I have a little advice for all who are waiting or any of you who are chosen. I know exactly what you are going through. Trust me.
Here is my advice…most importantly don’t have any expectations. Whatever happens, enjoy it, even if nothing happens. Just remember it is their gig and they may not be thinking about this thing the same way that you are. Be realistic. Though this may seem like the best thing to ever happen to you, particularly if you get picked, beware and stay grounded…you are only human and you may think that Stephan and Vanessa are personally thinking about you, be careful, this may be fun to think about, but it is more likely a mind trap. It may be natural to personalize this in your mind in a way that you imagine all sorts of scenarios about meeting them, but try to keep it in perspective. I am not trying to be cruel and diminish the anticipation and enjoyment of the experience, but they have a lot on their minds and they have their lives to live and their own really close friends already.
This is a commercial venture. Though it is apparently a sincere offer, they are going to do what is in their best interest, at their convenience and in their own good time. It may not be perfect for you. You may come in contact with people who will not share your enthusiasm or reflect the level of excitement you feel is warranted. Remember, it is not personal, it is just their job. They spend every day with the Wizard of Oz behind the curtains. To them it may not be a big deal, just another gig, and you won’t be able to understand why they don’t act like you feel, like you are in the “Emerald City”. Be aware that you both can enjoy each other but you are truly in different worlds and perceive the experience in completely different ways. You are getting just a taste of it right now as you wait to be contacted. Remember, you are not in control and you have to go with the flow and have no expectations.
I only point this out, so that whatever experience you have, it will be great. The waiting, the apparent neglect, is simply how it is, no one planned it, even though you think someone should have done a better job. (it can always be better) Stuff happens, and if you chose it to be good, it will be good. If you keep your expectations low, then that is your best chance for having a great experience. If you expect too much from Vanessa there is a good chance things will not go the way you thought they should. The last thing you want to do is put Vanessa up on a pedestal so high where there is no way she can stay way up there. She will most likely fall. You could risk losing the enjoyment of her music, so chill and appreciate every little thing that you receive as a gift. For many of us who will not be chosen, we have already received our gift. In the same way that you get to imagine what it might be like to be a millionaire after buying a lottery ticket before they pick the winning numbers and realizing you didn’t win…you have been able to submit your essays and been able to imagine what it would be like to be chosen. You have had an experience with Vanessa. This is a good thing.
Finally, don’t take anything personally. If you don’t get picked it doesn’t mean you didn’t write a great essay or that you are not a great Vanessa Carlton Fan, or they don’t like you. You know your appreciation for Vanessa and her music cannot be adequately described in written words. Vanessa and Stephan are busy people with a lot on their plates. We may view them as perfect, so we expect perfections from them, but they and their representatives don’t always do what is perfect. If they seem to neglect us sometimes, we have to forgive them.
Have a great time waiting, (I am serious) you have been given a great gift….the anticipation and the anxiety are all the stuff of songs and will instill in you a lot of creative thought and power. Write lyrics…write a song. Use it and make yourself strong…let it give you purpose and motivation. Try to remember this experience and make it a part of you for the rest of your life, for the good in your life.
peace
