Tombstones don´t list jobs, they list relationships-mother, wife, daughter.

Too often, I've seen instances where we have an idea of what we want to be, where we want to go, and with whom - before life steps in the way, throws something at us that is beyond our control, and changes everything.

Nicole craved sweets. Her list included peach pie, rhubarb pie, and pumpkin pie, all of which would be on hand the following week for the Fourth of July cookout on the bluff, so she knew Quinnie cooks would have their recipe cards nearby. In addition to pies, she wanted recipes for blueberry cobbler, apple crisp, molasses Indian pudding, Isobel Skane's chocolate almond candy, and, of course, Melissa Parker's marble macadamia brownies.

There is no point in doing something unless you do it well.

What she did have, after raising two children, was the equivalent of a PhD in mothering and my undying respect.

If you want to disappear, Emily, you can do it most anywhere.