Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you're giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.

Well I've been writing books. So that, by its nature, is kind of a solitary occupation. And from time to time I have research help, but mostly I've done those completely on my own.

Poetry is really a way of sharing feelings and ideas.

In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.

I am, you know, a Democrat through and through. I've always voted Democratic. You know, that is where my heart lies.

I've campaigned for people. I've campaigned across the country for people. I have supported people in local elections. I do work with groups and causes. So, I feel like I am a participant and a civically-engaged citizen.

I think my mother... made it clear that you have to live life by your own terms and you have to not worry about what other people think and you have to have the courage to do the unexpected.