Personhood.

This post does have a point and it will make sense, but for now I'm weaving together lots of different colored threads in the hope that I create something tangible. 

So. Beyonce. 

Love her or hate her she's done a wonderful thing creating a visual album. I can't tell you how great it was to have that excitement again of going to an actual store, buying a physical CD and then racing home to listen/watch it. I sound like a mega fan but I have so much love for a woman whose managed to follow her passions and done so whilst having a family - love her or hate her she's an innovator! 

People have openly criticized the album for its raunchiness but having actually listened to what Beyonce had to say for herself and the context of it, I felt like her actions were justified. Beyonce is all about art and concepts, her song Partition which has some scenes of her dancing provocatively, also has her husband sat in the video. She's saying to the world she loves her husband, she has a sexual side and she gets to express that in a very creative outlet. 

Do we talk so excessively about male singers who have their shirts off in videos or dance proactively (I'm talking to you Jason Derluo)? No. 
So my argument is why vilify one woman and use her actions as the break down of feminism, when one woman cannot possibly represent every female on this planet? The context of Beyonce's album suggests a grown woman exploring all connotations of what she thinks make her a female, mother, singer, wife, sexual being and expressing that in the medium she knows how. 

To be a feminist I don't think you need to suppress your sexual side or apologize for having body parts. Feminism has so much baggage attached to its meaning but this is what it means to me. I'm happy, I like men, I like women, I think we should be treated equally and our differences celebrated. I think women should wear what they want, dance how they want and I think men should be able to do the same. 

Ok. Next topic. Decisions. 

I recently attended a training day on 'The Mental Health Capacity Act' for work encountered the following phrase: 

'Decisions are your freedom' 

Some of the people I care for in my job role, for numerous reasons, do not have the capacity to make decisions and understand the consequences of their choices. So how in this situation do I maintain their dignity, respect their rights as individuals and ensure that the quality of care I provide is compassionate, understanding and above all respectful? Its a moral and ethical dilemma, as some circumstances require 'best interest' strategies which means going against the person's choice in order to protect them for the greater good. Like I said it is an ethical and moral dilemma. 

The whole day made me reflective about the decisions I have to make this year. What I realized is that there is no right and wrong way when it comes to picking paths, the universe is unfolding as it should and you have to just live through the consequences. Every decision you make is an opportunity to learn from so don't worry if it seems imperfect initially. 

Right I've got to go, there is Salsa dancing to prepare for (all part of my Spanish plan). 

Pretty things I saw...(Along a Latin theme because I'm obsessed)! 

   

  



































Until next time, 

Stay strong and surf well
Love

Janus.

Did you know that January was named so because of the Roman God Janus who possessed one head to look forwards and one head to look back. In terms of my surfing I can see that 2013 was very much a cut and paste kind of year, it was all about gluing the pieces back on and healing, which is funny because in some cultures the ocean is considered a mother and the waves are her arms rocking you. My surf future will be about processes, by which I mean trying to use every surf session as an opportunity to learn, not berating myself too much when I wipe out because failure is an important part of growth and using life outside of the water to complement my time in the water. 

Michelle Obama allegedly rises at 4.30am to have an hour or two for herself before anyone else rises. When it came to others needs she had the ability to get up any time of the day, but as an individual rarely did things for herself. Waking up early she uses that time to work out and affirms that it is the most productive time during her day.

Today I set my alarm early, I enjoyed a green tea and bowl of porridge then after an hour or so of relaxing did a forty minute yoga session. I've had an ongoing love affair with yoga that seems to rise and diminish in fervor. Today's postures reminded me how much the practice brings me back to myself and how much I relish time on my mat.  It comes as no surprise that there are many forms of Yoga programs designed for surfers as the two practices are massively intertwined. Merely being on your surfboard is a yoga posture (you are in constant cobra pose). I am a firm believer in mindfulness and the power of meditation, last year I let my tongue flap about my mouth too much and said some things which aren't some of my finest speeches. This year I want to learn from those mistakes and let go of damaging thoughts. Visualizing your time on your surfboard is a sure fire way of improving what you do in the water if only because it practices focus. I did Judy Tsui's 40 minute Yoga for surfers practice (see below). 




