I had the great advantage of a mother who used to tell me the most beautiful years of a woman's life are ages 35 to 45.

Depending on what day of the week it is and what time of the month it is, I'm a good friend or not a good friend. I'm more or less a good mom or not a good mom, more or less a good mate or not a good mate. That's just life, whether or not you're public.

I think what I mostly realize is just that life is unpredictable. So don't be afraid, but just enjoy the day you're in. Really make the most of it.

I just think music is such a beautiful thing. It lifts the heart and buoys up your spirits - all kinds of music.

I feel a part of the congregation. I've never had to do special music. The kids sing in the choir. It's just normal. We're treated like everybody else.

I don't write songs that don't affect me on some level, because I figure if I am not moved by it, if its not something that I have a longing to celebrate or to be reminded of, if it doesn't affect me, then how can I possibly think it is going to affect somebody else. My touchstone is write something that matters.

To me, the human experience does involve a great deal of anguish. It's joyful, but it's bittersweet. I just think that's life.