The things we worry about the most are never the things that bite us. The sharpest teeth always take their nip of us when we are looking the other way.

Although the constant shadow of certain death looms over everyday, the pleasures and joys of life can be so fine and affecting that the heart is nearly stilled in astonishment.

Odd: I wish I could believe in reincarnation. Chief Porter: Not me. Once down the track is enough of a test. Pass me or fail me, Dear Lord, but don't make me go through high school again. Odd: If there's something we want so bad in this life but we can't have it, maybe we could get it the next time around. Chief Porter: Or maybe not getting it, accepting less without bitterness and being grateful for what we have is a part of what we're here to learn.

I believe that I was a dog in a past life. That's the only thing that would explain why I like to snack on Purina Dog Chow.

The world howls for social justice, but when it comes to social responsibility, you sometimes cant even hear crickets chirping.

Loyal companions are an unequaled grace, stanching fear before it bleeds you numb, a reliable antidote for creeping despair.

The desire to write well can never be fulfilled without hard work.