Paul Greene Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Starbuck/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

As many of my readers are aware, I am a tremendous proponent of industry professionals who regularly work with the Hallmark Network. In fact, I have this phenomenal network to thank for such an extensive variety of introductions and friendships both personally and professionally. When I started my journey as a journalist within this business about four years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would have interviewed and even met all the people that I have. While no network is perfect, almost without exception, I can state that those who work with the Hallmark network–especially those who work faithfully with the network–are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in the world, and many of these lovely people are ones I am privileged to call my friends.

Photo: Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

As some of you know, I have a tendency to regularly invite people back for repeat interviews on my site, and it just so happens, Paul Greene holds the record–at least, as of now–in that respect. There is a total of eight interviews on my site that bear his name, and they invariably are found in the top results on my site. Moreover, last year, I felt like I was practically “stalking” him all over the country from Vancouver, B.C., to Los Angeles, and ultimately, to New York City. I have met him on more separate occasions than anyone else in this profession, and suffice it to say, he may know more about me than some of the people I see on a routine, day-to-day basis.

With Danica McKellar and Candace Cameron Bure

But how did this unlikely friendship begin? How on earth is it possible that I have the distinct privilege of calling the “Cary Grant” of Hallmark one of my dearest friends? Well, let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?

I remember watching a Hallmark movie with Danica McKellar (I barely knew who she was at that point because unlike “everybody” else, I didn’t watch The Wonder Years), and I remember seeing the name Paul Greene pop up. I have to admit that while the movie was cute and the acting was great, the storyline didn’t really stick with me for whatever reason. In fact, when I interviewed Paul the first time, I told him I hadn’t seen it (only to discover when I did watch it that I had, but I had just forgotten). I think his name stuck with me because…well, I’d better tell this story too.

As many of you know, I am a divorcee. I was married nearly ten years to a man whose name just happens to be Paul. Without detailing the story of my failed marriage, let me merely say that due to untreated mental illness on his part, I had no choice but to leave him for the potential safety of my daughter and me. Since that time, I’ve had a couple of misguided prospects in the area of romance, but I am perfectly content at this point to remain single. Nonetheless, the name Paul had left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. As a devout Christian, I know that Biblical history tells us that Paul was an apostle in the early church, but to be honest, any time the name “Paul” was mentioned in any context, it dredged up the poignant memories of my ex-husband.

So, Paul Greene became a name I remembered, but not necessarily for his acting abilities…at least, at the outset. Nevertheless, I was intelligent enough to realize that after The Perfect Match, we Hallmark fans had not seen the last of this dashing, debonair man. And as expected, he appeared in a Christmas movie that year which is still is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies, A Christmas Detour.

Photo: Candace Cameron Bure, Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams

Now, just the mention of that movie conjures up a plethora of memories. A few years back, I watched and reviewed almost every new Christmas movie that Hallmark released. A Christmas Detour was one of those. When I first watched it, I wasn’t one hundred percent certain what I thought of it. I mean, Candace Cameron Bure’s character appeared a bit artificial at times. But I noticed that same actor, Paul Greene, was back, and doing an exceptional job. Add in Sarah Strange, David Lewis, Barbara Niven, Marcus Rosner, and a whole host of other favorites, and this movie quickly became a smash hit.

Photo: Michael St. John Smith, Marcus Rosner, Candace Cameron Bure, Barbara Niven Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams

By the time this movie premiered, I was well-versed in the art of live-tweeting, and I remember how Candace was raving about her co-star. Because of her, I discovered that Paul was also a Christian, and I was elated to have found yet another person of faith working for Hallmark. I seem to remember that I labored intensively to get Paul to notice my tweets, but no matter what I did, he did not notice me. He was responding to all of my friends, and they were telling me how wonderful it was that he responded back, and all I could think was, “That’s nice. I guess he’s too overwhelmed with the tweets to respond to me.” But I didn’t hold it against him.

