He gave her a quick, casual kiss on the cheek first. Then came the hug, and it was the hug that always made Laurel’s heart mush. Serious grip, cheek to the hair, eyes closed, just a little sway. Del’s hugs mattered, she thought, and made him impossible to resist.

In all the illusions, you're the only truth that I need

It takes a lot of spine and stomach to make yourself into something when no one gives you a foundation.

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.

Knowledge is a great gift, and the thirst to seek it even greater. Use what you know...Head and heart...You are not made to give greater weight to one than the other.

I do indeed write on the road. My laptop goes with me everywhere.

Be yourself. Be true to that, to your heart. Patience. See what happens if you step back instead of bounding forward.