I want first of all - in fact, as an end to these other desires - to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact - to borrow from the language of the saints - to live 'in grace' as much of the time as possible. I am not using this term in a strictly theological sense. By grace I mean an inner harmony, essentially spiritual, which can be translated into outward harmony.

the final lesson of learning to be independent - widowhood ... is the hardest lesson of all.

My father taught me that a bill is like a crying baby and has to be attended to at once.

For it is only framed in space that beauty blooms.

Life is a gift, given in trust - like a child.

If one talks to more than four people, it is an audience; and one cannot really think or exchange thoughts with an audience.

If one is estranged from oneself, then one is estranged from others too. If one is out of touch with oneself, then one cannot touch others.