Remember New Orleans?

I was in New Orleans this weekend for a wedding. It was a beautiful weekend and as I walked and bicycled around the town I remembered a few things from the last time I was there, 20 years ago.

I was here was on a movie called "Johnny Handsome", it was my 2nd movie as a PA and Pat was the gaffer. Thanks to Walter Hill, the director, it was the same great crew members that had been with him many shows before. Not only were we in a great location, we had a great group of people to enjoy it.

As i walked through the French Quarter this time, some places looked familiar. There was a corner bar that we ate Muffaletta sandwiches, ate at many of the other places and we worked in apartments and places there. We shot on the river, worked on a boat as it traveled down river and more. This picture is us hanging out by the river, you can see the movie trucks behind us.


One funny story I remember. I found this button shop. Pat had an idea for a button, it was "The F Word" with the red line through it. The buttons were made and when the man who owned the shop delivered them to the set, he was wearing a very large button that said "Xochi Blymyer Fan Club". Why he made it, I don't know but Pat put it on. Others on the crew asked where they could get one, so the button man made more. The next morning, I went to get breakfast at the caterer and the caterer at the window was wearing one! It was quite funny, even Walter was wearing one. But to top it off, we were working in the courthouse not long after that and as I was walking up the stairs to the set, I see this man in a suit with a button sticking out (being so big) and I stopped him and asked about it. It was the "Xochi Blymyer Fan Club" button. I asked him if he knew who that was, he said no but that he had liked the button and asked someone for it. I introduced myself and it ends up he's one of the Assistant District Attorneys! You can guess who gave him that button, right?

Mom reminded me of the time she worked on "Mandingo" and we went to visit her that summer. Even farther back in time.

Anyway, this weekend brought back some of those fond memories and another moment reminding me of unique, memorable Pat.

Halloween Dance

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I was trying to think of something to write on this Halloween night and I suddenly got this video from Danny Del Rossi...oh, wouldn't it have been fun if we all really had come up with a dance routine like this? Ha ha. Pat takes the lead quite well. He and Mom were quite a dance team out on the floor. Enjoy and Happy Halloween.

Love,
Xochi

Pat, my person I think of often

Dear Pat,

I can hardly believe I haven't seen you for 9 months. The days are rolling by quickly. There are times that you flash into my mind and I see you rubbing your eyes, rubbing them so hard they may come right out, I'd have to look away. I can hear you chopping up fruit for your breakfast just before you pop your head around the corner to ask if I'd like to have a little bowl too. Or it might be the faster chopping of the pampered chef chopper in the afternoon that you're making a green salad for your dinner. You might be tying up one of your tarps explaining the reason why it's going to work so perfectly.

It could be that laugh that starts with an "Ahhh" and continues with a "Hahaha" - probably some bad joke or someone did something dumb or silly. I just heard a bad joke the other night and immediately thought I wanted to tell you. The guy said "Hey, did you hear that Willie Nelson died?" and of course we all were totally surprised...but then he said "Yeah, he was On the road again". I know, so bad, yet I wanted to tell you to hear you laugh.

I needed a new lightbulb in the garage the other day and reached up to the big bag you gave me so long ago when you cleared out your shed - it's still labeled with tape for me. Looking around the garage, I see your hammer with the "728" tape on it. Diagrams you made for projects - you did use the "picture is worth a thousand words" wisely and creatively.

I had forgotten a sign you sent me, it's up high on my ceiling in the garage, it bent over now so I can see both sides - it says FROST HEAVES on the front and on the back you wrote - From the highways of Eaton, NH - winter of 2004-2005 - we would always laugh when we passed those signs, first shivering and then gagging to act out the sign. Silly but we always did it.

So that's what I'm thinking of today and everyday Pat, my dad, my friend. See you around, like a donut.

Love you lots.

Xochi

Pat, I miss our moments

It's Sunday night and as all Sunday nights this year, Pat, you come to mind. We had so many moments together, a laugh, a special event, a dinner and all over the world...so many that sometimes when I try to think of just one to write about I can't just pick it out of the crowd.

I talked with someone last weekend whom I don't really know, but she said she has been following my stories about you since I began and she too has become the "historian" for her family. How wonderful to know that my notes about my dad are read and enjoyed, right?

You know, you have made it easy to write and keep our memories alive because there are so many lively stories. So many that even those who didn't get a chance to meet you feel like they are getting to know you now. And why not!

So, this particular entry is just a hello and know that you are being thought of tonight.

Love,
Xochi

ps This photo is in Ajijic, Mexico - dinner at Roberto's last October 2008, mmm, mmm.

Pat Blymyer's New Hampshire Celebration, August 23, 2009

Sunday was a beautiful day. It may have been raining but it was beautiful inside the little white church and quite bright and happy despite the dark skies. So many memories in that Little White Church, so many friends, some we met the first summer we arrived in Snowville, New Hampshire. The feeling as I looked across those in the church was one of being home. Some of the faces I may not recognize immediately but it didn't matter because they were those that came together with our family to celebrate Pat and being together and I think bringing happy memories up for them too.

There were many laughs and tears. Wonderful stories or moments of how Pat crossed paths and made a permanent impression on so many.

There was a potluck dinner afterwards with so many delicious dishes, Pat would have been in heaven...or perhaps that's where he was watching us enjoy the food from, I hope so.

Thank you to those who were able to attend, to those who were thinking of us that day and to anyone who smiles thinking of Pat.

Love,
Xochi

Pat's Celebration is Today

Hello All -

Today is the day we hold up our glasses to Pat here in Snowville, New Hampshire. It's been a rainy few days so we may not be on the beach of Crystal Lake but just across the lake through the fog is the Little White Church...Pat spent many days trying to figure out how he could fly the angels across the church on the Christmas Eve Pageants! He also wanted to light it up movie style. And so if we end up inside, that is the place to be.

On the lake, one of Pat's wishes was to have lots of lightning machines at work across the lake on this day. Well, he may get his wish if the rain storm today is anything like it has been the last couple of days! But as an alternate, the local fire department is going to create a big fountain in the middle of the lake for us to see! Yes, just as Pat would have been, the people here are figuring out creative ways to celebrate him!

