It doesn't so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life.
She had always been fond of history, and here [in Rome] was history in the stones of the street and the atoms of the sunshine.
Writing is not primarily escape, but use.
Though there are some disagreeable things in Venice there is nothing so disagreeable as the visitors.
You are good for nothing unless you are clever.
Don't try so much to form your character - it's like trying to pull open a tight, tender young rose. Live as you like best and your character will take care of itself.