I never planned to acquire a lot of jewels or a lot of husbands. For me, life happened, just as it does for anyone else.

You just do it. You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one foot before the other, and God damn it, you refuse to let it get to you. You fight. You cry. You curse. Then you go about the business of living. That's how I've done it. There's no other way.

I have never felt more alive than when I watched my children delight in something, never more alive than when I have watched a great artist perform, and never richer than when I have scored a big check to fight AIDS.

The things that are important to me - being a mother, a businesswoman, an activist - are all things that were borne out of great passion.

I know I'm vulgar, but would you have me any other way?

Thanks Darling for the beautiful flowers and all the prayers. Now can you just get my puppy past security?

The ups and downs, the problems and stress, along with all the happiness, have given me optimism and hope because I am living proof of survival.