Memories/Looking back: March 2019

Memories/Looking back: March 2019

For this blog's first anniversary (February, 10th) I did a blog post in which I talked about posts I posted in February 2019, shared memories. I also said that it could be an idea to do this monthly, around the 10th of the month (for that month 2019). Due the current circumstances that slipped my mind the 10th, and now I thought it would be nice to still do, only a little later. During these times of staying inside, more time for writing and reading are created and looking back at beautiful Tom/Loki memories always is a great thing to focus on!

I wrote 10 blogs for March 2019, an amount I cannot reach for this March anymore unless I would write more blogs per day.. I've sift through the March 2019's blogs and man.. Where I've wrote a lot about Tom/Loki in February, I didn't in March.. Perhaps it was a bit quiet around him in March before the opening of Betrayal? But as to be read in my header, Goddess of Loki is not a news blog (I make exceptions every now and then) but a personal blog. Mostly I'm sharing the news via Instagram & Facebook.

Let's share a few blogposts of March 2019:

1. Carnaval

The month got kicked off by a blog about Carnaval, something similar like Halloween (only than less scary & the dressing up & partying continues for 5 days in a row. This year I wore my Angel outfit with a purple wig, as purple is a highly spiritual colour. It really took me a while to get into the fun time this year, I notice every year I'm less and less looking forward to the Carnaval. But it remains a lovely tradition and I had a lot of fun the last two days. A storm was expected for the Sunday, so Sunday's activities got postponed to Monday.

On my personal Facebook page (Dutch) I was planning of writing a post about the Carnaval as well because this year's carnaval is now a month ago. In the past month so much has changed that it feels like it was much longer ago. It's almost unthinkable that a month ago we all stood so close to each other, partying with 1000+ people.. while now for our own safety we are taking distance from each other and events/meetings with more than 3 people are cancelled. It's a strange, strange world.. It seems that this year's carnaval caused more trouble than it did good, because the only two provinces of our country that celebrate it (Noord Brabant & Limburg, the one I'm living in), relatively have the most COVID_19 infections. If you ask me, there's a chance that these kind of big events are no longer responsible in the future. Who knows, we'll see. Health always comes first and the memories we will cherish!

2. Disney Plus First Arrives in the Netherlands

This was a little news blog when it got announced that Disney Plus first arrived in the Netherlands. I wrote: "According to insiders, Disney + is coming to the Netherlands this year!" No lie there, Disney Plus arrived here in October and they offered a free period of a month before the streaming service device went live for real in several countries (don't know all exact countries) on November the 12th. We were able to test the device, however I did not used it much (that's why I cancelled mine in December) because of time and because of that there was no app for my TV. I read that still not all TVs or providers are supporting the app, I hope that has changes before the Loki Series comes because then I definitely re-subscribe!

3. Captain Marvel Review

Sadly there're no new movies to review this March and probably for April too, because of the corona-crisis all movies have postponed. And that's for the best because it's not necessary for anyone to risk their health. If you ask me, last year was a great movie year. Captain Marvel, Dumbo, Aladdin, Endgame and my personal winner: Joker. I just re-read my Captain Marvel review and since Tom Hiddleston is my huge inspiration, I do take my chance of mentioning him where I can. So I also did that in my Captain Marvel review, read below the first part of this review:

"Men, beware! Also in the film-industry, the women are after a take-over, so it looks. We will most definitely see it happening in this year’s superheroes films. After the Marvel male related superheroes such as Thor, Iron Man, Captain America & Black Panther, now it‘s up to actress Brie Larson (In my Dutch review I couldn't resist on mentioning here that she‘s also known for the movie Kong: Skull Island in which my favorite Marvel actor Tom Hiddleston has a big role. Even if we will see Loki in Endgame, I know he‘s one of the characters I can‘t mention for my Endgame review..) to crawl into the skin of a superhero: Captain Marvel! Also, later this year Marvel will release the movie: ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ which will also be dominated by (not all heroes) female characters. Talked about this: We've seen it at DC too with ‘Wonder Woman’, earlier ‘Catwoman’ and the ‘Supergirl’ show (from which was made a movie in the 80s and apparently there are plans for a new Supergirl film). I thought it was very accurate for me to go see ‘Captain Marvel on International Women’s Day! However, if you just look at the title, you might just not directly assume it concerns a woman. When a few years ago I first got crossed with the title ‘Captain Marvel’, before knowing any details, I assumed it would be a male character. (No, ain’t really a comics-reader..) Funny thing I recently read in a blog titled ‘Everything you need to know about the new Captain Marvel film!’ from Wilson Worldwide Productions (Award-winning Film & TV production company which I am following on Instagram), that the character originally was a man!"

No Captain Marvel Photo here, I choose to add a photo
of both Tom & Brie in Kong: Skull Island instead.

4. Avengers / X-Men Crossover (Fanfiction I wrote)

Here I shared the first three chapters of this Avengers / X-Men Crossover fanfiction I wrote, if you want to read it, you need to click the link. It also links to the story on wattpad (also posted on other fanfiction sites) where you can find more chapters. I must say I haven't had much inspiration for this story ever since, so I'm afraid I haven't updated it much.. Also I don't know if what's in the blog is up to date (edits).

Summary story:

This is a crossover with the characters Charles Xavier, Magneto & the Wolverine of Marvel‘s X-Men (First Class). The characters of the Avengers series are: Loki, Thor, Tony Stark & Bucky Barnes. From the Guardians of the Galaxy I added Rocket & Teenage Groot. 

Charles Xavier has called the Asgardian Gods and Logan to protect his 'powerful' twin sister Charlene, against the God Apocalypse. Meanwhile Magneto made a team out of Tony Stark, Bucky Barnes & the two smallest members of the Guardians of the Galaxy to go join them.

5. Official Betrayal Photo's 

Does this blogpost need any more explanation? Exactly what I thought a year ago, because I wrote:

"No headline. A photo strong like this one, doesn't need an extra headliner. Emma & Jerry holding hands and Robert with his head down a little afar from them. The feeling, the emotions. What a small photo can do."

Above is a edit I made and sent as a card to the theatre. It has a few of the photo's made by Marc Brenner, obviously the theme of this blogpost, in it. Relive your memories!