Erika Christensen, Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Liane Hentscher

The following year, I was finally an entertainment journalist, and I was doing interviews for Starry Mag. I remember seeing that Paul Greene was going to be in yet another Hallmark movie, and I thought, “This is my chance to interview him!” And I jumped on it. I sent him a tweet, but wouldn’t you know it?! My editor beat me to the punch–I’ll never forget my disappointment when I discovered that she would be interviewing him INSTEAD of me! Notwithstanding, I actually read her interview (and a couple of others Paul did around that time), and this was the first time I heard about the charity that he supports for ALS research. As I read his story and learned about the tragic death of his dad due to this debilitating disease, I didn’t hesitate. I gave money immediately to this charity. Once I told him I did it, he thanked me virtually instantaneously on Twitter. In fact, I think that was the first time Paul ever responded to me. Trust me, I was exhilarated by that gesture.

from A Wish for Christmas

The months went on, and I left Starry Mag to pursue my journalistic intentions here on my website. I was in the midst of transferring everything over when I happened to notice that Paul had just wrapped on yet another Christmas movie for Hallmark. This was May, if I remember correctly. In short, this was my chance to reach out and request an interview again. After all, I had no editor to answer to this time. And even though my website was just getting started as far as interviews go, I figured that striking when the fire was hot (and he may have some downtime) was the competent thing to do.

with Lacey Chabert

I will never forget reaching out to him for an interview. I asked him directly on Twitter, and it wasn’t too long before I received a message from him. I will never forget how businesslike he was when he stated how and when we could do the interview and that he could only give me fifteen minutes. This was the first time an actor had given me a time constraint like that, but I was ready to dive in and amaze him with my journalistic skills. This was just the kind of challenge I needed, and no matter what, I was going to be prepared.

From the moment that initial interview began, what struck me was how personable he was. I discovered we were born the same year, we both were divorced, and we each had a child born the same year (of course, he has a son, and I have a daughter). That made for an immediate connection, but instantly thereafter, I remember how I went into “business mode.” In fact, he was relaxed, and I was not. He tried to make a joke that went right over my head and I only caught it as I prepared the transcript of the interview. Regardless, it was vital that I covered as much of his work, especially with Hallmark, that I could. And I wanted to be the first to mention his upcoming Christmas movie, A Wish For Christmas.

Well, as we began to wrap the interview, I asked him about his music, and he was extremely appreciative of that. Yet the matter that literally struck a chord with him was when I mentioned his ALS charity work. As “destiny” would have it, he had an upcoming charity auction to raise money for the foundation, and it was going to happen the following month. He began to wax eloquent about it, and to be honest, I stopped looking at the time. For the first time in our chat, I found myself enraptured with the conversation and caring less about checking off my bullet points. The fifteen minutes were long gone, and I just let him talk. In fact, by the time he realized what time it was and promptly made his exit, we had chatted nearly forty minutes!

Following that first interview. the dynamics between Paul and me began to change. He read my reviews. He was incredibly complimentary of the interview article I wrote. He responded to my messages. He even took notice of my tweets. He began to realize that I was a genuine Hallmark supporter, and he definitely appreciated everything I was doing. I still thought of my ex every time I saw his first name, but I was determined to not hold that against him as I began the journey of getting to know him as an actor and as a person. In fact, the president of Hallmark tweeted out my first interview with Paul and rhapsodized about what an amazing person Paul was.

With Kate Austin

As a result of that interview, Paul introduced me to his then-girlfriend, Kate Austin. At Paul’s request, she and I set up an interview between us, and that became another point of connection. It was only last year that Kate and I finally met face-to-face, but we knew each other online long before that. I grew to love and respect her and Paul even more as a result of our conversation, but I don’t think I still had any inkling what the future would hold for this new acquaintanceship.

Paul and Andrea

I remember the first couple “Hearties Family Reunions” because I always convinced myself that I didn’t want to go. It wasn’t a big deal to me to meet the stars from the show. However, it just so happened that the December after Paul’s and my first interview, one of my good friends had the opportunity to go. And it was about that time when it was announced that Paul was joining the cast of When Calls the Heart. I had always enjoyed the show, but it had recently become a massive hobby of mine to interview all the actors I could and live-tweet like crazy whenever the show was on. Discovering that Paul joined the show (partially because of the influence of Andrea Brooks) made me even more thrilled to watch this show.

