24.12.2011
Dear Mr. Springsteen!
(This letter was only written in Norwegian for a very long time. I now finally got some help to translate it. I`m pretty good writing in Norwegian – I can play with words and find poetic turns that speaks to people… but all this just runs away when I start typing on another language. I put my belief in that some Norwegians would bring the letter to you anyway. I`m no longer so sure they will. So, I needed to find other ways… in the right language. It may still be lots of wrongs, but please!! Pay no attention. Look after all the things that are right instead. Anm Rikke 27. February 2012)
After 10 years I have finally managed to finish my letter to you. And in the nick of time, suddenly you're on your way… in our direction! I have realized that no stamps in the world can bring the letter up to you, so a while ago (4-5 years) I allied myself with a guy in LiveNation here in Norway. Or at least I think I did. Time will tell – but if he`s a guy who keeps his promises this letter will reach you in no time. If not. … I have a back-up plan.
It may seem unbelievable that it would take so long to get these words down on a piece of paper, but this letter is not an ordinary letter. At least not for me. It is a life-project, it’s a strong hope, and it is a huge dream that runs along with the possibilities of life. It`s about all the big things formulated so that it can fit in to all that`s small. It's about life's amazing possibilities and all the colors we choose to paint our world in - but most of all it's about getting you ... of all people, to understand what we are trying to accomlish. The reason is – that if you do understand– everyone else will… And act accordingly.
July 22. 2012 is a very special date for Norway – it`s a year since the terror. We have discussed in the group if this is a difficult date for us, but the kids in the Experience team speech clearly: They want to fill the day with something really good, and they can`t imagine anything better than to give their community the best surprise ever. They are so sure that this will prove that all people have the opportunity to create something that gives happy repercussions far into the future. They think that your impossible arrival will result in light and hope, and highlight the individual's limitless opportunities to do good. So people realize that dreams really come true as long as one dares to believe strength in it, and find the courage to act.
It may seem unbelievable that it would take so long to get these words down on a piece of paper, but this letter is not an ordinary letter. At least not for me. It is a life-project, it’s a strong hope, and it is a huge dream that runs along with the possibilities of life. It`s about all the big things formulated so that it can fit in to all that`s small. It's about life's amazing possibilities and all the colors we choose to paint our world in - but most of all it's about getting you ... of all people, to understand what we are trying to accomlish. The reason is – that if you do understand– everyone else will… And act accordingly.
This is part of the story: I have (for many years I`m afraid) announced that it`s quite possible that you and your guitar will show up in our small country town called Nordby in Norway (just 20 min outside the capital Oslo) ... sometime before the sun that`s way up there, sets for the last time ever. Preferably by 2013, if I can get to choose - but I guess …I can`t. Anyway: It's time to make a deal. Maybe you find it problematic that I already have flagged your arrival, not so strange, seen from the outside. But!!! I think it will stand the test anyway:) You see – I don’t believe that you always have to start from scratch to reach big goals. Sometimes you simply have to start at a different direction… for example from the goal itself. And then… work the way backwards. I really do think that nothing can be better for an end - than a new beginning.
I have over the years tried to make my way to you like everyone else does it. By walking forward - so, do not believe I've been lazy (Thinking of 10 years) It just did not work for me. A proof of that is that we never had contact ... at all. So, having butted heads in the wall and spun around like a wasp on flat ground, I found a downhill in 2010 that gave the possible- impossibilities- mind , air and new energy. We opened a Bank for dreams in my country town (That’s a fact!!), and I immediately created an account for life's great potential impossibilities - namely you. I truly hoped, that my deposit would one day pay off. After a short time, a gang of youths asked for withdrawals from the account of impossibilities (or the Springsteen-account if that’s what you want to call it) and ... voila!!! The youth-project Breivoll Experience - the dream of Springsteen was born. This fine young people (Between 13-17 years) have now been commissioned to organize annual concerts here in Nordby. But ... it's about so much more than being concert fixers. The youth in this project wants to make a difference. They want to contribute to build and draw colors in their own community, and by doing that they are involved in developing their own childhood environment. They build arenas for the whole community to come together, to have fun, to experience something across ages, beliefs and religion. They learn to believe in themselves, their abilities and talents, and last but not least, their dreams. Their slogan is: Make it happen! The truly believe by heart that everything is possible (even you!) Not so many others do.