6. Tom Hiddleston on Only Artists 

Oh this was such an inspiring piece of radio! Tom talked about what he listened to for the role of Loki and he also mentioned other stunning film music like Chariots of Fire! I write a lot about music too, did a Top 2000 blog in December but this blog definitely can use more posts about music. To gain positivity on Facebook's timeline, I'm currently doing a music ABC on my personal page. Perhaps when I'm finished, I can share the whole list here. I can give you today's song: 

7. Endgame

Three photo's with one line:  "The only posts that matters today:" It was the day Tom posted Loki's Endgame picture on his social media! My heart almost stopped that day!

8: Dutch Comic Con 

This blogpost about Dutch Comic Con was my first (and only for the moment) Comic Con experience. Oh where I said that this year's Dutch Comic Con was still happening (as a response of Boston's Con got cancelled), only with a few extra corona rules, they still had to cancel it after all (postponed to July as it seems now). Not only because of the many guests couldn't come due Trump's travel-ban, our country also announced a event-ban from March to June. Just like the Carnaval, in the current times, an event like Comic Con (& the crowded trains -due defect trains- during the ride home we experienced last year!) now totally seem so unreal and irresponsible. 

I just mentioned that I'm doing a music ABC on my personal Facebook page. On the 24th of this month it was the letter C. I chose for the Corrs with the song Breathless, a song that always reminds me of the episode (3x21) of Charmed in where Prue turns into a dog to track down her sister Phoebe who had turned into a Banshee (see video below). When Prue turns back to herself (end of the episode) you'll hear this song. When I hear this song it takes me back to my great memories of Charmed and especially to Shannen Doherty, who portrayed Prue in the series. I met her at Dutch Comic Con 2019 and on the 24th of March it was exactly one year ago. I found it beautiful that on this date exact, it was the turn to post a song from a artist with the letter C. I don't believe in coincidence and like Prue used to say in the series a lot: "Everything happens for a reason."

 

I have experienced my photo op & meeting with Shannen in the autograph line as a really lovely experience. Shannen is a warm, kindhearted person and I admire her for her strength. Over the years she has inspired me and many people over the entire world and among others did she let hear her voice for animal rights. Here's a line about Shannen's Panel that I wrote in my blogpost from 2019:

"One person told her how much she admired her for how open she was during the time of her disease (something similar I wrote in the letter) and asked her if she had any tips for someone who went through it right now."

Shannen's Q&A truly was worth every word and it was amazing to see her interaction with fans. She shared how she went through her breast cancer and shared that people shouldn't lose hope, shouldn't give up. Also Shannen has always been very open about her disease on social media. I remember that she posted a very emotional video in where her hair got shaved off. You have to be a very strong person to share a video of a vulnerable moment like that. I've really got a lot of respect for this! And indeed, I've always seen Shannen as a strong, independence woman and that's also how I experienced seeing her at Dutch Comic Con. It truly broke my heart when I found out that now her cancer has returned, in a crucial 4th stadium. The whole world is now fighting the same enemy, the same disease, namely the coronavirus, but let us also think of the people who also have to fight against other persistent diseases! 

Shannen, meeting you was an experience I shall never forget. Thank you for all the love, fun, light & strength you have brought to this world💓. I wish you and your family a lot of strength, light and lots of love!

I will keep on cherishing this moment always💙

Hereby I'll end this blogpost,

for everyone:

Stay safe & strong, stay home, hand out a helpful hand to the people who need it, be kind for each other, lighten the earth and don't loose faith!

xx

*digital hugs*

Nicole from the Netherlands

Earth Keeps On Turning

Dear readers,

We were already connected due the one person that has inspired us in so many ways: Tom Hiddleston. I feel that now we are all connected more than ever while we all have to go through a not so fine period, are all fighting the same enemy. I've had my first stay-home week last week. Awareness slowly arrived within the week and I did what I could, offered my grandma help for groceries so that she was able to stay home safe. Writing has helped me before in not to loose my faith and while the days passed, inspiration to address this subject came. I would like to share this blogpost with you all.

Wherever you are, wherever you live, dear Tom Hiddleston, dear Hiddlestoners, dear everyone who's reading this! :: I'm sending you my love, all good thoughts and I wish that you are safe and healthy. Please be kind for everyone around you, offer a helpful hand where you can and pray for the world to get better real, real soon! ::

With love & health,

Nicole from the Netherlands

💓 "Earth Keeps On Turning" 💗

Over the entire world, country after country is (partly) locked down. However, still earth keeps on turning. 

We humans are used to have full planned days, mostly let to the feeling of running out of time. Now we are forced to take a step backwards. The schools are closed, restaurants, bars and stores are closed too and those able to take their jobs home, work from home. 

 Events, big or small + other social activities are cancelled and holidays we were delighted towards, are postponed. Meanwhile, earth keeps on turning. 

The streets are empty and awfully silent. The daily life imprinted in our systems, seems to have stopped. But life is absolutely not shut down! Earth keeps on turning and so does life. A lot is happening around us. In short: the world is changing, now more clearly visible than ever. Not all changes are likable, but occasionally they are needed. One has developed a huge desire for a change, the other feels only fear (for changes). Running away is no option. The situation now standing in front of us, confronts and affects all of us. The question is, how are you dealing with what comes your way? I cannot judge about what someone else is feeling or is going through. All I can say is that I do not choose fear. I choose love, a choice we all have! 

These times do certainly invite us to look a little more inside, within ourselves. Are you happy? Is there anything you want to change? How do you really feel inside? No, we do not stand still. You may now feel that you are forced to stay at home. Fill it the way you want to fill it (as long as it doesn’t go against your country’s official rules, they’re currently still different everywhere). Perhaps you've always wanted to do something artistically or, like me, have some extra time to for writing. That’s given to you now. I see beautiful actions for the most vulnerable groups of people getting created. The media is full of like everything and I see a lot flashing my timeline, but the kind of messages I pay attention to are the ones created from love. They are the ones that light up our very own earth. 

