Sometimes you want to fall on your knees and thank God in heaven for all the poor news reporting that goes on in the world.

In Radical Optimism, Beatrice Bruteau sets forth a deep and shining vision of spirituality, one that guides the reader into the contemplative life and the very root of our being. Dr. Bruteau is a philosopher of great measure whose work should be required reading for all who seek the deepest truth about themselves.

I'll write this all down for you," I said. "I'll put it in a story." I don't know if that's what he wanted to ask me, but it's something everybody wants--for someone to see the hurt done to them and set it down like it matters.

You've got to figure out which end of the needle you're gon' be, the one that's fastened to the thread or the end that pierces the cloth.

Everybody needs a seashell in her bathroom to remind her the ocean is her home.

Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.

Until we look from the bottom up we have nothing.