Being born was the worse and the first mistake I ever made. The doctor didn't spank me, he just slapped me in the face.

I look at myself like a show dog. I've got to keep her clipped and trimmed and in good shape.

I do remember how it was to be poor. I do remember that in my early years, we had to grow and raise all of our food, even our animals. And I remember in my early life, we didn't even have electricity. So it was very, very hard times then.

I love everybody. My heart's open to everybody.

Sometimes when I'm under pressure, if I think somebody is expecting stuff from me, I'll do better than if I was just left on my own. I can sit down - I'm a skilled writer, I've been doing it all my life - and I can get down to it.

I know that I always wanted things. I was always proud of my people, proud of my home, but I always wanted more. I think most people do.

I couldn't have children, I tried to for years. I've never been pregnant in my life. When I was a girl and fooling around I was scared to death I'd get pregnant, and then when I got married and wanted to have children I couldn't have any. But I don't miss it. I did for awhile, but I realize that I am everybody's mother.