I have over the years tried to make my way to you like everyone else does it. By walking forward - so, do not believe I've been lazy (Thinking of 10 years) It just did not work for me. A proof of that is that we never had contact ... at all. So, having butted heads in the wall and spun around like a wasp on flat ground, I found a downhill in 2010 that gave the possible- impossibilities- mind , air and new energy. We opened a Bank for dreams in my country town (That’s a fact!!), and I immediately created an account for life's great potential impossibilities - namely you. I truly hoped, that my deposit would one day pay off. After a short time, a gang of youths asked for withdrawals from the account of impossibilities (or the Springsteen-account if that’s what you want to call it) and ... voila!!! The youth-project Breivoll Experience - the dream of Springsteen was born. This fine young people (Between 13-17 years) have now been commissioned to organize annual concerts here in Nordby. But ... it's about so much more than being concert fixers. The youth in this project wants to make a difference. They want to contribute to build and draw colors in their own community, and by doing that they are involved in developing their own childhood environment. They build arenas for the whole community to come together, to have fun, to experience something across ages, beliefs and religion. They learn to believe in themselves, their abilities and talents, and last but not least, their dreams. Their slogan is: Make it happen! The truly believe by heart that everything is possible (even you!) Not so many others do.
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| Breivoll Experience 2011 - Fotograf: Sederholm |
We held our first concert in September 2011. Without you, but we brought with us some fabulous stand-ins. We needed to practice, and we now think we are ready. Our stand-in band is called Funkytown, and they will play until the day you finally arrive and sing the songs of life into all the people who have stopped dreaming. We carry the hope that it will be soon. You see a while ago, way back in 2011 we heard that you were going out for at tour – and that Norway was a stopover on the way ... we thought damn either! If there was a time in this life to ask you - it had to be now. It would be madness …not to! So we ask you Mr.Springsteen:
Would you like to come to Breivoll recreational area in the Contry town Nordby July 22. and play a few songs for us on your guitar? We do not need a big concert, you know, actually preferably not. You see we think that could be to much to manage. And after all - you are a buissy man. We have already booked the stage (because we believe!) and in January the Experience –team will start working (this year 40 young people. Three times more than last year!!) We will book several local artists, because we can`t base all on you. It would have been a bit silly since we do not really know when you ever will be here. It could happen between here …and all eternity. We prepare a one-day festival, with many stage performances and activities From early morning to late evening. The happening is for the whole family. No alcohol or drugs involved. (I guess you figured that one out your self – but just in case) We'll probably do just fine even if you do not come. But should you decide to come, it`s at thing you need to know: We really do not want to know. If you get here. Please let it be a secret. That might seem very strange, but we think it`s easier to deal with. Everybody out there in our community knows that we are working to get you here, but very few truly believe in us anyway. If you show up- all those present who believe. In us. And in life's great opportunities – get their reward. And all the others - a really nice wake-up call.
July 22. 2012 is a very special date for Norway – it`s a year since the terror. We have discussed in the group if this is a difficult date for us, but the kids in the Experience team speech clearly: They want to fill the day with something really good, and they can`t imagine anything better than to give their community the best surprise ever. They are so sure that this will prove that all people have the opportunity to create something that gives happy repercussions far into the future. They think that your impossible arrival will result in light and hope, and highlight the individual's limitless opportunities to do good. So people realize that dreams really come true as long as one dares to believe strength in it, and find the courage to act.
To sum it up: This whole project is really about a great big WE, a togetherness we all are a part in, which each and every one of us imprint with the abilities skills, dreams and possibilities lurking about. The unique coloring each of us contribute to the big picture. It is when we do something together anything is possible. When many people by heart give a little, be it time, effort or ideas – it is when we acknomledge that and act accordingly we in fact can make huge change. We think a lot of people have forgot that. We want to show them, by giving them ... you.
So why you? And how on earth can a concert with Bruce Springsteen in a small village in Norway contribute to make the world to be a better place? (I`m not really a big Bruce Springsteen fan either. I really wish I was - maybe you doen`t want to listen since I am not. Its a chance I have to take. But i Promise: My reason is bigger than that.) Well - the answear to all this is actually a fairly long story. What you've got here is just the top of the mountain. It`s intended for busy types who do not have time to read long letters from strange ladies. I promise you the rest of the story when we have a deal. It`s a pretty good one, at least I think so. (That last sentence was in the Norwegian letter, but since there where no answer I started this blog. There you will find the whole story. Maybe you need the big picture before you make up your mind about making a big deal)
Now that I'm here at the end of my long road to the big question: Will you? It`s in fact time for the small beginnings (the blog). I have the whole journey to the goal clear to me. My big challenge is to land with a bang ... where you are. Dear Mr. Springsteen. Just make it happen!