There’s less traffic, less people are using the public transport and there’s less air traffic because worldwide flights are cancelled. But, guess what: earth keeps on turning! Perhaps you’re thinking, why does she keep using this sentence? I can explain. The things I’ve summed up above, I think aren’t all bad at all. Life on earth started many billions years ago and ever since then she has given herself to the many creatures of various shapes and sizes who were she has granted a house to. From single-celled organisms to dinosaurs, mammals and our ancestor, the great ape. For decades, Mother Earth has been begging for our attention, has she literally trying to shake us as a wake-up call and has she shred her tears and showed her anger in the shape of giant cataclysms. Sadly by the largest group of the world’s population, these calls hardly or do not come through. I'm not saying that abstaining things a month or so will do much, but now we have the opportunity to see what really matters and to make the oh so needed changes! 

Earth connects. Animals, plants, our fellow residents, from our neighbors to the people on the other side of the world. Shortly said, all who’re breathing in the same air are connected. It might feel like we’re all so far apart now, especially when now borders close in more and more countries. Still, the words is connected, now more than ever. To feel and experience this connection Mother Earth is asking us to remember who we truly are and to let go of what no longer belongs to us. To respect each other, to stop the judgments among us. We all need each other because together we are one! One unit. Now the moment has come. To let our natural light shine, to let powerful positive thoughts flow that’ll fulfill our dreams. 

 💖“Have faith that there are still beautiful times ahead of us, on sunny paths yet to be walked on.” 💝

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

💙Originally, my post had ended here. However, I got so inspired by the the warmhearted action of Sander Hoogendoorn from the Dutch radio channel 3FM. His idea was to let to hear Gerry & the Pacemakers song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at the same time, on different radio stations. At Friday the 20th, on 8:45 (Dutch time) the song eventually was on 46 Dutch radio stations. But that wasn't all. In total it was to be heard on more than 180 stations in more than 30 countries! (Among others  England, Belgium, Germany and Romania)

I have to share the video 3FM made from all the fragments they received from all kinds of different radio stations and from people who listened:



I want to end this blogpost with the lyrics of this song. Something I still 100% support is: “#MusicConnects!”, But no matter how you do it, when it comes from your heart you spread love and inspire others to do so too. 💛

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm

There's a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

A small amount of all stations, had to cut and paste a bit to make it fit

Music Inspiration (Top 2000/Christmas)

Christmas for me means family time, sharing, raising the glass and music meaning: Top 2000! ♫ In this blog I'm sharing my love for music before we'll start the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄🎅

Tom about the Nutcracker

I really enjoyed listening to Tom Hiddleston's childhood memories about Tchaikovsky's the Nutcracker  (listen below). I always love to hear Tom speaking so passionate about the things he loves and just imagine Little Tommy listening to a beautiful art of music: aww😍 I really appreciate the classical music and every now and then (when writing) I turn on Mozart or Beethoven, but in today's blog the music mentioned are quite a different genre.. Tomorrow starts an inspiring music program as well, hosted by my very own favorite radio channel. It's called the Top 2000 and just like for Tom Hiddleston and many others, music is a very important factor in my life and in this post I'll want to share my love for these 35 songs I gave my vote to this year.


The Top 2000

NPO Radio 2's Top 2000 is a yearly music list airing from Christmas until December the 31st, 23:59 (directly followed by ABBA - Happy New Year). From the 1st until the 7th of December you were able to vote, filling in a list of max. 35 songs, a hard job because if you ask me, picking only 35 songs is quite a challenge! I called it the most important vote of the year. Some songs are rusted up in my yearly list. However every year there are songs that have a special story, especially for this year and therefore those songs made it to this list. Also that is what the Top 2000 is, looking back on memories born this year before celebrating the arrival of the next year. One of the things I love most about the voting is filling in the motivation of why I chose that particular song. Here's my list of songs I voted for this year.


My Top 2000 list:

(Alright, I'm a bad calculator, but I do know that below are 36 songs instead of 35: the why is explained.)

1. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Maid of Orleans 

If you read my blog regularly, you know I'm a very spiritual person. Last year I heard this song on a spiritual night that had all to do with strong women from the past who have meant something for the world. Maid of Orleans is about Joan of Arc, one of the strong women the evening was about. I recognized the song but I didn't knew who it was. Two months later I heard it in the Top 2000, quickly made a screenshot in the app so that I would remember the name of the song (the artist name is one I easily forget..). It's one of the songs I do listen a lot now and after everything I've grew in the last year, it truly needed to be on top of my list!

It's such a beautiful song, listen here:

2. Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way  

When I hear this, I often think that this song is giving me a message. A message to follow my dreams by simply going my own way. This is something I'm really trying to do. It's something I would advice everyone to do, although it doesn't always seem to be easy. One thing is clear: How hard it's going to be, the path is there! The song seems to come to me on moments I need to be remembered by it. Local coverbands do often play this one a lot and last year I heard Fleetwood Mac live on Pinkpop. Go Your Own Way always hits me, and it does get me emotional from time to time..

3. Guns n’ Roses – November Rain 

This is one of my all time favorite classics. In this list, I will never skip November Rain. It's just such a beautiful song and I do remember the rainy videoclip with the wedding, the funeral and Slash playing the guitar outside the church very clearly. It disappeared out of the top 10 last year, I hope one day it'll be back in it.. Often on family-days when a Guns n' Roses song is playing, people tell a story about little toddler Nicole.. I'll explain that one when we'll reach Knocking on Heavens Door.

Something else, I actually never have seen the original Guns n' Roses live but next June I get my chance when they're standing on Pinkpop, a Dutch festival. So.. who's coming with me?

4. Nirvana – The Man Who Sold The World

I dare to say that I find Nirvana's version better than David Bowie's version. Even though many will disagree, Nirvana surely beats the original version in this music top.. Nirvana is one of my favorite of all times and I just love the Unplugged in New York album. Perhaps this was the album that made me fell in love with Nirvana, even though I knew some of their other songs. Some say: Nirvana is one you hate or love.. Well, I love it!

5. Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song 
Okay, I admit, this song has entered my list the year that Thor: Ragnarok hit the theaters: 2017. I can't believe I had never heard this one before, while of course I knew some songs of Led Zeppelin. We come from the land of the ice and snow! This song always makes me laugh and it reminds me of some hilarious Loki/Thor moments: (Get Help..) It's an epic underrated song. I hosted a intro music quiz (based on the Top 2000) the other day and only one person guessed the artist while nobody knew the title..