Photo: Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

But back to my friend who went to the convention. So, she sent me a message about her time there that completely flabbergasted me. At the convention, the fans have the opportunity to meet the cast of the show, and she had the good fortune of meeting Paul. While they only had a brief time, she told him, “I have a friend who would love to be here right now.” She said this after receiving a hug from Paul. When she said that “Ruth Hill” was her friend, my understanding is that his eyes lit up with recognition and he said something like, “You know Ruth? Tell her I said, ‘Hi.'” When my friend told me this, I was beyond ecstatic! This actor I had interviewed only one time actually remembered me and knew who I was? Of course, I guess I do tend to go a bit to the extreme when promoting those with whom I have connected in a distinctive way. Needless to say, I began to secretly hope that I would be able to eventually attend the Hearties Family Reunion (especially if Paul remained in the cast…I was rather shameless about who my favorite character was even before I saw his character enter the show), but I had certain caveats (that I won’t mention) that I told God needed to happen if I was ever to go.

With Carter Ryan Evancic

Before When Calls the Heart premiered that spring and even before we met Dr. Carson Shepherd, I reached out for yet another interview with Paul. He was quite receptive, and this was the interview when I realized that he is a champion multitasker. No traditional interview for Paul. Nope, we did the interview right after he dropped his son off at school, and we chatted as he was driving to his next appointment. (For those who follow Paul, you know how many instastories he does when he’s driving in LA.) I remember that he said he was off to his next appointment and he had to go, but if I needed anything else (he’d already given me about forty minutes worth of an excellent chat), he said I could call him back. But I assured him I had what I needed. In truth, the second interview we did was not nearly as informative because there was only so much he could tell me about his upcoming show, but no matter. It was clear that we were already becoming much closer than we had been, and I kept that little hope to myself that one day, I would meet this man in person.

Photo: Paul Greene, Maggie Lawson Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

Now, the story of our next interview is one I shall never forget. In fact, our third interview (the one about My Favorite Wedding) is typically another of my most-visited posts, mainly because it includes some rather extraordinary content that you just can’t get anywhere else. So here’s that unusual story.

I was at work (I am a substitute teacher from time-to-time), and I still remember how I was out at recess with the students when I happened to notice a message from Paul Greene. I knew he was out of the country because I had been keeping close personal tabs on him. (No, I promise I’m NOT a stalker!) Thus, I was a bit surprised to hear from him. I knew he had a Hallmark movie coming up soon, but I didn’t figure reaching out to him for an interview would be appropriate. Well, as it turned out, it looked like I was wrong. He was particularly focused on ensuring that this film did well for Hallmark, and he was attempting to come up with viable options to connect with his fans and help promote the movie while he was in Costa Rica. As you can imagine, I jumped at the chance. Though I wasn’t quite sure what it would be like doing an interview while he was in Costa Rica, I was certainly up for the challenge.

Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Liane Hentscher

I quickly asked for fan questions in the Hallmark Facebook group, and I will never forget how one fan asked a specific question that I knew would be perfect for the interview. No matter what else I asked him, I made certain that was one question I was going to ask. I will never forget the way the conversation happened in this interview. We actually started our interview, and then we were cut off and when I tried to call back, it said that the person wasn’t available in that country or something like that. Paul was in Costa Rica after all. After about a half-hour, we made connection again, and while we chatted, he was driving through the beautiful country of Costa Rica. (I mean, come on! Only Paul Greene would do this!! Okay, maybe a couple other people I can think of, but this is one of the reasons I love Paul! He’s so authentic!!)

with Kate

When I brought up the fan question, it sparked an incredible idea for Paul and his girlfriend, Kate, (with whom he already had been brainstorming how to make this the best interview ever), and if you visit that interview link, you can see the video response to the fan question. He recorded a video of himself singing a song in response to that the fan question!! (That fan was absolutely over the moon!) Now, I can assure you that Paul is the ONLY one I know of who would do that. On the beach of Costa Rica!

