Anything Like Me

I got Brad Paisley's American Saturday Night album a couple months back and fell in love. Particularly with this song... (I know, this is my second Brad Paisley song this month but oh welll)

Anything Like Me
by Brad  Paisley

I remember sayin I dont care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy Im ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said Ya see that thing right there well ya know what that means

And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if hes anything like me
Hell probably climb a tree to tall and ride hes bike to fast
End up every summer wearin something in a cast
Hes gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
Hes gonna get in trouble oh hes gonna get in fights
Im gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It safe to say that im gonna get my pay back if hes anything like me

I can see him right now knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass tryin to melt the Tonka truck
Wont he be a sight with his football helmet on
Thatll be his first love til his first love comes along
Hell get his heart broke by the time hes in his teens
And heaven help him if hes anything like me

Hell probably stay out to late and drive his car to fast
Get a speeding ticket hell pay for mowing grass
Hes gonna get caught skippin class and be ground for a week
Hes gonna get in trouble were gonna get in fights
Im gonna lose my temper and some sleep
Its safe to say that im gonna get my pay back if hes anything like me

Hes gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
Hes gonna hug hes momma hes gonna shake my hand
Hes gonna act like he cant wait to leave
But as he drives out hell cry hes eyes out
If he's anything like me there's worse folks to be like
Aw he'll be alright if hes anything like me

(Photo credits are not mine)

Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son from the Broadway rock opera Aida.

ZOSER
Don't come on so cocksure boy, you can't escape your genes
No point in feeling pure boy, your background intervenes
Listen good and listen straight, you're not the master of your fate
To this you must be reconciled; you'll always be your father's child
At times acclaimed, at times reviled
You'll wind up doing just what I've done
Like father, like son
RADAMES
Don't assume your vices get handed down the line
That a parent's blood suffices to condemn the child's design
I've done wrong, I can't deny, but at least I know that I
Shouldn't blame that on my stock, this may come as quite a shock
I'm no chip off any block, I wouldn't wish those words on anyone
Like father, like son

The death of the future

To a father, when a child dies, the future dies; to a child when a parent dies, the past dies.

- Red Auerbach

Shocking father moments in movie history

Darth Vader: Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father.

Luke Skywalker: He told me enough! He told me you killed him!

Vader Skywalker: No. I am your father.

(6/23) My father's hats

My father had a million hats. A ton of baseball hats, and a bunch of other random ones as well.

My Father's Hats

by Mark Irwin

Sunday mornings I would reach

high into his dark closet while standing

on a chair and tiptoeing reach

higher, touching, sometimes fumbling

the soft crowns and imagine

I was in a forest, wind hymning

through pines, where the musky scent

of rain clinging to damp earth was

his scent I loved, lingering on

bands, leather, and on the inner silk

crowns where I would smell his

hair and almost think I was being

held, or climbing a tree, touching

the yellow fruit, leaves whose scent

was that of clove in the godsome

air, as now, thinking of his fabulous

sleep, I stand on this canyon floor

and watch light slowly close

on water I can't be sure is there.

(6/22) Everything he knew

Dad taught me everything I know. Unfortunately, he didn't teach me everything he knows.

~Al Unser, Jr.

(6/21) I'm behind...but I had all these entries ready to go and forgot woops

"The thing to remember about fathers is, they're men. A girl has to keep it in mind: They are dragon seekers, bent on improbable rescues. Scratch any father, you find Someone chock full of qualms and romantic terrors, Believing change is a threat Like your first shoes with heels on, like your first bicycle

It took such months to get."

-- Phyllis McGinley

Father's Day 2010

My father died when I was 17. I wasn't a baby so I haven't forgotten him entirely. But each day/month/year a little bit more of him fades (coupled with the fact that I have trouble recollecting my childhood years anyway). One thing that will always stick with me, though, were his hands. Big and brown with white palms. Palms that were crossed with a million lines -- lines he passed down to me, somewhat unfortunately lol. His left ring finger was always indented when he removed his ring, indented from wearing it faithfully across 25 odd years -- my parent's marriage wasn't a happy one, but their love for each other was always there somehow. I can see them as he molded clay, punished my brother and I (never my sister), worked on the car, laid the floor, broke things in anger, hammered things together, pecked at the keyboard, spun the steering wheel. If I forget everything else about him, I think his hands will always stay with me. 

