The ergometer simulates the physical demands of rowing, packaging the pains with none of the amenities that make it worthwhile.

I climbed on the rowing ergometer, and started to pull - losing myself in the rhythm of sweat and pain.

That morning each of us found a breaking point. Not only a physical barrier, but a point where determination, stamina and duty clashed and were overcome not so much by pain but by absurdity.

Once one is beyond a certain level of commitment to the sport, life begins to seem an allegory of rowing rather than rowing an allegory of life.

Being in shape was not my goal. My body was a tool to test the capabilities of my will.

Those of us who stayed were younger, more tractable. Less sure of ourselves socially and intellectually, we gave ourselves to the sport with little idea of what we could give or receive.

For the human soul is virtually indestructible, and its ability to rise from the ashes remains as long as the body draws breath.

When the world changes, it stashes us away where we can't make it run the other way again.

Do not follow the success do your best whatever you do so success will follow you

If God exists He must be manifest somehow in matter, and His ways are what science is discovering.

Experts say you can't concentrate on more than one task at a time.

When I appear onstage, that's my departure from Momhood - and I transform into Natalie MacMaster: the entertainer, the fiddler, the performer.

Only audiences decide what's a franchise. Only audiences decide what's a hit. I have always been mindful of not wanting to be the Miami Heat of movies.

Acting careers are very interesting things. They come with a lot of ups and downs. You just have to ride the waves and bide your time during the lulls, and enjoy the high times when they're there.

I was famous from birth.

Women that bear children must exist in Zululand only.