We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice do not seem to share this longing, which is one reason why they write so l… - Anne Lamott

It is most comfortable to be invisible, to observe life from a distance, at one with our own intoxicating superior thoughts. But comfort and isolation are not where the surprises are. They are not where hope is.

"Having a great narrator is like having a great friend whose company you love, whose mind you love to pick, whose running commentary totally holds your attention, who makes you laugh out loud, whose lines you always want to steal. When you have a friend like this, she can say, "Hey, I've got to drive up to the dump in Petaluma — wanna come along?" and you honestly can't think of anything in the world you'd rather do."

writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. that thing you had to force yourself to do — the actual act of writing — turns out to be the best part. it's like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony.