65 Quotes by Maira Kalman

The pieces I chose were based on one thing only — a gasp of delight. Isn’t that the only way to curate a life?

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

Useless and precious objects. Taking up space. Taking up time.

The book. Calming object. Held in the hand.

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

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?

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.

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

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.