This year they have added a function where you can see a statistic of how the song has been doing it during all editions of the Top 2000. See here how Thor Ragnarok made it increase in 2017:

6. Neil Young – Keep on Rocking in the Free World 

You know, you're able to visit the Top 2000 café every year. It's just that with one ticket (they're cheap and sold out fast!), you're allowed to stay for 30 minutes. This was one of the songs that was playing last year when I was there. It's the only one I remember because it was the only real good song I heard in there. I shall always be remembered to that when I hear this song. I used to have the title written on a sticker bought at Pinkpop, it's a great motto indeed.

7. Electric Light Orchestra – Don’t Bring Me Down 

Speaking of great motto's, this definitely is one too! This is one of the songs I have listened to this year a lot, therefore (and because it's awesome!) it's in the list. The beauty of the list is that there always songs in it that have a extra special meaning that particular year. This year I've learned that I'm stronger than I think I am..

8. Guns n’ Roses – Knockin' on Heavens Door 

Back in the days when I was 2 (long time ago, I don't remember it haha) a TV channel, probably MTV aired a daily Top 5. The early 90s seemed to be the years of Guns n' Roses, Mr. Big, Metallica and Ugly Kid Joe, as these were the artists my parents told me I enjoyed to listen to everyday. They sat me in front of the TV, watched me trying to sing along during Knockin' on Heavens door, while obviously all I brabbled was "Ai ai ai".. Even back then, I knew what good music was!

9. Nirvana – In Bloom 

One of Nirvana I've started to appreciate more and more the last two years. Also this one entered the Top 2000 last year. The best version of this song I think is not the regular version, but the version that's on the Nevermind Deluxe album. I don't know, it's just a little different.

10. Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven 
I wished this was the number 1. It's such a beautiful song. Last year Stairway to Heaven disappeared out for the top 3 because of Billy Joel's Piano Man (not a bad song either..) and this year it ended up on place 5. Well, at least it's still in the top 5! The other day my father showed me a video of a version of Stairway To Heaven sung by the singer of Heart. Who thinks women can't sing should definitely listen to this: Stairway to Heaven by Heart

11. The Eagles – Hotel California 
The forever number 2 (however it actually did beat Bohemian Rhapsody a few years ago..). Such a beautiful song, can't skip it!

12. Boston – More Than A Feeling 
According to my father, this is the best song in the world! It indeed is a real, real good song!

13. Lex Uiting – Nao ‘t Zuuje
This is a local song, very local song. It's from the city where I visited the 'vote-bus' (see below). Actually it's a slightly emotional, carnaval (link to the blog I wrote about this subject in March) ballade. It entered the list last year and that gave such a proud feeling. Note: I'm not that crazy of Carnaval, but a little I can have..

14. Elton John – Circle of Life
The Lion King (1994) still is one of my favorite movies and Elton John's Circle of Life always brings me back to the Pride Lands! 

15. Wham – Last Christmas 
It's almost Christmas and my favorite Christmas song can't miss! However this month I have listened to Christmas Was A Friend Of Mine a lot, so I think I have one more Christmas song that enters my list next year!

16. Jason Paige - Gotta Catch'm All (Pokémon theme song) 
Okay, in 2015 this song was voted in due a FB action.. I thought it was funny, as long as if it's not that extreme (Top 10 for example). Yeah I gave it a vote again and that resulted (as usual) in a discussion with my father. "If you can't find 35 better songs.." I might leave it out next year then.. The radio channel has a game 'The Top 2000 Shuffle' in which you get 5 random songs from the last Top 2000. For each song you got to say No or Yes (if you want to hear it) and if you reach the last song, that one automatically will be played. During the voting week they did this game like every two hours. I was lucky enough to be selected for playing the game and I already feared the Pokémon song to be my first choice.. and that was the case! I made the DJ laugh by telling the story about the discussion with my father but I turned the song down.. I went to the 5th song: a Michael Jackson song, not bad.

17. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit 
Another Nirvana song: Yep, and it's not the last one! The ultimate rock song!

18. Bon Jovi – Bed Of Roses 
Bed of Roses is such a beautiful song. I once said they should play it on my funeral. 

Isn't this beautiful? :

I wanna lay you down in a bed of roses
For tonight I sleep on a bed of nails
Oh, I wanna be just as close as the Holy Ghost is
And lay you down on a bed of roses

19: Europe – The Final Countdown 
In the motivation I wrote this is the perfect nr. 1 for the Top 2000 (instead of Bohemian Rhapsody).. Because of "The Final Countdownnnnn" and then it's 2020, you know.. Never going to happen.

20. Muse – Uprising 
One of my favorite bands of the century! And I think Uprising is their best song. I have seen Musest (Muse Coverband) two times now. Muse is definitely on my list too!

21. Linkin Park – In The End 
Another example of a band from which the singer died way too soon! (a.o: Nirvana, INXS) Spoken of things the singers (Kurt Cobain & Michael Hutchence) have in common, Chester Bennington had such an amazing voice. 

22. ABBA – Waterloo 
Waterloo💓 My favorite ABBA song. Every time I hear it, my heart warms. And of course, it makes me think of my favorite country: England!

23. ABBA – S.O.S 
Also this ABBA song has something special. A few years ago I also had a great night when seeing a tribute-band of ABBA.

24. INXS – Never Tear Us Apart

I remember there were years I had added a lot of INXS songs to my list, some of them never actually came in the list and a few have disappeared last year. The singer Michael Hutchence had such a beautiful voice which is to its fullest in this song. I often say I am born like 20 or 30 years too late because the 80s truly were the years when lots of men had long hair. Unfortunately only a handful have such long locks nowadays. 

25. Michael Jackson – Leave Me Alone

If you have never seen this videoclip, you definitely should. It's a funny one with labradors. Around the time Michael Jackson died, we just had our labrador. One channel aired Michael Jackson videoclips non stop for days. So every time I hear this Michael Jackson song with the labradors in it, it reminds me of my own labrador. 🐶

26. Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is 

Just a really beautiful song!

