From Cancer to Kung Fu

Today I thought I'd do an update on some recent Triumph Times posts:

>  My grandfather, Bill, is still holding strong. He has terminal cancer as I've said, he's in a great deal of pain, but he almost seems to be growing stronger every time I see him ... it's like he's actually transcending the trial he's undergoing. He is determined to stay himself, to keep smiling, to keep serving others, and to "keep his chin up," as he puts it. Right to the end, he is Triumphing. Right to the end, he is an inspiration to us all.

>  My daughter Brighten just won 5 medals in her meet on Saturday, including 3rd overall for the meet. She's placed several times in the last 3 meets, she's headed for Sectionals and, possibly, the State finals after that (they only take the top 72 gymnasts but she's got a good shot, according to her coach, even though she's only in her first year as I've mentioned). I couldn't be prouder.


You know, she fell again on her balance beam routine, but she jumped right back up and did the rest so well she still scored a 9.0 ... even with the fall. That's almost unheard of and it's a great tribute to not only "not giving up" and "getting right back up," but, also, doing so quickly, not hesitating or commiserating when it does you no good.

Think about it, if she had gotten frustrated, had thrown up her hands or even slumped her shoulders (technically speaking) for even a moment, she would have likely lost more points and probably not placed at all. Instead she gave that extra "Umph" she needed, she didn't let disappointment get her down, and she won 3rd place. It was a great Triumphant reminder that applies not only in sports but many areas of life.

>  And then there's writing and writers: I've written about Hemingway, Faulkner and Allie Hanley, etc. I've been writing this blog here since the 12th of October. Since that time, I've had people practically coming out of the woodwork saying how much they enjoy it. They're enjoying the writing, from what they say, and they're grateful to Allie for her "kick in my kiester." Today? I'm hoping for more [in blog] comments--what do YOU want to see and hear more of herein--but, through Facebook and email I'm hearing lots of great feedback. There seems to be a real hunger for this kind of motivational material. I've even had a couple parties contact me about full-time writing jobs. We shall see but it sounds like fun....

>  As I highlight different "Umphers" here at The Triumph Times (those Triumphing over their lives and their challenges), I would be remiss to not mention my good friend, TV / movie producer, Russell Cunningham (of RLC Motion Pictures in Sydney, Australia). Russell is an American producer now living Down Under with his Aussie sweetheart, Colleen. He recently produced a movie called Birth of a Warrior starring Tonny White, the youngest kung fu master in the world (Tonny was trained by the same grand master as superstar, Bruce Lee). For less than most of us have spent on our first home, and maybe our latest car, Russell and his team scraped the movie together from start to finish--a Triumph in and of itself.

They did this in an economy that has decimated the Australian movie industry; they did it following the loss of two, previous fully-contracted films (a half-a-million dollar loss combined, directly related to the economic crash); they attracted Tonny White to the film and got additional talent to donate their time and efforts and names; the list of "Triumphs" goes on and on. Through it all, Russell has stayed strong, weathered the storms, believed in his team and worked to make the project, albeit a small one, come to pass. He continues to beat the odds; he continues to be a perfect example of Triumph. (If you knew him, you would know that quitting just isn't in his nature. But it hasn't been easy, as he will tell you, and he isn't finished yet).

If I had to guess, I'd say ... keep an eye out for Russ. You're going to see more of him and RLC Motion Pictures in the future, I'm sure. He's a talented producer with a real vision and passion for his work. These are both, of course, prerequisites if you want a truly Triumphant life. You take your licks ... you keep going ... you follow your passion (even when it's hard) ... and you stick with it. In short, you follow Russell's example. Do so and you will rarely go wrong.

I'm proud of you, Superman, and I look forward to many more to come ... films, stories, awards and Triumphs. Birth of a Warrior probably isn't going to win any Oscars anytime soon ... but, your effort and commitment should. They're an inspiration to us all.

Keep filming. We'll keep watching.

Just one of your fans,

JP River

Birth of a Warrior trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDhjWhPlx0&feature=related

Tonny White demo film:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJrGUQu1nI4

RLC Motion Pictures site / movie:  http://rlcmotionpictures.com/