Nature is an expert in cost-benefit analysis,' she says. 'Although she does her accounting a little differently. As for debts, she always collects in the long run.

At moments like this I envy those who have found a safe haven in which to bestow their hearts; or perhaps I envy them for having a heart to bestow. I often feel that I myself am without one, and possess in its stead merely a heart shaped stone.

The truth is seldom welcome, especially at dinner.

And yes, I know it's you; and that is what we will come to, sooner or later, when it's even darker than it is now, when the snow is colder, when it's darkest and coldest and candles are no longer any use to us and the visibility is zero: yes. It's still you. It's still you.

Menopause. A pause while you reconsider men.

There is so much going on all over the world that it's impossible for one person to keep up. And I can't.

I am too old to have ever been very worried about what "genre" any given book of mine might be. I read everything. I am easily amused.