After years of watching my son practice and compete as a high school and college sweep rower, I got on the water myself. I now row on Richardson Bay several early mornings a week, either in a single boat (a "shell") or in a double with my husband.

Rowing is a demanding physical and technical sport -- aspects I certainly enjoy -- but it is also very creative. I relish the opportunity that rowing offers to meditate, observe nature, imagine and think. Often I plan what my next painting or drawing will be.