Meet Paula Risoli of New Jersey
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I have been married to my wonderful husband for 17 years and am a mom to a very talented teen age daughter. I have been teaching for over 20 years and am currently a Reading Specialist. I enjoy cooking and baking with my daughter and remodeling our home with my husband.
Where did you first hear Jim’s music?
I believe it was on a show “Weddings of a Lifetime”. I was hooked and looked for the cd with the song “By Heart”. Now I own most, if not all, of Jim’s cds.
How does Jim’s music affect me? 
Jim’s music puts me in a state of relaxation. When my daughter was a baby, I would rock her to sleep to his “Disney” album. When I was having a rough day at work, I’d play his music during my lunch. Holidays are more enjoyable with this music in the background. Life is better with a bit of Brickman!
Where do you like to listen to Jim’s music?
I listen to Jim’s music anywhere and everywhere; work, home, the car. I really enjoy when they play it at the spa I go to.
How have your shared Jim’s music with others?
When I was a classroom teacher, I would play Jim’s music during silent reading time or writer’s workshop. It helped to settle my first graders and they worked quietly. My students were excited when I showed them the picture of us after a concert.
Do you have a favorite song?
Valentine was our wedding song. My husband and I are also Martina McBride fans, so this song was perfect!
My daughter loves “I see the Moon” as we would sing it every night when she was little at bedtime. My favorite live performance is Rainbow Connection.
Do you have a favorite Jim Brickman experience or story? We have been to see Jim 3 times and always enjoyed the meet and greet opportunities after the show. At our first Meet and Greet we had Jim sign an original painting my husband had made of the sheet music for Valentine. Another night while waiting on line we met Bob Tuchman from Food Network and enjoyed hearing how he and Jim were friends.
Anything you would like to add?
When Jim signed our painting, we told him that we hoped one day Martina would sign it as well. Well we had that opportunity a few years ago at a local book signing.
