#the poets of our generation WHAT AN AMAZING SONG

[chut-je-dors]

Now I'm curious cause of your tag. What did Swedish media say about the eurovision thing?

Oof yeah, here's a post detailing it ... here another... Basically they've absolutely flipped over the fact that Finnish public didn't give Loreen points at all (which I find absolutely hilarious) and suddenly started wielding such rhetoric as "the former eastern part of our kingdom" referring to Finland, which is???? like??? do I even need to say how Not Okay that is?

It might seem to some that the Finnish people are reacting to Sweden's (unfair) win and them being sore winners (which, points to them, I didn't know was possible!) with too much drama, but it's all tied to our history together. Finland has traditionally seen itself, and has been seen by other countries (Sweden included) as the sort of "little brother" to the more advanced, better-faring, glorious Sweden. While Sweden to my knowledge doesn't much care about what Finland gets up to (perhaps overlooking/ignoring us and our merits), Finland is always comparing itself to Sweden and trying to live up to it. It's a very common rhetoric and sort of, the atmosphere over here. We know more about Sweden than Sweden knows about us; we're constantly conscious that Sweden exists. Sweden gets talked about in international news; Finland, if mentioned, is often tied to - you guessed it - being Sweden's neighboring country.

We used to be part of Sweden for 600 years. During that time, Swedish was implemented as the language of the culture and the "civilised" whereas the finns living in the eAstErn pArT oF tHe kiNgDoM were seen as "wild" and "uncivilised" and just, generally a lesser people to the Swedish speaking population. We haven't been under Sweden's rule for some 200 years and STILL we can't seem to shake their influence on us. Swedish is still a mandatory language to learn at school (and I have many opinions on that, but that'd be another post). Finnish as a language has been disregarded for its whole existence. Our leading national thinkers and poets in the 19th century, who were the first ones to really push for the Finnish identity instead of us seeing ourselves as part of Sweden or Russia, wrote in Swedish. The first novel in Finnish was published in 1870.

So this is monumental to us, to have the whole word watching Finland and not Sweden. Finland has a lot of merits, especially considering how small a people we are (just 5,5mil). To have a song in our language, in Finnish be this popular, is something we couldn't have imagined. We as a people are humble to the extreme, so much that we might easily scorn anyone who is too successful (not a good thing!), and this is the first time in my life that I'm seeing the whole country rally behind someone like this. When we say "Our Jere" we mean it with our whole hearts. We're so so proud of him, everyone is, and for once Finnish people seem to think in unison that someone deserves all the praise and the success.

SO, to have Sweden in this UNIQUE moment of Finland raising its head and being "we're so amazing", with the rest of Europe going "yes you're so amazing!!", spew rhetoric like this, is just, unbelievable to me. Like I can't just believe that in the 21st century there are people in Sweden who hold up 200 year old thought patterns of our country. It's been shocking 'cos though there's always been rivalry, it's felt more... tongue in cheek. We "love to hate" Sweden over here. It's been "I hate Sweden (affectionate)". But now we find this unbelievably condescending and belittling attitude towards us raising its head, and we wonder, we thought we two were okay?? But have they always held these beliefs???

So there's a sense of betrayal in the air as well. And just, full on disbelief. And maybe we're starting to see that it has been like this all along, but we've decided to turn a blind eye to it? True colours shining through? Perhaps not... but yeah.

Sweden not looking good here!

(here's one more post that says the same that i did but was better at making it SHORT oops)

[rogueddie]

Fluffy Steddie Fic Recs

Important: READ THE TAGS! Also, leave a comment and kudos! These fics are amazing and I love them and I hope y'all do too 🎀

Steve Harrington Tears the Munson Doctrine to Shreds

Peachesandpears

Eddie had always been more than happy with the quick and dirty of Indy. He’d always been content to get his rocks off with some guy with the mutual understanding that they’d never have to see each other again. It was the beautiful symbiotic relationship of two gay dudes who would forever be a stain on the collective American moral conscious. And he loved being a stain on moral consciouses.

But Steve fucking Harrington, the goddamn bastard, is making him yearn. Tore the Munson Doctrine to shreds, the sacrilegious asshole.

Words : 8,325 Chapters : 2/2 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

Thank Our Lucky Stars (That We Can Call This Ours)

steddieeddie

A lot has happened in Steve Harrington’s life, specifically in the last six years. Too much stuff for one person to deal with, and he’s held onto it for too long.

When Robin tells him that shaving his head will help him let go, because hair holds onto bad energy? Well, he’s willing to try anything.

Words : 2,330 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

Bambi, can't you understand?

19_empty_vacancies

“Even if you can’t get the words out, Steve, there’s no disguising the way you look at him. Have always looked at him. You walk around shooting him the big eyes like you’re Gomez Addams looking at Morticia, ready to pounce.”

“Oh God, do you think he ever noticed?”

Words : 4,675 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

A King and His Poet

steviewashere

Steve makes his way to a stack of notebooks. All piled precariously on Eddie's way too cramped desk. One has a large beer stain on the cover. Another is burned in the corner from a dropped joint most likely. There's one more with an ominous yellow stain, Steve doesn't touch that one.

But there's one that catches his eye.

It's a leather bound, small journal.

Words : 1,639 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

listen to the siren's song

atimelessfiction

Corroded Coffin plays at The Hideout every Tuesday, but Steve doesn’t go because of them. He doesn’t go because of Eddie Munson, whose fingers dance over the guitar strings with such a beautiful precision that Steve sometimes wonders if he made a deal with the devil.

No, Steve doesn’t go because of a band with stupid music and a stupid band member who has stupid hair and a stupid voice. Steve goes because his friends go. 

That's the only reason.

Words : 4,512 Chapters : 2/2 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

There Is A Pleasure In The Pathless Woods

crow_of_crimes (Theyna_Shipper)

Hey, um… Do you want to go for a hike?”

If you’d asked Steve what he’d expected when he opened his door at 9am on a Wednesday in March, it wouldn’t have been Eddie, hands in his pockets, chewing on his lower lip, asking that, but somehow it doesn’t phase him.

“Sorry, this is weird,” Eddie adds before Steve can respond. He’s doing that thing where he rocks back and forth on his heels and darts his eyes everywhere, refusing to choose a single spot, like a rodent scanning his surroundings for predators. He’s not sure he’s ever seen Eddie Munson stand completely still. “Shouldn’t have just… showed up like this.”

“It’s alright, man,” Steve says, truthfully. He doesn’t get a lot of visitors alone in his parents’ huge house, except Robin, and she can’t keep him company all the time, especially now that she has her own friends. Dammit.

Words : 4,791 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Side B

Frckn

Steve keeps trying to tell Eddie he loves him, but it never feels like the right time. They keep getting interrupted, and as much as Steve loves their friends, they’re driving him crazy. All he wants is a moment alone with his boyfriend. It really feels like the world is against him.

Words : 8,153 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Can't Take My Eyes Off You

starsdontsleep

Dustin might ask him to watch DnD, but Steve attends because of Eddie.

Words : 2,241 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

At the speed of love (nothing changes faster)

Guardthenest

Somehow, Robin has talked Steve into an LGBT Speed Dating event on Valentine's Day. He's just doing it to be a good friend, he definitely does not care about finding love. Definitely not. But when it happens to sit down right across from him, who is he to say no to Cupid?

