One cannot divine nor forecast the conditions that will make happiness; one only stumbles upon them by chance, in a lucky hour, at the world's end somewhere, and hold fast to the days.
Willa CatherA pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves.
Willa CatherPeople have to snatch at happiness when they can, in this world. It is always easier to lose than to find.
Willa CatherSometimes," I ventured, "it doesn't occur to boys that their mother was ever young and pretty. . . I couldn't stand it if you boys were inconsiderate, or thought of her as if she were just somebody who looked after you. You see I was very much in love with your mother once, and I know there's nobody like her.
Willa Cather