Dolgan: ’Tis a wise thing to know what is wanted, and wiser still to know when ‘tis achieved. Rhuagh: True. And still wiser to know when it is unachievable, for then striving is folly.

There were two things going on: 1) I had already established in my own mind where I wanted to go with the next series, and having James around as a Grey Eminence would have complicated matters. He had had an amazing life and it was time to bid him good-bye.

The past can be a terrible weight bound to you by an unbreakable chain. You can drag it with you, forever looking over your shoulder at what holds you back. Or you can let it go and move forward. It’s your choice.

Some loves come unbidden like winds from the sea, and others grow from the seeds of friendship.

You can't succeed unless you're willing to risk failure

But for the most part, love is a recognition, an opportunity to say, 'There is something about you I cherish.

You can only have one first born child. You may love all your children deeply and with passion, but there is something unique about the first born.