Words : 4,695 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

Absolute Beginners

IntoTheStardust

Eddie asks Steve and Robin to fill in for two of his D&D members. Steve has more fun than he could have imagined.

Words : 3,488 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

it's supposed to be fun (turning twenty-one)

pricklywhicket

“So what you’re telling me is that you’ve never had a birthday party that was for you? No nerdy superhero themes, no dinosaur balloons, nothing?”

“Nope,” Steve replies, popping the ‘p’ in a way that Eddie just knows he’s picked up from Robin. “The last couple I’ve been too busy to even remember. So, like I said. Not a big deal, don’t make a thing out of it.”

“Oh Steve. Stevie. Babe.” Eddie’s voice has taken on a manic quality that almost always means trouble.

Words : 7,457 Chapters : 1/1 Rating : Teen And Up Audiences

AO3 : x

The "Friend Date" (oneshot)

jamsin_3

Steve gets stood up by a girl. Before he can make the walk of shame out of the diner, he's surprised when Eddie enters to erase Steve's humiliation. Based on that one Tumblr post about getting stood up on a blind date and a stranger swoops in to try and save the date.

Words : 3,885 Chapters : 3/3 Rating : General Audiences

AO3 : x

A Kiss for Luck and We're on Our Way

badfanfictionaire, LittleMissKnowItAll

It’s the week of Steve and Eddie’s wedding, and boy are they ready to get hitched! Will the week fly by in a flurry of fluff and bliss, or will their emotions get the best of them?

A day-by-day fic leading up to the big day.

Words : 25,503 Chapters : 10/10 Rating : Mature

AO3 : x

[iwanthermidnightz]

Finally got a chance to write a few thoughts about Lana last night. She looked like a completely different person than she did just a few months ago. She dyed her hair lighter, had a stunning outfit and was clearly glowing with happiness and serving face with that makeup. It reminded me of vintage Lana. Arriving on a motorcycle was very fitting.

Lana headlining Coachella seems like she got a sort of glow and confidence back. Or at least she’s taking in this celebratory moment for her as an artist who has shaped pop culture for the better part of almost 13 years.

She has said in the past that shes not an entertainer, shes a singer. So doing Coachella may not translate. Those who get it, get it. To some, her set may have not hit, but until you experience Lana live and feel the energy, you probably never will.

This was one of the most put together shows I’ve seen from her lately that truly showed her range, her vast discography and ethereal beautiful melancholic soundscapes she dreams up. The vocals were amazing and you could hear them (mostly - there were a few times she had to ask Byron to adjust the volume). The stage set was complete and both Lana and the dancers seemed prepared to move around it and it showed. Even with the quiet transitions the prospect of what would happen next still hid in the shadows of suspense.

I do believe she wants to do her best at every show and she loves to see the fans. But don’t expect a high energy set. Fans know what they’re getting and they continue to sing every word faithfully. I will say there was room to add a few more songs with a beat lol, she’s definitely got them!

And don’t get me started on her bringing out Billie to perform Ocean Eyes and Video Games… just INSANELY AMAZING. The chemistry. I love how much they love each other. There’s a lot of Lana’s influence in Billie, and they really seem like kindred spirits.

And Jack coming out to perform Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have - But I have It with a stunning hologram of Lana and then he just leaves. Very on brand.

You have to watch with headphones and the volume turned up to experience her live band and vocals and really immerse yourself.

Also, the odes to her past in the video that played before ride and people screaming at certain parts— it truly captured the cultural impact Lana has made in the last decade.

Ever since Born To Die came out in 2012 she has shaped popular culture with her unique musical style and tone. Her voice and the nostalgic production combined transported us to another dimension and we’ve all been different since and you felt that last night. The impact she’s had.

While being one of the most influential artists and lyrical poets of our generation, Lana has often been overlooked for her contributions to music, songwriting and setting trends. She has been nominated for 11 Grammys, included several AOTY, she has not won one. I find that crazy.

Anyways, the last song was Young and Beautiful and after she exited on a motorcycle to a Gatsby-esque Jazz outro and fireworks… you know the vintage lover in me got chills to the sound of a transition into an instrumental version of Heartaches by Al Bowlly, and it slowly drowned out (you just have to hear it… saw someone say it was backrooms music — which not not true) and I love it.

So proud of you Lana! I’d definitely say to tune in again next weekend for more surprises 🤍

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, today we have a rec list of bottom Louis fics that have fun OT4 or OT5 moments! If you enjoy our rec lists, please be sure to like and reblog this post to help spread the word. Please also be sure to show these amazing fics love. Happy reading!

1) You Are My Familiar | Explicit | 27088 words

Louis loses his dog, and Harry takes in a stray. A whole year passes before they realize that it’s the same dog, and that kind of complicates things.

2) Drain To The Stars | Explicit | 28002 words

Louis lived a very quiet life at his inherited book shop in Notting Hill, until Oscar-winner Harry Styles walked through the door.

3) Brooklyn Saw Me | Explicit | 28537 words

In the cold and unforgiving city of New York, Louis doesn't have a home and Harry wants to give him one. But as their heartstrings become increasingly intertwined, and the snow continues to fall, home is getting harder and harder to find.

4) Cupid's Chokehold | Explicit | 35326 words

Louis is a Cupid who tries to match up Niall and Harry. It doesn't work out as planned.

5) Eyes Off You | Mature | 39396 words

A Charlie’s angels inspired fic where Louis is the brains, Harry is the charm, Liam is the muscle, and Niall drives the getaway car - and Zayn is there, too. sometimes.

6) Another Hazy May | Mature | 41042 words

Louis is a terrible poet and Harry lives in the now and they have six weeks to fall in love but, really, it only takes six seconds. Bookshop meets military meets summer romance AU ft. Marlboros, the Backstreet Boys, and underrated literary devices.

7) The Fairy Ring | Explicit | 46170 words

A medieval fantasy AU in which Harry is a prince in disguise and Louis is the king of the faeries.

8) Stole My Heart | Mature | 51344 words

Louis doesn't want much. A warm bed, and people who care about him.

Harry has everything he needs, despite his mother insisting he needs a mate. Money, status, and any omega he wants, why lock his heart down.

Until Louis comes along, and steals it.

9) Made For Lovin' You | Explicit | 52635 words

The one where a quick, horny decision ruins Louis’ summer plans, but may also lead to unexpected discoveries. Featuring the road trip of dreams, misunderstandings, and a bit of fate.

10) Apples Always Fall (As I Do For You) | Mature | 54609 words

Louis is staying at his Aunt's farm in a small town in Minnesota for four months. To deal with the boredom that sets in a week into his stay, he starts working at the local apple orchard, owned by twenty six year old Harry Styles.

Louis quickly finds himself falling in love with the orchard, and he finds a family in Harry's friends Niall, Liam, and Zayn.

He also starts to fall in love with Harry.

Falling in love with him turns out to be the easy part.

11) We've Got The World in Our Hands | Explicit | 54964 words

A mutants/superpowers AU. Louis and his friends attend the Cowell Institute for General Education and Mutant Training in London; when Louis meets Harry, the newest student at the Cowell Institute, he immediately recruits Harry to help play matchmaker for his friend Zayn. Harry and Louis are so caught up in meddling in Zayn's love life, though, that they don't notice that their own friendship is progressing into something more. Meanwhile, an ominous threat up north grows slowly until suddenly, no mutant - or human - is safe.

