Today's the Day - Birthday of Another Kind

Hi Pat,

Today's your birthday. Your other birthday, that is. I think. Funny, I always thought of this day but I'd either be a day late or a day early calling. But you did not ever forget. It was huge. This was the day that you decided to stop drinking. This could mark 25 years ago?

It was a proud day. To know that you accomplished something so difficult and you stuck by your decision for the rest of your life. Now, you did have other addictions...like walking every day...and reading books...and drinking water...and whistling...and laughing. Just awful stuff. Oh, and chopping up your salads.

I miss your calls to remind me. Even if I don't need reminding.

I just plain miss you.

Love,
Xochi

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, you are Memorable

Hi Pat,

My friend Teri sent me her son's essay that he wrote last year. Joey's assignment was to write about an event that has influenced his life. He was 15 when he went to your Hollywood Memorial last spring. He hadn't ever met you but my friend Teri, his mom, and the whole family attended. He wrote this in December 2009.

"My Personal Experience" by Joey Prata


My life is full of experiences that have both influenced me and made who I am today. Most of them being good, some of them not so much. But there is one that stands out among the rest of the events and that one would have to be a memorial service I went to over the 2009 spring break. As grim as it may sound, it was actually one of the most joyful mornings I have ever been to. It was the memorial service of a man named Pat Blighmer (ha).

Pat died an old retired light technician for the movie industry. He was married and had lived a long happy life with his friends and family. Some people could say Pat was never ungrateful for the things he did in his day to day life. In fact, Pat was probably the happiest man to walk on this planet. He was known for his silly ways and creative thinking by all who knew him. He played the kazoo and had a favorite top hat that he wore whenever he felt like acting fancy or when he wanted to make someone smile. He came up with ingenious ideas, such as the frustration box. The frustration box was a simple wooden box with a hole drilled into one side. You could scream into it and let frustration die inside. Pat was always the one with the laughs.

Personally, I never actually met this man. I was only brought to the memorial service for him after he had died. My parents told me to dress in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt because we were going to mourn a dead guy and I was struck confused at such a situation. But when I arrived at the service, I saw at least seventy people, all working in some form of the movie industry, dressed in shorts with tall socks and Hawaiian shirts. No one was dressed in dark colors, everyone dressed in bright colors, smiling and having a good time. The only people crying were Pat's wife and 2 daughters. Besides them everyone had dry eyes and gleaming faces. It was as if he was there with them talking about all the fun they had way back when.

The memorial itself was a party to be had. It took place outside in the sun underneath the shady trees on a slightly cloudy day. Exactly what he asked for. The people were all sad but showed only happiness in their faces and hearts.

The memorial began with a video collage of pictures of Pat throughout his life and stopped and started every time people came up to talk. The pictures showed Pat doing crazy things like plowing the snow in shorts and posing with Arnold Schwarzenegger on set and Pat just being Pat.
It was uplifting and almost inspirational to watch. Such a life lived. When people went up to speak, they shared funny stories of Pat and crazy experiences they had with him and how much a difference he made to their lives and how they would keep them in their hearts forever and ever. They told everyone how amazing of a man Pat was and how great of a memory we will have of him.

Sitting there watching all of this, I was almost jealous that I never got a chance to meet this man. But in the end, I got to live his life for an hour or two and saw how great life can be. Pat was an alcoholic for a little time in his life but got over that and lived a happy life. Even through all the crap of life, where it is hard to find the light of joy with all the day to day battles we face, this man discovered the joy and never lost it. he treated each day like a great one, I was told, and after hearing that, that was exactly how I wanted to live my life.

Each day a new page in a blank book which is mine to fill with whatever I want. To be myself and be happy with what I can do. To say "I want to live a life like Pat Blighmer and enjoy life to the fullest". That man is the most influential part of my life.

-----

Pretty Cool, right?

Love,
Xochi

Pat, what it be?

Hello Pat,

We've been putting together a show called "The Inn". As Mom, Patrick and I come up with ideas, we don't have to actually make anything up! There are so many, many incidents, stories, moments that we have remembered. They make us laugh. Although I'm not so sure that the folks who see our show will believe the stories are true. We'll have to add that to the end...all events are true!

