Quotes from Maira Kalman

The most inspiring objects are books. I have about 5,000 volumes in my home library. It's an unending source of visuals and ideas.

I don't like anything permanent; I have to be able to flee. You have to be able to flee at a moment's notice.

Flowers lead to books, which lead to thinking and not thinking and then more flowers and music, music. Then many more flowers and many more books.

I have many questions, but no patience to think them through.

Everyone I know is looking for solace, hope and a tasty snack.

Every Monday morning is new hope.

I like the brooding man - a brooding man with a sense of humor.

I'm in a complete state of panic before I begin something because I'm sure that it's going to be a complete disaster. I'm going to do a worse job than anybody could ever imagine anybody doing on the planet Earth.

Michael Pollan is a champion. In all ways. A man of great integrity, humor, and common sense and kindness.

I live in a small world of gouache and brush and pen and ink. I'd like to explore the world of multiples - etching and prints.

Go out and walk. That is the glory of life.

My dream is to walk around the world. A smallish backpack, all essentials neatly in place. A camera. A notebook. A traveling paint set. A hat. Good shoes. A nice pleated (green?) skirt for the occasional seaside hotel afternoon dance.

Flowers lead to books, which lead to thinking and not thinking and then more flowers and music, music. Then many more flowers and many more books.

if something does go wrong, here is my advice... KEEP CALM and CARRY ON.

I tell you these stories because these things happen to everyone. It's not about being starched or polished or cute or polite. It's about having ears that stick out, about breaking yet another glass. It's about seeing something for the first time and making a million mistakes and not ever getting completely discouraged.

Soon enough it will be me struggling (valiantly?) to walk - lugging my stuff around. How are we all so brave as to take step after step? Day after day? How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say O.K. Why do I feel so sorry for everyone and so proud?

Everyone I know is looking for solace, hope and a tasty snack.

I have many questions, but no patience to think them through.

Washing dishes is the anecdote to confusion. I know that for a fact.

Isn't that the only way to curate a life? To live among things that make you gasp with delight?

On the wall was a dress that I embroidered. It said Ich Habe Genug. Which is a Bach Cantata. Which I once thought meant I've had it, I can't take anymore, give me a break. But I was wrong. It means I have enough. And that is utterly true. I happen to be alive. End of discussion. But I will go out and buy a hat.

The book. Calming object. Held in the hand.

The man stands behind the man. The seated man thinks, For heaven's sake, stop standing behind me. You are driving me mad. It is February and it is impossible. Someone has thrown onion skins all over the stairwell. Now I will have to clean them up - though I love to sweep. But still, it is disgusting. But all he says is I have to go soon. Why can't people tell the truth? It is impossible not to lie. It is February and not lying is impossible.

If you go too fast you might not notice everything. On the other hand, you don't want to be late.