At 13 when I was a runaway I was taken in by the most amazing drag queens in Portland Ore. We didn't always know where our next meal was coming from but there was so much camaraderie and love. Not to mention those girls could paint a face and I learned how because of them.

I filmed 'Albatross' before I got 'Downton.' It's a coming-of-age movie about this girl who leaps into this family's life like a whirlwind. She's ballsy and brash and wonderful it was such an amazing character to play.

I know this is going to sound corny but I love my life. I love my baby so I love getting to wake up with him. And I have the most amazing job with writing that any actor would love and costars who I can't wait to see on Monday mornings. And I love coming home to my husband.

I run from Horatio Street down just past Battery Park City and back. It's amazing to run and see the Statue of Liberty and the ferries coming in. People think if you're not near Central Park there's nowhere to go but there's a whole ecosystem happening down here.

Becoming food savvy is one thing but it's amazing how fast savvy turns to snooty and snooty leaves you preparing three-hour meals that break your budget and that the kids won't even eat.

I kicked the door open and I'm gonna hold my leg in there. I'm keeping the door open for all these amazing female singer-songwriters that are coming out.

Oh my God this amazing cool breeze is coming through my window and the sun is shining. I'm happy.

It was amazing to me that all of a sudden I was hearing my music on the radio and coming out of cars.

The thing that is really hard and really amazing is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.

I think that in itself is kind of an amazing achievement to be able to say that your full-time career is in any creative arts let alone a show that has kept people interested for coming on four seasons and hopefully more.