We need to be smarter than our smart phones and realize the people we are with are more important than the people we aren't with, and way more important than the strangers we hope will tweet and like and share and Instagram whatever we're sending out into the cybersphere.

A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

Sometimes you have to censor books. When I read 'Peter Rabbit,' I skip the part about Peter's father ending up in one of Mrs. McGregor's pies. I also hid the book of 'Grimm Fairy Tales.' They're just too grim for my grandkids. Reality will come soon enough.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

Each day is a precious gift to be savored and used, not left unopened and hoarded for a future that may never come.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

It's easier to forgive those who hurt you than those who hurt the people you love.