Love to all. Pat's celebration is at 3P here in New Hampshire so the toast would be around 3:46P! Raise a glass, an ice cream, anything at all that you love and toast to Pat. We'll be having shots of Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch as he requested (Blech).

Love,
Xochi

Snowville, NH, here we come to Celebrate Pat

This time next Sunday we will be sitting with all our friends and family on Crystal Lake celebrating Pat...oh, so much to celebrate...30 years of memories there, it'll be like going home, kind of a milestone from the beginning of this year when Pat went off to his next adventure or next location.

We'll see you there Pat. I think you'll like what we have planned, it's a surprise.

I love you,

Xochi

Hello Pat

Hello there Pat,

I was just sitting here eating a huge cup of cut up fruit I got from the guy down the street, he chops it up, puts on chili powder and lime (not sure you'd be into the chili powder) and crams it all in a big plastic cup...mmmm, mmmm...reminds me of visits with you, you never failed to offer and include us in your morning bowl of fruit even if we declined for something less healthy.

Mom is heading back to New Hampshire at the end of the week. She'll be going to New Hampshire to visit with all the old friends there. Of course, it got me to thinking what it will be like to make that final turn on the road as Crystal Lake comes into view. I'll know that you won't be waiting up on the hill for me.

Remember way back in June of 1978? Tanya and I and the dogs I think, flew in to Portland, Maine airport at night, it was foggy and we had this long drive to the Inn. When we pulled up to the back door, there was only one light on, it was before you put up the twinkly lights along the driveway. We were hustled up the back stairs to the room above the kitchen and so began our time in Snowville, New Hampshire. I don't know about Tanya but I know I was wondering where in the world you and Mom had taken us! Waking up the next morning to a beautiful day and seeing where we really were was amazing.

And here it is 31 years later. Each and every visit, my favorite part of the drive up was the final mile around the lake and up the hill to the house.

I think of you all the time but more laughs than tears these days. I look forward to celebrating you on the lake with all those friends and family. We'll say hello from you.

Love,
Xochi

Pat's New Hampshire Celebration - August 23rd, 2009

Pat Blymyer’s Memorial Celebration
We gather today to honor and celebrate Pat’s life



Sunday, August 23, 2009 – 3PM



Crystal Lake Beach
Corner of Route 153 & Brownfield Road
Snowville/Eaton, NH 03832
(If Rain, look across the lake, you’ll see the Little White Church is where we’ll be, come on over)

What to wear? One of Pat's requests whenever this day would come was that everyone wear shorts and/or bright colors so whatever you like as long as it's not black! Think happy. Dress for sun. we hope there will finally be sun!

What to Bring? Pat loved the potluck dinners in town so that’s what would be great. If you have a favorite dish, please bring it to Pat’s Celebration!

How you all spread the word about Pat was fantastic and appreciated. If you would be so kind as to once again let anyone know Pat's Memorial details, we would appreciate it. Post at the Eaton Village Store, in Conway, forward this email, whatever you’d like, the Conway Daily Sun. I would love to add anyone who would like to know about Pat's Memorial to my list of calls or emails, no problem. All family & friends are invited to celebrate.

I have dedicated a blog to Pat for stories, pictures and post any updates I have. Feel free to add your own memories, silly or serious, a word, a thought, a moment and/or bring one with you to share.
Pat Memories - http://todaysthedaytogetupthenerve.blogspot.com

Xochi Blymyer: (818) 765-6782, (818) 652-0381, Email is xbnh@aol.com

Directions from the South:

I-95North comes from parts beyond (like NY & Boston and all) and crosses into New Hampshire. Take the Spaulding Turnpike/US-4/Route 16 (exit 4) on the left toward NH Lakes/White Mts. Merge onto NH-16 North. Exit Taking the Route 25 E ramp toward Center Ossipee/Portland, Maine. Turn right onto NH-25/Ossipee Trail. Turn left onto NH-153/Eaton Road. Continue to follow NH-153. Wind your way past some lakes until you get to Eaton Center, you’ll pass a little white church, the Eaton Village Store and the next street on the right will be Brownfield Road. Crystal Lake beach is at the intersection of Route 153 & Brownfield Road.

PARKING IS all Around the Lake.

Look forward to seeing you there.

-----------------------------------


Pat loved his dogs, truly Pat’s best friends for him. Pat would not have asked for flowers or donations but there is a non-profit animal shelter near the home they lived in New Hampshire that shelters many dogs. If you’d feel you’d like to donate in Pat’s name it is harvesthills.org or the address is Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Inc., 1389 Bridgton Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037.
Or adopt a dog. ☺

Pat Made Others Colorful too

Hello...just a few more pictures...Pat had a way of getting others to do things they might not normally do...his memorial was the most colorful day of all time.

:)

Colorful, Colorful, Memorable Pat

So, I certainly think of Pat every day, many times a day and I sometimes wonder what it's like for others. Life has to go on but how often does he come up in your mind or in conversation. Well, I've found out first hand. On the show I'm working on, we needed a cameraman to fill in for a couple of weeks. What a great coincidence that John Leonetti was asked to be that person (In these picture, he's the one in the pretty yellow shirt on stage). He's known Pat for almost as long as I have and often this week has made passing comments about something Pat might have done or said and not just to me, to other crew...and so I realize that Pat really is a part of all of us who knew him, not fading but a bright colorful memory right up close. And he makes us laugh all the time.

Mom emailed me a story that Sally, Pat's son's wife wrote to her about Trinity, their little daughter (Known as T3 to Pat, the little girl in the photo). Here's what she wrote:

Trinity seems to bring up her Gramps often. She always points him out on the computer and has asked when she is going to get to see her Gramps. I told her when she goes to heaven but that probably won't be for a long time. She asked which heaven is he at, the one with our tortoise? I said yes, that's the only one. She asked, "Are they sitting down?" I said I wasn't sure but I bet Gramps was petting Hercules (our tortoise that went to heaven). I told her he was probably enjoying the balloon she lost in the sky the other day too!

My Aunt Fortune sent a note too:

Our lives are like poems.
Some are as short as haiku, others as long as epics filling many
volumes. Each is complete in ways we may not understand. That is a
comforting thought and I think it is a true one. Yet when we lose one
of our own, whether young or old, at the beginning of a career or at
the peak, we falter. It takes a while to see the poem when your eyes
are filled with tears.

