It's a magical thing that drops out of the sky into your lap, ... The Hammered Dulcimer.

265

There is no Them, there is only Us. Some of Us think this or some of Us think that, but we're all Us.

237

I worked as hard as I could. I'm not fluent but I felt like I made real headway. The language is beautiful.

233

I enjoyed everything slowing down. It is a more intensified existence. ... Of course, I wasn't working, so I was able to indulge in a more intensified existence. It was la bella vita.

218

You don't hear about this until you're a finalist. They ask if you can go to Rome for a year, because not everyone can do that.

207

The first six months, I was visiting and writing poems about them. That was a big surprise. ... I'm not a conventionally religious person.

187

I saw the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica when people were not there, when you can engage with art.

173

It's really easy to complain. If you're not careful, then you end up complaining about your whole life. Concentrating on the good things is really good. Catch people doing good.

155

The only way to last a really long time is to build something useful enough that people will want to keep it going after you die, and to cultivate a sense of ownership in other people. In short: make good shit and give it away as fast as you can.

147

I said, 'Oh lord,'.

143

I’m the world’s least happy atheist. I miss having religious faith, but trying to have it seems like trying to be in love with someone that you’re not in love with.

122

I'm sorry. I hope they find your son.

88

Don't blog what you don't own.

67