Senorita.

I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.

Frieda Kahlo    

           

 

The painting is called Carlotta and is by Wilma Johnson a.k.a Surf Mama! 

Due to the frequency of hearing the question 'are you Spanish?' I have developed something of a soft spot for Latino culture and especially Latino actresses. The likes of Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz frequently play characters who embody all connotations of femininity, whilst exuding a free spirited persona - I love a multifaceted, strong female lead! 

Recently I watched soppy 90's comedy 'Fools rush in,'  which uses Mexican culture as a central theme. There were some cliches, which I wonder what the Latino community feel about, but as an English girl far away from either South America or Spain, I loved the style and artistic nature of Salma Hayek's character Isabel. 

Its made me curious about Spanish surfer girls, whats the terrain and culture like for them? I'm aware of exceptionally good Peruvian and Portuguese surfers but I struggle to think of other equivalents. I wonder if this is due to ignorance and is the surf community inclusive to our Latino sisters? 

Alongside the strong female leads was style and decor that I absolutely adored. Its inspired me to collate images along a Spanish, Bohemian theme which will be in a future post. Its also motivating me to perhaps try and learn Spanish and salsa dancing. Why not?! New Year is an opportunity to remind ourselves to grow our branches up and out into the world. 

Spanish surf trip perhaps?? 

A few things for this week...

So. What do you reckon? Do I look a teeny tiny bit Spanish? 

 My compliant sister took a 'style' photo in the Thursday sunshine! 

Being early for the train I couldn't resist looking round one of my favorite vintage shops...I ended up buying this Mexican style dress, turquoise scarf and I got the red one for free! 

 

I love that my dog refuses to let me be too much of a poser, look at him totally stealing the spotlight! Below are scenes from my city, sometimes I think I like it. 

 

Above is a mermaid zine I've been working on and below are art I've collected for my room. 

 Until next time,  

Stay strong and surf well 
Love 

The Land Locked Surfers Part III

Before I divulge into the wonders of another Land Locked Surfers trip, I'd like to give a shout out to Surfdome. 

Not only are the gang there lovely to work with they've also provided me with a beautiful bikini to review. 

Below is said palm tree bikini which managed to survive my wipe outs and skateboarding!! This bikini was good value for money, good quality, didn't get lost in the ocean and didn't give me a wedgie - win, win in my books! 

  

Photography by Jemima Stubbs https://www.facebook.com/JemimaStubbsPhotography

Surfdome http://www.surfdome.com/

Bikinis http://www.surfdome.com/Womens_Bikinis-334/

triangle bikini top http://www.surfdome.com/surfdome_bikini_tops_-_surfdome_georgia_triangle_bikini_top_-_palm_trees-144436

the bottom http://www.surfdome.com/surfdome_bikini_bottoms_-_surfdome_narabeen_tie_side_bikini_bottom_-_palm_trees-144412 

The Land Locked Surfers Club III

I am still radiating happiness after my weekend with the Land Locked Surfers despite returning to the cold, bleak city. To this day I still don't understand the magic of surfing, how it is able to bring effective strangers and acquaintances together and create community. We had new recruits on this trip and rested our heads in a caravan for eight. Despite close quarters it happened again...that wonderful moment when people really gel - we even had sunshine for a little bit! 

This is all so ironic when I think about my actual surfing. I was terrible, I mean I had the mechanics down but my attitude was all wrong. I started to 'get in my head' to the point where I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing because I was so frustrated with feeling like I was surfing terribly. 

I hit the wall. 

This happened on day one so I tried to reassure myself that the next day would be better. Then on Sunday we woke up to wind and mush, it looked like a desert storm on the beach the weather was so bad. I went in anyway, in grey waves with wind speeds which exfoliated my face and had the best time yet. I learnt to surf in a blustery, Northern town in snow and hail, so sometimes I have to get a battering from the waves to remind myself why I'm doing it in the first place - for the sheer 'what the hell' of it. 

Surfing is always challenging and then there are these brilliant moments of opportunity. I love that I'm constantly learning and the land locked surfers club is giving me life long friends who I'm able to share this all with. 

Large high quality photos courtesy of Jemima Stubbs
(and the instagram ones are mine)!

The Land Locked Surfers (and Olivia the surf protegee)! 

 

Thank you to the Land Locked Surfers, Surfdome, Croyde Bay locals and Ruda Holiday park for another life affirming weekend away surfing! 

Until next time stay strong, surf well! 

Love Sophia 

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