I'm fed most by nature; going to the beach or lying in the grass are the greatest kinds of medicine. Cooking for other people. Kicking it with friends and family. And I love dancing - by myself in my house, with friends anywhere, or in a class.

I knew no one in this business, and the only acting I'd ever done was in a first-grade play. I understood some of my talents - growing up playing piano, and my operatic voice led me to All-State in my first, and only, year of singing - but I didn't yet know all of my capacities. My parents felt helpless, as they knew nothing about this world and couldn't help me in any way except through pure love.

It's important to me that I don't take myself too seriously and I have fun with every experience in life. That is the whole point.

I find inspiration in everything from a piece of art to the hem of a dress.

I am really fascinated by human beings, fascinated! One thing I loved about living in New York was that I could sit on my stoop and just watch life happen. It was better than any kind of reality television - way more entertaining and enlightening.

There is no such thing as failure; everything is just a stepping stone to a greater lesson or achievement. I have found that to be absolutely true. My so-called failures have been some of my greatest learning tools. I just make sure to fail up. I'm not afraid to fall on my face while I attempt new things.

There is no such thing as failure; everything is just a stepping stone to a greater lesson or achievement.