Happy father's day. 

Lucky the father...

"Lucky that man whose children make his happiness in life and not his grief,

the anguished disappointment of his hopes. "

-- Euripedes

(6/18) Papa Loved Mama

Little ditty by Garth Brooks


Papa Loved Mama

Papa drove a truck nearly all his life
You know it drove mama crazy being a trucker's wife
The part she couldn't handle was the being alone
I guess she needed more to hold than just a telephone
Papa called Mama each and every night
Just to ask her how she was and if us kids were alright
Mama would wait for that call to come in
When Daddy'd hang up she was gone again

Mama was a looker
Lord, how she shined
Papa was a good'n
But the jealous kind
Papa loved Mama
Mama loved men
Mama's in the graveyard
Papa's in the pen

Well it was bound to happen and one night it did
Papa came home and it was just us kids
He had a dozen roses and a bottle of wine
If he was lookin' to surprise us he was doin' fine
I heard him cry for Mama up and own the hall
Then I heard a bottle break against the bedroom wall
That old diesel engine made an eerie sound
When Papa fired it up and headed into town

Well the picture in the paper showed the scene real well
Papa's rig was buried in the local motel
The desk clerk said he saw it all real clear
He never hit the brakes and he was shifting gears

Mama was a looker
Lord, how she shined
Papa was a good'n
But the jealous kind
Papa loved Mama
Mama loved men
Mama's in the graveyard
Papa's in the pen

Heathcliff Huxtable Best Dad Everrrr

So I LOVE The Cosby Show. Bill Cosby's portrayal of Heathcliff Huxtable has to be one of the most memorable father performances in television. Here are two clips from one of my favorite episodes that features both Heathcliff, his son, and his father. They reveal dumb things they've done to impress girls. The clips are from the episode Independence Day episode 14 of season 1 (the majority of it is in the first link).

Season 1, Episode 14, Part 2

Season 1, Episode 14, Part 3

Quote on adversity care of Matt Damon (back when he was cute)

The following is a quote from the film The Legend of Bagger Vance. Matt Damon's character is telling the little boy that he should respect his father because he decided to work a menial job and support his family and repay his debts rather than declare bankruptcy when the Great Depression hit.

Rannulph Junuh: Your daddy is out sweeping streets because he took every last dime he had and used it to pay up every man and woman he owed and every business who worked for him, instead of declaring bankruptcy like everyone else in town, including your best friend Wilbur Charles' dad, Raymond, which is why he's able to sit around all day long on his dignity! Your daddy stared adversity in the eye, Hardy. And he beat it back with a broom.

John Mayer's take on fatherhood

Despite that it's a poorly performed karaoke/audition favorite, it's still beautiful and in many ways true.

Daughters

by John Mayer

I know a girl

She puts a color inside of my world

But she's just like a maze

Where all of the walls all continually change

And I've done all I can

To stand on her steps with heart in my hands

Now I'm starting to see

Maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers, be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Oh, you see that skin?

It's the same she's been standing in

Since the day she saw him walking away

Now she's left

Cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers, be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break

You'll found out how much they can take

Boys will be strong

Boys soldier on

But boys would be gone without warmth from

A woman's good, good heart

On behalf of every man

Looking out for every girl

You are the god and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters

Daughters will love like you do

Girls become lovers who turn into mothers

So mothers, be good to your daughters too.

(6/14) You're not the father

I spent my summers growing up watching Maury. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase "You're not the father."

(6/13) Leaving kids to be raised by wolves or apes

In our society leaving baby with Daddy is just one step above

leaving the kids to be raised by wolves or apes.

- Al Roker

 
I don't think so. Generally the father's who raise their children by themselves are better than a lot of fathers. Interesting quote though, no?

(6/12) First father's day

For the record I haven't really been AS lazy as I look, I've been on a vacation the past weekend.

For today (that day) a fact:

The first observance of Father's Day is said to have taken place on June 13, 1910.
(compliments of wiki)

So behind (6/11)

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Beyonce. Here is a song by her called Daddy.

