Sincerely Stockholm

Chapter Three: Life in the World's Smallest Big City.

"Blix - now that's a super cool name!" Dame blurted, sounding like some sort of infatuated teenager. "Is Blix a common Swedish name for guys?" she cooly added, hoping to sound less pathetic. "Actually it's a family name," Blix replied. "That's my mother's, what do you call it?" he inquired. "Maiden name," answered Dame. Blix then explained, "Actually my full name is Johan Blix Andersson, and when I was growing up there were many boys also named Johan.  So when I joined my first band, I switched to Blix." "So did you grow up in Stockholm?" Dame hastily inquired as she took a bite of her crunchy croissant. "Yes, I grew up in Östermalm - this section is the most elegant and exclusive part of Stockholm. Östermalm is often compared to New York's Upper East Side because of its impressive buildings and high-end specialty stores, especially around Stureplan Square," Blix stated matter-of-factly, then continued, "Did you know that Stockholm is often referred to as the 'World's Smallest Big City' or the 'World's Biggest Small Town,' and it's kind of true. It won't take too long before you notice this Dame." "It sounds like you're still fond of your hometown," Dame quickly added. "Oh, I think Stockholm is great. Only problem is, I really don't get around much anymore because, like you, I'm working all the time," Blix explained. Dame just nodded as she sipped her cappuccino as he continued, "I do try, however, to get out to my place on one of the archipelago islands that surround Stockholm. It's a great place to work, you know, compose." Dame sighed, "Oh that sounds like heaven. You must feel inspired there." Blix smirked, "I chose a very sacred isle for songwriting called Viggsö." Dame quickly quipped, "Is this where all the Viking chants and hymns were written?" Blix just laughed and declared, "Better. Viggsö is where ABBA wrote most of their hits. Hallowed ground for music composers." Dame almost spat out her coffee. "You know, I was reluctant to tell you this, but my father is a massive ABBA fan. When my brother Rupert and I were kids, and my mother was out at the shops, my Dad would just blare a marathon of their records all afternoon. He is just so envious that I am here in the land of ABBA working on my music." Blix interjected, "Well, your Dad has good taste. Are you not a fan of ABBA? You know their tunes are much more complex than some people give them credit for."

Dame responded rather coyly, "I am. But I never admit that out loud, particularly in front of my brother Rupert. He never thought ABBA had enough edge for his liking." Blix mulled this over and inquired, "So how about your mother? Does she also like ABBA?" Dame snickered, "Funny. I'm not sure where my Mum sits on ABBA. But I do know who her favourite Swede is." Blix played along, "Do tell." Dame took a dramatic pause and stated, "My Mum adores Björn Borg." "Oh she is a tennis fan?" presumed Blix. Dame laughed, "I'll put it this way. My mother liked watching Wimbledon. But she was more obsessed with watching Björn Borg, if you know what I mean. If she had had the chance to be a Björn Borg groupie she would have been one in a heartbeat." Blix grinned with amusement as Dame continued, "I'll tell you a secret. When I told her I was coming to Stockholm to work with you, she looked you up on the internet, then sent me a side by side picture of you and Mr. Borg back in the day." "Oh really," Blix playfully scoffed. "Her text said, Look, Blix and Björn have the same long hair, facial scruff and cheekbones." Blix chuckled and added, "Instead of saying, I see dead people, your mother is like, I see Björn Borg... everywhere." The two laughed together then Dame suddenly became reflective. "Thanks, Blix. Thanks for making me remember how my family used to be, before the band, before the fame, before all this "music business bunk " tore us apart." Blix nodded then stated, "Yes, I hear that Rupert is not happy about you going solo." Dame's eyes widened, "He is downright furious with me. He refuses to talk to me. And my poor parents are stuck in the middle as they refuse to take sides. It's truly a mess."

