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 

The message in a bottle manifesto.

Walked out this morning
Don't believe what I saw
A hundred billion bottles
Washed up on the shore
Seems I'm not alone at being alone
A hundred billion castaways
Looking for a home

 'Message in a bottle' by Sting.

For most Westerners there is a privledged certainty that you WILL grow old. This high probability makes us suddenly affluent in time, which is juxtaposed by the 'now' culture and instant communication we find ourseves emboriled within. In a reality where validation and self worth are derived from 'followers' and 'like' buttons its hard to have a full grasp on reality. 

Early January tends to present moments of reflection and there is renewed vigor for self improvement. Often emphasis is placed upon celebrations being 'out of this world' and resolutions are aplenty. Recent conversations have caused me to ponder whether the high expectations which arise around new year are perhaps damaging. One day shouldn't predetermine an entire year. Although my New Years Eve was spent revelling with friends, I did have a Bridget Jones moment (which is too excrutiatingly embarassing to reiterate on here), so I started 2014 in a blaze of cringing and regret - Not exactly my spiritual or surfing reawakening!

So, let me present to you 'The Message in a Bottle Manifesto.' 

Here's what I want you to do. I want you to email me your address so  I can write to you, whoever you are. I want to pour my thoughts through the medium of pen and paper then seal it, stamp it and let it be on its merry way to you, whoever you are. I want you to reply to me, tell me your worries, lets talk like we're not strangers, or acquaintances or old friends who have lost touch. I want to perhaps fall in love with you or become your good friend. We can send each other little poems, or funny things we've seen or read anything that is a little moment of sunshine in an otherwise normal day.

Like the ocean, connecting all land mass let waves lap between the shores of our souls. 

The Method. 

1. Email me your address to sophia.cant.surf@gmail.com 
2. I'll write you a letter. 
3. Reply to me! 

Voila! Through the medium of gloriously slow post  we'll connect in some rare and lovely way, we'll potentially share and open up about our lives - who knows!

Pretty things I saw ~ 
Beautiful photos taken by Tasha Alanah Clarke an Australian surfer girl with an awesome health life style blog www.thegoodnessgoddess.com 
 

 
The following photogrpahs are from the inspiring instagram feed of @coconutandlime whose blog can be found here. Another beautiful hippie lady inspiring in the blogging community!

 I hope somewhere in my ramblings you have found a thread of inspiration, something which you can latch onto and perhaps utilize. 
For me 2014 is going to be about embracing all that comes my way and learning to accept that the universe is unfolding as it should. I can be proactive and determined but there is always an element of letting things flow. I dream of love of meeting my soul mate and of continuing to serve communities both of which I hope to accomplish in equal measure this year. 

Oh and surfing. There will be lots of surfing. 

Until next time, 

Stay strong and surf well 
Love
 








 
 

The poetry of the earth is never dead ~ John Keats 

The world is alive with inspiration can you feel it? As one year winds down and another begins it's ascent I feel a renewed sense of optimism for what 2014 may bring. Someday soon, in the not too distant future the birds will start singing loudly again, the first buds of springtime will reawaken the earth and then there is the promise of summer. 

In the winter months I take stock and use the time wisely to reflect and plan. In 2013 I lost two people this year, both their deaths were shocking and unjust but the memories of them are what motivate me to keep trudging forward. 

My friend Joey was a character who made you laugh and think deeply. He had that aura about him which made you want to be near him hoping you'd catch a little more of the magic. I also remember him talking of surfing and of a place called Saltburn. Little did I realize how much this place would come to mean to me and in the aftermath of his death where I'd find myself, sat astride my board mourning in the waves where I felt close to him.

 










         



























Today I spent my morning putting arrangements in place to try and move to Saltburn permanently. There is no saying I'll succeed in this venture but I feel that being proactive is better than sitting, wishing and waiting. 

I am ready for renewal, exfoliating away a year and becoming myself anew. It is the beautiful life and I hope to decorate it further with the ornaments of friendship, surfing and love. 

All for the love of it. 

This is what I've been up to this week. 

Vintage Musings

Today I went to Leamington Spa with Adelle my lovely hippie chick in pursuit of nostalgia, here's what we got up to! 

 

   

My beautiful friend and fellow vintage fan Adelle! 

 

     

   































New Year's Shenanigans 

For months I had New Years celebrations pinned down. I was going to be in Saltburn surfing...well the universe had other plans, namely work commitments which mean't I couldn't be coastal. Luckily for me a dear friend (Leigh) who I've known since ankle socks age invited me and all my old school friends round and well, we celebrated! Happy New Year mermaids, pirates, land lovers and water babies!! 

 







This post has been somewhat of an intimate snap shot into my life, I've included a lot of photographs of my world around me so I hope you've enjoyed the insight! 

Until next time mermaids, priates, water babies and land lovers! 

Stay strong and surf well, 
Love

Lion Skateboarding.

I said to myself I wasn't going to blog too much around Christmas but then stuff started to happen which I'm dying to tell you guys about! 

My cousin Dekland had seen photos of me skating on my penny board so asked if he could get one for Christmas. He was lucky, he got a beautiful tie dye model which he wanted to show me. Thus I found myself playing outside in the winter sunshine, forgetting that I'm actually 25 and probably should be inside cleaning the dishes away with the adults. 

I started out the day trying to be glamorous this is how I looked: 

(Photos courtesy of my little sister Laura who manages to whip me into shape when it comes to posing properly)!

I swear this was a 'look at the camera Soph' instantaneous shot, its proof my sister is a great photographer as I certainly don't look like this very easily. She just told me what to do and voila I didn't look petrified in front of the lens! 

 

I like wearing clothes more than once this is why I'm recycling my sea leggings, I knew with a pair of heels and a smart jumper they could look snazzy! 

I'm like a drunk baby gazelle when wearing heels but Laura insisted taking photos maybe as proof that occasionally I do wear something other than skate shoes or going bare foot! 

Sorry this isn't supposed to be a shot of my boobs, I've included it because my hair is a rad colour that I've never seen before. Must be a combination of light and camera magic because it hasn't been dyed! 

 Well this look lasted all of about five minutes. I went to visit my family and quickly got bored tottering around in heels not really being able to do much. So I borrowed trainers off my sister's boyfriend Steve and then the fun began! 

Lion Skating (This is a reference to location). 

 

 

This is one of my favorite photos, its my little cousin Tiegan learning how to skate. She was an absolute natural and started picking it up real quick. She also took the majority of these photos she happens to be a really natural photographer, I am a very proud big cousin!

Happy Boxing Day!!! (Or the day after Christmas for anybody else who isn't British)! 

Until next time, 

Stay strong, surf well 

Love