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.