought your book and enjoyed reading it so much. I am now a single mum of 2 beautiful boys, one with special needs. My ex…married 14 years … had an affair with his much younger staffmember whilst we were in marriage counselling and I discovered it by accident. Yes, we had difficulties in the marriage before the affair but I had always hoped we would be able to resolve our difference in priorities. Let’s just say his were partying with his mates, sporting activities and the old mantra “I want to come and go as I please”. I was out of my mind with worry over our son and our unstable finances. Guess that’s what you get for your choice of a mate. I was far more of a wimp than you when it imploded. Four years later I am okay but not into dating again. Honestly …why? I think men want you to be a servant in their lives and resent a woman who doesn’t go along with what they want.
MJ,
As a very straight male in LA may I say you are beautiful, sophisticated and gracious. Any man would be delighted to have you as their better half. My friends and I have no idea what your ex was thinking except $$$$$, cha-ching! Gigalo much? So So Sad.
It certainly wasn’t because their was physical attraction with his current spouse, it is not humanly possible.
Then again… gold digging men they have a different perspective, you know the old saying–women always look like they have had less plastic surgery when they are standing on their Daddy’s inheritance.
You may quote me.
Stay real it is your true beauty, inside and out.
Tommy