Yours sincerely Rikke Soligard
Ps: Watch out for various attachments! (Letter from the young people, photos, and our song about you! The people in Nordby sings this when we get together)
Now that I'm here at the end of my long road to the big question: Will you? It`s in fact time for the small beginnings (the blog). I have the whole journey to the goal clear to me. My big challenge is to land with a bang ... where you are. Dear Mr. Springsteen. Just make it happen!
Yours sincerely Rikke Soligard
Ps: Watch out for various attachments! (Letter from the young people, photos, and our song about you! The people in Nordby sings this when we get together)
Sophies letter:
Hey Bruce!
I'm in something that we call Breivoll Experience, - "Dream of Springsteen" Make it happen! We have a dream of getting you to the beautiful village of ours! It is an event for the whole family, where there are concerts and activities to do, and you having a good time with family and friends of all ages. We live in a small place in Norway, just outside Oslo, and we want to get something to happen in the little village of ours. For me Breivoll Experience a wonderful opportunity to engage people in the music and make it possible to enjoy with others. For me, music means a lot, I rarely go a day without listening to music and the music always makes my day better. I believe that music can change people's days and life. I and the others in Breivoll Experience Team welcomes you to us! It will give us all a good memory for life, a memory we always going to remember.
Best regards Sophie, 14 years
I'm in something that we call Breivoll Experience, - "Dream of Springsteen" Make it happen! We have a dream of getting you to the beautiful village of ours! It is an event for the whole family, where there are concerts and activities to do, and you having a good time with family and friends of all ages. We live in a small place in Norway, just outside Oslo, and we want to get something to happen in the little village of ours. For me Breivoll Experience a wonderful opportunity to engage people in the music and make it possible to enjoy with others. For me, music means a lot, I rarely go a day without listening to music and the music always makes my day better. I believe that music can change people's days and life. I and the others in Breivoll Experience Team welcomes you to us! It will give us all a good memory for life, a memory we always going to remember.
Best regards Sophie, 14 years
Mariells letter:
Hi Bruce!
It would be a great honor, and really huge for all of us if you, a world-famous star, would visit our event Breivoll Experience, July 22. 2012.
A year ago, 22 July 2011, something terrible happened that affected the whole of Norway. A terrorist attacked and killed 77 young people at Utøya, including a girl from our neighborhood. Our idea is then to try to make this day a little better.
We who are from the Breivoll Experience team wants to change our village. It`s only two leisure clubs here, and one of them is in danger of being closed down. It's really very little to do for young people in general here. That can lead to more minors begin to experiment with alcohol, possibly drugs, etc. With Breivoll Experience we want to make a difference.
Our group leader, Rikke, said: "There are too many of us walking through life without even try to do something good for this world". It can`t be more correct than that! For it is true. Too many people are wasting their life doing nothing. That's what's so great to be in the Breivoll Experience team- you get the chance to make a difference to the community, and maybe even inspire others!
We had our first concert on September 17.last year, and it went incredibly well! The road to the concert was not just a bed of roses, for it was much to be done, and this required a lot of time. But who said it would be easy? We did it, we learned a lot about cooperation and unity, and we had a great time! That's what counts. Both our families, friends of our families, and the media got involved, and that has been a great help! Without them it might not been any concert.
I remember the day I was taken out of class by a teacher. He told me that it had something to do with a concert. After school, the same day if I remember correctly, I was told to meet in the auditorium with several others. None of us knew what we were doing there, or why we were picked out. We were only told that it had something to do a concert. I really thought that we should help someone who would hold a concert at our school, or that we should create / participate in a concert to a school closure.
Eventually, two adults entered the room and they changed our vision: "You must dare to dream and dare to stretch beyond. The impossible can become possible,” It turned out to be true, because we truly got our consert! I can compare it with the fact that I was born too early. I was born in 1995 in week 23, in those days babies born that early really had no hope of survival. Norway had not so much equipment then, as we have now. It was not normal that they were trying to save babies who were born in week 23. But they did!! And it went well with me. The doctors did not think I would learn to walk, or eat by myselff. They believed that it was impossible, but I learned them –that it was not.
The Breivoll Experience team has often been told of our classmates that we will never manage to get Bruce Springsteen to Nordby for our event. They say i`s impossible. But this does not prevent us from trying. If you don’t show up – at least we tried. But ….if you show up – it will give us a great experience that we will never forget. A memory for life.
The impossible can become possible!
Regards Mariell, 16 years.
