A year has passed since we said goodbye to Paterson.
I wanted to share a few words I wrote for his funeral:
I can say with certainty that if it weren’t for my uncle Pat starting The Great Frog, I would not have existed at all. This thing that he founded along with my aunt Carol in 1972 brought my parents together, and consequently I was born upon the floor of the flat our family shared above The Great Frog.
It was within the walls of The Great frog again, 19 years later on my first return to London that I had a most transformative experience which shaped my life and set me on the trajectory of where I am today.
I lived in the attic - ‘the rats nest’ - above the Ganton St. shop, where Paterson occupied the bedroom below. During this time, Pat and I formed a special bond. We lived in fortuitous harmony within the dark walls, creaky stairways and many levels of The Great Frog. Together we worked side by side in the basement, as I listened to stories from his past and laughed at his witty remarks and well-worn one liners. I loved the energy of this place and the collection of motley crew & misfit staff that called the shop home.
Every evening after the shop closed, I was sent to collect a couple of bottles of wine on his decades long ‘tab’ at the corner store and we would share a glass or 3 while he tutored me on bench work and wax carving with patience and care. Along with this, an education on classic blues which we selected, grooved to, and chatted about from his extensive record collection.
My uncles’ passion for the creative process, good music and rock and roll style spurred a revelation for me at an impressionable age and once I left, it stayed with me.
After only a couple of years away, I moved to Los Angeles with a vision of bringing the family legacy of The Great Frog to the USA. With my cousin Reino’s capabilities that dream came true, and now, almost 15 years later I am proud to be a part of continuing Paterson’s legacy - sharing the power and magic of The Great Frog with the world. While also raising my young family under its umbrella.
Rest easy, my uncle Paddy.
Your legacy lives on.
With love and respect, your niece, ‘dudette’, Imogen 🖤
Another revolution around the sun! 🌞
And it’s been the most significant one yet... Creating a life and the profound love and experience that comes with it has been transformative. Feeling so at peace within myself and so very grateful to be here sharing this planet with so many incredible beings✨
Only fitting that my 666th post is to wish Lucifer a happy birthday!! 40 years old and just getting better and better.
Te amo mucho mi amor. Siempre.
✨🖤✨
🖤FAMILY🖤
There really are no words to describe what an incredible journey it’s been bringing our son into existence. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world and I can’t wait for all the adventures yet to come!🖤