Patrick and I and a couple friends are going to shoot up in Eaton next weekend...we thought why not go up and film and have a quick visit too. It'll be fun and we hope to put together a cool preview of what we'd like to create.

Anyhoo...love you, will love being up in Snowville...and I know will be thinking of you more than ever.

Lots of love,
Xochi

Sunday Afternoon Skype to Pat

Nothing Like a nice long Skype chat.

Happy Father's Day - 2010

Dear Pat,
It's been a long time since we spent a Father's Day together but I don't think the one day covered all the thanks I have for you being my dad. Every day deserved a thanks. Sure would be nice to have you here, I could use your help reasoning as to why life is like it is right now and to go over the pros and cons. But I still try to think of what you might say to me. Feel free to try to get your point across from where you are now.

I spoke to a friend of mine the other day who recently lost a loved one, she was worried that he would be forgotten. I've had that same thought but realize that it's not possible, not ever. Besides my own memories, there are so many other people who pop in with a crystal clear moment in time that you put there for them being you.

I think I've posted some of the pictures of our Digby, Nova Scotia family vacation before, but I was looking through some pictures, we had so many family moments that week. I looked through the pictures and laughed at what fun we all had. We didn't do anything big or expensive, we just walked here and there, played games, took pictures, sat and had many meals of course. You bought us all ice cream and baseball hats, we investigated why things were the way they were, pondered the mysteries of life in Digby. That was just a small representation of the times we had together, quality moments.

You listened, you really listened. You didn't put forth your opinions to me until you had the facts and then asked permission to tell me what you thought. You were so smart about the movie business too. I could really use your help to figure out what is going on now, where did I make the wrong turn and how do I get back.

Thanks Pat for being my dad, my friend, my whateveritisineededatthetime.

We all miss you and wish you a happy father's day. I'm having an ice cream in your honor and will probably say "mmm, mmm, mmm, how do they make that taste soooo good".



Love you lots,

Xochi

Happy Father's Day 2010

Happy Birthday Pat! 2010

Happy Birthday Pat!

Thinking of you today and always. I wonder what you're doing today. Perhaps sitting on a cloud, having a big bowl of your favorite ice cream, Ollie sitting by your side. Maybe a great new book to start.

Can you believe that Patrick is now 28? it's fun to look back on the pictures of the days in New Hampshire. Being at Snowvillage Inn was a whole different world, wasn't it? It's been closed down for now, the new owners would like to sell. Mom has a great idea to come up with a show to film up there, the perfect setting. Patrick and I have our thinking caps on now. You'd have some ideas for us, I'm sure and know what we needed to get it done. We were going to have that studio in Ajijic, how about summertime studio in Snowville?

Well, love you Pat, miss you and wishing you the happiest of day.

Love,
Xochi

Oh, Pat, I found your nose warmer

I just had a hunch and sure enough, found this hanging in my coat closet. Where else would it be? Ready for that cold day. Not 100% it's THE one but it's similar. So, imagine Pat's nose in this warmer. Makes me giggle. I still have to find the picture of Pat in it but for now this picture is worth 100 words don't you think?

:)

by the way, it does work. Just trying to take this picture my nose was really warm.

Pat's Half Full Apple Boxes

Hi Pat!

So I was using one of your apple boxes the other day and a friend asked two questions - one was "Who worked on Along Came a Spider" and the other "What is that?" haha. Not many folks have seen a half full apple box. They're used to the half apples, full apples and so on. So I explained about your collection. I'm not sure when you started it but I know that I have here quite a few of them. Not all have show names but I'll bet you could probably name the shows you had someone make them for you on! One has astro turf glued to it probably for no skidding. I've got to say they come in quite handy for most everything as I suspect you knew.

Asking about "Along Came A Spider" made me remember your story of breaking Morgan Freeman...I think that was it. I passed it on. It was cold up in Vancouver so of course you had your nosewarmer handy (yours has the silly pom pom on the end...what am I saying, just the nosewarmer itself is silly...making it doubly silly with the multi colored pom pom). Anyway, I believe the story goes that Morgan claimed that being the actor he was, with great concentration and focus, he couldn't be broken, the whole eye line thing wasn't a problem for him...so you put him to the test...you dragged over your chair near camera and his eye line...you put on your nosewarmer and sat there...sure enough, you caught his eye...and sure enough, you broke him...I'm sure you guys had quite a laugh. How could you not laugh?

