“Through the light splaying off the roof, Angela's falling blonde hair looked cream-colored, intricately stitched together like a veil.”

“I suppose no matter how crazy this all might be, it gives me something to look forward to for the first time in longer than I care to admit. Take 'em where you can get 'em, I guess”

“Because I expected so little, Gaines's painting is startlingly powerul. A lank-haired blond woman with a hard face sits at akitchen table in the harsh light of a bare bulb. She's surrounded by dirty cereal bowls and fast-food bags, and her shirt is open to the waist, revealing small sagging breasts. Her hollow eyes look out from the canvas with the sullen resignation of an animal that has helped build its own cage.”

“You never know how long you have-there might not BE a later-so don't let things go unsaid or unforgiven.”

“The world snapped open.The world snapped shut.”

“//Know thyself.//”

“I know he [Richard] went hunting. Maybe well get lucky, and he'll shoot himself in the head. Or maybe a buddy will pull a Dick Cheney.”