Mom saw Pat's favorite Red Shirt in a store the other day. She said she would have gotten it for him had he still been here to wear it even if he said his was still in great shape. I suppose he will always be everywhere we go, something will always make us think of him and smile, remember.

Happy Sunday.

Love you Pat.

Xochi

Pat loved Summertime anytime!

Hi Pat. Where you are. As you looked down at us this holiday weekend what did you see?

Rincks all went to Disneyworld as a huge family trip.

West coast folks. Those at the beach stayed close to home. Not worth losing parking! But beautiful there I hear.

I spent quiet days by myself. Not sure I actually spoke to anyone I wasn't doing business with. But it was great. Your breezeway was spiffied up. Garage organized and cleaned. Pool. Looks pretty good. I had a delay on summer but I feel it now. I miss you and your ideas. Love your thoughts. We'll meet again one day. You better be waiting is all I gotta say. I love you just as much today as I have ever loved you in case you wonder. Love love love Pat !

Xoch

"Yeah, summer was Pat's time. I am sure he is in eternal summer now if he has
had a choice. Somehow in a way I think we all live some things for him. Me, I
am living his dream at the beach in Hermosa Beach where everyone wears shorts,
where there are wonderful places to take long walks,where he could stop for a
cup a coffee, where the men his age have their own apartments and come out when
they want to have company and have privacy when they need it. And now with
Laurie working at Salad Creations, Pat would have been in heaven (oh I guess he
is anyway) with being able to order any mixture each night and not have to cut
everything up but already chopped. Summer Time and the Living is Easy would
have been his song.

I too miss him very much but also I feel he is at peace and there is no longer a need for him to make us happy or to make people laugh. I am sure it just happens to him all the time and he has met up with someone who has all the best jokes ever."

Love, Ginger

Happy Father's Day Pat.

I was going to write something about Pat for Father's Day but just a few days ago I received this email from a lady I met a couple months ago. I thought it was a coincidence that we sat next to each other at the Director's Guild Annual Meeting but later when she told me part of this story, I realized it must have been meant to be. How else would we have ever heard her thoughts on Pat?

And after reading her story, I realized again how Pat found his way into so many people's lives, whether a father or a friend, he is remembered by such simple yet amazing moments. It's hard not to miss Pat every day but these stories keep his memory alive. This seems to be a perfect Father's day memory. Here's the story, enjoy. And Happy Father's Day.

Thanks Vicki. Thanks a lot.

Love,
Xochi


Dear Xochi,

Here's my story about Pat, as promised.

I was excited and nervous, I had finally moved up to Key 2nd with a First AD, David Sosna, who was at the top of his game, on a major motion picture at Universal. "Dragnet" with it's all-star cast was a daunting project and I hoped I was up to the task. In prep I met a tall, sandy haired man who seemed to have just wandered in from the beach, Hawaiian shirt, shorts and all. You could tell from the way he took things in that he was sizing up just how to approach each person in the room and put them totally at ease. But there was a twinkle in his eye that was unmistakable, hidden inside this frame was a mischievious imp. He introduced himself, Pat Blymyer, and he was the Gaffer. The Gaffer? But most of the Gaffers I'd worked with were a little more tightly wound than Pat so this was going to be an adventure.

One day we were using a large room at Inglewood Park Cemetery for the studio of Rev. Whirley, played by Christopher Plummer, for his televangical show. As we were getting close to shooting, I noticed a faint lighting effect on the back wall of the set. I found the source and the electrician carefully adjusting the cross cut-out on the light and adding a golden gel. I asked what it was for, but he wouldn't say, just nodded over to Pat. I sidled up to him and said that I loved the subtle touch of the effect and he quickly took me aside and said not to say anything. This was his little project and he was going to put little lighting "effects" in where ever he could. If attention was paid to them, he'd have to stop and he wanted something for his own private amusement.

Game on! I was now on duty to find the next lighting effect and if I found it, Pat got the extra benefit of having a private joke that could be appreciated even before the movie came out. He may have even put more in than he originally planned just to keep me amused. He put a little red heart in the window of The Virgin Connie Swail's house. A brown derby in front of The Brown Derby Restaurant. Silver handcuffs in the police station. I can't remember them all but I thought they were fantastic and showed such a great sense of wonder and fun. They're like the Easter Eggs we have on video games now, but originating with Pat in 1986. I love when people can do their jobs well and also be able to have a good time doing what we do. It's not ever easy, but as the saying goes, it's not brain surgery either.

When my birthday rolled around in 1987 and we were winding down on the show, the crew surprised me with a round of "Happy Birthday" and a cake. A great day, or night if I remember correctly. Then Pat pulled me aside and said he had something for me. He gave me a yukata from a little inn he owned. He told me that he went to Japan and they all had these robes you could wear when you were sitting around and he thought that was the best thing ever and had them made up for his inn. He said he rarely gave them away but he wanted me to have it because I was special.

I have treasured those memories of Pat, working with him day in and day out on an enormous production and never seeing him get angry. I remember him introducing you to everyone when you came to visit one day, as proud a papa as there could be, as if you were standing there with a Nobel Prize hanging around your neck. I remember Pat as someone who took each day and said "What fun are we gonna have now?". I truly wish I had worked with him again, and that I had had the opportunity to know him even better, but he will always be a shining light in my life.

I know this is too long to include on your blog, you can cut it down as you see fit, but I wanted you to know the whole story. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell it.

Sincerely,
Vicki Rhodes

Dear Pat - A rundown of recent events...

Dear Pat,

I thought I'd catch you up on all the milestones that are all happening these last couple months...I know you're probably sitting up there saying "Ahhh, I can watch them but not have to go to all those parties and celebrations..."

Back in New England...

Brittany graduated from Northeastern, passed her boards and just got her first nursing job at Maimondides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York working in Pediatrics ICU. She'll move there next month.

Tyler just graduated from High School and will be going to Wentworth Institute of Technology in Construction Management.

Connor just turned 16 and is learning how to drive. And he got confirmed.

Tanya and Tom are proud parents.

Meanwhile, on the west coast...

