I wanted everything. What could you not want when you are brown and Indian-looking in a society in which the white aesthetic is praised as acceptable?

A good lover will do that, see something worthwhile in you that you never knew was there. And when there's something you don't like to see in yourself a good lover won't see it either.

Our goal should be to achieve joy

Poverty has its advantages. When you're that poor what would you have that anyone would want? Except your peace of mind. Your dignity. Your heart. The important things.

I've spent my whole life in Chicago being asked where am I from, so that I have a sense of displacement that also is very psychologically disorienting.

I'm obviously an American citizen. My parents are American citizens. But I'm not looked at as an American.

There are things coming from me that I felt I wanted to talk about. My search for my own blend of spirituality, my acknowledgement of my sexuality, my being the single mother of a young man.

What you perceive as "liberal" is my independence to choose what i do, with whom, and when. Moreover, it also means that i may choose not to do it, with anyone, ever.

To all the women and the men who ever loved me just a little.

For things to have value in man's world, they are given the role of commodities. Among man's oldest and most constant commodity is woman.

Human sexuality has been regulated and shaped by men to serve men's needs.

you have to have the right sort of stone. Peridot for mothers, girasol for lovers, sapphire for sadness, and garnet for joy.

My life is one long obstacle course with me as the chief obstacle.

Never fear Death for you will feel aroused by his sleep. Never cheat death or he will slap you with a sentence of misery for the defeat.

There is one type of ideal woman very seldom described in poetry - the old maid, the woman whom sorrow or misfortune prevents from fulfilling her natural destiny.

You don't have to know what to say or what to do; just listen to the one who sent you.

I prefer to work with first-time directors.

Be satisfied with your business, and learn to love what you were bred to.

A little bit added to what you've already got gives you a little bit more.

Be realistic: Plan for a miracle

People are far more protective [of women] instinctively.