The Diary of Jane – Chapter 22: Queens and crowns

I just have to take a moment with the subject of Poland and ancient laws again – because the near-total ban on abortion is really nothing else than a HUGE throwback in time…and I honestly can’t see anything good coming out of this.

But yeah, with all the shit going on in the world….how about putting some focus on the good, on the amazing people out there, giving back to the world, striving to make it a better place.

Like Gojira. I just love how there is thought behind everything, how there is still hope ”even though the world is fucked”…

And like a friend of mine – who actually puts time and effort in picking up trash whenever he is out and about. Wouldn’t it be great if we all learned to at least pick up our own garbage and not leave it in forests and on beaches and just about everywhere….? But still, I so admire him for doing this.

I also admire this great Depeche Mode cover from Libra with special guests, a beautiful collaboration with some kick-ass musicians, where all the proceeds of the song go to the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Protect the ones you love is such a beautiful thought – so please go listen!

And remember – showing support doesn’t always have to be all complicated and cost money, sometimes it can be as easy as to just follow the account on Youtube or Twitch or other platforms, hitting ”like”, commenting and sharing.  Or if you already have the merch, simply wear it!

But right – it IS International Women’s Day today – so let’s put some extra light on some of the wonderful women out there!

I need to start with Alissa White-Gluz, because I completely adore her. And besides the fact that she is just pure and kick-ass, the saving animals and planting of trees through her Patreon community is just so beautiful. THAT is giving back. And I absolutely love her #CreatorChronicles series, that are basically weekly pep talks, filled with inspiration that feeds the mind and soul.

And Jen Majura. Her 27 parts of amazing 1min jammms from April to November last year still make me smile. In January this year she gave us ”JenJen off-the-line”, and in February (apart from a very special Valentine’s tune) she started the latest series – ”JenJen’s Style of the week”. She is bringing entertainment with heart, much appreciated and well needed. (Also – seeing her joy going out in the snow, sliding down a slope on a frying pan a month ago…… priceless!!)

I also need a moment of HUGE appreciation for Floor Jansen and the fact that not only does she sing amazingly beautiful, but that she on her Youtube channel(s!) is sharing so much knowledge and insights, inspiration, warmth and laughter. Her Masterclass series is just…brilliant. I follow this lovely vocal coach on Twitch, and Floor is mentioned a lot during the streams.

Makeup Mondays is a concept now, thanks to Simone Simons. And I am totally fascinated of how her white top is still always white after she is done. And I can never put makeup on without making all kinds of weird faces, but no, not Simone – she just always looks gorgeous and classy. Oh, and she also has a great voice, brains, photography skills and a warm and beautiful personality and so on…… can we all agree that this is soooo not fair?!? (yes, I am kidding, of course – she is amazing!)

So…real queens fix each other’s crowns…and you know what?
They DO.
And it makes me happy to see that they really support one another in which ever way they can.
Have a look at the posts of these women on Instagram, and you will see well-known names among the comments, always with love (especially Elize Ryd – she is absolute pro level when it comes to spreading hearts).

Yesterday I stumbled across this beautiful stream on Twitch – Venusworld, and was blown away by this amazing singer/songwriter. And someone wrote a comment that was like ”soft as a pillow but hits hard as a truck” – and that felt so spot-on. Go check her out – on Twitch, Youtube or Spotify – or just everywhere!

While we’re on the subject of soft pillows – I absolutely need to throw in the wonder that is Charlotte Wessels. When the news about the ending of the Delain we knew came out a few weeks ago, it broke a lot of hearts. But – I am pretty sure she will do beautifully amazing anyway. Why? Because she is such a kind, beautiful and very creative soul. She’s got this.
This song was The Song Of The Month for January on Patreon – and has just been released outside the community. Go watch!

”I call for a soft revolution instead of a war
With lullabies for battle cries
I call for a soft revolution”

Soft. Because we don’t ALWAYS need to be kicking in doors to be seen, heard and understood.

But sometimes – we DO need to kick in those closed doors.
Hard.
As if we fear nothing.
As if nothing stands in our way.

Like the smashing, dashing and fearless Cristina Scabbia. (well – anyone who follows her channel on Twitch knows exactly how fearless she is when the games are scary….!) But, besides that – I absolutely LOVE that she is so REAL. She has a voice and isn’t afraid to use it, and it doesn’t matter if she has just woken up, just done her work-out or is all done up with makeup and hair – she is always beautiful. And nerdy. And I love how she can make a short story long and how that just makes her even more amazing.

Not to forget the thank you message to her Twitch community she sent out last night.
”Hope you’ll stay with me and the beautiful crazy gang as long as possible: we talk, laugh, play together, as we are better when we have each other’s back!”

That’s just beautiful. And I am pretty sure her gang is sticking around.
I know I am, because how can you not when you have seen her go FULL Leroy Jenkins on a poor pizza in a game…?!
Absolutely hilarious.

These above are some amazing women that I truly admire and love.
But there are SO many out there, both famous and less known…

And I have a wish today.
I truly hope that if not every day, at least today, we can all give ourselves some extra love.
That today we can stand up straight and feel proud over how far we have come.
To know that we are not the pain we carry.
That we can find the strength and power inside and let it flow.
That we can give ourselves good vibes and beautiful energy.

That we can forgive ourselves and move forward with everything we have learned from our mistakes.
That we know that we are so much stronger than we think we are.
That we embrace the wisdom our wounds have given us.
That we know that we are loved, and that we also truly love ourselves.

Hard, but not impossible.
We got this.
We really do.

Nothing stands in our way.