My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive;... - Maya Angelou

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."

"I love the song 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack. I was going to write that song, but someone beat me to it."

"The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise."

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

"Poetry puts starch in your backbone so you can stand, so you can compose your life."