12) But We Have Promises To Keep | Mature | 62608 words

Note: This fic is the fourth fic in a series. The other fics do not have smut.

Maybe, Louis thought, from the beginning to the end, he had always known exactly what he wanted. He had always heard it, a quiet song in his head never giving up, because it had never been a thing apart from who he was. Someone who wouldn’t stop. Someone who could walk out into the dark, seeing nothing, having little, and still looking.

The undeniable, terrifying, gorgeous truth was always going to be this: that he had a heart, and that that heart wanted to live.

13) We'll Cast Some Light (You'll Be Alright) | Not Rated | 74409 words

There’s a standard procedure for this. Scan, track, kill. But with a solar eclipse and a Greater Demon with unfinished business looming, the path to keeping England safe from harm becomes complicated and shadowed by mystery and secrets. For Harry and his team, times have never been harder, especially when a few old friends turned foes show up. Harry is left with just over forty days to overcome the hurdle of tension between them and reconcile their past, and figure out just what Louis is hiding from him before it’s too late.

14) Waiting On You | Explicit | 76584 words

“Vampires,” Louis says with disgust, glaring over at the vampire who is noisily slurping from the woman’s neck nearby.

Zayn gives the neat fang marks on Louis’ neck a meaningful look.

“Can’t live with them, can’t live without them,” Louis finishes, ignoring Zayn when he rolls his eyes.

Louis takes a long sip of his milkshake, presses his fingers against the marks on his neck, and definitely doesn’t think about the vampire who left them there.

15) Pinkies Never Lie | Explicit | 83615 words

AU in which Louis hates his job and loves Harry, Harry just wants a distraction, everyone else wants them to get their shit together, and Louis learns the hard way that new beginnings are only possible when something ends.

16) Where You Lay | Explicit | 86038 words

When Louis's upcoming heat threatens his success at his new dream job, he asks the best (and only) person he can think of to help him through it: his best mates' best mate, Harry Styles.  Harry reluctantly accepts, and together the two navigate a strange friends with benefits relationship that quickly turns complicated.

17) Swim In The Smoke | Explicit | 101778 words

“What about this, Captain?” Liam asks, nudging the boy kneeling between their feet with the toe of his boot. The boy hisses and swipes at him, slurring out something unintelligible around the makeshift gag Niall had to stuff in his mouth. He misses by a mile and tries again, just as ineffectively.

Harry looks down at him, at the way the sun streams over his face and shoulders, at the way the gag stretches his mouth, lips pink and chapped. He’s lithe and pretty, smudged all over with dirt. They had found him tied up below deck, mostly unconscious, next to a barrel full of gold. He’s clearly a prisoner, but there’s something familiar about him, something that niggles at Harry’s brain. Something he can’t quite put his finger on.

“Put him in my cabin,” Harry decides, turning back to deal with the rest of the loot. The boys screams out jumbled curse words at Harry’s back, muffled by the gag, and Harry can’t understand any of it.

18) Saving Symphony Hall | Explicit | 124766 words

Note: This fic is a sequel to this fic. It is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

“I think I have an idea,” Louis said. Slowly, and reluctantly, but with a growing sense of the inevitable. “God damnit, I think I have a really good idea.”

“Oh christ, that's the problem-solving face,” Babs said. “Last time we saw that face, he sold a company.”

“Wait, what?” Zayn asked.

“Right place, right time,” Louis said. “Also, fuck my life,”

“What?” Zayn repeated. Niall patted his hand.

“I usually just roll with whatever Louis is about to do,” he said. “It’s better for us all.”

“That’s the attitude,” said Louis, “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Tonight, I need to do some research. Zayn, give me your number. I’m gonna save our symphony.”

19) Collision | Not Rated | 226294 words

Mythology/Fairytale!AU in which Louis is a dainty fairy with a temper who wants to be intimidating and Harry hurts people. Naturally, they hate each other.

(Featuring Liam, the big and not-so-bad wolf who’s got a thing for humans, Zayn, a human with supernaturally good looks, and Niall, the cupid who just wants his job to be easier.)

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[coffinliqueur]

I was tagged by @yennas to share my Top 5 Songs! 8Da Haa, thank you very much for thinking of me! ♥

As with most people, my five favorite songs are subject to change/fluctuate based on moment/mood, plus it’s hard to narrow down five in the first place, but here are five that I tend to think of when asked that question:

1. Blind - Placebo (The only consistent one. If I’m asked to give one favorite song, it will always be this one until further notice. Beautiful song, and alternate versions are sheer beauty, too. -- Oh and also this instrumental cover is another one of my favorite things. I first listened to it after I got off a night shift job around Christmastime, and the mood was just... fucking amazing.)

2. Daze - Poets of the Fall (There are a bunch of Poets of the Fall songs that I will rush to offer as amazing songs - consider “Carnival of Rust”, “Children of the Elder God”, and “Roses”, among so many others - but good goddamn this one is just gloriously electric and shiny - it sounds like watching a combination Cirque du Soleil performance and fireworks show taking place over a really reflective and sparkly lake in a way that’s pitch-perfect to me to the point where I can thoroughly forgive the fact that it uses the “fire/desire” rhyme. -- Which, I mean, I also forgive because Poets of the Fall lyrics are generally really well-written and also they’re all delivered in Marko Saaresto’s gorgeous fucking voice. This man has possibly the prettiest voice there ever was. And also I linked the video especially purposefully - I love the video for “Daze” and it’s also aesthetic perfection in my eyes.)

3. Never Let Go - Tom Waits (Also b e a u t i f u l . . . a song or other expression of loyalty always whoof fucking gets me. “Our ring’s in the pawnshop, the rain’s in the hole, down at the five points I stand... I’ll lose everything, but I won’t let go of your hand.” “Dare me to jump and I will... I’ll fall from your grace, but I’ll never net go of your hand.” Music that sounds raggedly and rustically yet resolutely triumphant *for* its loyalty like it’s a hope through hardship and has Tom Waits’s vocals also selling that same feeling... This is a song I associate with Ethan Winters, as a side note!) 4. Lullaby - The Cure (I taught myself this song for piano class. 8,D And its riffs, and subtle vocals... it’s a song that just comes together for me. It sounds like a song being sung in the evening about a horrible nightmare about being eaten by spiders that someone’s just... come to expect. They’re telling you what that dream is like, and you’re agreeing... “...yeah that sounds like a fucked-up dream. 8,|a” - also, “I feel like I’m being eaten by a thousand million shivering furry holes” is a horrifying but evocative image.)

5. The Crutch - Billy Talent (The sound fucking slaps, and the song is about getting unwittingly roped into an ultimately traumatizing abusive relationship... but... it r o c k s . . . “Ghost Ship of Cannibal Rats” and “This is How It Goes” are other great Billy Talent songs!) 

I tag @rxttenfish, @firebirdnixy, @nobutseriouslywhat, @qualitystrangetrash, @witch-of-the-west-country, and everyone else who sees this, if you’d like to answer it. B,0a

[mysteriouslybluepirate]

OFMD Favs Tag Game

I was tagged by- @likethehotsauce Thank you so much! Always love to rant.

(I'm probably not doing this right, cause I'm just using this a an excuse to look back on the parts of the show itself that I love, but I needed to write an essay today. And it's been months since I went back to my Stede/Ed roots. Before Izzy latched himself onto my brain. So here's some love!)

favorite Ed gif:

Look, I love ep7, especially on rewatches. Most rom-coms run into the trouble of not showing the audience our protagonists bond. They rarely get to relax around each other before the relationship really starts but that's what this episode is.

We've got Ed, who's starting to get comfortable/settled in around Stede. Stede having a fun little adventure, trying to make Ed thinks he's cool. Ed genuinely having a shitty day and finally getting that Stede cares about him. It's really fucking sweet. This gif just wraps that all up in a cute ball. The fit? Amazing. The lil hop? Adorable. Edward essentially telling everyone to shut up and just let Stede have his fun? Cute pre-boyfriend moment. He's a goofball, and this episode needs more love on here.

favorite Stede gif:

Yeah, yeah. Ed's here. But the scene is focusing on Stede and resolving an arc (my favorite thing), so it counts! Stede has issues feeling accepted. He has gone without a 'crew' for so long that he's unapologetically who he is. He already feels along, why the fuck would he care about dressing up and being a bit too 'feminine'? They already make fun of him for not being enough, he already feels along. Why wouldn't he try to be happy not giving a shit about what they think?

So, in ep 10, we see a Stede who feels accepted into a family. He gets to get up there with a silly little in-joke and have people put their trust in him. Are they doing this to get back at the Navy? Yeah. But Stede build himself a place where he feels like he can be accepted and welcomed. I don't always see Stede in the best light. Accountability is a huge thing for me, and S2 better include this guy fessing up for the hurt he's caused. But this scene always makes me smile when I think about it.

favorite Ed outfit:

:). I know what I'm about. I'm simple, and if you've been here a while, you already know. We get to see Edward proudly rocking Stede's lil handkerchief. The tummy is great, and so is seeing his tattoos. I always love a fingerless glove, and his jewelry is on point. Yes, I love Ed in soft fabrics. Especially the loose poet shirt moment in ep 4. But in my head, this is Ed being a frat guy and trying to seduce Stede. 'Usually the exposed skin and touching works :('. Cause this poor guy has had to seduce assholes like Jack, and isn't comfortable with opening up yet. Ed's also just having fun exposing Stede to 'pirate' things which is a favorite trope of mine.

favorite Stede outfit:

Unironically? All of them.

Next question.

OKAY. FINE. IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE-

Gender. Whole lotta gender right here. I'm a sucker for loose fabric and BOY.

Open Shirt? Yes. Hideously colored mustard robe that works because it's a part of the whole 'look'. Achieved. Rings? Amazing. Fluffy shirt that's a button-up? Yep, you could totally reveal more chest.

FLUFFY SLEVES!!!! AHHH. But seriously, most of his outfits are amazing. I chose like five different Gifs-before settling on this for the lace sleeves.

favorite Blackbonnet song:

Oh boy! Buckle up.

(I have 2 playlists with these 2 with around 40 total hours of music on Spotify from the 4 months post ep10 airing where I only read these two. So any answer I give is going to )

Stede POV specific('A Stede Soundtrack' on spotify)- Five Bells- CoCo and The Butterfields. Yes, I have better ones, but the general vibe is just happy, light, and in love. Excited for the future. (If this song is actually about something else, keep me innocent). With instrumentals, and dancing, and fucking joy. I love this song. 2.) Being 'May It Last'- The Avett Brothers if Folk music isn't your thing. 3.) 'The Bitch is Back'-Elton John For bitchy Stede. The best flavor.

Edward POV specific ('Blackbeard's Breakup' on Spotify)- Desperately in love Ed? 'honey'-Coastal Club. yes, I am a pet name Edward truther. Also a song about being excited by life and by love. If it's Stede Hating, Kraken era? 'Money, Money, Money'-ABBA. Yes, I know Edward is now the breadwinner, but it's very Him.

Gentlebeard. Sad era- 'Last Request'- Paolo Nutini. Oh shit, I have a crush era- 'I think I love you'-Specifically the Tenacious D cover. It's Jack Black, how can you hate it? Desperately in love- 'An Old Fashioned Love Song'-Paul Williams. This song has been in my Spotify top 100 for years. I fucking love it.

favorite OFMD fic trope:

HAHA! You didn't specify the ship, so I get to bring up Izzy.

SteddyHands specific- Stede&Ed working together/competing for Izzy to choose them first. Especially if Ed&Stede already know that Izzy has a crush on them but Izzy doesn't. I don't read this ship too much anymore, but this always made me happy.

Izzy Specific-Post S1 Izzy hunting down Stede, hijinks ensuing. Izzy gets injured, and this starts his character jornery into a mentally healthier person. Him getting loved tbh. Aslo, Izzy getting described as short. He's really not that much shorter than most of the crew. I just love when it's brought up.

Long fic- Anything character based, post S2 'reunion'. Essentially skipping how they all resolved S1 and skips to the fun parts. Love Izzy learning/starting to care for the crew. If reading a fic kinda feels like going to therapy, you're doing it right. Huge shoutout to anyone who has tried to break down how Izzy's brain works for angst fic. Also, Ed and Stede being held accountable for some of their more shitty actions.

Short Fic- You know what, I'll say it. I like soulmate (and adjacent) AUs. Love me a Hanahaki, or similar curses. If there's a story reason two characters are dubiously forced to admit their feelings, I'm there. I love that 'what if they don't like me' rant even though its destined, I love the holding yourself back to keep another person happy shit. Yes, irl, that'd be fucked. But since it's a short fic, it doesn't need to worry about all that.

Trope Tropes- Buttons being a Disney princess around animals. Lucius living in the walls. Izzy swears every other sentence. Any media of the Revenge (music, stories) being super out of time period. Two characters are falling in love, but are the last people to realize it. Stede being a pirate parent.

Ed’s hair or Stede’s hair:

I agree with what likethehotsauce said. Both fit the character really well. I can't imagine Stede or Ed suddenly shaving their head. It's a part of who they are.

If this is about me wanting their hair? I'm choosing Ed's. I've had Stede length hair for the past 2 years, and miss braiding my hair. Also, his hair looks soft as shit. Good to run your fingers through, etc.

longest gap between rewatches:

July 2022-January 2023. I watched it like 13 times post ep 10 aired, then immediately jumped into fan content. I'm a huge 'character' person when consuming media, so I generally enjoy doing that vs rewatching the show itself again.

Lucius is Hiding in the Ship vs. Lucius is Dead and a Ghost:

No corpse= Not dead. Once Ed and Stede reunite I don't think Ed would be able to forgive himself if he actually killed him. Lucius was saved by someone on the ship and hidden away. I do think Lucius will be discovered before the captains reunite. As much as I love ghosts, our guy is safe. Fearing for his life, but safe.

favorite Revenge crew member: OG Revenge-Frenchie or Buttons. If y'all haven't written him in your fics, including Buttons. He's so much fun to make the 'Cassandra' of your work! Let him be ominous and all-knowing, it's a great time! Frenchie because I'm always up for a bard, and he's a character that has so much potential. From being a bard to an 'assassin in training' with Izzy & Jim. They're fun to throw in!

