“ Every single iceberg filled me with feelings of sadness and wonder. Not thoughts of sadness and wonder, mind you, because thoughts require a thinker, and my head was a balloon, incapable of thoughts.… Maria Semple
“ I'd say I never considered myself a great architect. I'm more of a creative problem solver with good taste and a soft spot for logistical nightmares. Maria Semple
“ People like you must create. If you don't create, Bernadette, you will become a menace to society. Maria Semple
“ My heart started racing, not the bad kind of heart racing, like I'm going to die. But the good kind of heart racing, like, Hello, can I help you with something? If not, please step aside because I'm a… Maria Semple
“ Earlier this year, I'd told a mother at school I'd been married fifteen year. She asked, "What's the secret to a long marriage?" I thought for a second, then answered, "Staying married. Maria Semple
“ As far as I’m concerned, the only thing sweeter than seeing a friend is that friend canceling on me. Maria Semple
“ Maybe that’s what religion is, hurling yourself off a cliff and trusting that something bigger will take care of you and carry you to the right place. Maria Semple
“ That was happiness. Not the framed greatest hits, but the moments in between. At the time, I hadn't pegged them as being particularly happy. But now, looking back at those phantom snapshots, I'm struc… Maria Semple
“ Was it happiness I'd found in my long marriage? Or capitulation? Or is that all happiness is, capitulation? Maria Semple
