Quote of the Day

stories entertain

engage, outrage

uplift, help us

overcome

our troubles

-- Laurie Halse Anderson, SHOUT, p. 291

Quote of the Day

the spines of books connect

page to page

writer to reader

teacher to student

page to page

past to future

pain to power

page to page

rage to peace

-- Laurie Halse Anderson, SHOUT, p. 289

Quote of the Day

As I type this, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case about whether it should be legal to fire someone if they're gay...As those who would dismantle our rights repeatedly run the protections back on my marriage, it occurs to me that I can't cope with finding out that there's no such thing as precedent.  That my family could cease to be protected under the law.  I'm not going to sugarcoat it: this is what it means to be an LGBTQ American citizen today.

-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 194-195

Quote of the Day

When you are told your whole life that it's wrong for two women or two men to marry, when your homeland agrees and when you realize that you believe it, too, deep within your primitive senses, a reckoning is imperative.  It is a process but it's mandatory whether you're LGBTQ or not.  A person's self-worth is dictated by what inalienable rights are allowed to them.  The right to not live your life alone is a big one.  If your family can accept you, if they want to celebrate your life and bear witness to your solemn vow, you'll have as many weddings as you need to.

-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 171

Quote of the Day

Write your life.  No matter how young or old.  Even if you feel like you're not interesting enough.  Do it.  Believe me you are.  Your life is in fact twisted and beautiful and you'll find that as you peel back the layers, the unexpected side effect is that it feels wonderful to be known.  Even if it's just by you.

-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 307-308

Quote of the Day

People in this country who are in positions of privilege must learn to find ways of fighting for the just treatment of others not by centering and platforming themselves but by holding up the ones who are suffering.

-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 301

Quote of the Day

Maybe we all just want to be immortal.  To leave imprints and art and moments and words.

-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 292

Quote of the Day

I heard someone from the music business saying they are no longer looking for talent; they want people with a certain look and a willingness to cooperate.  I thought, that's interesting, because I believe a total unwillingness to cooperate is what is necessary to be an artist -- not for perverse reasons, but to protect your vision.  The considerations of a corporation, especially now, have nothing to do with art or music.  That's why I spend my time now painting.

-- Joni Mitchell