Again, many thanks to @likethehotsauce! I would like to tag — absolutely zero pressure!!! I know most of you are mostly into Izzy, and I love hearing harsh opinions about Ed&Stede or general thoughts on the show looking back, after a year. @ivegotnonameidea @dianetastesmetal @gydima @downinthehull @treesofgreen @ladyrenity

[steveskafte]

THE MARGINS CAGE Being a writer has nothing to do with writing. Literacy is merely a tool in aid of communication, a way to get our thoughts down on paper so that they can be read at a distance defined by time or space. Even writing for ourselves (like in a private diary), is merely an extension of memory. Scribbling down a series of otherwise meaningless marks that we've given meaning, so we can save ourselves from forgetting the information that they represent. For most of human history, the people we now call "writers" never physically wrote anything at all. That included teachers, historians, poets, comedians, singers, storytellers, and playwrights. All of their communication was oral, and all of their words were memorized. Later on, in the early years of the printing press, it was often lamented by intellectuals that upcoming generations would falter in their social interactions – because they would come to rely too heavily on reading and writing. Now, we've come full circle to find some looking down on those who prefer to speak and listen over reading from a page. They might claim that those who prefer audio books aren't "really reading", forgetting that the information conveyed contains the only true value that words are capable of having. Once again, it's important to note that whether written or spoken – words are merely representations of thoughts. They are not the thoughts themselves. I always struggled to remain interested in reading as a child, trying to keep my imagination active enough to see past the inherent dullness of black text on white pages. This was a strange experience for someone who felt like their mind was constantly crowded with thoughts and emotions in need of escape. I was too shy for conversation, but too easily distracted for extensive reading and writing. So I felt locked in my own head. The shift started when I fell in love with the work of songwriters. I was amazed at how their lyrics could do everything I craved in expressing emotion, all without the difficulty of having to translate from a page to my mind. Their songs made me want to be a writer, to work with words for the rest of my life – when all previous writers had left me feeling like this was an impossible mountain to climb. This is why I consider everything I compose in terms of thinking and speaking – not writing. Typing or handwriting are only methods of getting it across, just like public speaking or audio recordings, but the final result remains identical. All of my poems are written out loud, and only turned into text later. Even a short essay like this is arranged in my head a line or two at a time before being committed to the page. Perhaps this is all so painfully obvious, but I don't think we talk about it enough. Many folks are turned off from being writers because they've been told that there's only one way to do it. If you're dyslexic, it might be a struggle to read or write long strings of text, and unenjoyable even if you manage. If you've got a short attention span like me, you might never care to bother. That's part of why I love short form work, and why it's most of what I create – it's simply more accessible. I'm not the first to try and separate the concept of words from writing, but maybe I'm the first to say to you. If you've got a burning desire to communicate what's inside, you might feel more at home with a less expected method of working with words. There's a wonderful wealth beyond the world of text on pages. Don't let the margins cage you in. July 16, 2024 Phinney's Cove, Nova Scotia Year 17, Day 6092 of my daily journal.

[leonbloder]

Will Someone or Somebody Sing?

Sometimes, one line from a poem speaks to me, and I don't always know why. But I  always write those lines down and put them somewhere I can see daily until I figure it out. 

Today, this line finally made it here for a reflection: 

Will someone or somebody please start to sing? - Mary Oliver

This is the last line from Oliver's poem "The Roses."  

The poem finds the poet walking on the dunes by a beach, wondering at the salt roses in full bloom.  Something stirs within her that she likens to a horse galloping across the sand until it exhausts itself. 

And so the poet asks the roses if she can lie down among them.  And then there is the last line. 

In poetry, roses often symbolize eternal or lasting love or some deeply held emotion. Whatever the poet is feeling as she walks the dunes, gazing at them, is something she's been carrying for some time, and she finds herself weary.  

It's unclear why she wants to hear singing at that moment. She could be feeling her own mortality, the end of something, or the loss of a love.  Whatever it is, she wants to finally rest to the sound of a voice singing over her.  

Today, I'm feeling the same way, which is almost assuredly why that line spoke to me more deeply.  

When we are experiencing loss, grief, sadness, or just a general sense of our frailty and impermanence, it can be draining.  It takes a toll on our psyches, which in turn take out their frustrations on our bodies.  

Weariness amid these feelings is natural, but it can also be debilitating when we stay in that space for too long.  

Which is why I love what Oliver does in that last line of the poem.  She decides to rest, to lie down in the middle of whatever is breaking her heart, to embrace the loss but not try to carry its heavy weight anymore. 

She's not giving up; she just wants to hear singing.  Singing, in this sense, has to do with the healing properties of song, not just any music, but a song meant for her by "someone or somebody" who sees her, knows her and sings what she needs to hear. 

I also wonder if Mary Oliver brought this to mind:  The Hebrew prophet Zephaniah once offered this prophetic word of hope to the ancient Israelites: 

The Lord your God is with you,     the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you;     in his love he will no longer rebuke you,     but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:7 

As far as I know, this is the only verse in the Bible where God is characterized as a God who sings. It's an amazing and beautiful thought, which could be what Oliver refers to. 

So what does it sound like when God sings over us?  Does it sound like the wind, or birdsong, or crashing waves?  Does it take the form of chimes, a church bell, or the sound of children's laughter? 

Or perhaps it comes to us from a familiar song we hear on the radio, one we sing with a friend, or something uplifting in a worship service at our church.  

I believe it's all of these and more.  

So, if you are sad today and weary beyond measure by a broken or wounded heart, let yourself rest in the roses of your loss, and pray as many times as you need to: 

"Will someone or somebody please start to sing?"

Then, open your mind and your heart to what songs may come.  Receive God's singing in whatever form it takes, and let yourself be restored and renewed. Whatever you have been carrying will not overcome you. 

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.  

[grandpermitsof82]

Les Amis as Taylor Swift Albums (Ha yeah I am going to justify my reasons actually)

has this been done before idk but I want to put my own two sense into this because I think this is crucial also doing it before ttpd releases.

Enjolras would absolutely be reputation, i mean come on, this is why we can't have nice things? look what you made me do? i did something bad?! this is HIS album.

Courfeyrac is absolutely 1989, this is sunshine in song form and all of the beautiful love songs on this album fit his vibe like how you get the girl? yes. this love? absolutely. you are in love? this is his song.

Midnights is Combeferre, it's like the sort of? titular album that kicked off the era's tour, and guides the other eras in a way (so many different vibes), also the sort of mellow like chill pack-a-punch album is him. he is a mastermind.

why was it so hard to decide for Jehan, they are absolutely like folklore/evermore so why even decide. The poetry, the lyricism from the queen herself. Jehan would adore the lakes, seriously 'take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die...' Jehan my beloved this is YOUR SONG!

Is this slightly controversial, maybe oh well but Grantaire is absolutely Red, seriously there is no other option 'loving him was red'!!! and then all the sad pining love songs this album has, not to mention the cluck the patriarchy keychain.

Bossuet for speak now, not too sure why the vibes just kind of match. sparks fly, mine and ours are absolutely very bossuet coded. All the lovely dovey vault tracks for our fav (it's basically canon let's face it) couple

This would mean that Joly would have to be lover. Again, some super lovey dovey songs for our fav jolly bean with crazy emotional whiplash coming through with soon you'll get better, the archer, cornelia st. just like our boy.

Bahorel has got to be fearless, it's fun it's basically almost kinda country still and honestly the fearless vibes given at the eras tour is definitely bahorel vibes and yes he would love love story.

Fueilly for the album that started it all debut. It's underappreciated by the general populace, but omg it shouldn't cause it's amazing and the songs are so amazing just like fueilly. i'm only me when i'm with you fueilly.