"Wow, look at me killing our cool Fika vibe. Before I bring you down again, I say we get to your Airbnb," Blix interjected. He then promptly stood up, raised his arm towards the door, and proceeded to guide them out of the Café. Blix led the way as Dame took in the black roofed buildings, noticing the distinct alternating tones of their walls. Each structure seemed to have been painted in either a muted clay, yellow, green or red hue. Dame found the passing wave of stylish locals against the backdrop of historic buildings kind of trippy. It's like I'm in some sort of Scandinavian time warp, she thought to herself. Blix continued to walk and talk, pointing out a glorious church. ''That's Katarina kyrka. You know, the Church of Catherine has burned down twice, once in the 1700s and again in 1990. It was completely rebuilt both times," Blix stated. As Dame cocked her head to the right to take in the impressive religious shrine, Blix jetted down a laneway to the left announcing, "And this street is where you'll find your Airbnb."

This narrow laneway had the same colourful buildings as the other streets but the houses themselves were more like perfectly preserved cozy cottages. "Gosh, another row of colourful homes," Dame exclaimed. "These houses are still made of wood which is rare for this neighbourhood. In fact wooden structures were banned because of the fires," explained Blix. "I feel like I'm in the middle of a fairytale book." Dame whispered. Blix just laughed and said, "Well, I don't know how much of a fairytale life they were living back in the day. This street is named after the executioner who lived here. The park down the road was where the gallows were. I guess Mäster Mikael had a short commute to work," mused Blix. Just then he stopped in front of an orange-coloured two-storey cottage and rapped on the door. Before Dame could fully process that morbid tidbit of local lore, she was in the entrance way of the charming small house.

Blix greeted a couple who looked to be in their early thirties. "Damianne Beauty may I introduce you to your Airbnb hosts. Agneta here runs the music studio and her husband Erik is a recording engineer there." Everyone greeted one another, as Blix continued to explain the set-up. "So Dame, you'll notice that this cottage has been converted into two separate flats. Agneta and Erik live on one side and rent this side out to guests." Dame found the mix of the classic clean modern Scandinavian aesthetic combined with all the cozy nordic furnishings and artwork very appealing. "Most artists who work with me stay here because you get the best of both worlds — your own private pad with the security of knowing that your hosts are close by." Agneta led Dame up the spiral staircase up to the second floor to the open concept loft bedroom with Blix in tow. "So Dame, there are a selection of clothes here already for you with all your toiletries in your bathroom. Oh, and you'll notice that the windows have blackout curtains - this time of year the sun sets so late," explained Agneta. Dame nodded, adding enthusiastically, "That's right I'm here during the Summer Solstice." Blix added, "And the stand-up piano over in the corner as well as the laptop, microphone and electronic keyboard are for you. So no matter when the urge strikes you can compose at any time." Dame was speechless. Blix quickly asked, "Is that not the right instrument? I've only ever heard you sing but the record label assured me that you write on piano." Dame let out a little sigh. "Well, to be honest, I did study when I was younger and really only picked it up again recently. I've never written on my own, you know." Blix just smiled and said, "That's cool. I'll go through my collaboration approach with you tomorrow." With that, the trio returned to the ground floor. "I'll be heading off now," declared Blix. "I think this is really going to be great working together Dame. I'll see you at the studio around 9:30. You can go in with Agneta," Blix stated, making his way to the doorway. "Okay. That way I won't get lost, and hopefully won't get recognized either," Dame said with a tinge of trepidation. Agneta jumped in and said with a reassuring tone, "If you're with me and don't wear anything too flashy, you'll have nothing to worry about. We Swedes don't like making small talk nor eye contact." Blix and Erik both chuckled and said in unison, "That's so true."

After Blix's departure, Dame chatted with Agneta and Erik for about half an hour then excused herself to "her" side of the quaint cosy house. She made her way up to her room and over to the piano, reflecting on the day. As her fingers mindlessly tinkled away, Dame thought about the immediate connection she felt with Blix, touched by his presence and spirit. She was feeling a little less intimidated working with someone other than Rupert or Elliott. Rather than checking her social feeds, Dame grabbed a shower, closed the blinds, hopped into bed and fell fast asleep.