Laurie got a new job at a restaurant and is kicking it into order.

I'm working on "Raising the Bar", starts on TNT tonight...but you probably will already be in bed, doesn't start til 10P.

Patrick has been getting Mom and Laurie in order either with shelf building or computer help. Rachel's been making lots of good meals where ever she goes.

And Mom has planned a great Lunch/Dinner...would that be Linner? At Lawry's in Hollywood for her 75th birthday...we'll celebrate on Sunday afternoon. Big steak, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes? I just know Mom's been making it sound delicious for weeks so can't wait!

Miss you lots, wish you could see it all happening up close but you're always present anyway through a story, a memory, a picture.

Love,
Xochi

Just Being Happy Cause we're friends

I'm kinda of straying from my usual but this still reminded me of Pat, at least the way he was with me.

Mom gave me the book "The Shack" to read and she was given the book by Sally, Tim's wife (Pat's daughter-in-law). This was just one page that I had to read over a few times cause it seemed such a perfect thing to remember.

Mom and Pat never expected us to do anything. We didn't have to call, we didn't have to visit but when we did there was always joy in their voices or a big hug waiting for you if you did call or visit. No requirements really. Oh, and to hang out was the best, no need to really plan anything, just hanging together was where it was at, laughing and talking, to just be friends. Not everyone's like that, are they?

Here's how it reads

Papa says: from “The Shack” page 206

I will take a verb over a noun any day.

Huh? (Mack says)

Papa says:

I am a verb. I am that I am. I will be who I will be. I am a verb! I am alive, dynamic, ever active, and moving. I am a being verb. And as my very essence is a verb, I am more attuned to verbs than nouns. Verbs such as confessing, repenting, living, loving, responding, growing, reaping, changing, sowing, running, dancing, singing and on and on.

Humans, on the other hand, have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into a dead noun or principle that reeks of rules – then something growing and alive dies. Nouns exist because there is a created universe and physical reality, but if the universe is only a mass of nouns, it is dead. Unless “I am”, there are no verbs and verbs are what makes the universe alive.

Let’s use the example of friendship and how removing the element of life from a noun can drastically alter a relationship. If you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. When we see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else. But what happens if I change that expectancy to an expectation – spoken or unspoken? Suddenly, law has entered into our relationship. You are now expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. Our living friendship rapidly deteriorates into a dead thing with rules and requirements. It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend.

Makes me think. I am.

The rest of the book is great too. :)

So are you a verb or a noun?

Love,

Xochi

Another Birthday Note for Pat

Funny, I had this in my memories of our family.    It is the bill from the hospital in Beckley, West Virginia from Pat's birth.   

Check out the final total.   $ 123.30 !   

Oh, those were the days, eh?    And they were in the hospital for 12 days.   

Anyhoo, thought this was fun to see.

Love,

Xochi

Happy Birthday Pat - May 20th

On May 20th, In 1938 Patrick Ross Blymyer was born in Beckley, West Virginia...yep, that's when it all started...

Today would have been Pat's 71st birthday but I have to say, I think he packed quite a lot into his first 70 1/2, don't you?   I'll bet as a kid in West Virginia, he may have imagined traveling around the world but perhaps not realizing that it was all going to happen and in the end, the adventures of his lifetime were more than most people could even imagine, much less make a reality.

Quietly celebrating today, do something Pat would have done.   If you're working, change your shoes at lunchtime.   If you're able to take a walk and enjoy what's going on around you, do that.   Say hello to everyone you cross paths with...or "Hola".  If you can have a great big chopped salad or fruit salad that would be cool.   Give someone a compliment just because and really mean it.    Amazing how that works.   Amazing how simple these things are but Pat did it with such grace and style.   He always wanted you to be able to be the best you can be and would help you if you wanted him to help.  He could make your day in just seconds of time in his presence.   

So drink your water, listen to some classical or jazz..whistle, sing enough to make you happy.

And sing a Happy Birthday to Pat, Duutz, Zirt, Danforth III...

Love to you Pat where ever you are.   Miss you.   Miss you a lot but not forgetting you at all.

Los Angeles Tribute to Patrick R. Blymyer

Upon mentioning Pat's name to his brother, Tom LaBonge, Council Member, and telling his brother a bit about Pat and what he meant to him, Mark LaBonge then received this document from Tom.    To have all the members of the Los Angeles Council stand in tribute and reverence as they adjourned at their meeting was quite something.     

Pretty cool I'd say for a very cool guy, Pat.     Thanks so much.   I sure hope Pat's checking his email.    :)  

Advice from Gramps (Pat Blymyer)

Just returned from Boston and was reminiscing the grandson's experiences with Gramps.  

Now 15 and 18, they remember coming up to New Hampshire and spending weeks with us during the summer.  Gramps taught them many things. He let them work in his garage and build what ever they wanted, he let them eat ice cream when they wanted, he loved to spoiled them and send them back home for their parents to deal with.  :)

What made us laugh so much was Pat's advice about toilet paper folding.  We had a septic system and the boys tended to use so much toilet paper that it would clog the system.  I remember him sitting the boys down and giving them advice.  He pulled a few sheets of toilet paper off the roll and began to fold it in squares.  Carefully he instructed them how to do that.  It works much better and won't clog the toilet.  I laughed and laughed at the seriousness of his instructions.  They always remember that.  One of Gramps useful hints.  They still remember and laugh about that time.
I always wanted to have a place where the kids could come and chill out and just enjoy in the summer.  It gave us a connection to them that is still strong and so important. 

Gramma/Mom/Ginger

Pat & Ron (Tickle) Fraternity Brother Duties

Here's a fun memory for you:

 I had a great talk with Tickle, lots of memories. 

My favorite was about when the fraternity had to decorate for the cannibals ball.

Pat and Tickle had to do the table decorations. They also had to dress in costume.  
So Pat and Tickle went down to the local slaughter house and talked the guy into giving them some big bones. They were dirty and the guy suggested going to the museum but they just washed the bones down and placed one on each table as decoration.  I think that was pretty smart.  Tickle wore black pants and painted his upper body black.  Pat was very inovative and went to a rummage sale place and bought an old fur coat for a dollar and cut it up. He made a thong, wrist bands and a furry cape. Looked quite good until he was dancing and the thong slipped.  What a character. 