After that interview, Paul got inspired and began doing Facebook lives and continuing to track the fan interest in the movie. I prepared my own surprise for him in the interview–a fan-inspired video that can still be seen in that very special interview post. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to create those much anymore, but I’m grateful I could do them then.

Photo Credit: Kate Austin

At this juncture, it’s very interesting how the course of Paul’s and my friendship went following that interview. Remember that secret desire of mine to go to the Hearties Family Reunion? Well, that third convention was announced, and I just told myself there was only one way I would go. I honestly didn’t even pray about it, but I told God what my requirements were (requirements I am not at liberty to share due to privacy issues). In fact, I told God, and then I just left it there and didn’t think anymore about it. Until I got a call that fulfilled the very requirement I had told God! In short, I hadn’t planned on going to the convention, but God made a way where there seemed to be no way.

Paul Greene Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

Would it surprise you if one of the first people I told was Paul Greene? Probably not. In fact, I’ll be honest. I was probably more excited to meet Paul than just about anyone. I knew his mother had some health issues, and I was concerned that might keep him from being in attendance. But let me tell you. Meeting Paul Greene the first time…well, it is probably one of my most treasured memories…at least of a first meeting.

I had the honor of meeting a few of the actors before the time came to meet him. I had paid attention to social media, and I knew that he had arrived. I was sitting at my table awaiting the time with great anticipation. In fact, one of my friends said, “I met Paul Greene and told him I was your friend and that you were here and looking forward to meeting him. And he was very happy.” Yeah, that only raised my level of expectation.

Let me set the stage a bit. This was back when the conventions had the actors go to a certain room, and the fans lined up to meet them, get their autographs, etc. It wasn’t a perfect situation, but I wasn’t complaining. Actually, I felt bad for the actors because the time went much longer than anticipated. Nevertheless, I was very excited when our table was finally called to go get in line.

Now, I am not one who “fangirls” or goes crazy when meeting a celebrity of any nature. I think I’d kind of gotten over that because of all the interviews I had done. But let me tell you. There are two moments in my life when meeting one of these Hallmark actors nearly sent me over the edge with “fangirl mentality,” and this was definitely the first.

As I stood at the end of the line, I finally saw Paul from across the room. Now, he didn’t see me, but suddenly, my pulse did begin to race because I was exceedingly excited. That’s actually what happens to me more than anything else. The closer I got to him in line, the more exhilarated I became. He was actually at the end of the line of actors I was meeting that day. And I know he was focused on each individual person, which is merely his nature. While it was thrilling to meet all of the people in that procession, there was something electric about waiting to meet Paul. I believe it was our strong connection and the fact that I genuinely doubted this day would ever happen.

Finally, the moment of truth came, and when our eyes met, there was that instant reciprocity and recognition that is one of those incidences I shall never forget as long as I live. Here was the man, the actor, the person I had supported and talked with all that time, and now here we were meeting and embracing each other. He signed an autograph and gave me a truly personal message that I still have to this day where he thanked me for everything. Also, our photo was where I got an inkling of the fact that he was and is a master of taking selfies. There was no other photo I wanted to take that day, and I was so glad it worked out.

From this moment on, the remainder of the day practically trounced my wildest expectations. I not only got to interview him in a group, which was so much fun that I cannot even express my delight. But I had the honor of conducting a one-on-one, in-person interview with him later (and the audio was horrible which meant it was a very good thing I listened and committed to memory what he had said). Although I really need to make a confession here. When interviewing Paul Greene in person, do you have any idea how distracting his blue eyes are? It probably sounds absurd, but honestly, the things one remembers…I was blown away by how handsome Paul was in person that I remember I had to force myself to quit focusing on his eyes and actually discipline myself to conduct an interview. In short, I would say meeting Paul that day is one of the few times that I, as an interviewer, was starstruck. Hopefully, I concealed it well!! {For the record, this is the first time I have confessed this to anyone except a few select friends of mine, but I decided I’d let all of you see just how human I can be!)

