The city of San Francisco engulfed their view through the front windshield. The dazzling light of the late morning sun transformed every glass and metal surface into a silvery mirage.

When she awakes, she knows where she is. This place, this ancient place sears one’s soul with recognition. 'Heaven' seems an inadequate word for it, but that is what it is known as.

Seven a.m. on the first day of summer vacation was, to her mind, a dangerous time to be awake. Even God had to be sleeping in.

The summer night was settling upon the neighborhood like a dark lace veil, casting dappled shadows on the roofs and sidewalks and lawns.

Things that are truly great need nothing from me, and to somehow think that they do speaks to my utter lack of greatness.

Lying is the new truth.

Happiness is experienced when your life gives you what you are willing to accept.

With sad music, or music that's perceived as sad, there's a sense of solidarity that can be really powerful. My songs are all joyful to me.

Not everybody hates me. Only the people who've met me.

simplicity is a thing beautiful in itself, like clear light.

Women in my world are respected as much as men.

Music's been part of my entire life. It's in my DNA.

Political stability was at most a factor in assessing developing countries or Russia. It is now also an issue in Western democracies.

Every apathetic individual is a brick in a tyrant's throne.