Yesterday I had a day off, one which wasn't filled with appointments or trying to catch up with people so I used the time to paint and listen to some inspiring women. Mainstream media has had a lot to say about Beyonce's recent visual album release, everything from her style, the new found aggression in her songs and the fact she did absolutely no promotion for its release. Long term followers of my blog will know I have a soft spot for Beyonce, but I don't put her on a pedestal its precisely her vulnerability which makes me admire her so much. She is the first to discuss her fears and the power of failure....she also happens to be a huge fan of the ocean. 

During my painting I sat listening to her explanations of her new concept album and the theme of imperfection. I was rapt and continue to be inspired by her. People assume she has an ego, but surely anyone to reach the heights she has needs a certain level of self confidence. In my opinion she's made songs for her husband, her daughter, addressing the people who've held her down and most importantly she's made an experience for her fans. She's reclaiming her body after having a baby and showing the world that you can embody all that being a woman entails, dreaming, love, children and still be you the individual. 

Watching the Beyonce videos lead me to the effervescing Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her speech on feminism. Her words exactly encompass my thoughts on feminism and she does so with humor and affection. I urge you to watch this whether you are female or male.   
                                                                













Another great source of joy is found in Pharell William's new song 'Happy' I listened to this on repeat for AN HOUR. A whole hour painting and enjoying this. Whatever comes first....marriage or death, I'm having this song play me out. Isn't it wonderful when you connect to something! 

Lastly I'd like to get you up to speed with the 'Message in a Bottle Manifesto,' my recent painting of late has all been in aid of the letters I'll be sending out to the brave souls who decided to take a risk. I'll be writing to a Cornish surfer, an American soldier and a local lad all of whom decided to try something wonderful by connecting through letter writing. If you want to receive a letter and maybe even some art off me too then please don't hesitate to get in touch sophia.cant.surf@gmail.com let's start a converation! 

Until next time, 

Stay strong and surf well 
Love 

Dance. Cowboys. Japan.

This is how my mind worked today 'Dance. Cowboys. Japan' and following the yellow brick road of internet surfing resulted in some pretty interesting procrastination. 

Dance.

For some reason I woke up thinking about 'Les Twins' the backing dancers in Beyonce's 'Mrs Carter world tour.' A few idle moments on youtube found me watching this video which quite frankly is astounding. I often see dance moves when I watch people surf it can be so graceful and I absolutely love the symmetry of Larry and Laurent. You will be impressed. 

Cowboy. 

Somehow I got distracted again and followed this lead 'Surf Cowboys' which is the brain child of Eric Kvatek and Kiro Hirata which explore the utterly unique union of surf culture and err Westerns?! Shot entirely in Australia with local people, the effect and vision for the Sprin 2012 catalog was utterly compelling. 

     

 

   



























    

  



































Japan.

And lastly...I've been thinking a lot about unobvious Surf destinations mainly due to a sense of loyalty to surfing the North Sea. Surfing in Britain is a far cry from the glossy caramel images of Californian/Hawaiian surfers which grace the covers of Roxy, Billabong etc to name  but a few. Remembering Sam Bleakley's books about intrepid surf travel I began pondering upon the notion of Japan. I'm already in turmoil about whether I try Morocco or Copenhagen for a mini trip this year but I'd like to think about starting to save for a big trip. 

Surfing Japan? I wonder...

'Uptown Blind' A documentary filmed by and starring Japanese surfers travelling around Australia.
      
 















Until next time water babies embrace the random! 

Love Sophia 

Queen Bee made me do it.

At 8:56am I was crying watching Beyonce: Life is but a dream on catch up and demand. Here is a woman, a child of destiny who literally redefined what success means to the 21st century woman. 

In her own words she inspired me for one hour 27 minutes about how being vulnerable is actually ok, that women are beyond powerful and above all that love endures. She said so many nuggets of wisdom that I'm struggling to remember all of the quotes I could use on this here blog! 

Well Beyonce gave me an idea. I've been toying with the notion of film for a while now and seeing Bey use video blogs as a way of finding solace has given me the courage to give it a try for myself. I'm planning on putting together a surf film when the land locked surfer club heads to Saltburn, but for now I'm going to practice getting comfortable on screen and editing by leaving a few video blogs of my thoughts for the day on RWHCS. 

Notice in this first video I forgot to brush the dry shampoo out of my hair (which gives me lovely silver grey streaks) and that I've held the camera far too close to my face...

*cringe* 

Rest assured watching this video, I am fidgeting and rosy cheeked throughout - but hey growth is allowing yourself to be vulnerable! 

Pictures of the week. 

