“People have often told me that one of their strongest childhood memories is the scent of their grandmother’s house.”

Money doesn’t have anything have anything to do with the magnificence of a person.

A feat she had never believed possible

We worry only about those we brought into this world.

Travel is very inspirational – but it’s in the ordinary that I find my themes of love and work and family.

The intimacy. The deepest level of love.

Having a purpose is the little secret of the nonpretties. Something to do always beats something to look at.

The good things that happen to us were meant to happen, and the bad things that happen are lessons meant to teach us to be better.

Art makes the spirit soar. And when the spirit is lifted, life follows.

The Bookmobile is just a government truck, but to me it’s a glittering royal coach delivering stories and knowledge and life itself.

I have held the following jobs: office temp, ticket seller in movie theatre, cook in restaurant, nanny, and phone installer at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

In fact, I prefer it to elation or joy. Relief lets the air out of the Tire of Pain.

Beware the things of this world that can mean everything or nothing.

I used to believe my art had to be about the things that brought me joy and gave me hope.

And when you clear away the cobwebs of the description of every job in the world, at the bottom of that job is service.

I have value, and I have worth. I cannot be replaced like old shoes or taken for granted like tap water.

Trusting that the feelings will be delivered, and that the recipient will understand the writer’s intent.