Erin Does Dallas – Supernatural Style

I’ve had a busy year. I have done more events and more traveling this year than I have ever done in the past. No event though was more anticipated than the Supernatural Convention. Sandi, Jessica and I had planed on being in Nashville this last June and when that had to be moved up, we chose to go to the Dallas homecoming show instead. So, this last weekend was 15 months in the making. 15 months of planning and waiting and getting excited. The build up was so long that I worried it could never live up to what I was creating in my mind. I shouldn’t have worried. Worth every second we waited. Worth every penny we spent. I now know why so many SPN Con goers are repeat offenders.

I have done other conventions before. Large scale, multiple show cons and cons for one show only. None of them were on the level of the Supernatural experience. The cast seemed to legitimately enjoy spending time with the
fans. They were sincere and fun and more interactive than I ever could have guessed. They teased us about our questions. They understood all of the small details we put into every tumblr post. They get us. And they like us! Or, are very good at acting like they do. We were able to spend a lot of extra time with both Mark Pellegrino and Mark Sheppard on Saturday night and they were incredible. Funny, inspiring, brilliant and kind. I cannot say enough, how meaningful it was to get life advice from Mark Sheppard who is not only an incredible actor but an exceptionally insightful human being. The experience was life changing. And though he made fun of me, he didn’t seem to mind that I had indulged in bottle or two.

Karaoke on Friday night felt like a private concert. All of our favorite songs were made better by singing them out loud with our friends and cast members. Horrible singing at karaoke can cause serious headaches. Surprisingly, this was never the case here. Not everyone had the balls to get up on stage but everyone that did had the full backing of the entire audience. We were all in it together. It was difficult to keep from getting emotional while shouting the lyrics to “Carry On Wayward Son” with a room full of people who love it just as much as I do.

The panels were a great time as well. Such a fun way to learn more about our favorite actors and shows. The guys all really let their personalities shine while indulging our every whim and fancy. I would swear on a stack of bibles that I have never laughed so hard in my life. These guys are not only actors, but performers. They know how to put on a show. Not gonna lie, the hug requests nearly made me postal but I can understand the desire to ask. Everyone who appeared on Friday and Saturday was willing to personalize autographs and they were all fully interactive with us while signing. It probably should not have been such a big deal because of the financial transaction that took place behind the scenes, but it was a big deal. It felt good.

Sunday was our day with the boys. THE BOYS. It started with breakfast where their mere presence caused me to shake with excitement. I have watched these Sunday morning breakfasts on YouTube more times than I can count but there is absolutely no way to prepare for how incredible it is in person. It’s unreal how intimate it feels despite sharing it with a room full of people.

Photos were after that. Our chance to get them all to ourselves for all of 15 seconds. When I tell you that I was TERRIFIED to face Jensen, I am giving myself a lot of credit. Terrified does not even begin to encompass the fear I had going into that room. Chatting with new friends while waiting in line was a great distraction for a while. Huge thanks to Lynn and all of the ladies with her. Sandi took her photo first and was sweet enough to let the boys know how very scared I was. I thought Jessica would go next since that was how we were standing in line but, before I knew it, she was literally shoving me right at them. And then I was there. Standing face to face with two of the most gorgeous people who have ever graced the planet. They were beyond sweet. Concerned for me even. Jared rubbed my arm as Jensen informed me that my nerves were making him nervous. And then he demanded a hug. “Come here! Give me a hug!” I died. and then leaned into him as I let loose the cheesiest grin I have ever worn on my face. As I walked off, Jared rubbed my back and thanked me for being a good sport. Thanked me. What is that, even? And it must be said, as it has been said many times before, looking at Jensen from 6 inches away is like looking directly at the sun. Pure, heavenly, magic.

Their panel was better than great. They know what we like and they know how we like it. I had all these ideas going in. I was going to take a ton of pics and sneak some video, tweet the entire thing. But I could not tear my eyes off of them long enough to even pick up my camera or phone. Thank the unicorns Sandi was able to get some great shots. Without her amazing pictures, I could be convinced that the entire thing was just a dream. The autographs were our last chance to see them and they went by way too fast. Before we knew it, the whole thing, 15 months of anticipation, was over. Done. I feel like crying just saying it out loud.

During one of the panels, a cast member equated the Supernatural fandom to a secret society. This is not a show that is watched by everyone and their grandma. And for us, it is not a show we watch with anything less than our entire selves. I get that now. I wish I could hug each one of the fans that helped make the weekend so magical for me. Love you all.

To Sandi and Jess: you are my family. There are not words in any language to express how much I love y’all. I will never forget Jessica’s napkin, Sandi’s afro or late night, secret elevator rides. I would sell my soul at the crossroads if either one of you needed me to. Thank you for everything.

If any of you SPN fans get the opportunity to attend a convention, I demand that you take every advantage. Do it. Go. I swear to you that you will never be sorry that you did. I never will be.