If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhere you choose.

I do not know why it is the fate of the world always to want something different from what life gives them.

the occasional cries of a lost loon, strayed from its flock in northern migration, fill the swamp with sounds of wailing.

Now what is a guest? A thing of a day! A person who disturbs your routine and interferes with important concerns. Why should any one be grateful for company? Why should time and money be lavished on visitors? They come. You overwork yourself. They go. You are glad of it. You return the visit, because it's the only way to have back at them.

Tears were a blessing; they were a relief; they did wash the ache from the heart, ease brain strain, and encourage the soul.

Sometimes it seems to me that the more we get hurt in this world the decenter it makes us.

We never know the timber of a man's soul until something cuts into him deeply and brings the grain out strong. You've the making of a mighty fine piece of furniture.