The flower has opened, has been in the sun and is unafraid. I'm taking more chances; I'm bold and proud.

I wanted to be a cheerleader, like my sister was - all the most popular and beautiful girls are cheerleaders and I wanted that, and it demolished this vision of myself. That's when I found the piano, when music saved me; that's when I first attempted to write my own songs.

Welcome to the church of me.

For me music is a vehicle to bring our pain to the surface, getting it back to that humble and tender spot where, with luck, it can lose its anger and become compassion again.

The river was always there inside of me, but I was very shy. I could see that this was my path. I felt destiny in my own music.

I like doing the crossword puzzle in the New York Times, not watching E! on TV.

I've left Bethlehem, and I feel free. I've left the girl I was supposed to be, and some day I'll be born.