Val McDermid Quotes

I like listening to ambient music, especially in very scenic places because I think it allows for the most freedom of thought.

To go in the water and stare at a shrimp for three minutes and not think about anything else in the world, it's just euphoric.

When I'm on the court, I feel at peace, really. It feels like my home. I'm always thinking of something creative to do, like trick shots or something like that. It's just something about the basketball court that touches me; it makes me feel like nothing is wrong on the court.

When I do outdoor scenes, I tend to find a quiet space where I can sit and carve a walking stick that can turn out to be interesting for me.

Music is not a work for me - it's a form of meditation, and you don't need to work hard for it.

The beach is definitely where I feel most at home. It's my oxygen. I forget how much I need it sometimes when I'm away working.

I don't meditate in any formal way, but I often lie in bed or find myself in nature and enter into that state of quiet where I get images, feelings, or melodies.

The only time I can really relax is up a tree or somewhere outside. I love being outside.

It's not so much about killing an animal, it's being at peace and you don't have to worry about all the other things that go on. That's a couple of hours a week that you get to escape but it's nice to do that.

The fishing is a great relief for me. When I'm out there's no cell phone ringing. I'm out there fishing with bears. I'm in the middle of God's country catching tons of fish. I just absolutely love it.

I like to sit in my backyard. I go out on the hammock and sit in silence and kind of meditate. Nature is calming, and it's nice to go out there and clear my head.

The first and most important thing you need to be creative is to relax, particularly for the actors.

When I make a film, I don't watch a lot of other films. I read a lot; I try to read poems, things that can liberate my human condition, that make me go away... I spend a lot of the time doing nothing, just concentrating on the subject. Sometimes I'll sit in my chair for two or three hours without doing anything.

The very pointlessness of a sea walk is it's attractiveness to me.

We created out own little world when we were kids and that's what's so special about Donegal. You can create whatever you imagine here. There's so much nature to let your imagination take flight.

When you surround yourself with nature, it's really powerful.

I enjoy an easy jog. In the mountains, or the forest with my own thoughts, I can escape from the world for a bit.

Do activities you're passionate about - which make your heart and soul feel perky - including things like working out, cooking, painting, writing, yoga, hiking, walking, swimming, being in nature, being around art, or reading inspiring books.

Being in water makes me relax instantly.

I think I'm generally more inspired when I'm away from technology. Whether that is on a beach somewhere or just in your room with your phones and screens shut off, I think that quietness is often very inspiring.

When I'm outside gardening, it can be so inspiring. I think of words and melodies. It's peaceful. Every singer-songwriter should find something outside of music that makes them as happy as gardening makes me.

I absolutely fell in love with being on the water and the peace and freedom that you get being on the water in a single boat.

I will let my body flow like water over the gentle cushions.

O it is pleasant, with a heart at ease, Just after sunset, or by moonlight skies, To make the shifting clouds be what you please.

Creation isn't forcing or commanding something into existence. It's more of a rolling over, a good stretch, blissing out, lying on the grass watching the flowers blowing in the breeze or the clouds floating by.