27. Sly Fox – Let’s Go All The Way 

Funny story. This is a song I have heard a lot on the radio, but first the only thing I remembered was the beginning. That's something like: "sham sham zea" <-- googling that, no results of course.. However somehow I found it and when I requested it, the Radio DJ even played it. Unfortunately, the song hasn't made the final list. 

28. Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators – World On Fire

As for the motivation for this song I refer to a blog from June: Pinkpop/Music. My highlight of the the Pinkpop festival this year: The rocking sounds of Slash, Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators. I made the choice of going to stand in front at Slash's performance. That's something I don‘t choose to do often, or like ever. (You shouldn't do that at a performance of Rammstein or Rage Against the Machine for example, if you don‘t want to end up in the raging crowds or if you don‘t feel like you‘re standing so secure in your shoes, like me.) Since last year I‘m developing myself by stopping to see my legs-condition as an obstacle. It‘s like they are less a burden now, but of course there are some limits. But standing in front at Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators is not something I regret. I hope to see Slash again next year, when he comes with Guns n' Roses.

29. Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box 

One of the first songs of Nirvana I knew. I bought the single of this song. Unlike the videoclip, the image on the single is quite beautiful.


30. Nazareth – Love Hurts 
Really beautiful song, although some here at home disagree..


31. Ugly Kid Joe – Cats in The Cradle 
It's sad that there's no song from Ugly Kid Joe at all in the Top 2000. This one or Everything I Hate About You should have been in there!

32. Nirvana – Come as You Are 

Here's Nirvana again, you know me by now! I really like this song. As read in the title, this song is about being yourself. Don't pretend to be someone else. And a "No, I'm not going to judge you", perhaps is to read in the line: "No, I don't have a gun", Kurt keeps repeating.

33. Guns n’ Roses – Estranged 

Estranged perhaps is the less known sister/brother of November Rain. Give it a chance, because it truly is just as beautiful! A little lyrics: Cause I see the storm getting closer And the waves they get so high Seems everything we've ever known's here Why must it drift away and die..


34. Led Zeppelin – Kashmir
They made such great music, Led Zeppelin! I'll always enjoy this one for the full 8:30 minutes!


35: Giant – I’ll See You In My Dreams / Journey - Don't Stop Believing
I listed these two songs together because they kind of have the same meaning to me. I voted for I'll See You In My Dreams last year, but it's actually not in the voting list so I chose Don't Stop Believing from Journey instead. Never stop believing in your dreams, it's something I have mentioned in my blogs a lot. Ever since my teen years the song Don't Stop Believing came to me on moments when I was about to stop believing.. It's like it's the Universe's way to send me a reminder, a confirmation and it's so beautiful. It's something that gets me emotional too. You know one of my dreams is meeting Tom Hiddleston one day and when he was on the English Radio 2 (betrayal interview) the song Don't Stop Believing was played during that show or after it. And here it comes: Two hours later I switch back to the Dutch Radio 2 and on the very same moment there it is: Don't Stop Believing from Journey!

I would like to share the lyrics of I'll See You In My Dreams with you, see why I have fell in love with it:

Gone, the voice that used to fill the room is all but gone
An echo of a perfect love that ended wrong
Girl, we tried so hard when love was on our side
And yesterday will always be the reason why
You keep comin', you keep comin' back, you keep comin' back for more

I'll see you in my dreams
There we'll be safe tonight, from the lonely days of memory
I'll see you in my dreams, oh

Time, time will never be a friend of mine again
It tries to make your memory fade, but I won't let it end
Let the sun go down, so I can drift away
Let me close my eyes and live another day
You keep comin', you keep comin' back, you keep comin' back for more

I'll see you in my dreams
There we'll be safe tonight, from the lonely days of memory
I'll see you in my dreams, oh

The truth, oh it's there for you to see
Sometimes it's painful to be on your own, on your own

I'll see you in my dreams
There we'll be safe tonight, from the lonely days of memory
I'll see you in my dreams
Back in my arms again, and no matter what tomorrow brings
I'll see you in my dreams, oh, oh, oh

Visiting the 'Vote-Bus':

and I also visited the 'vote-bus' itself, as they had a stop somewhere close. So, on the 6th, just like many others, my alarm went on 6 o'clock and I was traveling to the location on 7:20. The only difference is that for most people if the alarm is set on 6 o'clock, its for work and definitely not for fun.. I'm not traveling towards the café this year, so I really liked it that the bus had a stop close to my home this year. The weather had turned into a December Rain and my feet were cold afterwards.. But I spoke with one of the DJs of the radio and of course scored me a photo. It was definitely worth wasting some sleep hours for! 

I hope you enjoyed my blogpost. And now let's go enjoy Christmas!

And I wish you a..

xx

Nicole

Tom Hiddleston at Fallon Tonight + The Avengers Theme Song in the City Hall's building..

Tom Hiddleston at Fallon Tonight

On the 25th of November Tom Hiddleston was a guest of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. It was a delighted, funny interview. Jimmy showed some of Marvel's exclusive footage of when Tom Hiddleston auditioned for the role of Thor in 2009. I had never seen footage of his audition with audio before. Really worth the watch!

Also Jimmy asked Tom to perform a good cry-act live and while the audience in the back were laughing, Tom managed to do so. I mean, I first came across of some screenshots of this on Instagram and I thought Jimmy shot him a question that resulted in him being emotional. Luckily it was an act.

They also mentioned the following, when Tom ran into Avengers cos-players at the Time Square: A adorkable (as one of my Tumblr followers stated) event!

Here's a clip of Tom's visit at the show of Jimmy Fallon:

I love this interview and I hope they'll release more footage of it!

The Avengers Theme Song in the City Hall's building

I've got to share this:

Also an accident/action 'totally me' occurred me today. Let me quote Tony Stark for that: "Guys, I'm bringing the party to you..", because when I accidentally played the Avengers Theme song loudly in the canteen, I brought the party to the colleagues (having lunch) of our City Hall.

