If I use my own life as the focus of a narrative about spiritual search, then, it's not because my life is important or interesting. It's just a demo life. Perhaps I explore with sophomoric seriousness such a variety of roles — teacher, counselor, caretaker of animals, musician, potter — in order that many different kinds of people can try on my life.
— Mary Rose O'Reilley, The Love of Impermanent Things