 Love Mom (Ginger)

PS Wish I had a picture of that!  :)  Xochi

Pat & His Mom (Mammy)

Just thinking of Mother's Day and a previous post of the changing of the guard...

I love these pictures of Pat and his mom, Mammy.   

Pat loved his mom, called her every day if only for a minute...she wasn't much for talking on the telephone.   When he could, he'd see her and visit or take her to the set or to lunch or just sit and play cards.   Mammy was a card shark as Pat was too...rummy, dummy.   

Pat the "Make it Work with What you Have" Man

So, notice, between Pat and I, the "cane" Mom is holding...

Well, here's the story.   

On the first trip down to Ajijic, Mexico, we all discovered that all the sidewalks and roads are cobblestone.   Because Mom being a bit unsteady on her feet with the uneven walking terrain, we searched around town for a cane or walking stick...but no go...

So, first the broom was found that you could screw off the brush part, then the neighbor in the hotel happened to have a cane rubber tip (not sure how he had that) but the cane tip was too big...Pat thought for a few minutes, went to his room and TaDa...he put one of his athletic socks on the end to hold the rubber tip...course the sock was  a bit droopy so we added one of my hair rubber bands to keep the sock up.   

It worked!  Perfectly.    Once again, Pat made it work with what he had and we all had some great laughs (and some unusual looks on the street) that week.    

:)

X

Changing of the Guard

I hope Pat sees this from where he is...

I was looking at these pictures and realized that although it made me sad for a moment, this is how life is supposed to be, right?   The next generation taking care of their elders and watching over them as they were taken care of when young.   

Patrick helping his Gramma up, Tyler and Connor looking as though posted as guards to watch over Gramma.   Big Pat would be happy.    

These three grown boys spent so many days up on the hill in New Hampshire with Gramma letting them do whatever they wanted and Gramps being a little more strict - you must drink 8 glasses of water a day and listen to one hour of jazz or classical music a day - ha, yep, that's what it was like being there.     Nothing like cuddling up to Gramma or watching Gramps fiddling around with something or other.    Ice cream, spitballs, dancing, adventures...

But now they are grown and seems as though it's all going according to plan if there is a plan.  

Just a thought I had.

X

Pat Blymyer and "The Wig"

Okay, so I may not have this completely correct but first off, you gotta laugh.   What's up with the wig?

Mom, of course, was a hairdresser, and had many wigs in her kit for various movies and such.

Somehow, Pat became attached to this one.   It might be that his head was cold or he was driving down the road and felt like putting it on to be silly. Whatever it was, it sure made us laugh when we turned around and he had it on.    Then he'd speak to you seriously and once again wonder why you couldn't really concentrate on what he was telling you.

Oddly, It was one of his favorite things.    Just because.   I mean look at the big smile on his face!      And so, that doesn't really explain why he had the wig but does that really matter?   

Once again, Pat being Pat.

Celebration of Pat Blymyer continues...August 23rd

Save the date - On August 23, 2009 (tentative) - we will celebrate with the friends and family of the East coast in Snowville/Eaton, New Hampshire.   

The folks in Eaton gave Mom and Pat the key to the town before they left for Mexico in case they ever wanted to come back, so here we come.  Not as planned necessarily, but none the less, a celebration of being together again.   

Mark the date if you will be on the east coast...the plans are in the makings.   As always, pass on the date to those who may not see this posting.

Summer in New Hampshire, one of Pat's favorite times to walk in the woods, visit the lake, take a drive in Tulip with Ramsey.    

If you've never been...go for it.   If you have, come again.

Love,

Xochi

What did Pat say to you that you remember most?

Think back, what are the most memorable things Pat said to you? Memorable as in, he's the only one that always said it...

Kind of like when he'd answer the phone and say "What it Be?"

or "Read any good books?"

Or "I've got a great book for you."

or 'Got any gossip?"

His favorite quote on his business card "The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten"

When you're finishing something that tastes really good..."Are you gonna eat that last bite?"

Oh, and something that will hold up as a true Patism 100 years from now. :)

Looking for help here...write!!

Love,
Xochi

Easter in Ajijic, Mexico - The Scout - April 2007

Happy Easter!  

Just 2 years ago, Mom and Pat scouted Ajijic...a place they had been researching and talking about for a while...2 days into their trip, they made their decision...this was the place for them, no doubt in their minds...a couple days later, Laurie and I joined them on the scout and this was the first of many perfect visits to Ajijic.     

And so I figure that when you know it's right, it doesn't take but a moment to take action as they did that trip.     Or give a big "Why not?"  

Felices Pascuas!   Tome ese salto de fe.

Pat Blymyer - Part 4 - I hadn't realized

I hadn't realized that Part 4 included Snowville to Ajijic...and so includes Mom and Pat packing up in New Hampshire and preparing to move to Ajijic, Mexico.    

A place that on their one year anniversary there, Pat said it had been the happiest year of his life.  The pictures show the colorful, beautiful place they called home.    It was easily a place that any of us on a visit to Mom and Pat could call it the most peaceful, relaxing place we had been in a long, long time.     Their house in Snowville, NH, on top of a mountain surrounded by trees was a close second.   

Perhaps it was really the company?

Adios Pat!   Te amo.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Pat's Favorite Things.

Funny as we look back and remember what Pat's favorite things were.   Those things you can touch and see were these simple items.   A couple kazoos, the "tax shelter", a magnifying glass, the extendable stick with magnet at the end, a mirror with the same extendable stick, a bird made of feathers, a maestro's wand, a crystal to hang in the sunlight, a grip clip, pinwheels, Pat's Top Hat & Cane, his favorite wig (that's another story) and we added a hat from Bob's, the bar in Ajijic he planned on going to one day just to hang out.  Oh, and his favorite sign he always hung that says "Good Morning, Pat.   This is God.  I will take care of all your troubles today and no, I really won't be needing your help.  Have a swell day."

The other favorites only take time and some thought.   Simple yet sometimes difficult to accomplish, but Pat managed quite well.     

Laugh today, sit and take a few minutes, listen.    

Love,

Xochi

Pat Blymyer - Part 4

Friends, friends, friends...How lucky to be Pat's friend.

