When I was growing up, I'd be in the choir. My mum was the organist in the church, so I'd sing in the church.

I always felt that the music sells by itself. The music has always been the successful aspect on my career, and that means that, to me, I can always still stay very focused on music.

I told the record company I didn't feel the need to be at red-carpet events. I wanted a career. But I wanted to keep myself intact as a person.

It's very homely, this castle. It doesn't have huge ballrooms. I didn't want a cold, cavernous place.

We all have dreams, whether it be about success in our careers, improving our relationship with family and friends, or sorting out our finances.

Some would rather pull a handcart across the prairie than bring up the subject of faith and religion to their friends and co-workers. They worry about how they might be perceived or how it might harm their relationship. It doesn't need to be that way because we have a glad message to share, and we have a message of joy.

Since the fright of breast cancer hit our family, I have been surprised by how many people are dealing with breast cancer in their own family or with a loved one. One friend bluntly told me that she has been through it with her sister, her mom, and her grandmother, and all are healthy and mentally stronger because of the disease.

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.