I am so sorry to hear what happened to you. You and I are definately among people who are caring, happy people who share the appreciation, love and support of a man who speaks to us.

I found Paolo by being awakened at 2:00a.m. by this beautiful voice, YouTubed him a few days later and was hooked big time. Spend about 2 hours a night in appreciation of his talent, beauty, and friends. Feel so lucky to have his music in my life. Unfortunately, I feel overly protective of him and don't want the outcome of his talent and life to take him from us. So...he can take as long as he needs to have experiencs to write and sing about. Love the boy (in a nice Nana sort of way)
I have seen your comments a lot and you sound like a great person, hope to "talk" more. Take care, Cat

Thanks Cat. Given my druthers, I'd rather never have come in contact with people capable of being so ruthless. But since I have tiptoed through that lemon patch, I'll use it to my advantage. My next book is inspired by the horrible, backbiting stunts fans like that are capable of.. followed by a nonfiction account of the actual events.
After that, I've got a four book series in the works inspired by some of the malicious gossip that's been flying around in certain circles for some time. Not to dweel or anything, but because some truths just makes for great fiction. After all, that's what I do.

I've met some great people here and I hope to get to know most of you better.

Jelly - You have some wonderful ideas and they haven't been addressed over and over by others. I never thought about it before but think about how, in this case, being a fan of Paolo has affected Kimpy's being in the right place at the right time, Telluride, has led her to a wonderful opportunity. Personally, he indirectly saved my life (don't mean for it to sound so melodramatic, but he did) and there must be hundreds of stories out there where the common thread is Paolo (or I guess, others, but I find it hard to believe HaHa. I would be interested in hearing how your writing is coming, so please keep me or others posted. Thank you, Cat

Dweel? LOL! There you have it. Proof that people who haven't slept in 48 hours should not type.

Oh, don't worry. Kimpy's involvement as a Paolo Fan has already been noted for future reference.

The latest on my writing is that "Subjugation" is in the hands of my publisher and thier editors (eep), and cover art is in development.
I couldn't stand sitting here not writing, so I dug out work I've already done for "Sin," the next book. The one inspired by those charming fans of that other band. There's quite a lot of it already, and I know it'll make for a good story, but to be honest, it leaves rather a bad taste in my mouth to be reading some of the old hurtful, horrible things that have gone on. (Including one message from a particularly stable fan who promised to burn my house down, and she hoped that my "Devil's spawn" children would be in it at the time.) Sends shudders down my spine just thinking about it.

Okay. Now I need to find a happy place.
I'd love to hear how Paolo saved your life. I could use a happy story.

I swear on my sainted Mother's grave that what Iam about to tell you is all true - Move over Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts.

I met my husband and after 3 years married him in Reno, NV. This was 1991. He is 15 years younger than I am. He had 3 sons at that time and his first wife (turns out I am his 5th wife) had hidden his first son from him for 14 years, the boy became too much to handle, so she wrote him, asking for help with the boy. Long story short he went to them, had an affair, she got pregnant and now he is father of 4 sons, First and fourth by her.I am accepting and even had the oldest son come live with us. He ran away. I had my first & second heart attacks then. We moved to Kingman, AZ to start over and husband got a job (amazing cause town is very small) with Schwanns (home food delivery)as a dock worker. He was promoted more rapidly than anyone in the company and within a year we moved to Norman, OK. A mansion, company car, double his salary, great expense account. He had 4 states to cover as a middle level manager. He had to be trained for 2 weeks (yes, Kimpy I am not letting Paolo out of my sight) and during that time met a lingere model who was 20 years younger than me. They developed a bad drug habit in no time. I wasn't aware. He sent me to So. California to see childhood friend...I had 3 suitcases. While I was gone, he moved her into our home, packed up all my things and sold everything, oh yeh he gave her my truck, which she wrecked. So I am stranded in Calif. They had wiped out our checking and savings accounts and sold everything for drugs.
I ended up on the streets of L.A. and finally got enough $ to get to Portland, OR. where we had lived. So he comes after me, loves me, stays with me for a few months. But, I didn't know he had set her up in an apartment across the river in Vancouver, WA. He says he is going back to Kingman, AZ to get us a home again and will come back for me and the few things I had acquired. I helped him pack and waved goodbye... that was 4 years ago. I have now survived 5 full blown heart attacks & think I am in the Guiness Book of World Records. Guess that would be another book. So I was once a professional woman who was on the front page of the Wall Stree Journal for developing software of ADA and then homeless.

Now to Paolo, one night I was asleep with the TV on and woke to Paolo singing Last Request. Never for 30 years have I been moved like that and it became a quest to find out more about that voice at first and then more about that dear sweet boy/man. So now I spend a couple of hours everyday collecting info, and meeting wonderful people who are also affected by this laddie. Thank God, because I was really at the end. So that day I stopped waiting for husband to return and days are filled with his music. God bless him. Getting stars of Texas tat and his name so that I can always look down and remember there are good, worthwhile, sensative, tender, beautiful men out there. Even if it's far away in Scotland.

Thank you for letting me get this story out...feels good to unload. Cat

I'm a travel agent. That's been my life for 23 years.
I am quite patient and can be creative when it involves getting folks to a Paolo show. (Right Kate, Michelle? and I have spent lots of time with Sharon on the phone figuring out Atlanta 07!)

Travel is my Christmas Morning...and so are Paolo shows!

Heya Betsy. I wish I'd known you a little while ago. I might have considered going to see Paolo in Vegas once upon a time, but cirucumstances have prevented it. I'm sure everybody who goes will have a fantastic time. I look forward to seeing Paolo in person one day, but I hope for much better circumstances when that time comes.