For all his shorts wearing, Pat still loved to put on his Top Hat and Tails when he felt it was the right time to add a little something extra, and he always did - add a little something extra.

He deserves nothing but blue skies from now on...

Pat's Slideshow - Part 3

Talk about family man.    And his Amazing Grace despite all his silliness.    He had probably 200 members of his kazoo band playing "Amazing Grace" in his honor, some singing, all together.

Pat Blymyer - Part 2

 

Pat should have been a movie star, right?   

Pat's lighting up Hollywood.

Pat Blymyer Slideshow - Part 1

Pat begins his life in West Virginia and makes his way West to Hollywood where he lights it up!  

 Pat & Ginger in pictures.

Enjoy.   More to come.

A Toast to Pat Blymyer

A Toast of Johnnie Walker Red to the Rainbow Man.    And a toast to all who met him, we are the lucky ones and he is too to have so many love back.

Yesterday I remembered something Pat told me on one of my first days on a movie...he said "Xochi, start making a list, write down each person you've worked with whom you respect and care about and would like to work with again.  One day when you get to choose your crew, you will remember who these people are and will have the best and most loyal at your side."

  And Pat was right.  Here it was, my first producing job and you were all there.   Those of you who couldn't be there, I know you were with us in spirit.      Once again, Pat knew what he was talking about, didn't he?

Cheers.

Love,

Xochi

Imagine the Perfect Day

Today was perfect. Imagine a beautiful, shady patio, looking somewhat like a movie set with the stage and backdrop but also with a very colorful group of people (and by colorful I mean inside and out). All of us today here for one purpose, to celebrate what Pat meant to each of us individually and what he meant to us all together. Pat brought us all together. Today his memories got more laughs than tears or tears with laughter, either way being together made it all the more a day that we'll never forget.

Pat, I hope that you saw the light and love coming your way today. Yes, you can expect visitors, lots and lots of visitors - perhaps not sitting on your bench in Snowville, but definitely we will always have a moment where ever we are to pause and say "Pat, I'm thinking of you" or "That's what Pat Blymyer would have done" and the list goes on and on. Or you'll just hear a giggle, a laugh, that will be one of us remembering a Patism (as John Leonetti said).

Love to all,
Xochi

Pat and his Little Buddy

Pat always had a dog for as long as I can remember.

  

This Little Buddy is Ramsey...isn't this a great photo of a man and his best friend?    Any dog was truly lucky to have Pat in his life.   Despite dogs liking to walk, even Pat was sometimes too fast for them.  :)       (He was definitely too fast of a walker for most of us humans!)   Unless it was a stroll.  

This was a beach near Digby, Nova Scotia.

Blymyer's do a Jig

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St. Patrick's Day

I didn't really have anything to say today but just remembered it is St. Patrick's Day.   What would Pat's title be?   To me he's always been just Pat but those three letters mean more to me than I could ever say.    

So where ever you are Pat, Happy St. Patrick's Day.  

A Old Fashioned Family Vacation

Off we went to Digby, Nova Scotia to watch the tides...go up and down...who would have known it would be one of the most memorable family vacations of our lives. It was. The only thing we had to worry about all week was what time the tide was. Or we had to worry if the ice cream shop was still open...or we had to worry about what we should eat next...or we had to worry about whether your croquet ball went into the bushes again since we were playing on a hill...or we had to worry whether our bocce ball was the closest. Or who was having more fun that we were just being together?
In this particular picture, I believe the others
were probably having a little nap up at the house.

Or were they having more fun than we were?

Naw, probably not cause we had the ice cream and Pat had just bought us all matching hats.

Memories and feelings, how great, right?

Pat and his Grapes

Pat figured out that you really don't have to do things the way everyone else does.   

One example:  he would wash his grapes and hang them up with the pots to dry.  Up and out of the way, looking pretty.  Why not?  The funny thing is, one time we looked up and tried to figure out what it was that was hanging.   It was a very dried out bunch of grapes that had been forgotten.  He had unintentionally made raisins.   :)   

Anyway, one more reason to love him.   He could make anything work and make the most of what he had to do it.

A Note for Pat

Hi Pat, where you are, I will always remember your resourcefulness, with getting things done, you know like the time when your and Ginger's refrigerator went south and you needed one . So off to Sears in Conway we went and they only had one, the size you needed, with one objection on your part -- the freezer was on the bottom. You took it anyway, for your resource wheels were already busy as we drove to your house. You set it on a wooden plate form that brought the freezer to a height that was comfortable to use!!!

You know, we never did develop a automatic toilet seat that would go up when approached and down when done !!! Maybe when I check out I will bring the plans with me!!!!

Oh yes, I loved watching some of your wiring projects. I expected to see movie stars moving about the house, for all I could think of was that you were doing things like when setting up the lighting for a movie set, but you know, it always worked!!!!

One of my fondest memories Pat is that we were able to share our Children and Grandchildren. I know they always enjoyed your presence -- as you theirs and we all of you. So with much Appreciation and Love, until another time, Phil & Jane

An Angel in the Outfield - Pat Blymyer

Pat was working on the movie "Angels in the Outfield"
and looks like he blended pretty well with his halo shining as he lit up the field. I'm sure the guys took him just as seriously as always. It was normal for Pat to wear what other's may not dare or wouldn't look right wearing. :)

If anyone at all has a Pat moment/memory, post it here or I'd love to put it here if you can't figure it out, email me. I certainly have an endless supply of memories but would love to hear everyone else's too, really!

Love,
Xochi

Where the weather suits my clothes

Shorts, shorts, shorts...does it really matter that there's a couple feet of snow? 

All Pat would do is add gloves and boots, ta da, a winter outfit!   

He would rather be in the warm weather but he'd make it work no matter what the case.

As Willie Nelson sings "I'm going where the sun keeps shining, through the pouring rain, where the weather suits my clothes..."

Pat, we are listening, really we are

Every once in a while, Pat would feel as though he wasn't being heard. Could be all the ladies he hung out with had so much to say that he sometimes felt he couldn't get a word in at all. This particular moment though, they were all ears, literally.

Of course the laughter that went along with the all ears probably was so loud what he wanted to say still couldn't be heard.

