The 27th Orphanage will be coming to a close soon. All future work of mine will now be at my new website… www.paultiberio.com. Blogging here has been fun but it’s now time to move on to a bigger and better platform. I appreciate all your support and I hope to see you on my new site!
Paul Tiberio. Music. Video. Artwork. Writing.
www.paultiberio.com.
I was substituting for a Gr. 10 visual arts class today when a new student arrived. She has been in Canada for 2 week and this was her second day at school. She has a firm grasp on the English language but it proves to be challenging at times. She is here with her brother and her parents. She was noticeably scared of her surroundings so I immediately tried ease the tension with conversation. I asked her questions about her likes and dislikes and I managed to get a smile and a laugh as well. I got her working on a task of painting a colour wheel to distract her from her worries.
She was sitting alone so I help her along as I continued to ask her of her favorite things. She spoke of reading, seafood and music. She is a soft spoken person who seems very kind. She looked relaxed and well adjusted throughout class until it was time to go.
It was her lunch period next. Her brother’s lunch was scheduled during a different time slot. The slow realization of being alone during the her lunch period was sinking in. I realized how difficult a moment this was for her as tears started flowing down her face. She did her best to conceal them.
She didn’t know what to do; she didn’t know where to go; she was frozen; she just stood there, leaning on the corner of the desk as if that was the safest place to be at that moment in her life. She didn’t know where to eat; she didn’t know who to eat with… she had no one. My heart sank.
I spoke to her, assuring that she was a very bright, kind individual who will make friends very quickly. The pain of this fear had her breaking down. She could not hide the fact that she was crying now. I wanted to help but I wasn’t sure what to do. I wish I could take it away. All the pain that is associated with adjusting to a new way of life. I wish I could make her see that in a short time everything would be okay. I wish she didn’t have to go though what she was destined to go through.
I told her she was more than welcome to stay in the art room during lunch, assuring her that the classroom was a safe place to be. She stood there, trembling, gasping for air, unsure of everything. I can’t imagine the struggle she was/is currently going through. She’s in a strange cold land that is very different from her own. And she it completely alone.
I gave her a minute to decide. The lunch time bell rang and only a few students remained. Desperate to ease her troubles, I pulled two other students aside who noticed that she was in distress. I spoke to one of the them privately and asked if they would invite the new student to eat with them. This student was taken aback by the responsibility I bestowed upon her, but she realized the greater good of these actions far outweighed no action at all. She indicated to me that she would be happy to invite the new student for lunch. I signed with relief.
I began cleaning the classroom while I observed the situation unfold. I wanted to make sure that the new student didn’t know I orchestrated the interaction so I continued cleaning in the classroom without a scene.
The two friends approached the girl, who was now unpacking her books onto the desk. Huddled around her, they formally invited her to eat with them in the cafeteria. Hesitant and glossy eyed, the new student softly agreed. She began packing up her belongings. Her tears subsided and relief came over her face. The three of them left together and talked on their way out.
I was so happy the two friends were kind enough to invite her. I was so happy that the new student agreed to go. I was relieved to see a smile on her face. I hope the new friends will treat her well; I hope that she won’t be a scared anymore; I hope that she will find happiness soon. I hope her brother will find his way too.
Paul Tiberio
In Napa Valley - Wine country California
..was awesome! Details of my trip will be exhibited on a video I’ll be putting together in the next two months. I’m currently working on my new website so that video will be integrated in the new site. Stay tuned!
I’m really happy these days. I’ve had some amazing times with friends and family the past 2 months. I’ve seen some amazing performances by the Canadian Opera Company, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra and the Amadaus Choir in Toronto.
I’ve been meeting new people and really enjoying myself. I feel so much better about everything right now. I’m still concerned about how to sell my work more efficiently but hopefully that will come with time. I’m looking forward to 2009.
I wish all of you a prosperous and joyous year. Happy New Year.
**Before reading this post… Click here and listen to the first track, Sweet Love for Planet Earth. I don’t like the name of the band but I really do like their music… Begin the song at the 1 minute and 30 second mark by moving the slide bar to the right until it reaches the 1:30 position on the player… then begin reading…
…
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
I am the different way. I am the path of the greatest way. I am stronger then my competitors. I am stronger then my enemies. I am focused now. I will do what feels right. I am better now. I am stronger now. I am free. In the sound of what make me be. I am free. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Change is in my life. I am different from a year ago. Better now. Now that I’m alone. I’m better, faster and more efficient on my own. I think clearly. I think responsibly. I think of me. I realized that I deserve so much more then what you gave me. It is now being fulfilled. I am free. Free from you and almost free from me. To be who I want to be, to see who I want to see. I am smarter now. I am better now. I am me.