From that moment on, in truth, Paul’s and my friendship continued to grow. And this was a true friendship. I am so accustomed to friendships where I do all the work. Well, let me tell you. With Paul, that is NOT the case at all. He has imparted so much to me over the past couple of years, much more than I could ever repay.

For example, when he appeared in Christmas In Angel Falls, I posted that exclusive, in-person interview. I will never forget receiving a message from him where he asked me, “Would you like to interview Beau Bridges?” Well, let me think a moment, Paul. YES! I honestly couldn’t believe it because as far as I was concerned, Beau Bridges is a legend. I began to tell everyone I might get to interview this iconic actor. But I also knew that sometimes things don’t work out in this business. Nonetheless, I did prepare a little bit in the event that it did work out.

Paul & Beau

The day is seared in my mind for perpetuity. It was a Sunday morning when I got that message from Paul. On Sunday afternoon, the phone rang. I noticed that it was a “private caller,” so I decided not to answer it. It just so happens that my mother picked up the phone, and she has the distinct honor of being the first person in the house to talk with Beau Bridges even before I did! I immediately went into journalistic mode, and I interviewed Beau Bridges all because of Paul!

Paul & Rachel Boston

I remember a vast assortment of little things along the way. I helped promote his ALS auction a couple of years ago, and he was extraordinarily kind to grant me another interview. I saw him briefly during the next Hearties Family Reunion. He began to follow me on social media. He was incredibly generous in remembering and wishing me a happy birthday even when I didn’t mention online that it was my birthday. And little by little, the name Paul became a name of which I could be proud. Almost without realizing it, I found I could say “Paul” and think of Paul Greene first as opposed to my ex-husband. To be honest, that was such a freeing moment. I even wrote something like that in a message to Paul once, and he gave me an upbeat, encouraging response.

This brings me to a pivotal year for me–2019. I had no idea just how much this year would change me. And God used Paul in my life in immeasurable ways to bring about changes I had only envisioned (and some I hadn’t!).

With Tim Janis

First of all, I knew that Paul had been planning to release a CD for quite some time. I interviewed him right before he performed at Carnegie Hall for the first time, and I knew that had rekindled his love for music. Being the musician that I am, I am perpetually available to support other musicians, and there is no doubt that Paul possesses an incredible gift.

In early spring of 2019, I noticed that Paul was getting very close to releasing this album. And I remember his saying that he was going to have a release party in LA when that occurred. I remember reading that post and saying to myself, “Oh, man, I wish I could go. I have always wanted to go to a release party, and imagine what it would be like to go to Paul’s. But I know I just can’t do it.”

A week or two went by, and I was just sitting down in the pew at our church on a Sunday morning, and I honestly heard God speak to my heart. Yes, God does speak to me at times, and I have learned from experience that I had better listen…the first time. Well, I didn’t necessarily like what God was saying. He said, “You need to be willing to go to the release party.” Immediately, I began to detail to God all the reasons why I could not go to LA. I knew it was going to happen in May, and why on earth would I take my time to attend a CD release party in LA? I knew almost no one in LA as it was. (Or so I thought.) And this was simply about the worst time of year for me to go. In fact, it conflicted with my dad’s birthday!

After I mentioned all the reasons why I couldn’t go, I knew I had no choice but to give in to God. I told God I would be open to going, and I immediately messaged Paul about the fact that I didn’t know how it was going to happen, but God told me I was supposed to come to his release party. I never heard back from him on that message, but then again, it was probably a bit of a peculiar message to send, come to think of it.

As soon as I could, I began checking out airfare, hotels, and more. The prices that were being offered were unbelievable. Additionally, before long, I had people to meet while I was there. I was surprised to discover that some of my Hallmark friends had actually relocated to LA, and this was the ideal time to meet up with them as well. So I walked through that door, and off I went to LA.

Because of that trip, I had a multitude of wonderful experiences. I won’t detail all that here, but the highlight was definitely the concert and the time I spent with Paul. But wouldn’t you know? God had some amazing moments waiting for me that I didn’t see coming that probably brought my friendship with Paul to a different level yet again.

