I'm a coward when it comes to matters of the heart. That is my fatal flaw.

The grounds of the place were dominated by several large, old willow trees that towered over the surrounding stone wall and swayed soundlessly in the wind like lost souls.

It's not right for one friend to do all the giving and the other to do all the taking: that's not real friendship.

She was a keen observer, a precise user of language, sharp-tongued and funny. She could stir your emotions. Yes, really, that's what she was so good at - stirring people's emotions, moving you. And she knew she had this power...I only realized later. At the time, I had no idea what she was doing to me.

As with marathon runs and lengths of toilet paper, there had to be standards to measure up to.

I'm often asked what I think about as I run. Usually the people who ask this have never run long distances themselves. I always ponder the question. What exactly do I think about when I'm running? I don't have a clue.

Among the many values in life, I appreciate freedom most.