life itself is always pulling you away from the understanding of life.

The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere.

It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded.

By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.

Men kick friendship around like a football, but it doesn't seem to crack. Women treat it like glass and it goes to pieces.

I feel we are all islands - in a common sea.

A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one's husband, but how seldom married people in the midst of life achieve it.

My passport photo is one of the most remarkable photographs I have ever seen- no retouching, no shadows, no flattery-just stark me.

When I cannot write a poem, I bake biscuits and feel just as pleased.

Don't wish me happiness - I don't expect to be happy it's gotten beyond that, somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor - I will need them all.

...you don't care because you're all that and I'm just an artery in a dress.

Being a parent is amazing.

Make wisdom your provision for the journey from youth to old age, for it is a more certain support than all other possessions.

Will you give the girl to me?" she said. "Will you let me try?" He nodded, dizzy with relief. "Please, Willo. Please. Save her. It doesn't matter...what happens to me.

Write books only if you are going to say in them the things you would never dare confide to anyone.

I'm a walking, talking enigma. We're a dying breed.

I go in and sing the song and arrange it and mix it and that's it. It's no different than playing in clubs.

Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoke to.

Until we have a passionate love for our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament we shall accomplish nothing.

After I retired and came off the road, I gathered up all my musical instruments and suddenly, I wanted them all to be perfect.