Life is a glorious banquet, a limitless and delicious buffet.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

Through the centuries, we faced down death by daring to hope.

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.

I know some people might think it odd - unworthy even - for me to have written a cookbook, but I make no apologies. The U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins thought I had demeaned myself by writing poetry for Hallmark Cards, but I am the people's poet so I write for the people.

But from a distance. I would have left you whole and wholly for the delectation of those who wanted more and cared less.

You can ask goodness in, show it how much you like it, make room for it. And it says, "Oh, I like this place, I think I'll stay here." Which is why people go into one house and say, "I want to take my shoes off." At another house, no matter how beautiful it is, they might say, "Hmm, I can't stay."