More and more, when I single out the person out who inspired me most, I go back to my grandfather.

In the wintertime, in the snow country, citrus fruit was so rare, and if you got one, it was better than ambrosia.

People who lusted after Marilyn Monroe had no idea she stuttered. It is the secret of her sexiness, actually.

Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack.

If you expect someone else to guide you, you'll be lost.

Just so you know, there's a space that only you can fill. Just so you know, I loved you then, I guess I always will.

Even during the rationing period, during World War II, we didn't have the anxiety that we'd starve, because we grew our own potatoes, you know? And our own hogs, and our own cows and stuff, you know.