Happy New Year

Hi Pat,

It seems that many people are happy that 2009 is over. I don't know that it was really a bad year. You left us at the very beginning, so living the year without you was really hard but you kind of made some good things happen. We all met up with some long time friends that we wouldn't normally have spoken to or seen. More family time, more friend time, more opportunities taken that would have otherwise been delayed or overlooked. I would have liked to be sitting with you on the back porch of the house in Ajijic, Mexico if that had been an option but I remember it. Happy times.

January 5th will be a year. I often wonder what you'd be doing, where you are, hoping you're smiling down on us. Skype me.

Love you.

Happy New Year.

Xochi

Merry Christmas to you, Pat

Merry Christmas Pat!

Miss you. Christmas wasn't exactly your favorite holiday with all the craziness of the day. But the thing is, before you and Mom headed to Mexico, we had a tradition. I would fly to Boston and stay with Tanya and family, you and Mom would arrive Christmas Eve day...we would play games, eat snacks, see friends and get scattered around the house for sleeping, the last few years you pulled out those Christmas pajamas I made back in 2002 (even those your pants were 5x too big for you)...Christmas morning was eggs benedict, visiting Tom's family and having a great dinner with more games and laughs. The day after you and Mom and me and the kids all got packed in the car and headed to Snowville, NH for a few days. The 3 hour ride we'd sing, tell jokes, you'd make us enjoy the view. New Hampshire, up on the hill, you'd build us a fire, we'd just have a great time together. How many years did we have that tradition? I'll never forget.

Well, this year is a time for change. No snow here in California! Mom and Ramsey are here. We're having very, very quiet Christmas Eve. You'd be happy! Tomorrow will be dinner at my house with Laurie, Patrick, Fortune and Kenny...and all the dogs. Mom's planning pumpkin pancakes in the morning. It's going to be a nice day but we'll miss you a lot.

Thinking of you.

Love,
Xochi

Pat gets a Christmas Tree

Pat's bench has a new little Christmas tree thanks to Colleen. She thought he'd like it. She says that now that there's snow, the tree looks even more festive. Yes, it's snowing in Snowville, NH. I can't say that Pat ever missed the snow, but he did like to sit in his shorts in Ajijic and look at the weather reports from Snowville! Especially when it was cold and snowing and he was out in the garden sunning himself. But he'd like the tree, just the kind of thing I could see him doing for someone. Mom and Pat's bench will be inscribed eventually. It may be in the spring now that winter is settling in, but the local friends there know that it is where to say hello to Pat so that's great.

Love,
Xochi

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Hello All,

On Thanksgiving everyone starts thinking about what they may be thankful for in life. Today, I was, on the other hand thinking, I'm not looking forward to Thanksgiving because of that same reason. But it's true, there are many of the basics to be thankful for that so many others don't have this year or may have never had and I do quietly thank my lucky stars I have what I have. But this year in particular some new things have stood out brighter.

I've realized that although this year began with Pat's leaving us, the saddest time, this year seems to have brought out the most amazing group of supporters to get this far past that day. Mixed with family, I had my oldest, truest friends being by my side, thank you for that, people that I didn't even know that well going above and beyond just because and continuing to do so, thank you for that. New friends bringing me energy and fun, helping me start new relationships and getting out when I'd rather stay in. The memorials and graduations and weddings have all brought about family and friends gathering and celebrations to keep me connected.

Here's a little story Alice Burns sent me about a walk with her son, from Snowville, NH:

Guillermo and I were making our rounds across the street and I said "ok, let's
go visit Pat" -- he looked at me and tapped his head!!! " yes it rhymes with Hat
- you are so good little boy" -- he looked at me and kept hititng his head -- it
then dawned on me -- he was trying to say "yes, let's visit Pat -- he is the man
who likes hats" -- who knows, but that was my interpretation -- all good. Love
to you both this Thanksgiving!!!! G Man often does a dance for Pat by the bench
- it really is fun!!!"


So, thanks, it's just what I've needed and am grateful for this year and for all of you.

Love,
Xochi

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