“The things that are important to me – being a mother, a businesswoman, an activist – are all things that were borne out of great passion.”

The ups and downs, the problems and stress, along with all the happiness, have given me optimism and hope because I am living proof of survival.

I’ve always sung in the shower. Now I make the stage a mental shower in order not to get too uptight and enjoy it.

I hate the idea of always having to interpret other people’s ideas and thoughts and words, because I’m very independent and, I guess, a free thinker.

I’m not like anyone. I’m me.

I’m not afraid. Life is just such an adventure to me.

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.

It’s all about hope, kindness and a connection with one another.

The public library is more than a repository of books. It’s a mysterious, wondrous place with the power to change lives.

I don’t like my voice. I don’t like the way I look. I don’t like the way I move. I don’t like the way I act. I mean, period. So, you know, I don’t like myself.

It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.

I think I ended up being the scarlet woman partly because of my rather puritannical upbringing and beliefs. I always chose to think I was in love and that love was synonymous with marriage.

I know I’m vulgar, but would you have me any other way?

I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being – to prove that we are a human race, to prove that our love outweighs our need to hate, that our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame.

I believe in mind over matter and doing anything you set your mind on.

My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.

Marriage is a great institution.