Gaffer in his chair.

Hello Pat!

How are you? I got a reminder last night when I met with an old friend of yours, Anthony. He truly admired you and your encouraging ways. He said you had a way to talk to others that always helped them over the bump in their path without making a big deal about it. He reminded me how you were so smart but in the disguise of someone who was silly and kind - but always encouraging to those who could use an extra hand. A word that made life just a little better for that moment.

As I was talking about what my future might be, to get it moving forward, he was mentioning that I certainly had a wonderful pied piper to follow...and that is you.

I don't know, maybe that why I'm able to be awake at 6A this morning without feeling tired?

Mom and I are moving forward, rewriting "The Inn" and "A Disturbing Presence" - I read the other day a poster that you'd like. It says "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." Learning to ask. It ain't easy! And just plain trying to learn new things, like writing, producing! Gotta Grin Pictures...what do you think?

Let's see...my show I was on was cancelled but was fun while it lasted...you would have loved Gio, the DP. He was a gaffer...every once in a while when something was done that was not even close to what he wanted, he would look over to me and say "Your dad would be horrified right now". It was pretty funny. I'll look forward to working with him on another show.

Mom is great up in Ojai...she had a surprise visit by Norman Lang the other day who now also lives in Ojai...the laughed and laughed as you can imagine.

Moving forward, asking, going after it...following the pied piper who is you, Pat.

Love,
Xochi

By the way, this picture was on the back patio in Ajijic, Mexico - Mom editing her book and Pat I think you were telling us what the birds were talking about...some gossip probably.

Thank for the Birthday gifts Pat. xxoo

Dear Pat,

I received in the mail today this letter you once wrote to Prish and Russ. I can read your writing but if others cannot, here’s what you wrote so long ago, it’s the perfect birthday gift:

“Howdy you all,

Here’s the dealee bob – Hope all is well. It is sure good to get a little work, this has been about the slowest year work that I can remember. Hopefully I can work from now till the end of the year and then some to make up for it. For now, it’s one day at a time. In fact, that’s all we ever have anyway and if we learn to live that way we are much better off. I’ll talk 2U or CU soon. Duutz.” (One of Pat’s many alias’)

Wow…if that wasn’t signed Duutz, that letter could have been written by me BECAUSE Here’s the dealee bob…

I did finally land a show last month as a 1^st AD called Free Agents (after about the slowest year of work I can remember, except for the year before), it’s a comedy, I think you’d have fun on this set…and you know what, it has not only been exactly what I needed, it’s been such a pleasure meeting more people with more stories for me. When they learn I am a Blymyer, they smile and welcome me with open arms. How great is that to be greeted by strangers as though they’ve known me all my life? And you know what? They have known of me all my life because of you.

The gifts of memories keep on coming.

First my producer…he made the connection in my interview and he smiled and said something like “Wow, so you’re a Blymyer, Pat was one of the best”. He calls me “Blymyer” every once in a while.

Then there is Austin, our Transportation Coordinator. He said “Let me tell you a little story…we were shooting in Lake Piru and one day at lunch, Pat came out of a local bar…and he said ‘I just bought this bar!’ So Austin, knowing Pat had had quite a few drinks, found the location manager and explained what had transpired…apparently, with a little investigation, he found out that Pat had written a $25,000.00 check to the bar owner as a down payment on the bar! We let Pat sweat it out for a couple days and then the location manager gave him back his check and said they deal had been called off!” He wasn’t sure if Mom ever knew and Austin says he has more stories. I’ll have to get from him sometime.

And then there is Joy, the hairdresser…her face also lit up when she found out that I was Ginger and Pat’s daughter. She’s was so happy! She immediately started to describe this invention that you had shown her one day on the set. She said there was this box and it was something you screamed into and she almost remembered the name of it, she was describing it to all the people around us and telling them about you…it was the ITR she was describing, the Inaudible Tension Reliever!

And then I received this email just the other day from Robert, a 1^st AD that I finally met last year and got to work for a few weeks with…he talked fondly of you and said one day he’d write me a story about you for me. Little did I know, his story was about you talking about me to him too. Here it is:

“I had the pleasure of working with Pat a few years ago. Though his weathered visage gave the impression of the usual hardened and jaded crew member, Pat never ceased to surprise and amaze me with his sensitivity and insight.

He mentioned he had a daughter who was an A.D. I braced myself for a gratuitous solicitation but it never came. He said she was really one of the best and that I should meet her. Then he paused, as if reflecting on how proud he was of her and how much he cared for her. I remember him in that moment of reflection. Then he looked up and said, "Yeah, she's great." and carried on with his work.

Since then I've followed Xochi's career trying several times to hire her but it seems the best are never available. I finally succeeded and we worked together briefly on an ill-fated project. In that short time I came to appreciate her calm, thoughtful and cheerful demeanor. Pat was right. She's the best. She's a Blymyer. I look forward to working with her again.

Robert “

Wow…I know you loved me but to hear someone else tell me how much he knew you cared for me, who remembers from so many years ago how you described me, it’s a true gift you left for me, really.

I’m proud to be a Blymyer.

You know, it’s my birthday or birth week as you thought we should have more than a day and I think this new year is going to be a truly amazing one.

I’ve thought about you more than ever these past few weeks, how could I not, you are everywhere! How lucky am I to always cross paths with those who have crossed yours?

Of course, that’s not the end of today’s note…a couple more tidbits.

I spent time with one of your best pals last weekend, Warren…and the Bateman family, yet more of our extended family.

And Mom is almost ready to run her marathon (okay, maybe just ready to take a nice long walk with Ramsey) after her knee surgery! I can hear you say “Bubbs, you are amazing”. You’d be very proud of how well she’s doing.

Love you Pat. And thank you. One day at a time.

Xochi

8/17/11

Happy Thanksgiving, 2010

Dear Pat,

Look, your pal Colleen decorated your bench for the holidays. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and everyone is giving thanks to those people in our lives and all the good things we have. I remember most holidays we had a family dinner one of the questions you would ask is "Does anyone remember where we were last year? Or the year before?" Funny how you could always remember going back for years.

I've only worked a handful of days this year, I'm sorry to say, but the good news is, each of those days have been on different shows and each new show there is always, always someone who remembers you. The thing is, these folks don't Just remember you, they always have a great story. And they smile, and they laugh and sometimes they say you changed their life or helped them out of a confusing time in their life or were the person who was wise and gave them just what they needed. Or they just learned from watching you be so full of life.

These people remember you as someone they are thankful for knowing. They have made a point of finding me and introducing themselves when they realize I am a Blymyer to tell me about you. Some have not heard your name for years, but their stories they tell are as though it was just the other day. You made a lasting imprint on their memories. I am thankful for meeting them every time I go to a day of work because I keep meeting new people and hear their memories.

And that's what I love about show biz. That we were in it together.

Thanks Pat. We'll be giving thanks for having you in our lives.

Love,

Xochi

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

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

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

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 & 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.

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...