Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Do you love what you do?

I’m sitting on the most comfortable hotel chair in the world. At least it feels that way to me. Traveling and staying in nice hotels is one of the best perks in my life. I say life, rather than job, because I love what I do.

The shingle above my business website says I do travel marketing, meeting planning, and business communications. My author's website says I’m a fiction writer. This blog is my attempt to synthesize both of these vocations into meaningful praise for the amazing people, places, and things that make this a wonderous world.

Last week I was looking out at the Pacific Ocean from Huntington Beach, California and today I’m watching the shadows fall across the rugged desert peaks surrounding Scottsdale, Arizona. We just checked into an amazing property—Hotel Valley Ho, a Scottsdale landmark and hip urban oasis since the late 1950s. This is our room.

Yes, that is an oversized bathtub in the middle of the room. When I said it was romantic; my husby didn’t argue. Ever pragmatic, he did voice a concern that I might get up in the middle of the night and fall into it. Our room has a separate glass-door shower and lush, Red Flower spa amenities for bathing.

Look closely at the shot to the right. See the 32-inch flat screen TV aimed at the bathtub? That’s a long, wall-length counter of luxury accessories like crystal wine glasses, a martini shaker and glasses, a magnifying make-up mirror. See the black bullet thing? It’s a pod expresso maker. Inside those cabinets are a fully-stocked mini-bar and quirky selection of gourmet snacks like Lucy’s “Predic-a-Mints,” Cracker Jacks, and chips and salsa.

You can’t see it in the picture, but I’m using it now: complimentary wireless internet in every room. Throughout the hotel, in fact. I can sit in a cabana next to the pool and work on THE SWORD SWALLOWER’S DAUGHTER.

Hotel Valley Ho is the kind of place this sword swallower’s daughter never would have stayed in as a child. She’s pinching herself right now, making sure she’s really here. I write about travel, beautiful places, and gracious people. I believe much of my travel writing is to a create permanent record of where I’ve been—not in a look-at-me-living-it-up way, but in gratitude--a reflection of how far I’ve come.

Now if they only sold this chair.

Do you love what you do? Click the COMMENT link below and tell us why or why not.
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Special thanks to Jesse Thompson and Hotel Valley Ho for donating a stay at their fabu property to the SITE-SoCal Holiday Charity Auction. I bought the package and happy I did.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A lovely "job" you have and lots to appreciate.It's refreshing to read that considering how many people these days seem to take extravagance and luxury for granted.

I love what I do because I'm retired, so most of what I do I get to pick. I buy and sell and do 25-40 trade shows a year, almost all on weekends. I play with my three year old grandson during the week and read and write MySpace blogs. I consider writing my main talent, so being able to write for hours a day is a dream realized.

We didn't get to travel as much this year because we are responsible for a grandson during the week and my wife works every other weekend, but next weekend I will be taking her to south coastal Maine, which we both love. So life is good.

wendywrites said...

Wow Carolyn,
I love what YOU do. Thanks for the tour. Live it up-you are fortunate to be able to love what you do, and do what you love.
Enjoy!!!

Wendy

billie said...

Carolyn, the room is gorgeous and so well-equipped. Thank you for sharing it - vicariously, I am enjoying it as well. :)

And yes, I love what I do too!

I have a part-time private psychotherapy practice where I work with wonderful clients who continuously amaze me.

I home school my two children and take care of our small horse farm.

And I write novels.

It is, for the most part, a wonderful life. :)

Carolyn Burns Bass said...

What I am seeing here so far is that those of you who have multiple occupations, whether for profit or not, freely share your cup of joy with others.

Devon~ The keyword in your sentence is "built." You've achieved so much because you take initiative and stand on your principles.

Scotorum~ How wonderful that you have health and wellness to enjoy your retirement. I also love that you have the opportunity to share in the care of your grandson.

Wendy~ Like you, mothering has been my number one occupation for many years; the one that's given me the most pleasure and heartaches.

Billie~ I am sure your clients are blessed to have you in their lives. I'm sure you amaze them as much as they amaze you.

Stacy said...

I love that hotel room! I'd envy you if only I enjoyed traveling. :)

EJ said...

I love doing what I'm doing but it looks like I'll have to get a job instead.

Carolyn Burns Bass said...

Stacy~ Travel may be something people grow into or out of. Oddly, I have several colleagues in the travel biz who don't enjoy travel any longer. Once something is required it can wear you out.

EJ~ Travel writing. I've really been enjoying your recent blog posts about traveling in New Mexico. There could be some dollars there for you.