According to the author, what is Clarissa Vaughan's attitude towards life in the novel, The Hours?

According to the author, Clarissa is deeply appreciative of life and of her surroundings. She thinks of the immense vibrancy of New York City and appreciates the way its life is real, as symbolized by the 'rogue dandelion' that has managed to take a hold in a window-box of red plastic geraniums.