I've always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up.

There is something in me-I just can't stand to admit defeat.

Don't get me started on critics.

Opera is music AND drama. I'm prepared to sacrifice the beautiful note for the meaningful sound any time... I can make a pretty tone as well as anyone, but there are times when the drama of a scene demands the opposite of a pretty sound.

A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn't let them get her down.

There is a growing strength in women, but it is in the forehead, not in the forearm.

I know that anybody who does all this and doesn't have to, everything thinks she's very driven. The truth is, I enjoy it all so! Can't it be that simple? I think it is! I don't feel overworked. I get a constant kick out of being heavily committed. Is that sick or something? God, what would I do sitting still?