But she had never known that a man could want a woman and not take her because he did care. There was something very fragile and precious in the idea, though she didn’t really understand it. Maybe someday she would.
Not a savage – a barbarian. Savages know nothing of civilization. We barbarians know what civilization is, though we may have a low opinion of it.” Peregrine’s tone was distinctly ironic.
Children often sang, adults seldom. At what age did the singing stop?
Jack was unexpectedly moved when he swore allegiance to the king and country. He had served both for years, could easily have laid down his life. Yet it was different to pledge his loyalty and best efforts toward governing this nation. Dying was easier than making good laws.
Softly he continued, “You need to ask God for forgiveness. That’s His job, isn’t it? To forgive imperfect humankind. You are quick to forgive others and offer them kindness. Do the same for yourself.
Because you loved, you promised. You must try harder to keep that promise.
A witty vicar once said that a good marriage is like a pair of scissors with the couple inseparable joined, often moving in opposite directions, yet always destroying anyone who comes between them. The trick is for the blades to learn to work smoothly together, so as not to cut each other.
What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever.
Competence is a great creator of confidence.
Parents and children were put on earth to give each other grief. You were my punishment for how I behaved to my own father. And I’ll have my revenge when you have children of your own.
Once you can fake sincerity, you can fake anything.
Principles are sometimes an unaffordable luxury.
Enigmatic – the quality of keeping silent and making people wonder if one is stupid rather than opening one’s mouth and removing all doubt.
Like cats and ice cream, showers were among life’s simple, uncomplicated pleasures.
I love Christmas. A time to slow down and enjoy life and be with my family and friends. In busy years, it keeps me sane. In bad years, it makes me feel whole again.
You don’t have to be crazy to be a writer, but it certainly does help.
If death is inevitable, one should try to die well.
But gratitude would not have me love you as I do. Love was inspired by what you are – the good, the bad, and even the foolish, which is what you’re being right now.
But why, she thought wryly, did a man seem more attractive as he became less available? How humbling to think one had so much in common with a cow stretching its neck through a gate for better grass.
Life is a good deal more comfortable if one doesn’t expect it to be fair.
Europeans condemned Chinese foot binding, but any society that had invented the corset had a lot to answer for.