I was testing the music, random music I had with me, in the area next to it (It's possible to link the hardware in both the areas) and apparently while testing it a wrong button got pressed (read, Thor: "I'm pressing every button on this thing!") and then... it was like Iron Man, Loki and Thor & Co just flew in because at that very moment I had the Avengers Theme Song playing. I heard no music, but the people in the canteen did. They heard the Avengers VERY LOUD, during lunch..

I'm often talking about that I do not always know how to make myself heard, but apparently I can.. when it accidentally happens.. Now tell me, what's better to be played in a local government building full of officials and people active in politics than the Avengers theme song? I call it: the perfect accident.. 😏

May I end November 26th's blogpost with a photo of my two new Funko members? With his claimy pose that Loki pop just asked for that particular line! Coincidence doesn't exist, these brothers just had to come in together (different orders)!

Love,

Nicole

Asgardian Music Band

Asgardian Music Band

Don‘t remove credits if reposting

And the music talk goes on, kind of. Who has not seen Thor‘s sad singing video? (This video posted by Chris Hemsworth himself.) Perhaps he‘s not quite the best singer.. and he‘s missing something, rather said: someone! For this moment: Let‘s pretend Adam from Only Lovers Left Alive is Loki. Right.. he‘s not looking so happy either! So who are they missing? Tony? Valkyrie? The Grandmaster? You? If you are able to sing without the cracking the windows and succeed in cheering them up, you've got the job!

Ragna-Rockin‘ Revengers

To relive some funny memories :).

Credits: see photo.

So because of a the Revengers being an 70 rockband meme that hit the internet like 1,5 year ago, I wrote this piece that was meant to be an interview with band members Thor, Loki, Tony & Bruce.. (I turned it into a 80/90s band though)

First let‘s check out their tracklist of the debut album:

Any suggestion for the next album?

My favorite bandmembers:

Don‘t remove credits if reposting.

Before the interview took place the interviewer took a picture of the present band members. Apparently Tony & Bruce were jealous of Thor and Loki‘s long hair so they decided to wear a wig.. (Tony‘s face wasn‘t easy!)

And here comes the interview I wrote: (If you want to share it, please mention this blogspot page or my IG/Wattpad name: @Goddess_of_Loki)

Please, don't take my made up interview to seriously ..

Interviewer: “I‘m here with Loki, Thor, Bruce and Tony Stark from the band Ragna-Rockin‘ Revengers to talk about their new album. Why doesn't the album have a name?”

Loki: “Because every one kept turning down the names I came up with!”

Thor: “Those names were all about you!”

Bruce: “Let‘s just say we couldn't get to a agree..” 

Interviewer: “Perhaps you should create a contest and let the fans decide, just saying.. Loki, did you wrote all of the songs?”
Loki: “Not all of them but Mischief & Thunder, Burdened with Glorious Purpose,  I Do What I Want, Little Blue Box and Kneel or I Stab You are definitely mine!”

Interviewer: “Yes about that last one you named. I heard that in some countries they forbid you guys to play that song.”
Loki: “You heard that right. I don‘t get all the commotion about it..”
Thor: “At one place we were sent away before we could play, because when they searched us they found out Loki actually had knives with him.”
Loki: “I always carry them around with me!”
Thor: “It‘s not like you were planning on tossing them into the public..”
Loki: “Hell no! They are mine, I‘m not giving them away!”

Interviewer: “Thor, have you written some songs too?”
Thor: “Yes, however Loki tens to edit my songs. For example Ride Your Hammer is mine, but it originally was called: Ride My Hammer but Loki refused to sing that..”
Tony: “Brothers..”

Thor: “Also Get Help is mine obviously. It‘s kind of a duet between me and Loki. You hear me say ‘Get Help?’ basically the whole time and then Loki reacts: ‘I‘m not doing!’
Tony: “Most annoying and ridiculous song I've ever heard or played!”

Interviewer: “But you do sing in another song too, right Thor?”
Thor: “Yes, I‘m doing the ‘Ah-ah, ah‘s’ and the ‘Ooh-ooh‘s’ in Immigrant Song. We covered that song from Led Zeppelin. We already gave them credits by using the original version in our epic battle video‘s, so they have no reason to sue us or anything..”

Loki: “I must confess I did stole a part of the lyrics of The Rainbow Bridge too. I just searched stuff about rainbows on the internet. The couplet is from a really cool TV-show!”
Tony: “It‘s from My Little Pony..”

*Manager Taika Waititi walks in* 

Tony: “Oh thank God Taika, those damn Shakespeare sisters are exposing all our secrets!”
Loki: “SHUT UP, you mewling-“ Tony: “Language!” *lowers his voice:* “I can‘t believe I just said that!”

Taika: “Boys, you haven‘t used anything again right?”
Loki: “Well, yesterday when we met Guns n‘ Roses at that festival their singer, what‘s his name again, Axl Flower gave us some really cool stuff!”
Thor: “Axl Rose you mean! And I think it wasn't him, but some other dude.”
Taika: “Please, don‘t accept anything from other rockers, okay?” *Lowers his volume:* “Lord, what‘s the point of managing Thor and Loki‘s pay checks anyway, if people just give them the stuff for free..”

Thor: “When will you give us our money? I want to buy a pet, a lion or something!”
Loki: “Why? We already have a Black Panther, what about a wolf?”
Taika: “Ah I remember, that‘s why. Your last pay checks are used for the insurance and damages costs of the incident at last week’s gig remember? By the way, why isn't the band completed?”
Thor: “T'Challa has gotten the flu last night and Loki had a fight with Valkyrie, that‘s why she isn‘t here.”

Loki: “Why can‘t we just replace her for the Grandmaster?”
Tony: “Hell no! Not another whack job! If she leaves I‘m going solo!”
Loki: “You threaten about going solo all the time..”

Interviewer: “Can we proceed the interview? I've read about that incident from last week, I‘d like to discuss that with you.”
Loki: “Yes!”
Taika: “All right then.”

Interviewer: “Bruce, can you tell me more about what happened last week?”
Bruce: “Well, we played the song I wrote, -not Hulk, he can‘t write- City Smash, god this is embarrassed.. The green guy showed up and smashed everything on stage.”
Interviewer: “Sounds terrible!” Bruce: “Yes, it was. Subject change please!”

