Quotes from L.M. Montgomery

Oh, Anne, things are so mixed-up in real life. They aren't clear-cut and trimmed off, as they are in novels.

Even when I'm alone, I have real good company - dreams and imaginations and pretendings.

Don't give up all your romance Anne, a little of it is a good thing - not too much of course-but keep a little of it - Matthew Cuthbert

The little things of life, sweet and excellent in their place, must not be the things lived for; the highest must be sought and followed;

Aunt Wellington, of whom Valancy stood in abject awe, would tell her about Olive's new chiffon dress and Cecil's last devoted letter. Valancy would have to look as pleased and interested as if the dress and letter had been hers or else Aunt Wellington would be offended. And Valancy had long ago decided that she would rather offend God than Aunt Wellington, because God might forgive her but Aunt Wellington never would.

I suppose we'll get used to being grownup in time. There won't be so many unexpected things about it by and by–though, after all, I fancy it's the unexpected things that give spice to life.

We'll just sit here, said Barney, and if we think of anything worth while saying we'll say it. Otherwise, not. Don't imagine you're bound to talk to me. John Foster says, quoted Valancy, 'If you can sit in silence with a person for half an hour and yet be entirely comfortable, you and that person can be friends. If you cannot, friends you'll never be and you need not waste time in trying.' Evidently John Foster says a sensible thing once in a while, conceded Barney.

I think the nicest thing about days is their unexpectedness. It's jolly to wake up like this on a golden-fine morning and day-dream for ten minutes before I get up, imagining heaps of splendid things that might happen.

It is hard to understand why work should be called a curse—until one remembers what bitterness forced or uncongenial labour is. But the work for which we are fitted—which we feel we are sent into the world to do—what a blessing it is and what fullness of joy it holds.

I find it is not always easy to be sure whether your deeds are good or bad.

I ought to grow up successfully, and I'm sure it will be my own fault if I don't. I feel it's a great responsibility because I have only one chance. If I don't grow up right I can't go back and begin over again. - Anne Shirley

I saved his life, and when you've saved a creature's life you're bound to love it. It's next thing to giving life.

Well, one must be a slave to something in this kind of a world,' he said.

hate's got to be a disease with me.

Even skeptical Dan prayed, his skepticism falling away from him like a discarded garment in this valley of the shadow, which sifts out hearts and tries souls, until we all, grown-up or children, realize our weakness, and, finding that our own puny strength is as a reed shaken in the wind, creep back humbly to the God we have vainly dreamed we could do without.

It wouldn't do to have all our dreams fulfilled. We would be as good as dead if we had nothing left to dream about. - Anne Shirley

Oh, it was almost too much to bear! And everything was going on as before - the dancers were spinning around, the boys who couldn't get partners were hanging about the pavilion, canoodling couples were sitting out on the rocks - nobody seemed to realize what a stupendous thing had happened.

The only fault he found with her was that she did not sing at her work. "Folks should always sing at their work," he insisted. "Sounds cheerful-like." "Not always," retorted Valancy. "Fancy a butcher singing at his work. Or an undertaker.

Spring is singing in my blood today, and the lure of April is abroad on the air. I'm seeing visions and dreaming dreams, Pris. That's because the wind is from the west. I do love the west wind. It sings of hope and gladness, doesn't it? When the east wind blows I always think of sorrowful rain on the eaves and sad waves on a gray shore. When I get old I shall have rheumatism when the wind is east. And

But I don't want to be a different girl, said Emily decidedly. She had no intention of lowering the Starr flag to Aunt Ruth. I wouldn't want to be anybody but myself even if I am plain. Besides, she added impressively as she turned to go out of the room, though I may not be very good-looking now, when I go to heaven I believe I'll be very beautiful.

Fancies are like shadows . . . you can't cage them, they're such wayward, dancing things.

Once upon a time--which, when you come to think of it, is really the only proper way to begin a story--the only way that really smacks of romance and fairyland--

I don't care a hang for any cat that hasn't stripes.

I read a story tonight. It ended unhappily. I was wretched until I had invented a happy ending for it. I shall always end my stories happily. I don't care whether it's "true to life" or not. It's true to life as it should be and that's a better truth than the other.