Bogie and Bacall…Together Again

Sitting at my desk today I was alerted by a text message (from one of the various news outlets that I subscribe to) of the sad news that the lovely Lauren Bacall passed away.

Of all the starlets of old Hollywood, Lauren Bacall’s (how shall I say) spunk, chutzpah, bravado…call it what you want…is something to be admired. She was not merely a beautiful face (at all ages), but had the grit of a soldier, the poise of an aristocrat and the boldness of a  suffragette.

Even in this day and age, her boldness is admirable, but think about how much it meant back when a woman having a contrary opinion was viewed as unattractive (in an industry that was built on attraction).

Even with a strong exterior, she enjoyed one of the best love stories of all time with her husband Humphrey Bogart. I can imagine what a beautiful reunion it must have been when the two of them met again in heaven.

She perfected that balance that many of us women aim to achieve, of being both soft and tough at the times when it really counts. She was talented. She was daring. And for these traits alone, she should be celebrated.

I leave you with photos and witty quotes from the lovely, Lauren Bacall:

“Here is a test to see whether your mission in life is complete. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” – Lauren Bacall

“I’m not a has-been, I am a will be.” – Lauren Bacall

“Find me a man who’s interesting enough to have dinner with and I’ll be happy.” – Lauren Bacall

On Humphrey Bogart: “Just looking at him could make me tremble. When he took my hand in his, the feeling caught me in the pit of my stomach–his hand was warm, protecting, and full of love. When he saw me at the beginning of the day and when he called me on the telephone, his first words were always, ‘Hello, Baby.’” – Lauren Bacall

“I used to tremble from nerves so badly that the only way I could hold my head steady was to lower my chin practically to my chest and look up at Bogie. That was the beginning of The Look.” – Lauren Bacall

“You don’t always win your battles, but it’s good to know you fought.” – Lauren Bacall

“I find that through the sad times, work is what made my continuing, not breaking down, possible. In work, I was always someone else and I subconsciously reveled in that.” – Lauren Bacall

“I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.” – Lauren Bacall

“Generally women are better than men — they have more character. I prefer men for some things, obviously, but women have a greater sense of honor and are more willing to take a chance with their lives.” – Lauren Bacall

“My life has had meaning, with the friendships full and valuable and essential to me. My children, Steve, Leslie, and Sam, are all different–all first-rate human beings with high standards–whom I completely and unequivocally adore–don’t always agree with–but always admire and respect. They all have wit and a sense of humor and, thank God, I have hung on to mine.” – Lauren Bacall