First off, there was a special luncheon where several of us fans met with him. I won’t go into all the details, but I have to admit it made for an interesting time. And something happened that demonstrated to me that Paul’s and my friendship had gone to a new level.

I am not a great photographer. Once in a while, I get that “lucky” shot, but mostly, I just don’t have the time nor the inclination to put into creating a photo that is artistic. And when it comes to selfies…ugh, don’t even get me started! A long time ago, I had given up even trying to get the “perfect” selfie. And my thought had always been that when it comes to taking these photos with the actors and others that I meet, the most important thing was that they looked good. I have never cared if I looked goofy or silly in a photo. It’s just not that important to me. I also really struggle with focusing my eyes on a camera due to the issues with my eyes that started as a teenager which almost resulted in losing sight in one of my eyes (but God was very gracious!). So I just put up with substandard selfies.

Enter Paul Greene, one who definitely has an eye for quality photos. And when it comes to selfies…I have never in my life seen someone who is so confident about taking them. Those of you who have interacted with him in person KNOW that he always wipes camera lenses off before having us take a picture (I have developed that habit myself now). From our very first selfie, I could tell that he knew what he was doing, and I definitely didn’t. And it just became one of those things that I thought, “Maybe one day I’ll learn…”

When it was getting close to time for Paul to leave his little afternoon gathering with us, he went around taking photos with everyone. And when he got to me, immediately, he went into “teaching” mode. I don’t even know if I realized just how lacking my selfie skills were. I had finally made peace with taking selfies, but he told me directly (but kindly) what I was doing wrong and how I could improve them. I also had a new phone (it was not even a month old at this point), and I was even more lost on this camera phone. He patiently told me where to look and how to ensure quality selfies. I honestly listened, and I tried to learn. I really did! The photo turned out pretty well (he actually complimented me on it later), but I admit it wasn’t long before I went back to some of my old habits (and I kept hearing his voice in my head…). But I think I improved somewhat. More on that later.

At the concert that night, I was practically in heaven. I finally met Kate, his girlfriend (now fiance), and the both of them were so sweet to me. I remember at the end of the concert, I kept attempting to leave, and they both prompted me to stay and chat with all of their friends. Which I did. I couldn’t begin to tell you all the creative, amazing people I met that evening. I was on my feet in my heels for hours, but somehow, I didn’t care. I felt like I had found a group where I belonged. And I was so grateful to Paul and Kate for that.

Andrea Brooks, Paul Greene Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Summer came, and I remember how I booked my trips to the fifth annual Hearties Family Reunion as well as my trip to a movie premiere in LA. Both events happened in October, one right after the other. But I had no idea at the time that my mom was going to be going in for colon cancer surgery(she’s fine now). I am forever grateful to God that I booked my trips and that He worked everything out. (Also, my gratitude to Paul for keeping my mother in his prayers during that time. It meant so much to me as he sent me a reassuring word on the day of her surgery.)

So I went to Vancouver in October, and it was absolutely amazing. I was so busy. I met Paul briefly at the convention, and I thought that was it. I happened to be out with a family at Cirque de Soleil the Sunday night before I was to return home, and found that Paul was trying to contact me. I was flying out the next morning, but he invited me to breakfast with his mom along with a few other Hearties. Well, because it was Paul Greene who was making this request, I agreed. And it was such a lovely time. I spent most of the time chatting with his mom, who is a wonderful lady, of course. I had met her briefly at his concert in May, but this was a time when we were able to genuinely connect. To be honest, we had so much in common as we talked about church and family. And all too soon, it was time for me to head back to where I was staying and check out.

Paul and his mom

As I was racing through the rain to catch my train, I got a call from Paul. He had forgotten to give me something, and he asked if I would return to the restaurant. I laughed as I did a full 180 in the rain and raced back. By this time, I was soaked! (I was still pretty much drenched when I arrived home later that evening.) But you know what? There are certain people in this world for whom it’s worth doing that. I have said before that Paul is one of those people who if he suggests I do something, I set aside everything to do it. He knows I tend to clear my schedule for him. In the past, and even in today’s world, people tend to take advantage of my altruistic nature, but Paul never has done that.

