Thursday, May 5, 2022

The Binding Ties Made of Film: Remembering The Caftan Woman

This is my entry in the Caftan Woman Blogathon, hosted by The Lady Eve's Reel Life and Another Old Movie Blog. Click on either link above for for more Caftan Woman tributes.

I hardly know where to begin. My eyes are welling up with tears as I write this. Funny thing is, I never met Paddy, nor did I ever really have a conversation with her, on line or otherwise. I only knew her through her blog postings and her comments on my own blog. And yet.. and yet...

First of all, Paddy was a shining example of what a community blogger should be. She faithfully, and I mean faithfully, left a heartfelt and thoughtful comment on everything I wrote. Sadly, I can not say the same for me. In her memory, I will try to be a more supportive blogger to my fellow CMBA writers. It is important to support our fellow bloggers. We all know how much a thoughtful comment means to us.

Next, she introduced me to a whole host of films I would never, ever have even peeked at. They were mainly westerns - which I always resist and then find I like - and of course, Charlie Chan. Boy did she love those films. She was the kind of gal I envision surrounded by brothers.

Lastly, her love of film just poured through her words. So much so that I knew every word of love expressed for a fondly remembered film bound me to her in an almost mystical way (we shared a mutual love for all things Warner Brothers). It was as though a magic strip of film wound 'round our hearts and united us in our love of movies.  

Rest in peace, dear lady, and thank you, thank you, thank you for your joy, passion and generosity. 




24 comments:

The Lady Eve said...

This is such a lovely reflection on Paddy and everything we all loved and admired about her. Just beautiful. As she was.

Jacqueline T. Lynch said...

I love this sweet post, and the whimsical caption of your photos - Paddy would have gotten a huge kick out of that. Thank you!

Citizen Screen said...

I knew you'd make me cry when I saw te title of your tribute. Well-said and heartfelt. Thank you as you expressed what many of us feel.

Aurora

FlickChick said...

Lady Eve - Patty - than you so much for hosting this event. And she was truly a beautiful spirit.

FlickChick said...

Jacqueline - thanks for hosting with Patty. It is such a great opportunity for us to express our admiration for such a wonderful lady. I'd like to think she would like the captions - I always strove to make her smile.

FlickChick said...

Aurora - I knew you and I would be on the same page here. Cue the hankies.

Rich said...

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Christian Esquevin said...

Very nice tribute FlickChick. And you sell yourself short since I always appreciated the comments you made on my blog posts, especially when I was just starting and wrote on the somewhat off-subject of film costume design. So thank you as well.

FlickChick said...

Thanks, Rich. Easy to say good things about a great person.

FlickChick said...

Thank you, Christian. If nothing else, this blogathon is reminding me how much I miss stopping by your site.

Terence Towles Canote said...

This is such a sweet post and a wonderful tribute to Paddy. I don't know if she ever realized how much of an impact she had on her fellow bloggers, but she certainly did have an impact. I don't know anyone who was more welcoming and encouraging than Paddy was.

Jocelyn said...

Just perfect. Your post just made me very sad all over again. At least we are all coming together virtually in Paddy’s honor and supporting each other through the process.

Karen said...

I loved your tribute -- it made me smile, and I appreciate that today. I share your commitment to do better within our classic film blogger community; it's a special, unique group and I treasure it now more than ever.

The Classic Movie Muse said...

Words can't express how much I love your tribute and this: "It was as though a magic strip of film wound 'round our hearts and united us in our love of movies."

Beautifully done, FlickChick.

FlickChick said...

Jocelyn - you are so right. Even in this sadness, Paddy is pulling us all together.

FlickChick said...

Karen - amen. I hope this inspires us to all be better and more generous bloggers. I'm going to do my best.

FlickChick said...

Thank you, Classic Movie Muse. It's not hard to be inspired by someone as special as Paddy.

FlickChick said...

Terrence - yes - welcoming and generous - and a little salty - that was Paddy.

Silver Screenings said...

Oh boy, I have a lump in my throat after reading your tribute. It was beautiful and heartfelt.

As one of my nieces used to say, "I'm not crying. My eyes are leaking."

FlickChick said...

Aww, Ruth - I know we all feel the same about Paddy. Even in my darkest blogging hours, she was always there.

Lê said...

Beautiful tribute, Marsha - and the film edits were very funny, in a heartfelt way. We should all aspire to be more like Paddy - in our love for movies and in supporting other bloggers.
Greetings!
Le

FlickChick said...

Thank you, Le. Yes - Paddy was such an inspiration. I sure hope we can all live up to her legacy.

Rebecca Deniston said...

Beautiful tribute--I couldn't agree more. Rest in peace. Paddy.

FlickChick said...

Thanks you, Rebecca. As I get ready to write another post, I miss her so very much.