Daddy
by Beyonce

I remember when you used to take me on a bike ride
Everyday on the bayou
And I remember when you could do no wrong
You'd come home from work and i juped in your arms when I saw you
I was so happy to see you

Because you loved me I overcome
And I'm so proud of what you've become
You've given me such security
No matter what mistakes I make you're there for me
You kill my disappointments and you heal my pain
You understood my fears and you protected me
Treasure every irreplaceable memory and that's why
I want my unborn son to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you for loving me

I still remember the expression on your face
When you found out I'd been on a date and had a boyfriend
I still remember I caught you crying cause of my tattoo
Could have said Beyonce I told you so
Instead you said you'd get one too

Words can't express m y boundless gratitude for you
I appreciate what you do
You've given me such security
No matter what mistakes I make you're there for me
You kill my disappointments and you heal my pain
You understand my fears and you protected me
Treasure every extraordinary memory and that's why
I want my unborn son to be like my daddy
I want my husband to be like my daddy
there is no one else like my daddy
And I tihnk you for loving me

Even if my man broke my heart today
No matter how much pain I'm in I will be okay
Cause I got a man in my life that can't be replaced
For this love is unconditional it won't go away
I know I'm lucky
Know it ain't easy
for men who take care of their responsibilities
Love is overwhelming
can't help my tears from falling
I love you so much daddy

For Dads Who "Didn't Have to Be"

The following links are to two songs dedicated to step fathers who treated their children as their own. Men like that are definitely to be admired.

Brad Paisley - He Didn't Have to Be

Blaine Larsen - The Best Man

1001 rules for my unborn son

Author Walker Lamond wrote the book Rules for My Unborn Son. His website is featured here Rules for my unborn son.

They're great pieces of wisdom, some are just funny. Visit the website for random rules.

Here are a few:

Rule 22: Girls like boys who shower.
Rule 272: If a teacher forgets to assign homework, keep quiet.
Rule 439: Return a lost wallet
Rule 175: Never leave a job without securing your next employment. (But when it's time to go, don't hesitate.)
Rule 389: After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.

Wallet pictures

A father carries pictures where his money used to be.

- Anonymous

I think my dad was still carrying my 3rd grade softball picture in his wallet when I was 16.

Daddy

By the way: Sylvia Plath is kinda crazy

Daddy
by Sylvia Plath

You do not do, you do not do
Any more, black shoe
In which I have lived like a foot
For thirty years, poor and white,
Barely daring to breathe or Achoo.

Daddy, I have had to kill you.
You died before I had time --
Marble-heavy, a bag full of God,
Ghastly statue with one gray toe
Big as Frisco seal

And a head in the freakish Atlantic
Where it pours bean green over blue
In the waters off beautiful Nauset.
I used to pray to recover you.
Ach, du.

In the German tongue, in the Polish town
Scraped flat by the roller
Of wars, wars, wars.
But the name of the town is common.
My Polack friend

Says there are a dozen or two.
So I never could tell where you
Put your foot, your root.
I never could talk to you.
The tongue stuck in my jaw.

It stuck in a barb wire snare.
Ich, ich, ich, ich.
I could hardly speak.
I thought every German was you.
And the langauge obscene

An engine, an engine
Chuffing me off like a Jew.
A Jew to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen.
I began to talk like a jew.
I think I may well be a Jew.

The snows of Tyrol, the clear beer of Vienna
Are not very pure or true.
With my gipsy ancestress and my weird luck
And my Taroc pack and my Taroc pack
I may be a bit of a Jew.

I have always been scared of you,
With your Luftwaffe, your gobbledygoo.
And your neat muscahe
And your Aryan eye, bright blue,
Panzer-man, panzer-pan, O You --

Not God but a swastika
So black no sky could squeak through.
Every woman adores a Fascist,
The boot in the face, the brute
Brute heart of a brute like you.

you stand at the blackboard, daddy,
In the picture I have over you,
A cleft in your chin instead of your foot
But no less a devil for that, no not
Any less the black man who

Bit my pretty read heart in two.
I was ten when they buried you.
At twenty I tried to die
And get back, back, back to you.
I thought even the bones would do.

