I never really felt like I belonged in California.

My parents always raised us with the idea of having college in mind. You sort of need a college education. It's part of life. It's something that you do - like going to your prom.

To preach abstinence, I think, is absolutely not the right message to give to kids.

I think people assume that women write about the domestic sphere. Women write about relationships and family. Men do, too, but then it's the Great American Novel.

I can't' really sing a song unless I really connect with the lyrics.

I think once you're a mother, you kind of always see your kids as a baby anyway no matter how old they get.

I grew up in a home filled with music and had an early appreciation of jazz since my dad was a jazz musician. Beginning at around age three I started singing with his band and jazz music has continued to be one of my three passions along with acting and writing. I like to say jazz music is my musical equivalent of comfort food. It's always where I go back to when I want to feel grounded.