As a result of all this hardship, dirt, thirst, and wombats, you would expect Australians to be a dour lot. Instead, they are genial, jolly, cheerful, and always willing to share a kind word with a stranger, unless they are an American.
A man needs a purpose for real health.
The object of art is not to make salable pictures. It is to save yourself.
I think the whole glory of writing lies in the fact that it forces us out of ourselves and into the lives of others.
The lives of people are like young trees in a forest. They are being choked by climbing vines. The vines are old thoughts and beliefs planted by dead men.
The life of reality is confused, disorderly, almost always without apparent purpose, whereas in the artist's imaginative life there is purpose. There is determination to give the tale, the song, the painting, form -- to make it true and real to the theme, not to life.
If I can write everything out plainly, perhaps I will myself understand better what has happened.
Gladly accept the gifts of the present hour.
Happiness lies in a large measure of self-forgetfulness, either in work. . . or in the love of others. ♥
O Jesus, my Divine Saviour, I offer You my mind and heart. Direct their movements while I pray, so that I may offer my prayer in union with Your Immaculate Mother.
Sometimes the most important conversations are the most difficult to engage in.