Loving Life Blog

Spur of the Moment Reflections

One Footprint Leads To Another May 31, 2013

In the process of writing about Oprah Winfrey’s commencement speach yesterday at Harvard, and a feature of her being one of the most impact ful women who makes a big footprint, I stopped myself. What is most appropriate to say? Making a big footprint? Leaving a big footprint? Expanding the footprint? And yes, it has a double meaning, since we have chosen to feature women with size 10-12 in shoes, for whom LLXLLQ shoes in larger sizes are made. Handmade in Italy.

When researching the terms, I stumbled upon the song “Footprints in the sand”, which called my curiosity. What are the lyrics about? What if the singer of this one has size 10-12 in shoes? It would be so beautiful.

The singer is Leona Lewis, from the UK. She has size 7 in shoes.

The writers of the song are four men, among which Simon Cowell – who you may know as the producer and talent judge in  Pop IdolThe X FactorBritain’s Got Talent and American Idol – as well as David Kreuger. David you may not know, since he mostly chose to stand out of the spotlight, but you most likely know of his music. Because he does leave a big footprint for your ears to enjoy.

This song below is just one of them.

Just a few years ago 😉 , when I was old enough to go to a bar/club in Stockholm – me and one of my best friends Cissie, often went out together. Monday night was the university student night at “Collage” at Östermalm in Stockholm, that started with a taco buffet dinner and then eventually dancing. The dancing was really what we were there for. The DJ was great. He played great music. He was a great person. He often drove us home after closing. He worked as a DJ at night, and a music producer during the day. He produced Britney Spears debut album 1989 and others with other producers at the Cheiron Studio, founded by Denniz PoP. Since 2000 he has his own music production company: A Side Productions , with another impressive list of artists and songs.

All of which has expanded the musical footprint of Sweden, which is leading me home. Home to Sweden, to David, and his wife – one of my best friends…

Cissie: I won’t be there in a week, but HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!!! Keep dancing!

Love,

Johanna

What footprint do you want to leave in the sand…?

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Curious About the Swedes? May 19, 2013

One of the highlights of the Eurovision Song Contest Final from last night was the program in the intermission: The Swedish Smorgasbord, by Petra Mede, Swedish comedienne, dancer and television host.

This is her presentation of Sweden and Swedes for all those of you who are curious – and Swedes to be entertained. Our relationship to church,  the need of consensus – even at the combat zone, the talent of doing compost, Carola and    many more goodies at the smorgasbord.

Any surprises?

Enjoy,

Johanna

 

We Write The Story

Yesterday The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 Final was held in Malmo, in Sweden.

What I didn’t know was that the Eurovision was created  57 years ago by a group of broadcasters with the intent to unify Europe after world war II through the power of music. It makes total sense. And today the event is bigger than ever.

The event opened with a newly composed Eurovision Anthem “We Write The Story”, written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. and the Swedish DJ, and record producer Avicii. “We couldn’t get ABBA – but ABA”, as Petra Mede introduced them.

A master piece. Here it is. Enjoy!

Johanna

“We have a choice in everything, we write the story…” – what are you making a choice about today? What is the next chapter in your story?

 

Goodnight Sweetheart… May 15, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 9:09 am
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The power of music.

 

Single in San Francisco May 14, 2013

Filed under: Health,Inspiration — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 7:44 am
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Sandra Philips, Book of the List Party

Earlier this year I attended the event of the year hosted by San Francisco Business Times – “The Book of the List Party”.

I was there with my friend Sandra Philips, branding and PR professional, and we were after having talked with various people, the exhibiting companies and enjoyed a little bit of the delicious food, standing catching up ourselves. Up to us comes a man wanting to talk, and asks how we are doing this evening. As a response when we are returning the question he says: “It is great. I have had a lot of exciting conversations”. Later on when I hear what his profession is I can’t help but smile – given that this event was slightly male dominated, I am sure he had a lot of  “exciting conversations” – he was at the time launching a course for men learning how to come eight times in one evening.

He talks some about what he does, and then he turns the focus on us. “But I am curious – how is it for you both to be single in San Francisco?” Surprised I express “What makes you think that?” He continues: “Well, you know, it is not easy to find a great partner. You may meet someone who is considerate, successful, handsome, and tall – but can he dance?” Now I was even more surprised. I know I am easy to read (in my mind) – but THAT easy? He suddenly gained some points.

The question is: can he dance? How many of you is that important to? And what is the reason for dancing being important?

Johanna

 

Mama Mia! May 13, 2013

Filed under: Swedish-American — Johanna C. Nilsson @ 10:30 pm
Tags: , , , , ,

This upcoming Saturday it is time for the Eurovision Song Contest. Hosted by Sweden, since we won last year, with Euphoria. Growing up, that was big. The dream was to stand on that stage. The event is still big. Living in San Francisco, I have found friends who might be even more excited about it than I was before. Saturday night Pacific Time, the recorded version of the event will be replayed. And strict rules for the guests, to be disconnected during the day, not to reveal any results… That was difficult last year, having a dear excited cousin Anna, who send me a text… EUPHORIA – WE WON!!! 🙂

Today, as a reminder about the event, the winning song Waterloo by ABBA from 1974 was shared (see below).  For all ABBA lovers: since last week, there is now ABBA The Museum open in Stockholm. It is part of a larger Swedish Music Hall of Fame.

I am sure it partly covers the impact ABBA has had on it’s fans. I have only in the past two months in San Francisco met one, and heard another, case of women that have learnt Swedish for the only reason that they loved ABBA.

As of me… I was Agneta. And yes, I do have the ABBA music book with me… to San Francisco.

To-de-loo,
Johanna

What has ABBA done for you?

 

Music and Mimosa for Mom May 5, 2013

Mother’s Day in the US is coming up. My a cappella group Keeva has a concert in the Church of Sweden – upstairs with the view over the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. – bring your mom and family – or just yourself! – after your mother’s day brunch and enjoy some mimosa and music.

Would love to see you!

Johanna

Keeva Spring Concert Flyer

 

 
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