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotions Praise and bless the wonderful and awesome Name of the LORD

#DailyDevotions Praise and bless the wonderful and awesome Name of the LORD Psalm 145 I will praise You highly, my God and King, and bless Your name forever. 2I will bless You every day and praise Your name forever. 3The LORD is great; He deserves high praise. His greatness is unsearchable. 4Those of one generation will praise to the next what you have done and tell about Your mighty acts. 5I will think of the splendid glory of Your majesty and the wonderful things You have done. 6People will speak about the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will tell about Your greatness. 7They will tell what they remember of Your great goodness and shout out loud about Your righteousness. Psalm 145 is another acrostic song where the first letter of each verse is a different letter of the alphabet in order. I mentioned this so you can appreciate the artistry of the psalmist. Now these opening 7 verses probably should have made me have a little more compassion upon a number of praise bands these days as they speak out praising God, talk about how people will talk about His awesome deeds and His greatness and shouting aloud about His righteousness but they never actually do it, At least not in these verses. However the following verses will get around giving us reasons for doing this. These verses exist to stir up our hearts to bless, praise, and gift thanks for the LORD our God. They're there to incite our spirit to recognize how awesome, wonderful, and splendid is the God of Israel who saves us. The poet himself is transported into the eternity of the LORD as he twice forgets his own mortality and speaks of praising and blessing the name of the LORD forever and ever. One need only read the Torah to see the marvelous works of the Lord and the bringing to His people the salvation of the world. As we read the New Testament and see the same LORD in the flesh teaching us his word, healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding us miraculously, dying on the cross and rising from the dead and the third day, The thoughts and feelings of these verses should swell in our hearts and we also give the LORD thanks and praise for what He's done in the New Testament. You and I are called here then to praise and bless the name of the LORD. We are called to tell a new generation all of the marvelous things the LORD has done. NOT Only do we have the biblical witness of all the things the LORD Has Done in both the old and the New Testaments, We have our own witness but how the LORD has acted in our lives. He has calmed our consciences. He has given peace to our souls in the midst of trials and tribulations. The LORD has answered our prayers. If this were not enough, Psalmist tells us how the greatness of the LORD is unsearchable. All we need to do is look into the skies with our most powerful telescopes, Or Plum the depths of creation the most powerful microscopes, to know how limited is our knowledge of the creation He has made. As we pierce into the workings of a cell or we look out into the universe watching stars being born, we see how true it is that the greatness of the Lord is unsearchable. Oh gracious most merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, how great and marvelous is Your Name, how awesome are all Your deeds. May we never cease to be amazed and all Your goodness and give You thanks and praise forever and ever. Amen Read the full article

[edwardastormwrites]

A History Lesson on Amy Lowell, Gangsta Rappers, the 1920's, and The Greatest Generation (of poets) written by Edward Storm

The year was 1921 and Harriet Monroe has been on the scene for almost a decade with her new magazine called Poetry. Ms. Monroe has become a major figure in American Poetry. Poetry is published in a rough blue collar city known for the hog butchers and the dirty lake that it sits on. She is one of the lead proponents of the "new school" of poetry. This is no old school English style magazine that she runs nor is it published in a cosmopolitan city like London or Manhattan. No, this magazine is full of modern speech and the poems lack the end rhyme and measured types of rhyme of the past decades. The free verse movement is now at full speed and our first leader and super star is a woman named Amy Lowell. Amy was as radical a figure in poetry as someone like Nicki Minaj was several years ago when she burst onto the scene in hip-hop. Actually, that isn't true. Amy was probably even more radical than Nicki. Maybe not quite as radical and bold at Cardi B walking about her WAP, or was she? Comparing the 1920's with the 2020's is challenging. However, one thing is for certain. Amy Lowell was forever changing the status quo of female independence. Her poem "Patterns" reads somewhat like a rap song in which the rapper is strutting her stuff and telling her audience about her decked out clothing and jewelry.  “I walk down the patterned garden paths/In my stiff, brocaded gown/With my powdered hair and jeweled fan/I too am a rare. Yup, don't get in this beauty's way. She is a woman and she is unique as any man and she is independent.

The 1920's were the beginning of a major revival of interest in American poetry. The coming decades would see the emergence of some of the greatest poets in history. Amy Lowell is one of them for sure, but there are many others, both female and male. What a time to be alive for poetry lovers. The same can be said for hip hop today. There are so many amazing rappers all producing work that is is hard to keep up with all of them. Lowell was leading the new poetry movement but other outstanding poets from different different movements. Ezra Pound and TS Eliot stand out more than anyone. World War I was a tragedy beyond all tragedies and the entire English speaking world was affected in a major way as were all the other centers of western poetry like Paris. The world grew up quickly as the result of WWI. The world seemed much smaller than it had just a decade before. No nation was safe from international disputes. The United States had always tried to be an independent place that lived in isolation from Europe's problems and conflicts.  Leadership in the United Stated failed to stay isolated and was to put back together all branches of the military after huge cuts in the years of economic prosperity which the nation has enjoyed ever since reconstruction has ended. The wonders of the modern age where upon us and so were the horrors of the modern age. Cars and airplanes began to connect all the states together in America. However reports of the brutality of the war front in Europe made humankind seem less sophisticated than ever before. TS Eliot wrote his masterpiece "The Wasteland" about WWI during this time period. Lowell wrote another masterpiece during this same decade about a fallen husband who dies in battle during the war. " And I answered, “It shall be as you have said/ Now he is dead" and to end the poem she wrote "In a pattern called a war/Christ! What are patterns for?".

Who was out there making a name during these years and in the few decades to come? Well, Robert Frost, Carl Sandberg, Wallace Stevens, Weldon Kees, Elizabeth Bishop, WIliam Carlos WIlliams, Dorothy Parker, ee Cummings, Paul Dunbar, and many others. A large class of poets were born in the 1880's and 90's and would live long lives into their 80's. Frost, WIliams, Sevens, Sasson, Parker, Bynner, Sandberg, and Eliot would all live into their 70s or 80s. This is pretty amazing considering that America was just at the dawn of modern medicine. This group of men and women made modern poetry what it is today. WHen this generation of poets was born no houses had electric lights in America and transportation was via the horse. When this generation died off America was putting men in space and had endured and won two world wars. Poetry written before this time period and after this group of poets had died can often seem stiff and lacking action. Well, there is a reason for that. The world was transformed into modern times in the lifespan of a single man. Some of the greatest literature in world history came out of this time period.  Hardship inspires great art.  This is a sad truth is it not?

[thefaybul]

Writer Style : Poetry

This month on our The Faybul Short we are talking about a subject that may start a war. This subject is so overrated and overused, but truly can be an amazing way of expressing thoughts and feelings. Poetry.

This one is an interesting one for me as I really generally do not like poetry. Not for the reasons that you may think, mainly I can’t do it at all. So naturally I don’t like it.

Poetry is a form of writing that can be presented in many ways that range from the common rhyming to more elaborate settings like haikus. Poetry is said to be easy on the ears and follow a pattern such as every other sentence ends in a rhyme. This is why the most common poetry used in this day and age is song writing. The rhythms for writing lyrics continue to be extremely similar.

So for this subject I had to do some quick research and I found an image that talks about different types of literature. This gave me a start as it pointed towards the two types of poetry, subjective and objective.

