As Peter Bogdanovich would say of Paper Moon: Ryan's wonderful in it, and he sat there and watched the kid steal the picture.

I've triumphed over addiction.

I've purged myself of bitterness and anger and remained open to love.

I've stood my ground in life, alone, even against overwhelming forces with the might and money to crush me.

I was punished for blowing the whistle on my father's lifestyle.

I remained Ryan's companion on the Hollywood party circuit, growing inured to sex and drugs before I was in my teens.

Paper Moon didn't bring me love.