When I look at my stats for the blog, I discover things that I don't think about when I'm posting. Last week there were lots of searches for this image and post. I think it's because I said my dad looked like Paul Newman.
He had the same pale blue eyes too, but carried a little more weight (the John Wayne reference) and his face was fuller.
The likeness was more than the obvious outward appearance. The charm, the style, the effortless smile and adventurous spirit were a match too.
Paul Newman was one of my celebrity heroes, first as a kid falling for movie stars and later as an adult measuring achievement and character. His generous and genuine work in the world increased his legacy in a time when others in the same position find it enough to be famous. I saved this quote from an article in the Times.
“We are such spendthrifts with our lives,” Mr. Newman once told a reporter. “The trick of living is to slip on and off the planet with the least fuss you can muster. I’m not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer, who puts back into the soil what he takes out.”
My dad would have been 85 last week. He slipped off the planet with so little fuss that it breaks my heart to remember. Late September always makes me miss him as I do any other day, but just a bit more. Watching Mr. Newman's biography run across the screen this week, I was reminded often of the similarities. Such good men, these two with their twinkling blue eyes and big hearts. No need to be saints. We loved them just as they were.
Your Dad was such a handsome man!!! Thanks for sharing him with us! HUGS!
Posted by: Cindy (Junque Art) | September 30, 2008 at 02:03 PM
You are such a lovely person for sharing this with us. I have never heard that quote before, but it will stay with me always.
Thank you.
Posted by: Danette | September 30, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I know how you feel, I lost my Dad too,I miss him so much, a huge empty space in my life with him gone,I miss him so much.
You looked so much like him its plain to see .
Every time you look in the mirror he isin't far can you see him there looking back at you?
Diane
Posted by: Diane ( Crafty Passions) | September 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I think it would be hard to live with a saint. Often it's our little imperfections that cause the biggest laugh or hardest cry together. My father as you say slipped off the planet when I was 20 yrs. old. I'm now older than he was. It seems sad that a person that lived through the depression, fought in WWII never arrived at the time when he could sit back and enjoy what he contributed to the world. It did teach me at a young age what is really important in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts of your father and yes what a handsome man!
Best,
Kathy
Posted by: kathy | September 30, 2008 at 04:46 PM
You are so lucky to have gotten his blue eyes!
Posted by: Linda Crispell | September 30, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Thank you for sharing your memories of your Dad and the wonderful quote from Paul Newman. He is also one of my heroes. In this day and age why is integrity and generosity so rare? It will take all of us to stand up for peace, integrity and good values. Thank you for your heartfelt post, Charlotte
Peace, Linda T
Posted by: Linda Thiltgen | September 30, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Now I know where you get your clear blue eyes. So beautiful. I loved Paul Newman and his authentic soul. Your dad looks to be one too. much love to you.
Posted by: Rebecca | September 30, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Good Morning!
It sounds like your Dad was just a doll. I lost my Dad when I was 34 and my own child just 2 years old. But, you know, I still have him right here with me in my heart every day. I will always have that. I hope you feel that way, too.
mary
Posted by: mary | October 01, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Oh! Sitting here with tears in my eyes. I was so sad to hear about Paul Newman. I hear his voice just about every day because my son is obsessed with the movie Cars. And I see his picture in my fridge and pantry. So strange.
Your Dad really looks a lot like him. Sorry he's gone too. My Mom said it feels like the end of an era with Newman's passing.
Posted by: Doreen | October 01, 2008 at 10:49 AM
What a sweet tribute. I felt so lucky to see my dad a few weeks ago. I don't get to see him much, and he's not always "with it" when we do meet up. Alcohol can be a real demon. But I do love him and all the special quirky memories of him growing up (we have the same sense of humor and we'd stay up until 3 a.m. watching movies and joking around way too loud for my mom and sister. We also shared an affinity for Mel's Diner). Anyway, your dad is handsome and you DO have his eyes!
Posted by: crystal | October 05, 2008 at 07:04 PM
lovely post, thanks for sharing it....
Posted by: brenda | October 07, 2008 at 03:57 PM
beautiful tribute to your dad.
little fuss is something we can all strive for. giving back what we take. these are the achievements we are remembered for.
Posted by: collette | October 08, 2008 at 10:14 PM