Making plans is a game. Life chooses for you.

Whatever your relationship is to your sacred tradition in the West, you have some relationship to the Bible if only through the names of the characters.

Weeping is terrible for the complexion" said Leonie, holding Shayndel close, "but it is very good for the soul.

If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully. Stories about food show a strong connection. Wistful silences demonstrate unfinished business. The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life - without flinching or whining - the stronger the daughter.

My heart is a ladle of sweet water brimming over.

I moved my arms through the water, feeling them float on the surface, watching the waves and wake that followed my gesture. Here was magic, I thought. Here was something holy.

He was golden and beautiful as a sunset.