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While touring the Columbus area with illustrator Stacy Fabbre for the release of The Fate of the Frog, we realized that Breakfast at Tiffany's was on Netflix and watched it with her two girls one tired afternoon. I relished the feeling of being completely in the moment, perfectly content. It was something I hadn't felt in a long time.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my very favorite movies," I told them. "I think Audrey Hepburn was one of the most beautiful creatures to walk the planet."

But when they asked me about her life, I realized I knew very little about her. What has stuck with me over the years is the strong inner beauty reflected in her public words and deeds, and this despite the fragile outer beauty the public and Hollywood revered her for. I have had her words on my closet door for decades now:

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She also said:

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

"Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, "I’m possible".

""Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist."

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm; as you get older, remember you have another hand: the first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."

"Taking care of children has nothing to do with politics. I think perhaps with time, instead of there being a politicization of humanitarian aid, there will be a humanization of politics."

And a heap of other lovely things I am still discovering.

Quotations like these have been a big part of my life. They help me keep perspective throughout my challenges and lift me up when I am down. I have notebooks with quotes that have spoken to my heart, from the time I was a child through adolescence and now adulthood. You can always find several walls in my house that bear post-it notes or printouts of quotes that change with my family's situation. I tape the short ones to the spice bottles in my cabinet, adding a fourth dimension to the dishes I make.

If you don't incorporate quotes into your family's daily life, you should. You'll be surprised with the effects these subtle reminders have on your kids, your spouse, and you.

Addendum: Since this post was published, a fabulous book about Audrey Hepburn has been released: Dutch Girl by Robert Matzen. Truth be told, I still haven't read it yet (I have a stack of books beside my bed), but I plan to, and all you other Audrey Hepburn appreciators out there should too.