Sixty- Something: Magic in the Hamptons

There is a certain magic in the Hamptons. Colorful and successful individuals abound, both among the locals and the second-home owners. The residents exude genuineness, and those with second homes contribute a unique flair to the East End, blending wealth and success with a strong work ethic. Some locals juggle three or four jobs to make ends meet. In recent years, the real estate market has further enriched many East End homeowners.

My stroke of good fortune on the East End is my wife, Cindi Sansone-Braff. We first crossed paths on a Saturday night in April 2009 at Ziggy’s in Sag Harbor. At that time, I was not only a local writer but also part of the Springs Theater Group’s production of the musical “Anything Goes,” set to open at Guild Hall. In the production, I portrayed Wall Street scion Elisha Whitney.

What do you call it when you meet a Psychic Medium? Fate? That’s precisely who I encountered that night in Sag Harbor. The attraction on that full-moon night was instantaneous, and we’ve been together ever since. Despite having our own individual social lives before that night, we somehow formed a deep connection. Born only five months apart, she looks much younger.

Later in that first year we met, Cindi was voted Best Psychic on Long Island by the Long Island Press. It was her first time winning that honor, and now, 15 years later, she has secured it for the sixth time. On winning the Long Island Press’ “Best Long Island Psychic 2024,” both she and I want to express our gratitude to everyone across the East End and Long Island for their votes.

I usually refrain from discussing what it’s like being married to a Psychic/Medium. It’s complicated because I don’t interfere or get involved with her career, as per the deal we made on our first date. While I may not fully understand how she does what she does, I respect her ability to connect with her clients, who are more like friends—thousands of them. I’ve never had a reading; it’s not my thing. However, I respect her capacity to help people from all walks of life.

Cindi was a full-scholarship student who graduated with Honors with a BFA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) from the University of Connecticut in 1975. Currently, she writes columns for the Messenger Papers and The Fire Island Press. In addition, she has successfully had three plays published and self-published three books. However, I think of her as my quintessential Long Island girl who loves the South Shore beaches.

What is it like to be married to a woman who speaks with the dead, interprets Tarot Cards, and gives relationship advice for a living? One word that comes to mind is complex. It’s the dexterity of her intellectual capabilities. I’ve seen her discuss Greek classics with a Harvard-educated Yale theater professor and enlighten a local employee of a well-known food chain with equal ease. This is possible because, during her education, she had to work multiple jobs, sometimes simultaneously. Cindi is humble and understanding. She knows what it’s like to wait tables all night for tips and to Belly Dance for a President. She has always been and still is a hard worker.

She researches tirelessly, as all truly smart people do. Moreover, she possesses an indescribable, unique talent to listen, process, and then offer wise advice. Being married to a woman who is always right is not easy but is, indeed, fruitful. Her daily guidance has turned my life around. She tells me I am guided by angels, something my mom used to say about me too.

Lastly, there is this peculiar fact. Cindi has a noticeable effect on most electronic devices. Never on demand, she affects computers, radio signals, and cell phone operations. When it happens, it’s spooky and strange. It’s not uncommon for bizarre things to occur when she is around—lights turning on, the dishwasher starting, and occasional unexplained noises. She laughs it off as spirits.

Like all of us, she has hunches, but hers seem to be right more often than not. Her clients consider these hunches as gold. I, on the other hand, see her as gold—a shining presence in my life every day.