I'll have to dig up a picture of you in it. I know I have one somewhere on my computer.

Anyhow, that's the latest of stories I've been telling about you. Funny and memorable as always.

Mom is all settled in Ojai and loving it up there. She was on the search for Carnation Malt...hmmm, do you suppose she's drinking chocolate malts with Ramsey?

Love,
Xochi

PS for those of you wondering about the nose warmers...I crocheted them for the family and friends for Xmas one year - fit over your nose with strings to tie behind your ears...one day they'll catch on. :)

St Patrick's Day 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day Pat!

Wonder if you're all dressed in green? Think of you all the time, usually laughing about some silly moment. Ted Marshall just wrote a new post of a story from "Day of the Dolphin" and one from "Strange Days". It never stops.

Besides St. Patrick's Day, on the first day of spring your little granddaughter turns 25 years old!! Can you believe that, Brittany here on your back is a beautiful young lady living in New York, working as a nurse. Where have all the years gone, right?

Mom is moving to Ojai next month, she found a little house to rent, yard for Ramsey to run around, library down the street, lots of trees.

Happy Spring, you'd love all the ranunculus blooming here, they make me think of you too.

Love you lots,

Xochi

Happy Valentine's Day Pat

It didn't always have to be February 14th for Pat to celebrate Valentine's Day! Anytime, anywhere.

Love,
Xochi

Pat, you always made us laugh

Here's a mini story about a day in the life of Pat:

Back in the early 70's we all went off to the Bahamas because Pat was working on "The Day of the Dolphin"...Mom has recently been seeing the commercial saying "It's Better in the Bahamas"...and so she flashed back to those days:

"And it reminded me about Pat one day taking one of those sun ray little boats out to a sand bar, or was it a little island.
It was low tide. He could walk back, but the tide came in and a couple of his crew members had to go out and rescue him. It was very funny. It makes me laugh when I think about it. He always made me laugh. Love Mom"

Amazing way to spend a few months of my childhood on a small island in the Bahamas...so many funny stories, so many characters Pat had working with him too.

:)

Xochi

Pat! It's National Kazoo Day!

Hi Pat,

Guess what? Today is National Kazoo Day. You probably knew that. I saw today that the kazoo was invented in America and it was suggested that it becomes the official national musical instrument of the United States. I'll bet you'd vote for that since you are the ultimate kazoo player!

Your pal Danny del Rossi has named you the unofficial King of the Kazoo. :) I don't think anyone would think differently.

You know Pat, no matter how much time goes by, the stories about you from people who have crossed your paths still keep coming...and I'm always amazed how clear the memories are...like they just saw you, and that particular moment just happened. Crystal Clear.

Here's one from my Kazoo post today:

Jack Cummings - "Great.. I read up on some of the tribute postings you had of your dad after I wrote you to say I remember him from the "Monkees" credits.. He seemed like a great guy.. a real character, which i mean as a compliment.
I'm 54.. and seem to run into very few really colorful people these days.. Everyone's nice... but somewhat ordinary." (Jack lives near the last kazoo factory in Buffalo, NY, the metal ones of course)

We saw Gary Busey last week - he remembered you as the most positive person, arriving on the set of Grasslands (Hex) making some comment of how great it was to be alive. He had a great imitation of you with your arms flung out, bigger than life, it was perfect!

I had an email that I just found from a friend of yours, Suzi, your classmate from high school, 1956! She said she spent time with you because her husband roomed with you in Washington, DC 1956-57. I'm waiting for some more stories from her but here's one she told, as she described you as my hilarious and crazy dad.

She said "You are fortunate to have a Dad that lied to get his first gaffer job in Hollywood. He said he did this type of work in Beckley, West Virginia. We all laughed as this type of work was NEVER in West Virginia! Your father came from a funny Mom & Pop too"

I saw Brian Frankish at the DGA a couple weeks ago...he saw me, reintroduced himself and started in on stories of the Matt and Pat team and all the fun and crazy things you did way back when commercials and features.

So you see...you made your mark, wonder if you knew.

Love you lots,

Xochi

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.

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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