Where in the World Wednesday: Capitola

Where in the World Wednesday:

Welcome to Capitola!

This Wednesday, I thought I'd introduce you to a very important place in my life: Home Sweet Home. Although I was born and raised in Southern California, home for me now is stated with one simple word - Capitola. For those who have no idea where Capitola is in relationship to the rest of the world, its a town of about 10,000 people just south of Santa Cruz and a bit north of Monterey, on the central coast of California. I love everything about it.

Since I started blogging, I've been asked by a handful of people about how and why I started calling myself Capitola Girl. So, instead of blogging about jewelry today, here is my story:

The city of Capitola is purported to have been named after a book titled The Hidden Hand or CapitolaThe Madcap by E.D.E.N. Southworth. Southworth was a prolific 19th century female writer who wrote stories about intelligent and independent heroines in a time when women's intelligence and independence were far less celebrated. As an big fan of female writers in American and English literary history, I have a respect for women who created works that were in their time, were viewed as frivolous. The great thing about respect for women in literary history is that our understanding has developed and their works are now viewed a relevant. It's interesting how relevance in history is something that is evolving.

Capitola Black (the madcap) was the main character in Southworth's book. She was a sharp, witty, and resourceful girl, as well as an orphan. At a very tender age, Capitola was a sharp and observant person. In order to survive with her orphan status, she disguised herself as a boy, in order to get some employment. Her story is a lively jaunt, and although somewhat escapist and melodramatic, Capitola was a young heroine who was all-at-once fearless, reckless, intelligent and independent. She was a girl with sass who got things done and maintained her integrity. Her life had a gruesome and troubling start, with a happy ending.

I chose to go with Capitola Girl for two reasons. First, it's been my nickname since I first lived here. And second, the story of Capitola was one that I relate to thematically. A little known fact about me, the girl behind Capitola Girl, is that I am adopted. I didn't grow up an orphan or have anywhere near the excitement, hardship, or adventure that Capitola the heroine experienced, but I definitely had sass and a knack for creating my adventure (if you don't believe me, just ask my poor mother and father, I was a handful).

To me, the Capitola Girl name captures the childlike innocence that lies in the heart of every woman. A Capitola Girl is traditionally feminine, upbeat, confident, and dynamic. Her interests are varied, and she is always evolving. Capitola Girl represents a woman's ability to live in harmony with herself, and with others. She uses her strength wisely, and always makes choices that are true to her heart. And, above all, she embraces the power of all things girly.

So, that's my story. And, as they say in the movies, I'm sticking to it.