Who are you?
…
Click here to listen…
Tell me something baby I don’t wanna know, I feel like I am on my way to breaking the mold. Tell me a little story about a boy and a girl who crashed upon each other and wouldn’t let go. Tell me a little tale, I don’t wanna ignore when time was just so great, they were conquering the world. Tell me a little story, I don’t want you to know I feel like I am on my way to breaking the door. Cause… I know, I know, I know, I know…
Tell me a little story about a boy and girl who lived too far away, now they just ignore each other. Tell me a little story about a girl and a boy, who waited for each other but could wait no more. Tell me a little story, I don’t wanna ignore the pain that we endured when we were conquering the world. Tell me a little tale that I’d like to explore, of me and you and us and how we could be more. Cause… I know, I know, I know, I know…
Tell me something baby, I don’t wanna know, I feel like I am on my way to breakin’ the mold. Tell me something baby, I don’t wanna know, I feel like I am on my way to closing the door. Cause, what I had before I don’t need anymore, what I had before I don’t need anymore, what I had before I don’t need anymore, cause I know, I know, I know, I know… I know I can’t, escape the very thought of you, I know.
Don’t tell me something I know. Don’t wanna hear it cause I know. Don’t tell me something I know. Don’t wanna hear it about it.
Listen to the newly posted, 4 month old song, by clicking here.
It turns you in, it turns you out, it turns the soil right back around. It soaks your face and takes away the winter’s coldest day.
You come along and sing your song and turn this hole into a house. The lights are on and though you’re gone, your spirit still lives on.
(Love Turns) I’ll take you home, undress your soul, until you turn. I’ll walk the line, until you’re mine, I’ll tear your heart in two. (You’ll tear my heart in two.)
The shades are drawn, the day is done, my soul was left out on the lawn. It turns you down, it makes you frown, it sends a boy into a crowd.
The light it fold, it takes a hold of our unborn son. It takes a day, it folds away, it turns this warrior into a slave.
(Love Turns) I’ll take you home, undress your soul, until you turn. I’ll walk the line, until you’re mine, I’ll tear your heart in two. (You’ll tear my heart in two.)
And we faced the wall together, now you’re gone I will face it forever. To have and hold, to bend and fold.
To fall asleep, the shadows gone the shutters drawn, your eyes, have drifted down along the southern sky, it burns.
I’ll take you home, undress your soul, until you turn. I’ll walk the line, until you’re mine, I’ll tear your heart in two. (You’ll tear my heart in two.)
**Love Turns is the first single off of The Year That Was album. Click here to listen and to purchase an Mp3 copy via download for 99 cents!
With the help of all the resources around me I’m finally seeing passed the pain I was feeling before. Wise words have been spoken to me. I have many plans for the future, in regards to my music, art and generally, my life. I am very excited as the weight of the world is crumbling upon my shoulders.
I was blinded by my love for you. I made excuses as to why you treated me the way you did; believing that work, distance and fatigue were the main culprits for your insensitivity. I thought I was all to blame but as I’m forced to move on I’m realizing that you played a huge role in the fall of our relationship. You doubted us right from the beginning which gave me little to believe in.
It wasn’t anything you did, nor was it anything you said… it was everything you didn’t do. I feel used, physically and emotionally and ashamed for all that I offered you. How did I not see this side of you earlier? If I did, why did I dismiss it? How can love be such a powerful force that it could justify the emotional turmoil?
I bet you’ll disagree with me when I say, ‘you treated me unfairly’. But I don’t really care now. As there is so much more I’d like to say to you, but I know you wouldn’t listen anyways, you’re too stubborn to admit any wrong doing.
Your actions are so bizarre. I’m having trouble trying to figure you out. But time brings clarity, and clarity brings the truth. Time will tell, if what we shared was real or if we were just under the influence.
It’s time. To close the wound. It’s time. To pack and move. To a place where my heart won’t bruise. It’s time. To say goodbye to you. I can’t hardly move. But will, someday soon. My legs will run free. Where there’s no image of you. You don’t see me as I see you. So sorry, you will be soon. My greatest effort. Too little for you. Mistaken. For someone I knew.