Skip to main content

Relaxation

Captain's Log, Supplemental

Just back from my writer’s retreat in Minnesota, I’ve started to reevaluate my time. I’m realizing that I need to make more of an effort to protect my creativity (since I now make my living off of it) and allow myself to relax.

One thing I realized in Minnesota is how much I love the sound of running water. My friend Sharon Hinck likes the sound of the ocean (or in her case, Lake Superior), but I think because I grew up in Hawaii, it doesn’t do anything for me.

But streams are wonderful. Waterfalls and rushing rivers are okay, but I like streams the best. Water gurgling over rocks.

So, I thought—why not utilize that in my workspace? We’d received a tabletop water fountain as a wedding gift and never even opened the box. Why not use it now?

Here is my new tranquility corner!



What do you think?

What do you do for your tranquility? Or is it more along the lines of, "Relax? What's that? I think the last time was in '89 ..."

Comments

Jenny said…
Oh this is nice! I think I need some "running water" sound too because I catch myself hanging out in the fountain area at Home Depot! lol! I would have a hard time keeping my kiddos out of anything tranquil....
Ronie Kendig said…
Kewl! I don't have a tranquility spot. However, I do burn scented lavender candles, which are supposed to help you relax. Or I drink chamomile tea. :-D
Carolynn said…
I love the fountain! Mine broke down a while back so I need to get a new one.
Can't seem to find one I like though :)
Sharon Hinck said…
I'm just giggling at how you can call storms and five days of power outages, and the ongoing adventure and chaos of our household a "writer's retreat." LOL!

I WISH I'd gotten a picture of you hard at work on your laptop - by candlelight.

The peppers from the garden are missing you - no one else is eating them.

I'm glad our Minnesota streams have inspired you, even though Lake Superior made you yawn. ;-)

Come again anytime! There are more hiking trails to explore, and more bunnies, badgers, and chipmunks in the garden. I miss you!
PatriciaW said…
Water is always relaxing. I grew up on Long Island (NY). I love all bodies of water but nothing tops being in/near the ocean.

I don't have a spot but seeing water does it for me. So does certain scents, like lavender or almond.
Mary Connealy said…
You grew up in Hawaii?
You are such an interesting human being, Camy.
Gina Conroy said…
Tranquility? What's that? With four kids and a dog (very good dog, I should confess) tranquility is a hotel room for the weekend.

I'm counting the days until ACFW!

Popular Posts

She insulted a hat 👒 and ruined her Season

Welcome! My name is Camille Elliot, and I write Christian Regency Suspense with slow-burn romance and a touch of the supernatural. Thank you for— “Cut!” Lissa, one of my characters, shouts and stomps onto the stage. I stare at her. “I’m not filming a commercial.” “It doesn’t matter. You’re being boring.” I shift uncomfortably, because she’s probably right. “Well then, what should I say? I’m writing a blog post for someone who doesn’t know anything about my books.” “If you start with pleasantries, I will hide your tea,” she threatens. “ All of it.” I gasp in horror. “You wouldn’t!” “Try me!” “I was just going to ask readers to subscribe to my newsletter.” “I shall topple into the shrubbery as I fall dead asleep on my feet.” “Rude,” I mutter. “Maybe start with an explosion. Or at least a hideous hat that ruins my reputation forever.” “Your reputation wasn’t ruined,” I protest. “You were simply unfortunately overheard.” “As I insulted a hat.” “Then maybe you shouldn’t insu...

Tabi socks, part deux

Captain's Log, Stardate 07.25.2008 (If you're on Ravelry, friend me! I'm camytang.) I made tabi socks again! (At the bottom of the pattern is the calculation for the toe split if you're not using the same weight yarn that I did for this pattern (fingering). I also give an example from when I used worsted weight yarn with this pattern.) I used Opal yarn, Petticoat colorway. It’s a finer yarn than my last pair of tabi socks, so I altered the pattern a bit. Okay, so here’s my first foray into giving a knitting pattern. Camy’s top-down Tabi Socks I’m assuming you already know the basics of knitting socks. If you’re a beginner, here are some great tutorials: Socks 101 How to Knit Socks The Sock Knitter’s Companion A video of turning the heel Sock Knitting Tips Yarn: I have used both fingering weight and worsted weight yarn with this pattern. You just change the number of cast on stitches according to your gauge and the circumference of your ankle. Th...

New book idea a la Captain Caffeine

Captain's Log, Stardate 04.14.2009 So my husband, Captain Caffeine, had lunch with a few friends a few days ago. And they asked about my writing, and if I’d been on Oprah yet. (Yeah, right) They then discussed NYT bestselling books, and why can’t Camy write a NYT bestseller. (Sure, let me just open a vein over a blank page and it’ll come right out.) So Captain Caffeine came home with ideas for my new NYT bestselling novel. First it starts with vampires, because Twilight is so hot. But not just any vampires. This one’s an Amish vampire. And he’s not just an Amish vampire, he’s a cop in disguise, infiltrating the Amish community to protect a witness. (Hmm, that storyline sounds familiar ...) But wait! There’s more! To add more conflict and stick with my brand of Asian fiction, we introduce the Tibetan monk! Who joins the Amish community to get away from the pressures of monkhood. But in reality, he’s protecting the Chinese princess on the run, trying to escape from her father’s Hong...

Grace Livingston Hill romances free to read online

I wanted to update my old post on Grace Livingston Hill romances because now there are tons more options for you to be able to read her books for free online! I’m a huge Grace Livingston Hill fan. Granted, not all her books resonate with me, but there are a few that I absolutely love, like The Enchanted Barn and Crimson Roses . And the best part is that she wrote over 100 books and I haven’t yet read them all! When I have time, I like to dive into a new GLH novel. I like the fact that most of them are romances, and I especially appreciate that they all have strong Christian themes. Occasionally the Christian content is a little heavy-handed for my taste, but it’s so interesting to see what the Christian faith was like in the early part of the 20th century. These books are often Cinderella-type stories or A Little Princess (Frances Hodgson Burnett) type stories, which I love. And the best part is that they’re all set in the early 1900s, so the time period is absolutely fasci...

How to Start the Lady Wynwood’s Spies Series (with Free Prequels & Bonus Extras)

New to Lady Wynwood’s Spies? Start Here I’m a fan of both Pride and Prejudice and Mission: Impossible , and I loved the idea of noblewomen working as undercover agents, so I wrote this Christian Regency romantic suspense series for readers just like me. Lady Wynwood’s Spies is a multi-volume adventure filled with faith, suspense, and romance. Unlike many historical romances that stand alone, each volume continues a larger story, pulling you further into the same grand conspiracy. Along the way, the series draws you deeper into the characters’ struggles and triumphs, giving you a richer, more immersive experience. If you love stories where you don’t have to say goodbye to the characters after just one book, this series was written for you. Below is your complete reader guide to the books, prequels, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes extras. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this roadmap will help you find the perfect place to start. ✨ Lady Wynwood’s Spies Reader...