You can be in terrible shape, and if you take a three-hour walk through the forest and along the river, you're simply not the same as when you started out.

You can't be unhappy in the middle of a big, beautiful river.

I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river.

The trajectory started when I was on the roof of our house looking out at a swamp when I was 19. I had written for several years, starting at about 15, but that day on the roof I took my vows and acknowledged my calling.

I walk slowly into myself, through a forest of empty suits of armor.

Age focuses you. You are much better concentrated. There's more time when you travel less, don't do book tours, avoid interviews or public appearances. You walk the dogs, fish, hunt, cook and write.