Interviewer: “All right. If you look on the internet it‘s obvious you, Thor and Loki are the most popular ones. Which one of you do you think the fans find more attractive?”
Thor: “Me, of course!”
Loki: “I have more fan-girls!”
Thor: “For how long? If you keep playing with their hearts soon they will all hate you! You kind of wrote it in your own song: Madness Over Few Wasted Roses. For example: You give a rose to girl 1, then see girl 2 and give her a rose too. When they meet and find out you‘ll get the madness..”
Tony: “Another example of one of your idiotic songs..”

Interviewer: “I actually am a bit curious to hear your opinion about the fact that most of the songs are related to Thor and Loki.”
Tony:  “I‘m glad my song Always an Avenger (Nicole: idk why I didn't come up with a better title) wasn't cut, otherwise I would have gone solo.”
Loki: “Actually Smells Like Iron On Fire is about you too. I assume you would smell even worse if you‘re on fire!”
Tony: “That‘s it! Screw you guys, I‘m going home!”

Interviewer: “Time to wrap this up. Any last words?”
Loki: “Kneel!”
Thor: “Come on, brother! Thank you for having us!”
Loki: “Hey, last words are always mine! Buy our album guys and buy tickets for our shows!”

Tony‘s solo album is called: I Love You 3000!

The Marvel Bunch as extra bonus track?

If I got some more inspiration about an new tracklist + interview based on Endgame (with assuming they all live), you‘ll hear from me.

Pinkpop/Music

Music (I attended Pinkpop Festival last Monday)

This time the blog post is all about music. A subject that lies close to many people‘s hearts. Therefore I don‘t think many of you will bother to read a post like this here. For me personally music does a lot. My taste in music is big. When in a certain mood, I only need to listen to the music that fits my mood or brightens my day. Sometimes that‘s Nirvana, other times INXS, Muse, Fleetwood Mac or anything else. Music inspires many people too, including Tom for the role of Loki (In this Only Artist fragment he mentioned that he listened to the song Mind Heist by Zack Hemsey for the role of Loki, and we know he got a lot of inspiration from listening to the Prodigy too.) He also shared 'Song of the Day' tweets now and then back in the days.

One of Tom‘s old 'Song of the Day' tweets.

Last weekend was a busy, but fun weekend. While in London the last performance of Betrayal happened on Saturday, here in Holland we approached an holiday (Pentecost) weekend. (Sunday and Monday) All three days I had fun things to do. On Saturday I visited an event that was all about healthy food/ healthy lifestyle, on Sunday I had a private event and on Monday I traveled to Landgraaf, where the yearly Pinkpop festival was held. This music festival had names like Slash ft Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, Fleetwood Mac, Bastille & the Pretenders this last day. 

My Betrayal card I send to the theatre last April

A little background talk

Pinkpop is one of the largest Dutch music festivals. It‘s held in Landgraaf, an hour driving from where I live. Pinkpop is founded by Jan Smeets. He‘s known as a true Dutch hero, this year he even had his own statue on the festival. The festival had it‘s 50th anniversary this year. Can you believe my first visit was in 2013? Back then Green Day was the headliner. Awesome experience by the way, they were great!  That day I discovered their song 99 Revolutions, happy memories every time I hear the 2013 live on Pinkpop version. A amazing 50 year old festival this close to my home and I've only visited it 3 (Actually 4 times if Pinkpop Classic counts too) times.. I should go out more.. According to WikiPedia Pinkpop is the oldest and longest running annual dedicated pop and rock music festival in the world. Wow! The name Pinkpop actually comes from Pinksteren (Dutch name for Pentecost), because the festival is usually held on the Pentecost weekend. When on the Pentecost weekend, it‘s held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. But when the Pentecost weekend falls on a date in May (the next two years), the festival is held in June from Friday through Sunday. Pinkpop‘s logo/mascot is a black haired doll wearing a pink dress. Also that‘s to be referred in the name since 'Pop' is the dutch designation for 'Doll'.

Green Day - 99 Revolutions live at Pinkpop 2013

In 2007 Pinkpop gained a little sister, a spin off called Pinkpop Classic. Held in August with more classic bands, most who stood on Pinkpop many years ago. I've went to Pinkpop Classic with my father in 2013, the last edition because it was very hard for the organisation to book bands for this one. My father said if I came across of Jan I had to tell him to give Pinkpop Classic a comeback, but I only saw him standing on the stage in the distance.

Actually the Pinkpop first performance I saw was from Tom Odell. A beautiful performance. Pinkpop also is a stage for newer musicians, which he then was. Back then Tom Odell said: "I think this is the largest audience I've played for so far. Thank you for being here so early." Another great performance from 2013 was Kensington, a Dutch band. I even had seen them here in a local town that same year. Nowadays, if you want to see a Kensington concert, you have to book early since their shows in the Ziggo Dome are known to be sold out in a few hours. Even though Pinkpop wasn't sold out last Monday, I remember back in 2013 it felt far less crowded.

Kensington sparkled the sky at Pinkpop 2013

Spoken of sky shots. I took another one this year. One with a very grey looking sky. Not long after it gave us the first rain shower! Well, that‘s where the grounds got colored with all different colors of disposable raincoats (also by the people who indeed disposed them by flinging them off on the ground afterwards).

When Fleetwood Mac got announced, a voice inside me already got enthusiastic in wanting to attend the festival this year, and later when Slash got announced I knew that I needed to go! Why? In 2015 I saw a few songs of their Pinkpop performance that year, filmed by 3FM. Among others they aired You Could me Mine (Guns n‘ Roses cover) and World on Fire, one of their own songs. They were so great, with that (and especially because of World on Fire) I had found another music love, found out that Slash was much more than the guitarist of Guns n‘ Roses. Outcome: I so regretted my decision of not attending the event for 2 days that year. Slash and his band were there on Friday and I went on Saturday, mainly because of (my friends and I wanted to see) The Script (also they were great too). So I said to myself: Next time Slash is coming, I‘m definitely going! (Last minute I found three people to come with me, phew!) I had to wait 4 years, but hey nothing compared to the 6 years I‘m already waiting for 30 Seconds to Mars, another band I regretted not have seen live after seeing the performance (Plus point: Their whole performance was live to follow!) on the TV.

