“Now he knew . . . that there was nothing so vital as paying attention, and perfecting the humble offices of love.”

“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration's shove or society's kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.”

“What you pay attention to grows. Pay attention to your loveliness, your magnificent self. Begin now.”

“He’d always loved how she fought him. He loved the crackle and spark of her wit. Now he discovered he also loved the way she lay against him in what felt like perfect trust. … Antonia was a tall, vital woman, no shrinking miss. Now she felt brittle and vulnerable. He tightened his hold and told himself the surge of protectiveness meant nothing. Again he couldn’t quite believe it.”

“There was something magic in their large perfect eyes, something that made you pay attention”

“Experience means nothing unless you're paying attention.”