I thought I'm going to die. So why can't I do everything? And what is this idea that I worked all day yesterday, so I'm tired today? I've never believed that.I thought, "Just suppose I could choreograph a ballet." And I did it. Suppose I could teach dance at the theater in Cleveland. And I did it. Suppose I could sing for a living - that I could stop these two jobs as a waitress and a salesperson.

When we find someone who is brave, fun, intelligent, and loving, we have to thank the universe.

I always knew from that moment, from the time I found myself at home in that little segregated library in the South, all the way up until I walked up the steps of the New York City library, I always felt, in any town, if I can get to a library, I'll be okay. It really helped me as a child, and that never left me. So I have a special place for every library, in my heart of hearts.

To be human is to be challenged to be more divine. Not even to try to meet such a challenge is the biggest defeat imaginable.

To grow up is to stop putting blame on parents.

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: 'I'm with you kid. Let's go.'

I'm young as morning and fresh as dew. Everybody loves me and so do you.