Yet again Birmingham city is proving me wrong, far from being boring this week has seen the return of Flatpack Festival (no nothing to do with Ikea!)Flatpack festival takes over venues across Birmingham (UK) every March bringing in people from far and wide with a mixture of films, performances, contraptions and surprises. This week alone I watched Shynola: The collective (the animators behind music videos such as Queens of the Stone age, Blur, Coldplay and the title sequences of The IT crowd and Scott Pilgrim vs the world), a silent film about Joan of Arc in Saint Martin's Cathedral and today enjoyed bicycled themed frivolities in the custard factory (a factory which has been converted into a creative space for Birmingham artists).  

Its good to have a passion in life. 

   




































Stay strong and surf well amigos! 

Love Sophia 

X 

Stoking the fire.

80% of wipe outs are invigorating energy baths that offer a fantastic opportunity to beat panic in a staring contest. Loving your wipe outs doesn't mean becoming reckless it means recognizing that you are safe and resilient enough to enjoy the messy side of your favorite wave. 

- Anonymous

Inspiration.

  

 
Otelo Burning. I NEED MUST see this surf film...

RITRATTI DI SURF | GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS | part1 from BLOCK10 on Vimeo.

Songs to make you heart glad.

(and stop thinking about break-ups...)

1. Hanson - mmmbop (there is no way you can resist this song). 

2. Caesars - Jerk it out 

3. Tom Cochrane - Life is a highway 

4. India Arie - Video 

5. Beyonce - Party ft J Cole 

6. Damien Junior Gong Marley - Keep on grooving 

7. Mishka - Lonely (not as depressing as it sounds and the video is lush, think palm trees and beautiful beaches).

8. Naughty by Nature - Hip Hop Hooray 

9. Kriss Kross - Jump 

10. Gnarles Barkley - Going on 

Stay Strong, Surf well 

X  

The Power of 20.

I'm always happy when I'm surrounded by water. I think I'm a mermaid or was a mermaid. The ocean makes me feel really small
and it puts my whole life into perspective. It reminds me I am this very little piece of this huge earth and it humbles you and it grounds you. It makes me feel almost like I've been baptized and I'm one again when I get out of the ocean.
                                   
                                               - Beyonce Knowles


For some unbeknownst reason to me, the number twenty has featured heavily in my life this week. In the first instance it was to do with surfing. I traveled back to Saltburn on Thursday to surf with my good friend Jemima and I think to reconnect with myself. 

Due to time restraints we had only a short period in which to catch some waves. Nick the wonderful surf shack owner from the beach front gestured when we had only twenty minutes remaining. 
When I got back into the ocean I surfed hard I knew it would be a while before I'd have this feeling again so I made sure I felt every molecule against my skin. I indulged in the feeling of being swept away by the tide and the lightness of the board being pulled from underneath me. I even embraced my wipe outs thinking how important it was to appreciate this learning curve. 

Saltburn in all its rugged glory. 

Sometimes its good to see life from a different perspective. 

The happiest Labradoodle in the world!

I am but a small person and this is a very big world.

Jemima the surfer girl ready for business! 

The city of York 

Perspectives from the city of York.

Then to the train station where I had a twenty minute delay. At first I was frustrated and just wanted to be home. But then I listened, I mean actually listened to the music on my mp3 player and watched life unfolding around me. I witnessed goodbyes between lovers, families reuniting and cool hipsters getting ready for a night out. It reminded me that my life will go on and that I should continue to hope and dream for things because every cloud has a silver lining. 

Lastly I found myself in on a Saturday night. I felt panicked like I was missing out on something, after two days of surfing and constant distraction a night with just myself suddenly seemed torturous.I ignored my panic and instead did twenty minutes of yoga. Pushing my body through rounds of sun salutation made me focus on my breathing and gave me the clarity I needed. Reflection is good, being alone can be good too. Its important post break up to be kind to yourself, to explore your sadness and then start rebuilding. 

Sophia loves Casper. Casper loves Sophia! 

I am grateful every day of my life for discovering surfing and for the way its enabled me to meet some fantastic people. My Saltburn surf buddy is a miraculous person who I feel so grateful to have shared such a positive experience with. We're not just surf buddies I think we're friends for life. Nick the surf shop owner is a wizened soul who gave me the best compliment of my life 

"I see a lot of people try surfing who I know aren't going to do it. You two I think are going to be good surfers" 

The word is. Stoked. 

Stay strong and surf well 

Love Sophia 

X