When I went in, my editor said, ‘I hope you don’t think you’re a writer.’ And I said, ‘I hope you don’t think I’m a journalist.’ And, uh, turned out we were both right.

As an experienced artist, I carry my work like a secret pregnancy. I am always aware of inner life and the need to protect it.

Artists love other artists. Shadow artists are gravitating to their rightful tribe but cannot yet claim their birthright. Very often audacity, not talent, makes one person an artist and another a shadow artist-hiding in the shadows, afraid to step out and expose the dream to the light, fearful that it will disintegrate to the touch.

The grace to be a beginner is always the best prayer for an artist.

Creativity is always a leap of faith. You're faced with a blank page, blank easel, or an empty stage.

I honor the wisdom of life. I learn from life in all its forms. The tree teaches me. The sparrow and the wren sing my song. I am open to the lessons Life brings me from the earth. I learn from the wind, from the sun, from the small flowers, and from the stars. I walk without arrogance. I learn from all I encounter. I open my mind and heart to the guidance and love that come to me from the natural world.

As children we hoard and gloat over words. Words give ownership: we name our world and we claim it...Children trust the power of words.