I silently took the picture. :) Xochi

PS That's Mom, Brittany and Tanya.

Mortal Kombat 2 - Up on the Roof

It happened that their room at the hotel in Ayutthaya, Thailand had a lovely rooftop patio...well, they made it so when they added a few pots of flowers and couple lounges chairs, what more can you ask for to relax on an afternoon.   

Pat was working, Mom was getting to know Thailand, I was taking the picture, visiting.   

Show Biz, look where it takes you, right?   

Pat Prepared for Anything...all on one chair

When Pat was on the set, we all know he had his director's chair.   Sometimes it said Patrick Blymyer on the back, sometimes it said Rip Torn or The New Rip Torn.

It always had a pocket for very important documents - could be the callsheet, could be the Enquirer, could be fruit or snacks.  At one point I gave him a Hand which he screwed onto the chair that could hold a drink.   This particular picture he seems to be prepared for everything, rain, dark, confederates, etc.

Can you figure out what some of those other things are on his chair?    I've been trying .   

Love,

Xochi

Incredible Shrinking Mom

So, you hit the green call button on your skype choosing Mom and Pat and the computer starts to ring...Pat answers, sitting up nice and tall, says 'What it be?' or "Hola" or something like that...

Then in walks Mom...and she sits down...and you wonder, "Mom, are you shrinking?"  What's up?

Now, they can see themselves just like you can see yourself in a little picture on screen.   Next thing you know all we're doing is laughing, no talking just laughing and Mom is sliding down her chair, which was lower yet somehow she'd continue to shrink throughout the call.   Yep, easy laughs about little things.   Not sure we actually talked about anything on those calls but they sure were fun sometimes laughing to tears.   Love, Xochi

A Spring Brunch in Ajijic

I just received this photo from Mom and Pat's friends, Sascha and Steve, who live in Ajijic too. They all had brunch together last spring one day.

Pat all dressed in his pretty blue suit and Mom in her flowers. Quite the dashing pair out on a lovely afternoon.

I'm just assuming Pat had the matching blue pants on...could have been shorts?

How cool can you be?

I'm not sure how this wasn't Pat's director's chair all these years, he looks so comfortable in it don't you think?

I believe this was from a movie called "Gaily, Gaily".   How you dressed behind the scenes has changed a little since those day.

But I thought a neat picture.

Xochi

Kazoo Pat

Did you know that Pat could play the kazoo?  Did you know that he had a few kazoo bands in his day?He loved the kazoo.   It's easy to play and you can play any song.

Seventy Six Trombones was a favorite from "The Music Man".   

There was a time when Pat wanted to learn how to play the violin, I still have the violin, none of us learned but it was good idea at the time.   

So all you have to do is hummmmmmm.

Sunday, Sunday

It's hard to believe the last time I spoke to Pat was 7 weeks ago, the last time I saw him.   It seems like it could have been yesterday.  Sundays are the harder days for me knowing what comes on Monday morning.   

All I know is thank goodness for skype.com.   Since Mom and Pat moved to Mexico, I saw them more than ever, at least once a week it was as though they were in my living room having a visit.   If you've got anyone out there you need or want to see more than you do, get it together and set up each other, it's easy, free and like I said, I was lucky to spend time with my mom and dad more than ever.   We're all busy but no buts and  no regrets.  I have these memories.   Love, Xochi

Top Hat Pat

I don't think most people know that a top hat can really be worn pretty much anytime, you just gotta have the right attitude.   

Pat might add his white scarf and cane as well if it was a night out on the town, special occasion or he just got the urge.     That was another Patism.   :)  

One of My Favorite Pat Pictures

I can't be sure but I think when I met Pat (I was 5 years old) he looked something like this...casual, handsome, cool, coulda been a movie star.    

Mom, when was this taken?   

I think this was South Dakota about 1970.  Love, Mom

Scooters are good for Everything Pat thought.

Out on a long stretch of highway for Another 48Hrs. work had to be done.    When possible Pat would put his scooter to use.   The scooter was also used to get to the caterer fast, race to the truck at wrap, endless benefits to having it on the set.   I even saw him let the Grips use it to carry C-Stands...yes, even the grips.   :)

Can you believe our Hollywood Legend of a Gaffer?

Yes, a long time ago in Beckley, West Virginia this cute young boy kicked up his heels on Westwood Drive, I'm sure lighting up the neighborhood with his antics...

Many years later, he was lighting up Hollywood and our lives.

A ride in Zippy

For Pat's 70th birthday, he treated himself to Zippy, a beautiful royal blue golf cart with all the bells and whistles he wanted...

On the narrow cobblestone streets of Ajijic, it was the perfect vehicle to cruise and do errands.

Of course to make it even more a Pat vehicle he added a couple pinwheels at the perfect wind direction, one small rubber chicken, an Ooooga horn, a rope for Mom to hang on to just in case, a basket for Ramsey to sit and a handheld mirror to use to see behind him.   Oh, and clipped on the steering wheel he kept his GPS of Ajijic (a simply drawn paper map folded in half) just in case he needed directions).  The flowered floor mats helped keep the dirt down and added that extra flair.   :)

 

Pat's Memorial Celebration - March 29, 2009 - 1P

PAT BLYMYER'S 

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION

We gather today to honor and celebrate Pat's life

Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 1P

Los Angeles River Center and Gardens

570 West Avenue 26

Los Angeles, CA  90065

One of Pat's requests whenever this day came along was that 

we all wear colorful clothes, shorts and no black!

A Valentine Anytime is okay

For Pat, it didn't have to be Valentine's Day to tell Mom he loved her.  When they packed up for Mexico we found many memories tucked in all over the house.  This was one of my favorite things I brought home for safe keeping.    I'll have to check and see if this was a "just because I love you I'm going to cut a piece of wood into a heart for you"?  7/14/83 - that would have been the middle of a busy summer at the Snowvillage Inn.   Oh, Pat...

Did you ever realize how artistic Pat was?

One day long ago, Pat decided to try his hand at decorating Mom's sun hat for her. One hat turned into many creations, depended on his flowers, butterflies, and other ideas he had for the next artistic moment.  Each one is different from the other but always bring a smile to peoples faces as Mom walks down the street or drives by, especially the children who never judge but appreciate the fun with which they were created.    Spreading happiness in so many ways, out of the borders of what is considered normal or safe or acceptable.   

