What was more needed by this old man who divided the leisure hours of his life, where he had so little leisure, between gardening in the daytime, and contemplation at night? Was not this narrow enclosure, with the sky for a background, enough to enable him to adore God in his most beautiful as well as in his most sublime works? Indeed, is not that all, and what more can be desired? A little garden to walk, and immensity to reflect upon. At his feet something to cultivate and gather; above his head something to study and meditate upon: a few flowers on the earth, and all the stars in the sky.

Life has always poppies in her hands.

Oscar Wilde

Thought is the parent of the deed.

Thomas Carlyle

He that outlives a wife whom he has long loved, sees himself disjoined from the only mind that has the same hopes, and fears, and interest; from the only companion with whom he has shared much good and evil; and with whom he could set his mind at liberty, to retrace the past or anticipate the future. The continuity of being is lacerated; the settled course of sentiment and action is stopped; and life stands suspended and motionless.

Samuel Johnson

I don't think anyone has a normal family.

Edward Furlong

I've come to understand that there's always something positive, even in a negative situation.

Leif Garrett

It is good rule in life to never to apologize. The right sort of people do not want apologies, and the wrong sort take a mean advantage of them.

P. G. [Sir Pelham Grenville] Wod

You know that I am living proof that the American Dream is real. Growing up, our congressman cut through government bureaucratic red tape to help my mom buy our first house. That's the kind of congressman I'll be.

Geoff Davis

While conscience is our friend, all is at peace however once it is offended, farewell to a tranquil mind.

Mary Wortley Montagu

We have needed to define ourselves by reclaiming the words that define us. They have used language as weapons. When we open ourselves to what they say and how they say it, our narrow prejudices evaporate and we are nourished and armed.

Selma James

The past is only the present become invisible and mute; and because it is invisible and mute, its memorized glances and its murmurs are infinitely precious. We are tomorrow's past.

Mary Webb

Happiness is the act of being tough with ourselves and tender with others.

Source Unknown

Gratitude is a twofold love -- love coming to visit us, and love running out to greet a welcome guest.

Henry Van Dyke