But they pulled me out of the sack,
And they stuck me together with glue.
I made a model of you,
A man in black with a Meinkampf look

And a love of the rack and teh screw.
And I said I do, I do.
So daddy, I'm finally through.
The black telephone's off at the root,
The voices just can't worm through.

I've killed on man, I've killed two --
the vampire who said he was you
And drank my blood for a year,
Seven years, if you want to know.
Daddy, you can lie back now.

There's a stake in your fat black heart
And the villagers never liked you.
They are dancing and stamping on you.
They always knew it was you.
Daddy, daddy, you bastard, I'm through.

Shitmydadsays

Hilarious twitter account that's sparked a tv show (that I cannot imagine will do well) and a book.

Shitmydadsays

A favorite: "I need to change clothes? Wow. That's big talk coming from someone who looks like they robbed a Mervyn's."

He meant to do more good than he meant to do harm

Cory: ...Papa was like a shadow that followed you everwhere. It weighed on you and sunk into your flesh. It would wrap around you and lay there until you couldn't tell which one was you anymore. That shadow digging in your flesh. Trying to crawl in. Trying to live through you...I'm just saying I've got to find a way to get rid of that shadow, Mama.
...
Rose: You can't be nobody but who you are, Cory. That shadow wasn't nothing but you growing into yourself. You either got to grow into it or cut it down to fit you. But that's all you got to make life with. That's all you got to measure yourself against that world out there. Your daddy wanted you to be everything he wasn't...but at the same time he tried to make you into everything he was. I don't know if he was right or wrong...but I do know he meant to do more good than he meant to do harm. He wasn't always right. Sometimes when he touched he bruised.

The above is an excerpt from August Wilson's play Fences. It is an incredible play that my brother performed in a few years ago, the similarities between Troy (the father) and my father, and Cory (the son) and my brother, and Rose (the mother/wife) and my mom were striking. Characteristics I mean, not so much actions. The play is beautiful, and the excerpt above is from the scene after Troy has died, the exchange between Cory and Rose is always with me, particularly Rose's monologues which continues on. Rambling, sorry. Done. ALSO Denzel Washington is performing it on Broadway right now, I would give my right arm to see it haha.

(6/4) Meet you halfway

You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway.

 - Robert Brault

Ahhh I cannot seem to post these everyday I really thought I had done one yesterday haha.

Mother/father paradox

My mother protected me from the world
and my father threatened me with it.

- Quentin Crisp

(6/2) Tough Little Boys

This song always reminds me of my dad's relationship with my sister. (Click the link for the video/song)

Tough Little Boys
by Gary Allan

Well I never once, backed down from a punch.

Well I'd take it square on the chin.
but I found out fast that bully’s just laugh,
When you've got to stand up to them.
So I didn't cry when I got a black eye,
As bad as it hurt I just grinned.
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into be babies again.

Scared me to death, when you took your first steps,
Well I'd fall every time you fell down.
Your first day of school, I cried like a fool, and
I followed your school bus to town.

Well I didn't cry when Old Yeller died,
At least not in front of my friends.
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into be babies again.

Well I'm a grown man but as strong as I am,
sometimes its hard to believe,
How one little girl with little blonde curls,
Can totally terrify me.
If you were to ask my wife would just laugh,
She'd say, "I know all about men,
And how tough little boys grow up to be Dads
They turn into be babies again."

Well I know one day I'll give you away,
And I'm gonna stand there and smile.
But when I get home and I'm all alone,
Well I'll sit in your room for a while.

Well I didn't cry when Old Yeller died,
At least not in front of my friends.
But when tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into be babies again.

When tough little boys grow up to be dads
They turn into be babies again.

June: Fatherhood

My father and I never got along. We valued different things, we had opposite opinions on almost everything, we held different beliefs about people and identity. I was never black enough for him and loved the rest of my family too much.

In short, I'm hesitant to make this month about fathers because my personal experience with my own is not a good one, and I'm afraid it'll seep through. It will seep through, just to warn you now. There are a lot of quotes and poems and songs out there that have a positive view as well and I will put those in, maybe even the bulk of them will be. I just thought I should give this disclaimer.

It is much easier to become a father than to be one.

- Kent Nerburn