Grilled Cheeses and Chocolate Malts

Mmm, mmm...we had grilled cheese sandwiches and Chocolate malts one night in Ajijic...Pat's the master on that meal.   He even scouted out the stores and found the Carnation Malt we needed.

Pat's Pinwheels Spinning

Colorful pinwheels spin in the breeze, pause for a moment and then spin again.  Like colorful Pat always moving.

Pat, friend man and pig.

One-of-a-kind. Right. What's that mean?
All the one-of-a-kind people (isn't that an oxymoron) (I can hear Pat now having something to say about the "moron" part) ... that I know ...have something in common. They seem, the sane ones, of course, to have a gift. They distribute the gift equally and specifically. They seem to have enough sense of security in their own worth and value to want others to have that, too. The opposite of squeaker-wheelers, similar in some deep part of their spirit to contented four-hundred pound pigs, contradictory to the self-righteous, self-pitying and self-centered-fearful. Captains of fairness. Leaders who stand at your side, not in the back lines or high on some distant hill with condescending binoculars and vague destructive directions for the loyal but ignorant. They want people to grow, not wither. They are healthy, their immune systems fend off indulgent negativity, they are here to educate others in the ways of happiness and constructiveness, perkiness and jokery; they generate and tolerate over negating and berating.
In Pat's case, his nuclear strength spirit was not even overcome by alcohol; when he'd had enough, he'd had enough and that was it. So let's raise a toast of carrot juice to the rainbow man. The man of colors and shorts, not jetblack, starched, arched pretensions. The man who left joy in his Will and life where someone might easily have ended up bleak and lost. These are the undying suns of the universe, these one-of-a-kinders. They just get kinder and kinder.
love to Pat,
William

Last Days in Ajijic

Well, today has been our final day (for now) in Ajijic.    Old friends have visited, we had lunch at a new favorite place, one that Pat didn't have a chance to eat since it has recently opened but I'll bet he would have thought the food there quite tasty.    A stroll down the streets, in and out of some favorite shops.   I took a walk at sunset to the lake to see the progress made since the park there was flooded.   The walk along the water is now lined with palm trees, it's going to be beautiful again when they are finished.   And yet another beatiful sunset off the lake, you can see it from the end of the garden at the house too.  The house was a special place, the garden unbelievable, life is changing but there was at least this moment in paradise.  I was lucky enough to have Mom and Pat here so that I too could be part of it and being with the two of them made it even more special.     

Tomorrow, I fly home and Mom, Laurie and Ramsey begin their drive to California with visits to friends and family along the way.    And Mom begins Act III as she is calling it.  Love, Xochi

Rainbow Pat

We were trying to get the rainbow on Pat's face, see the left side of his face...the prism is outside with the sun shining through it.  He loved hanging the crystals and seeing the light play.    The only reason he looks serious is cause we were trying to catch the rainbow.       This was an afternoon project.   Things to do on a beautiful day in Ajijic.  :)   

Look at those blue eyes

Pat's Memorial service will be a happy celebration.   

It will be on a Sunday afternoon, March 29th in Los Angeles.    

I'll have all the details posted as soon as I can.

A couple things I do know it already...

Pat wanted everyone to wear shorts.    Bright colors.    If not a shorts person, happy colors.

The memorial will be outside at a lovely place called Los Angeles River Center and Garden.

More to come soon.

Love,

Xochi

Ajijic, Mexico Celebration of Pat's life

On February 5th, 2009 in the garden of Independencia #10, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico there will be a service to celebrate Pat's life for those friends and family in Mexico.    Of course, anyone is welcome to attend, all are welcome.

Pat said that his year in Ajijic was the best year of his life.   Pretty cool that he was so happy here.

Pat being Pat

  did you know Pat could dance?  and wiggle?  

Pat Blymyer's Memorial Celebration

I wanted to keep you updated on what the plans are to celebrate Pat's life.

We are planning a memorial on Sunday, March 29th.   The details are not set but please mark your calendar with this date, more details will come soon.

Thanks a lot,

Xochi

Patrick R. Blymyer, my Dad

Patrick Blymyer

May 20, 1938 - January 5, 2009

Pat was one of a kind.  People say that about lots of folks but if you knew Pat, you'd agree that he beat any of those others on that phrase.

Pat loved life, he loved food, he loved to walk, he loved having a list, he loved to read, he loved to sit and watch the sunset, he loved his quiet times, he loved to help us see how happy life could be, help you to laugh at yourself, he loved to laugh.  He took care of people, especially the love of his life, Ginger.   he applauded all of our successes no matter how big or small, he was proud of his kids.   He knew how to make an entrance, he loved show biz, his stories were endless and always made you laugh.  He loved to dance, whistle and sing, sometimes the same tune over and over but it still made you smile.  He loved to wear shorts, winter, summer, anytime.  Making a meal was an event.  He taught us to make a sandwich the right way, he taught us how to iron, he taught us how to enjoy a walk, a piece of fruit, everything.   If you met him for only a moment or for a lifetime, you would remember him forever.

Pat was not someone you ever forgot.   He will be missed.

I will miss him.   He was my dad and my best friend.

Xochi

Happy New Year, Inspire Yourself, Inspire Others

2009 has begun and with it brings new hope & dreams.  Inspiration comes in many ways, many times through other people.    I've heard other people's resolutions for the new year, adding some to my own list.   My own favorite quote "Today's the day to get up the nerve" is one I will need to keep in mind too, to keep those resolutions or begin new adventures.   Keep moving forward!

Happiest of new years to you all!

Xochi

XB's Inspirational T's  

Today's the day to get up the nerve

I wear this t-shirt and get the most wide range of comments.  But the best part is that I get comments.   People will say out loud as a questions "Today's the day?" and I spin around to show them the other side "to get up the nerve".   I get anything from a big smile and they have the realization on their face of "yes, today is the day".  Others say "for what, to get up the nerve to do what?"    I say "for anything, for everything, for that one little thing you're waiting to do."   

Really, Today's the day to get up the nerve to just Be.

Have an inspired day!