Looking at the first type of subjective, the best definition of this style seems to be laid out thusly (yes I threw in some old English, poetry seems to do that to me) “The term “subjective literature” refers to any written work that is not objective but instead tells a story from the perspective of one or more characters. It is characterized by an emphasis on emotion and introspection, as well as a lack of objectivity in content.” SO if you have subjective poetry then you likely get emotional and self investigating works such as performance poetry or a Taylor Swift song.

Some real examples of this type are at the link below.

Subjective Poems:

Then there is objective poetry or Objectivism is best defined “The Objectivist poets were a loose-knit group of second-generation Modernists who emerged in the 1930s. They were mainly American and were influenced by, among others, Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams. The basic tenets of objectivist poetics as defined by Louis Zukofsky were to treat the poem as an object, and to emphasize sincerity, intelligence, and the poet's ability to look clearly at the world.” Some examples of this type of poetry are listed in the links below.

Objectivism Poetry:

We may have to dive into this more, but for now do you have any poems that you would like to share. Love to see those poems down in the comments. Share with your friends and where we can learn more about poetry. And don’t forget, Be Your Own Fable.

References used for this project:

Music for this Video provided by:

[buscandoelparaiso]

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[neilmfjosten]

the song of achilles quotes that make me go feral (spoiler warning!)

if you haven’t read the book i would wholeheartedly recommend doing so, it is an insanely beautiful and amazing book! very very very heartbreaking tho

-I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.

-And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.

-In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.

-We reached for each other, and I thought of how many nights I had lain awake loving him in silence.

-We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.

-There are no bargains between lion and men. I will kill you and eat you raw.

- I am made of memories. (this is probably my favorite book quotes)

-He is half of my soul, as the poets say. That is — your friend?” “Philtatos,” Achilles replied, sharply. Most beloved.

- It is right to seek peace for the dead. You and I both know there is no peace for those who live after.

-“If you have to go, you know I will go with you.”

-I let him hold me, let him press us length to length so close that nothing might fit between us. Tears came, and fell. Above us, the constellations spun and the moon paced her weary course. We lay stricken and sleepless as the hours passed.

-What is admired in one generation is abhorred in another. We cannot say who will survive the holocaust of memory… We are men only, a brief flare of the torch.

-When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.

-When I am dead, I charge you to mingle our ashes and bury us together.

-Achilles was looking at me. “Your hair never quite lies flat, here.” He touched my head, just behind my ear. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you how I like it.”

-I will never leave him. It will be this, always, for as long as he will let me.

-“Name one hero who was happy.” I considered. Heracles went mad and killed his family; Theseus lost his bride and father; Jason's children and new wife were murdered by his old; Bellerophon killed the Chimera but was crippled by the fall from Pegasus' back. “You can't.” He was sitting up now, leaning forward. “I can't.” “I know. They never let you be famous AND happy.” He lifted an eyebrow. “I'll tell you a secret." “Tell me.” I loved it when he was like this. “I'm going to be the first.” He took my palm and held it to his. “Swear it.” “Why me?” “Because you're the reason. Swear it.” “I swear it,” I said, lost in the high color of his cheeks, the flame in his eyes. “I swear it,” he echoed. We sat like that a moment, hands touching. He grinned. I feel like I could eat the world raw.

[evilovesyou]

I HOPE YOU HAD THE BEST TIME EVER MY DARLING !!!!! PLASE TELL US (and me in private please hehe) HOW IT WENT 🥰♥️😘!!

DEER!!! MY LOVE!!!!!! I ALREADY UPDATED YOU KINDA???? But omg. Let me give you a full run down. Buckle up because this is gonna be LONG, probably.

First of all, the rainbow project. Seriously. Thank the heavens and gods for all the lovely people who helped me with that. @loubluestuff, @justiceforfineline, @nothingbutsunflowers and Shlo, @ballerina-harrystyles, @almightyprincess and Madeleine! You guys were incredible!!!!!!!!!!!

Generally, 99% of the people were just fantastic! So kind, so enthusiastic, so happy to help. I'm blown away. We ran out of flags by 4pm. We brought 900 flags and there were many people who had brought their own as well. During the show it was practically impossible to take a single picture without a flag in the frame. People held them up for every. single. song. I noticed it especially with Habit, and of course the main one: Only the Brave. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I went in with a couple friends who arrived late so I didn't use my number, even though I had one (844). We ended up quite far in the back, but from the people I know who were up front, they said it was very intense. There were apparently people who were very pushy and unkind. In the back, I didn't notice any of that. Everyone around us was wonderful and kind.

Only the Poets was amazing! They filmed another part of their music video and they announced that since their show in Vienna in November had already sold out, they're switching to a bigger venue!

I found it incredibly amusing that before they came on people were chanting "OTP" because when we were handing out the papers for the lights downstairs the first two colours that we used up were blue and green and there were just. A lot of larries. Chanting "OTP."

They gave out water before the show. When a girl fainted during Beautiful War, they stopped the show after the song and started giving out water again while Louis and the band left. It seemed that they somehow weren't prepared for this from the venue's side because they ran out of water and cups?? At least that's what I heard. This practice in general is very unusual (as my friend @gaming-fish pointed out), just as the fact that they played a track multiple times that told people to take a step back, not to throw things, and that security had water. It worked out okay and it seemed the people around the girl who fainted helped her as best as they could. I also saw multiple people who were responsible and went to the back during the show when they didn't feel well.

Louis. Fucking Louis. He was radiant even from the very back. The crowd was LOUD and he loved it. There was a moment, I don't remember exactly which song, when he literally skipped from one side of the stage to the other and it was ADORABLE.

The note change in 7 was incredible. Getting to scream PRINCESS PARK at him with all my might was unreal. During Two of Us I almost found it hard to connect to him because the crowd had so much energy, but when I managed to find his voice and focus on it... It was so good. At the very end his voice broke away slightly and my heart shattered. It was beautiful. The other fan project during Walls worked great as well. Screaming "you were my because" with all his encouragement was... yeah. It felt real.

Now the rainbows. The RAINBOWS. ONLY THE BRAVE. FUCK IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. WE WORKED SO HARD FOR A MONTH AND WE DID OUR VERY BEST TO MAKE IT HAPPEN AND THEN IT DID AND JESUS CHRIST ON A BICYCLE I'M GONNA CRY AGAIN.

I was a little bit too far back to see the gallery lights fully, but I'm sure someone will have a better picture or video. Here's my pictures and my video. At the end of the video he sings a note so beautiful that when I listened back to it, I cried. It felt so absolutely unreal to see that same sea of pride flags, now all raised high, and to see all those colourful lights upstairs and pointed at him and... and to know that all of these people were kind and supportive, creating a safe space for him and for us. And the most unbelievable part for me is that.. we did that. I did that. I don't think I will ever get over that.

I think that's it for now. I have a couple more asks <3

Edit: I totally forgot!! Isaac wasn't there????? I kept looking for him but he was replaced by a guy named Scott (??) and we sang happy birthday for him.

Also one of the guys from OTP was wearing their own merch because he lost a game of odds with Louis!

[dailytomlinson]

2020 is finally coming to an end, and we can’t say we’re disappointed about it. It sure has been a long way for everyone, yet some artists had a lot on their plate. Take a look at Louis Tomlinson’s year. As complicated as 2020 has been for him, he still unlocked achievements and outdid himself in the best way. So let’s take a look at how Louis Tomlinson made 2020 his year, let’s go!

