You never realize how much your mother loves you till you explore the attic - and find every letter you ever sent her, every finger painting, clay pot, bead necklace, Easter chicken, cardboard Santa Claus, paperlace Mother's Day card and school report since day one.

A bag of apples, a pot of homemade jam, a scribbled note, a bunch of golden flowers, a coloured pebble, a box of seedlings, an empty scent bottle for the children. . . . Who needs diamonds and van-delivered bouquets?

The courage of very ordinary people is all that stands between us and the dark.

It's hard to visualize the toys you had fifty years ago - all save bear. He's as clear as if he were sitting on the desk in front of you...of course...he probably is.

Riding turns 'I wish into 'I can'.

It's hard to be responsible, adult and sensible all the time. How good it is to have a sister whose heart is as young as your own.

Kittens are wide-eyed, soft and sweet. With needles in their jaws and feet.