Most nights, someone ends up in our bed. The kids do knock before entering. We've at least got that part down because mommy and daddy need some space.

This has been my life for many years; one role feeds the other. It is a joy to be an artist, but it doesn't mean very much unless that work is somehow useful in some way and contributes to others.

There is no shame in being a survivor of sexual violence. The shame is on the aggressor.

I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn't live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.

You know, more children die under the age of five when the parents are not educated.

Usually all my tattoos came at good times. A tattoo is something permanent when you've made a self-discovery, or something you've come to a conclusion about.

... the one that has the worst effect for me was pot. I felt silly and giggly - I hate feeling like that.