Cindy & Paul

This even extends to live-tweeting. It seems like no matter what his character may be in the show, I tend to root for him.  I remember one time when he and Cindy Busby were both in When Calls the Heart and I was really struggling because their characters were at odds. I was tweeting my support for Dr. Carson, and Cindy called me out on Twitter and said, “Ruth, you’re supposed to be on my side!” And Paul responded back to her that I was on his side. Um, yeah. I suppose that even if Paul were portraying a bad guy, I’d probably be cheering him on!

Paul at Carnegie Hall

Ultimately, this brings me to last month, December 2019. Ever since Paul had performed at Carnegie Hall in December of 2018, I knew I wanted to attend the concert. I told God of my burning desire, but I had to watch for the right time to approach Tim Janis, the organizer of the benefit concert. I was able to promote some of his work for him this past summer, and God opened the door for me to ask him if I could attend. He agreed, but I had to wait for the official date announcement.

Once I noticed that the date was announced, I was absolutely thrilled! If it had been on a Friday night as it had been the previous year, I knew I wouldn’t be able to attend because it would conflict with my daughter’s choir concert. But God worked that out too. It was a Thursday night, and I asked Tim if it was acceptable for me to come. Several days went by, and I decided it wasn’t going to work out after all. I attended Bible Study on a Friday evening, and when I checked my email, there was the response I had awaited. I knew I had to go, and amazingly, I found great prices on everything yet again.

I told Paul I was coming, and it seemed almost surreal. In fact, a week before I was going to go, I actually fancied backing out. I was thinking, “Why did I decide to do this at such a busy time of year?” Truth be told, I was a bit nervous about going to New York City by myself. I had been there when I was seventeen, but that was with a school group. Interestingly enough, I came down with a terrible cold days before I was supposed to leave, and all of my focus was shifted to getting myself as well as possible for the upcoming trip. Nothing was going to stop me now!

When I flew out, I was still a bit under the weather, but God was able to help keep my illness at bay. I wasn’t at my best, but I was also operating on adrenaline. Paul got me backstage access to Carnegie Hall, he told me. And I was very excited to attend. (I had some other adventures while there, but more about that at another time.)

The night of Carnegie Hall, I met Meghan Fay, a wonderful blogger with whom I had connected online. She was my Carnegie Hall “date,” and I tell you that she is a fantastic writer whose work everyone should check out over on her blog! But the most prominent concern I had was the backstage access. Paul told me where to go, and I was confused. I asked around and finally realized that in order to get backstage at Carnegie Hall, you had to walk a couple of blocks away from the main entrance. I did that, and I finally found the correct spot. I started praying that Paul wouldn’t be late to meet me there. Thankfully, he was only three minutes late!

When he appeared, he was so complimentary of me. As we all know, a woman never tires of hearing that she looks beautiful, and when a good friend tells you that–especially someone who is as authentic as Paul–well, I know I was beaming. He showed me around backstage and I took everything in. In the midst of experiences like this, I honestly soak everything up like a sponge and relive the experiences time and again in the weeks and months that follow. I could probably describe everything that happened, but let’s just say that hearing one of your favorite people in the world introduce you as a journalist never gets old! I worked hard to get to this point in my career, and to hear Paul introduce me as such was simply amazing.

Before going to my seat, we took two selfies. I remember wondering if I did it just right (actually, I didn’t completely do it right, but more about that later). And off I was to one of the most magical nights of my life. My cold was there, but God helped me get through the night with flying colors. I luxuriated in all the transcendent music that was showcased that evening. I put my phone away. (I should have looked at it since Paul sent me a message that I didn’t get till after the concert, but it all worked out.) Meghan was the perfect companion. What a memorable experience it was. And more importantly, the place I had dreamed of attending for years was now a reality! I couldn’t help but think of my past voice teachers.