We who are from the Breivoll Experience team wants to change our village. It`s only two leisure clubs here, and one of them is in danger of being closed down. It's really very little to do for young people in general here. That can lead to more minors begin to experiment with alcohol, possibly drugs, etc. With Breivoll Experience we want to make a difference.
Our group leader, Rikke, said: "There are too many of us walking through life without even try to do something good for this world". It can`t be more correct than that! For it is true. Too many people are wasting their life doing nothing. That's what's so great to be in the Breivoll Experience team- you get the chance to make a difference to the community, and maybe even inspire others!
We had our first concert on September 17.last year, and it went incredibly well! The road to the concert was not just a bed of roses, for it was much to be done, and this required a lot of time. But who said it would be easy? We did it, we learned a lot about cooperation and unity, and we had a great time! That's what counts. Both our families, friends of our families, and the media got involved, and that has been a great help! Without them it might not been any concert.
I remember the day I was taken out of class by a teacher. He told me that it had something to do with a concert. After school, the same day if I remember correctly, I was told to meet in the auditorium with several others. None of us knew what we were doing there, or why we were picked out. We were only told that it had something to do a concert. I really thought that we should help someone who would hold a concert at our school, or that we should create / participate in a concert to a school closure.
Eventually, two adults entered the room and they changed our vision: "You must dare to dream and dare to stretch beyond. The impossible can become possible,” It turned out to be true, because we truly got our consert! I can compare it with the fact that I was born too early. I was born in 1995 in week 23, in those days babies born that early really had no hope of survival. Norway had not so much equipment then, as we have now. It was not normal that they were trying to save babies who were born in week 23. But they did!! And it went well with me. The doctors did not think I would learn to walk, or eat by myselff. They believed that it was impossible, but I learned them –that it was not.
The Breivoll Experience team has often been told of our classmates that we will never manage to get Bruce Springsteen to Nordby for our event. They say i`s impossible. But this does not prevent us from trying. If you don’t show up – at least we tried. But ….if you show up – it will give us a great experience that we will never forget. A memory for life.
The impossible can become possible!
Regards Mariell, 16 years.
Oyvins letter:
Hey Bruce!
Breivoll Experience is for me about accomplish something, and to gather community here at Nordby to do something together. It`s also about to prove that no dream is too big for us to manage and , if we truly believe in ourselves….and if we pull the right handles to get it to work.
We have a dream that one day we'll get you here to Breivoll Experience along with guitar. The project is about more than that for me, it`s about young people beeing able to accomplish something big! If we one day get you, The Boss to enter our stage, we have proven that we can turn heads and blown away all doubts!
In the meantime… it's about making the best out of this. I am convinced that if everyone puts heart and soul in a dream, they will get it fulfilled a very good day. We did Breivoll Experience last year, and it was absolutely terrific. It would be great and maintain this concert so it could become a tradition, if not a day, a great big festival. Made by the youth – for all the people in our village.
Breivoll Experience is for me about accomplish something, and to gather community here at Nordby to do something together. It`s also about to prove that no dream is too big for us to manage and , if we truly believe in ourselves….and if we pull the right handles to get it to work.
We have a dream that one day we'll get you here to Breivoll Experience along with guitar. The project is about more than that for me, it`s about young people beeing able to accomplish something big! If we one day get you, The Boss to enter our stage, we have proven that we can turn heads and blown away all doubts!
In the meantime… it's about making the best out of this. I am convinced that if everyone puts heart and soul in a dream, they will get it fulfilled a very good day. We did Breivoll Experience last year, and it was absolutely terrific. It would be great and maintain this concert so it could become a tradition, if not a day, a great big festival. Made by the youth – for all the people in our village.
Regards Oyvin, 16 years
Our song- called The roof of our Village.
One of the verses is in English, and this is it:
One of the verses is in English, and this is it:
There will come a day
when a man comes along
He brings his guitar and he will sing his song
to the people of Nordby he will stand strong
Mr. Springsteen`s the name
and he`ll meet us at home
And I know and you know
that magic is near
when those who believe
find their dreams flying there
in the steps we are taking
in the walls that we climb
in the songs of the people
that colors the sky
The rest of the song is about a young boy dreaming about setting colors in his community, and that no on should ever take away his dreams. No matter what they say - hang on. He`s got the greates gift in life - the belief that he can make a difference.
The rest of the song is about a young boy dreaming about setting colors in his community, and that no on should ever take away his dreams. No matter what they say - hang on. He`s got the greates gift in life - the belief that he can make a difference.
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