Meg Evans

Earlier today, my husband told me we’ll be going back to Boston again this October to compete in the Head of the Charles regatta. Our double had been waitlisted and finally rose to the top of the list. We’ve been doing some hard workouts in it this summer, going down to the boathouse to row after work even when it is broiling hot. So, we feel that we are well prepared.

I’m going to enjoy not having much to do over Labor Day, other than our usual Saturday and Monday workouts (every Sunday is an off day in our training plan). It should be nice and mellow. Wishing all readers a good long weekend of just being, also!

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

A feral cat got into the boathouse recently and had a litter of kittens under a workbench. When they were found, there was some confusion about what to do with them. One of our members, Jan Hill, capably took charge of the situation and made a comfy little nest for the kittens with an old laundry basket, a cardboard box, and some towels. Then she carried them outside carefully and put them where Mama Cat could find them, along with an open can of cat food. Mama found them right away, and I’m sure she enjoyed the food. A happy ending for all!

And here’s a cute cat story to go along with this post—hope you enjoy it:

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

This week I’ve been feeling cheerful when I wake up, free of thoughts about past worries. For whatever reason, they don’t seem to matter much now. Maybe it has something to do with the new windows letting more light into the house. Whatever it is, I hope it stays.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

With so many possibilities all around us, making choices is not always easy. In a world that is changing so quickly, often it takes some effort to get oriented. When I feel unsure of what to do next, I try to keep in mind that, generally, being kind is a good place to start.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

The window installation is almost finished, but the screens haven’t yet been put into place, and all the blinds and shades are still off. Walking around in a house with bare windows, all completely new and clean, has a very different feeling to it, as if I’m surrounded by possibilities that were not quite in view before. Now, I just have to find time for them—or, perhaps, allow time for them to find me.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

The window installers will be here next week, and I haven’t yet finished cutting back some overgrown bushes under my living room windows, which are definitely in the way. They went so long without being pruned that it became a daunting chore. I’ll get it done, though, rather than letting the sight of it intimidate me any longer—and the view will be much improved.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

I’m traveling again this week, giving myself time and space to let worries fall away. Although my job isn’t stressful, I find that too much time in a routine, without a change of views, has a tendency to narrow the mind’s focus and cause impatience. Trying to change everything is not realistic, but often a simple change of scenery, with touches of love and kindness, can make for a healthier perspective.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

During my workday, I watched a video about creating prompts for artificial intelligence. I wore headphones so as not to disturb my husband, who shares the home office with me. The video had some amusing moments, and at one point I laughed out loud. My husband looked over and smiled.

Later in the day, I noticed that my Garmin tracker showed two long restful periods while I was working. I mentioned that to my husband because it was unusual. He said that watching a good presentation must have left me feeling more relaxed than usual. The first restful period was indeed the time when I watched the video, so he was right about that. I hadn’t realized it made so much difference!

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

My husband and I went for a good easy row yesterday afternoon before grilling hamburgers at the rowing club’s annual picnic. The boathouse is located close to downtown Dayton, so we have a great view of the City of Dayton fireworks, which were on July 3rd this year. Volunteers had put down fresh gravel between the boathouse and the dock just last month, which made a good surface to put down our sports chairs and watch the show. Fun for everyone!

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

This morning, I got stressed because I felt that I had been unfairly criticized. After having some time to reflect on what happened, I decided it would be useful to give myself a friendly reminder not to get overly upset by other people’s reactions, which often aren’t really about me at all.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”