Paul & company

After the concert, I took Meghan back to meet Paul. And as it turned out, he invited us along with some friends of his and a fellow Hearties couple that had won a contest to have drinks with him back at his hotel. Well, we didn’t turn that down, and that night endures as one of the most astounding nights out I’ve ever had. (Yeah, I don’t get out much.) I was extremely relaxed, and I received praise from Paul yet again. After all, he had never seen me in that sort of environment. I am typically the journalist who goes into business mode. I stayed up so late that night, and only got an hour of sleep before I flew out, but it was all worth it.

Photo By Laurent Levy

What I neglected to say was that there was one other amazing thing of which I was able to partake this past summer and fall. As it happened, Paul and Kate offered a Transformation Class that involved healthy lifestyle and life coaching. Honestly, the moment I noticed it was being offered, I signed up without any hesitation. And I know it is something that has completely altered my life in the best way. In fact, I continued my group coaching with Kate after the class ended, and in truth, we have the most amazing support group. I know for a fact that if I had not taken that class, the last quarter of 2019 would not have happened.

Ah, yes, the selfie! So Paul sent me the two pictures we took at Carnegie Hall. He said in the one I wasn’t looking at the right hole. And as trivial as it sounds, all that he had been attempting to teach me about selfies finally clicked and made sense. In fact, I was flying home when I got that message, and I felt like a lightbulb seriously went off in my head. I know that he knew I was trying and making progress, but selfie-taking is something that is not as yet second nature to me. But I finally understand what he was saying. Technology and I don’t always get along. (Which is funny since I’m the tech guru in my house), but eventually, it sinks in.

In addition to all this, Paul also has inspired me to return to my music, something I am currently working on and should be ready to present by next month. It is an area where I have permitted people in my life to snatch away my very essence–namely my ex-husband and another prospective boyfriend–but the time has come to stop listening to those old tapes and jump in. Yeah, Paul gave me some advice about that too. He told me not to think much about it. Just do it. Well, I am in the process of just “doing it.”

When I consider the four or so years that I have known Paul Greene, I almost don’t recognize the person I am now versus the person I was then. When I began interacting with him, I was one who was shy, quiet, reserved, and lacking in self-confidence. I was still being defined by my past, and I hadn’t even embraced the calling that God has placed on my life–entertainment journalism. I can only say that by the grace of God and because of people like Paul in my life who have continued to encourage me to greatness, I am slowly but surely seeing positive changes in my life. While I have not arrived yet, I know that I am further along in the journey, and Paul is a more significant part of that journey than most people may realize.

I used to essentially apologize for who I was, and I was much more content to be a wallflower in a social setting. Interacting with people has not been traditionally one of my strengths. Moreover, recognizing my positive qualities is something I don’t even like to do. As a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” I am way too hard on myself. But it is people like Paul who have continued to help me in this area. Occasionally, I need someone to remind me of who I am and even correct me when I may be veering off the path. While I will accept the praise and kindness of hundreds of thousands of people, I also need help to hone my skills and reach for things which I could never conceive of accomplishing. Paul is one who continues to inspire me and to push beyond my comfort zone. All too often, I see him put a post on social media, and my initial thought is, “Nah, I’m not gonna do that.” But I have learned that almost without exception, if I put into practice what he has suggested, I find that I can soar much higher than I anticipated.

As my career continues its upward spiral, I will forever be grateful for those who have helped me along the way. If you ever wondered why I spend so much time talking about Paul Greene, maybe you know why now! Oh, and for the record, I don’t FANGIRL when I meet him anymore! Of course, I will never deny the fact that he is impeccably handsome, quite charming, immeasurably kind, decidedly humble, and one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for! To be honest, I think everyone could benefit from having a “Paul Greene” in their lives, and I am eternally grateful to God and to Paul for all the inspiration and aid I have received along this path we call life!

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BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF MY INTERVIEWS WITH PAUL!

by Liliyana Polinadezhdina

Interview With Actor/Musician Paul Greene, “Christmas In Evergreen 3” “When Calls the Heart” & More

Interview With Actor/Musician Paul Greene

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “When Calls the Heart” & “Buttons”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, #ARTforALS

Photo Credit: Liliyana Polinadezhdina

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “Christmas In Angel Falls”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “My Favorite Wedding”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “When Calls the Heart”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene

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