30 Seconds to Mars at Pinkpop in 2013. Photo by: Bart Notermans.

Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators

My highlight of the day: The rocking sounds of Slash, Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators. I only saw a few songs of the Pretenders because they played on another stage before, and you have to make choices when you want to stand in front at Slash‘s performance. (Light point: I could watch The Pretenders a day later at home, because it got aired and Slash‘s wasn't.) That‘s something I don‘t choose to do often, or like ever. You shouldn't do that at a performance of Rammstein or Rage Against the Machine for example, if you don‘t want to end up in the raging crowds or if you don‘t feel like you‘re standing so secure in your shoes, like me. Fun fact: In 1994, the Pinkpop crowds had caused a small earthquake at the performance of Rage Against the Machine. Since last year I‘m developing myself by stopping to see my legs-condition as an obstacle. It‘s like they are less a burden now, but of course there are some limits. But standing in front at Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators is not something I regret. Except for a moment when the camera‘s were in front of my face, however it‘s not aired anyway.. 

The performance was awesome, a great experience to live from up close-by. I was able to take some photo‘s as well. I've got no professional camera, you weren‘t allowed to bring them anyway, but the photo‘s are good enough for Facebook and Instagram. (Next year I think I need a new phone, perhaps I should deepen myself in it a bit more.) Unfortunately the sky had mistaken Slash for Splash because it gave us lots of Splash the entire performance. But I‘m definitely not made from sugar. I wore the raincoat again, only my shoes were dripping wet. 

But yes, they totally were my highlight. And of course they didn't skip my favorite song, World on Fire! For those who don‘t know the song or like the song, I would like to share the song. The band probably didn't gave permission for 2019‘s performance, but because they had given permission to air the song in 2015, I can share 2015‘s version. I like Myles interaction with the public in the middle of the song, he‘s such a great singer. Yeah, they definitely know how to entertain the public! Their new album and tour name is named Living the Dream ♥. Dream, one of my favorite words. Following my Dreams is something I‘m working on hard, so me standing in front of a performance of a music hero who‘s music I grew up with, (I babbled with the music of Guns n‘ Roses since I was a 2 year old toddler!) definitely is no coincidence! 

Had this posted on my Instagram a day before, my Slash pop was ready too!

(I also used my Slash pop last Halloween, to pretend Loki had dressed himself up as Slash for Halloween.)

Festival food

Mainly when spoken of festival food, you‘ll think of fastfood, the unhealthiest of the unhealthiest.. But a few years ago Pinkpop has introduced the Kalm aan Laan (Stay calm avenue), where lots of food trucks with healthy, organic and vegan were located. A very good initiative if you ask me. They had Pink (made from beet juice) vegetarian burgers, Banana bread, yoghurt, sweet potato fries, salades', name it. I took me a falafel burger (also pink), a piece of Banana bread (Too bad I didn't took a photo of the Banana bread counter, because they had more kinds and it looked and tasted delicious! But I‘m not the best at taking food pictures as you can see on the photo below..) and some frozen yoghurt (I guess the yoghurt thing is a tradition for me). So I managed to stay on the healthy course quite good. Only I took some fries before going home, to clear out my consumption's. (also bought a few souvenirs) You know at the healthy food event I visited last Saturday, they said it‘s okay to eat/snack unhealthy for 20% as long if you make sure to keep the healthy meter at 80%. And I stayed off the meat!

Festival outfit

Besides the famous pink Pinkpop hat (You can buy them on Pinkpop, also to support Amnesty International): What‘s the perfect festival outfit? Ideal is if the weather is good, so you can walk around in a top + short. Then you see people in bikini too. Not me, no definitely not! But when it‘s below 24 degrees, I can recommend bringing a little coat for when it‘s cooled down later in the evening. And don‘t forget to bring a small bottle of sun cream! (I also took bug spray with me, but didn't needed to use it.) Actually I would say: just wear what you feel comfortable in. (Once someone even made a pants from all the old pink Pinkpop hats, but I‘m not that creative!)

My dog with the 2013 hat (photo is a few years old) and this year‘s Pinkpop hat

I like to wear something that shows my love for music. I wore a Guns n‘ Roses t-shirt with the Use Your Illusion albums images on it. As a kid I always noticed the Red/Yellow and Blue/Purple colors of the images from these Guns n‘ Roses albums my father had in his CD collection.

Photo: Large.nl

Last summer I decorated an denim jacket with patches and pins from Nirvana and Guns n‘ Roses. I even got a patch from Thor on it. (Unfortunately no Loki patch to be found in the Netherlands!) Also I have added two Pinkpop pins and a pin I bought at the Top 2000 café on it. There‘s a big Guns n‘ Roses logo on the back. Actually I meant to buy a small one, but when I bought it, I forgot to look what the size was. This jacket I also wore last Monday, however during most of the day it was covered by a transparent plastic disposable raincoat and before 14:30 it was too hot, so I took it off.

Stands out right?

Fleetwood Mac & the Fireworks

I felt enjoyed by the performance of Fleetwood Mac, but it wasn't I didn't feel the spectacular vibe (like with Slash or Green Day) a headliner should bring over to the public. Now and then singer Stevie Nicks went out of tone and for my feeling, she talked a little too much. But the fun and pleasure was well present and goosebumps during Go Your Own Way, one of my all time favorite songs. The title of the song is one of my favorite motto‘s. I you are going your own way, you are following your dreams! ♥

Because this was Pinkpop‘s 50th anniversary the organisation showed past highlights in video‘s after the performance of Fleetwood Mac. (Was watching a take In The End by Linkin Park from 2012, wow yeah goosebumps again!) Also there was fireworks while All You Need is Love from the Beatles was to be heard. If it was Bohemian Rhapsody it would have given me an New Years Eve feeling (Nr. 1 of the annual Top 2000, which ends a few seconds before the year ends). Beautiful and worthy ending of a successful edition! 

To end this post, two foto‘s of me being in my element at Pinkpop festival. The first one is from 2016, during the performance of The Script and the second one is a selfie I took last Monday.

Left: 2016 / Right: 2019

Keep on rocking in the free world!