It's wonderful that you enjoy what you do for a living. So do I.
After Subjugation, I've got several writing projects in the works. First is that book I started writing about ruthless fans doing horrible things. It was inspired by the fans of one band in particular, but is by no means limited to that fanbase. There are characteristics of several bands and artists that make up "Sin," the music icon at the center of the controversy. And ruthless behavior is certainly not contained to one fanbase. I'm sure every musical act in existance has fans that behave like that, so there will be no shortage of inspiration for those characters.
I've also got a couple children's books, one of which was inspired by several fans of that band who have turned out to be not only wonderful people, but fast friends as well. I'll be splitting the profits with them in equal shares.

I thought about doing something similar with the wonderful people here when I first got here and recieved such a warm welcome. However, I really don't know anyone here well enough to enter into such a project with. I am getting to know people more and more all the time. So I'm sure that when the time comes, there will be no shortage of inspiration from within Paolo's fanbase for me to write about.
I'm also still trying to get my "Sudan" script into the right hands. Wish me luck.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jelly Jalapeno,

Cat...I feel your pain...the ups and downs of life can be extreme....usually that is a sign of better things to come....voila!...Paolo!

It really erks me when I read about some Stars contempt of their harmless groupie/fans...as they don't really realize the amazing spiritual connections we have with them...we did'nt ask for this but Spirit just delivers it to us unbidden...were just as surprised as they are when it happens...

This does'nt mean we stalk/obsess them for more connections...but it does make them an important part of our lives...and there is a bit of karma involved here...if they treat their fans as a bother/indifferently, it affects them personally/karmically down the line...how interesting it all is....:>

I know yer life is on the right track Cat...try to relax and let a little more enjoyment into it!

Wow Cat!!!! Next time I am throwing myself a little pity party I will remember what you have gone through and snap out of it!!! Good for you !!!

-Norma

Hi Norma, thank you so much for the support and now after pouring my heart out (I don't know what got into me...)I am proceeding with the here and now. Couldn't get over how Mapleleaf's and my introduction to Paolo was so alike. Anyone else? There is just something very special about his lyrics, beauty, and spirit!

quote:

Originally posted by KIMPY:
Cat...I feel your pain...the ups and downs of life can be extreme....usually that is a sign of better things to come....voila!...Paolo!

It really erks me when I read about some Stars contempt of their harmless groupie/fans...as they don't really realize the amazing spiritual connections we have with them...we did'nt ask for this but Spirit just delivers it to us unbidden...were just as surprised as they are when it happens...

This does'nt mean we stalk/obsess them for more connections...but it does make them an important part of our lives...and there is a bit of karma involved here...if they treat their fans as a bother/indifferently, it affects them personally/karmically down the line...how interesting it all is....:>

I know yer life is on the right track Cat...try to relax and let a little more enjoyment into it!

Thank you Kimpy. I thought if Paolo needs material for some of his "life" songs I could provide it while he rests and lets life come to him. I remember his saying that now all he could write about is tour buses and concert venues( my word) but I did feel for him so because he really hasn't had time to have many life experiences that we all could relate to. The ones he does write about bring tears to me everytime. I hope we as fans can encourage and protect him from what fame may bring. Seen too many leave us and couldn't take it if it happens to him. Hopefully, family,friends, and those closest to him can look after him.

Are you waiting for your next interview?

Cat..yes waiting...may take a month or so...

I wouldn't worry about Paolo...anyone with the depth of Soul that he has would come thru life changed but un-scarred....hope he never has to experience anything harder than losing Teri and thinkin he would never get her back!

Kimpy - I wanted to give you a laugh while you wait. My name, Cathleen ,was shortened to Cat about the time Cat Stevens became popular. When I got a job with Big American Company in management I noticed there were many Kathleens, Cathys, etc. so I decided to use my nickname plus the first letter of last name, let's say Phelps. So I was signing memos for months and another Manager kept calling me "Spray". I couldn't figure it out and let it pass until one day he couldn't stand it any longer and called me......yes, Cat P.

Cheers, I hope to be waiting with you. Cat

Hi Cat,
cried while reading your story. I know only too well how it feels being so devastated with no one around. Hope you feel better now, but if you need a shoulder to cry on, you can always use mine.

About my occupation...I have mechanical engineering diploma from back home. When we came to Canada 12 yrs ago, i studied a lot, now do admin. work for mutual fund company for 9 yrs. Can't say i am bored, but i can think of 100 more exciting things to do (not job related). I work all day on a computer and keep a radio playing in the background. We are not busy at work lately, so i spend some time on the net and acidentally came across this radio station:

www.jango.com

You can create your own stations (after you have registered), add any singers your like, they will play the artists of your choice and similar artists. It is so great! I can listen to Paolo all day long (while handling our clients' money, hope they don't mind)! Just wanted to share my joy with you.

Also, wanted to wish Kimpy the best of luck!

Hi Mapleleaf - Thank you for your kind offer. A day at a time seems to be the best anyone can do. I use to recruit engineers (all disciplines) worldwide. Sent several to South America to work in new food plants. I correspond with a lovely guy here in Portland who is also an engineer.

One common thread among Paolo fans seems to be that he speaks to those of us who are sensitive, caring people. I hadn't really listened to music for literally decades when I heard him and click "I was home". Now I listen to his music probably a good two to three hours a night, but you have me beat listening to him all day. Luckily I am working from home and can come sit on the computer and look and listen to him. Shades of being 12 and having a crush on Elvis. Guess you never outgrow a sort of magical connection with someone. Poor guy, but I do wish him the best of everything. Hope we can talk more, you are certainly an asset and fit right into this group. Cheers, Cat