Louis Tomlinson Released His Debut Solo Album Walls

After four years of anticipation, and a good two years of teasing, Louis released his debut album, Walls, on January 31st. The record received positive critics and fantastic feedback from his loyal Louies. From the party anthem ‘Kill My Mind’ to the emotional ‘Two Of Us’, with a few sweet escapes such as ‘Too Young’, not to mention the punchy ‘Always You’, the album brought the fans everything they had hoped for. In addition to that, Louis stole our hearts with heartfelt and sincere lyrics that only he has the secret of. Magic.

Louis Started His Worldwide Tour And Gave His First Solo Show

Louis started his worldwide tour in March before it got interrupted. Touring was what he had always been looking forward to, ever since he’d decided to start a solo career. Louis had expressed the exciting feeling and positive stress that he feels right before going on stage. Luckily enough, he had the time to perform twice in Spain at the beginning of March. His first whole solo show took place at Razzmatazz, in Barcelona, and reunited around 2000 fans (sold out). An hour and a half of musical bliss, a performer who shares a lot with his fans, and an incredibly talented band. What else?

Walls Went Number #1 In 53 Countries And Worldwide Upon Release

Louis Tomlinson made 2020 his year in the charts too. He always had a dedicated fandom, and that’s no surprise. However, he seemingly wasn’t expecting the global success of his debut album Walls. Indeed, it went number #1 on iTunes in 53 countries upon its release on January 31st, including the United Kingdom and the major part of South America. Not only that, but the album also climbed the iTunes Worldwide Chart to reach #1 in a matter of hours. Legends only.

Louis Released The Music Video for ‘Walls’, And It’s A Masterpiece

January 16th revealed the final single off Walls, the album, which was none other than the title track itself. Louis described it then as his proudest song on the album, with strong influences of Oasis. A few days later, on the 21st, Louis blessed us with the music video, shot in Morocco by Charlie Ligthening. The camera follows Louis through the Sahara desert and traces his path through a ballroom and dancing crowds. Some other scenes show him surrounded by masked people, or behind four silhouettes that he identified as his four former bandmates. The Easter eggs, the quality of the video, and the suit (yes, the suit, don’t you lie) made it a fans’ favorite, for it now counts more than 12 Million views.

Louis Reached 1.4 Billion Streams on Spotify

It looks like the fans’ streaming parties paid off this year. With only one album, four other songs, and remixes or edits, Louis reached the milestone of 1.4 Billion streams on Spotify this year. Additionally, he also made it to 4 Million followers on the platform. The numbers speak for themselves, and the achievement is huge for an artist who only received little promotion for a debut album, stopped on its way due to the pandemic. Here’s to his first billion, and some more soon! Overall, Louis knows he can count on his devoted Louies to increase the number of streams significantly with new challenges, the way they did it in December with #12DaysOfWalls. (Original idea by @miss_always_you).

He Launched Only The Poets Internationally

If you’re a Louie, there are big chances that this name rings a bell. Only The Poets, a band coming from Reading in the UK, literally skyrocketed this year. After their first performance as Louis’ first act on stage at Scala in February 2020, their popularity started increasing. And Louis confirming them as his first European act only made it better for them. They continued their year with live-streams, private Zoom calls, and pre-listening sessions of their singles with fans. They ended it with a social distanced show in Banbury and a Zoom Tour in a few European countries and South America. And the mutual support Louis and these lads give each other is heartwarming.

Louis Decided To Part Ways With Syco

This one is for the fans. After ten years of collaboration with Sony’s label, Syco, Louis decided to part ways with them for a new adventure. He officially announced his decision with a tweet on July 11th that took no time to break the Internet. Soon enough, hashtags related to the news trended around Twitter, other artists, and radios congratulated him on his decision. Louies celebrated with funny memes and GIFs but made sure to surround Louis with love and support through it all. Now we wait (for the new label announcement).

Louis Didn’t Only Postpone His Tour, He Made It Bigger

Another proof that Louis Tomlinson made 2020 better. Not only did Louis pursue his dream and goal to tour, but he also grew it out. After postponing the tour three times, the newly announced European dates include a few more stops, including Reykjavik (Iceland), Warsaw (Poland), Prag (Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland), and an additional date in Paris (France)! The shows sold out in less than 40 minutes, making it more than 15,000 tickets purchased. Due to the high demand in Zurich, the venue changed and 500 more tickets went on sale! In Argentina, a wild mobilization of fans on Twitter led him to open the whole Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires. Some additional tickets went on sale for the Chilean show as well. And guess what? They all sold out.

Louis Was Crowned Artist Of The Summer With 13 Million Votes

Still, doubting that Louis Tomlinson made 2020 his year? A radio station from Philadelphia, @965TDY, launched a Twitter award ceremony last summer to crown an artist ‘Artist Of The Summer’. Many polls, 13 Million votes, and 26 Billion points later, Louis was elected and was all over Twitter thanking his fans for their dedication. Louies had acquired the absolute record of 26 Billion points thanks to their votes on the radio station’s website, and thanks to their mass voting parties. Another proof that Louis and his fans are unstoppable altogether. The support is always undeniably strong, and so is the bond between the artist and the fans. Happy days.

Walls Magically Rises On The Itunes Charts In October

Indeed, nine months after its release, a new wave of fans bought the album on iTunes and made it rise in the charts. The magic truly happened after @UpdateHLD (a Twitter update account), reminded new fans to purchase the album if they had not already. Considering Louis gained a certain amount of fans during the global lockdown, the initiative went successful, and soon enough, Walls was climbing the charts just like it did on January 31st. As incredible as it seems, it even received its first #1 on the USA iTunes chart. Louis didn’t miss on thanking his fans for their continuous support, expressing how amazed he was by the chart climb.

Louis Offered An Online Live-Stream Show, #LTLivestream

Early December, Louis announced his first live-stream show from London for December 12th, entitled #LTLivestream. He promised a very special show, hosted by the platform Veeps, and didn’t lie. The general sale for the tickets (of course) crashed the website, making everyone panic. Louis then confirmed that the tickets were unlimited. The show was as incredible as originally announced, with an orchestra, fans participating through a digital wall, and a new haircut that conquered the fans. The numbers later revealed that Louis had sold over 160,000 tickets. #LTLivestream is the most sold live-stream for a male solo artist in 2020. Being the generous philanthropist that Louis is, he has given the $2.8 Million raised to many charities and his touring crew. The charities benefitting from the funds are FareShare UK, StageHand, Crew Nation, and Bluebell Wood. And they wonder why we love him.

Louis Surprised His Fans With A New Song Called ‘Copy Of A Copy Of A Copy’

Last but not least, after spending a year on a rollercoaster, Louis revealed a brand new song during #LTLivestream. He had been hinting at it through a teaser for the live-stream and via a cryptic tweet that made everyone think he was referring to ‘Copy Of A’ by Nine Inch Nails. However, he proved everyone wrong during the show with a brand new song. ‘Copy Of A Copy Of A Copy’ reminds us of the general sound of ‘Walls’ (the single), and stole everyone’s heart and soul once again. Immediately after the show, the fans asked Louis when the single would be out, to which he replied that he wasn’t sure about it being one. The disappointment faded away when he said it remained an option and would put it on the second album. We’ll take that.

And that, folks, is how Louis Tomlinson made 2020 his year for us! We have so many memories of Louis this year and can’t pick a favorite! What would be yours? And what do you think is yet to come from Louis next year?