Relief is a wonderful emotion, highly underrated. In fact, I prefer it to elation or joy. Relief lets the air out of the Tire of Pain.

I like it when my mother smiles. And I especially like it when I make her smile.

But a child's joy is doubled for the mother, and the sound of her son's laughter began to her heart, a feat she had never believed possible

You never know when some small thing will lead to a big idea. Travel is very inspirational - but it's in the ordinary that I find my themes of love and work and family.

The Wise County Bookmobile is one of the most beautiful sights in the world to me. When I see it lumbering down the mountain road like a tank . . . I flag it down like an old friend. I've waited on this corner every Friday since I can remember. The Bookmobile is just a government truck, but to me it's a glittering royal coach delivering stories and knowledge and life itself. I even love the smell of books. People have often told me that one of their strongest childhood memories is the scent of their grandmother's house. I never knew my grandmothers, but I could always count on the Bookmobile.

The intimacy. The deepest level of love. The knowledge that someone understands you, is rooting for you, is sharing your life.

It's the secret to happiness, you know. Only take what you need.