Society values cooperation over independence, obedience over individuality, and niceness above all else.

I think you'd best make your peace with the past since you've come this far. I think you know by now that you won't go back again.

Life was reduced to its four basic elements: air, food, drink, and a good friend.

I read the paper every day. There are certain subjects that will catch my attention. I have an entire file of articles. Of course I make up the story, especially since most criminals are not very smart and fictional crime must be clever. I have to make sure the story I am telling is interesting and realistic. In this book I went on line and found out the manners of codes. I thought it interesting to use them as a jumping off point.

It is a truth of human nature that we can ponder life's mysteries for only so long before we lose interest and move on to something else.

The Jungian therapist taught me the difference between the ego and the shadow. I realized I'd been so busy being a good girl that I'd completely detached from my shadow. It's something we all have, and it's where all the creative juices are.

There are days when none of us can bear it, but the good comes around again. Happiness is seasonal, like anything else. Wait it out. There are people who love you. People who can help.