Hi all,
Sorry for the delay since I last wrote.
As you may know, I have taken some time off work, and I am travelling around South America. The last 2 months especially have been great preperation, for most of that time I have been above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Most of my way through Bolivia, then living in Cusco for one month. To make sure I am in good form I did the Inca Trail, and then the hardest hike in Peru in the Cordillera Huaysh huaysh. Some of the hike included several passes over 5,000 meters (above the height of Mount Hood) and one night sleeping about 4,700 meters.
So, I am confident to say, that the altitude should not be a problem, and that I have done all I can fitness wise. Really, the rest is not up to me, the things we cannot control include ilness and weather.
I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the Regulars to another summit, and I hope you are all able to support our causes.
Speak to you after the climb!
Brett
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Special Thanks Film Credits
Hi all,
As many of you know, we began production on the documentary feature film series, "10 Mountains 10 Years", about our international team of mountain climbers to summit 10 of the world's greatest peaks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. We will be filming in 7 countries and 6 continents, from Mont Blanc to Mount Everest. The films will track the greatest advances and climbs happening in the medical community alongside the team's climbs, the realities of the day-to-day lives of those personally afflicted, and the caretakers who stand beside them.
We are working in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Freddy Powers Foundation. This year, production crews are working together from New York, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, and California. We are currently in discussions with several celebrity narrators. International premiere and release in spring of 2009.
100% of the proceeds from the film will go directly to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's treatments and medical research to help bring us closer to a cure. The entire epic is being self-funded, through corporate sponsors, grants, donations, and the support of thousands of people around the world.
We are seeking your personal help to support the film by purchasing a "special thanks" credit. For $20, your name will appear in the end credits, making you a lasting part of this enormous endeavor. Such purchases will go toward production expenses to make this a reality.
Please visit: www.10mountains10years.com and click "Buy Film Credits".
This is a story of hope, the willingness of the human spirit to dream of something better, and the capacity of regular people from all walks of life to come together and change this world. The greatest view we will have from any summit is the view of who we become by doing it to help others.
30 million families worldwide are directly affected by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Please forward this on to everyone you know and post on your myspace and facebook pages.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read about this project. Hope you will assist us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you all the best!
Jen
As many of you know, we began production on the documentary feature film series, "10 Mountains 10 Years", about our international team of mountain climbers to summit 10 of the world's greatest peaks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. We will be filming in 7 countries and 6 continents, from Mont Blanc to Mount Everest. The films will track the greatest advances and climbs happening in the medical community alongside the team's climbs, the realities of the day-to-day lives of those personally afflicted, and the caretakers who stand beside them.
We are working in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Freddy Powers Foundation. This year, production crews are working together from New York, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, and California. We are currently in discussions with several celebrity narrators. International premiere and release in spring of 2009.
100% of the proceeds from the film will go directly to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's treatments and medical research to help bring us closer to a cure. The entire epic is being self-funded, through corporate sponsors, grants, donations, and the support of thousands of people around the world.
We are seeking your personal help to support the film by purchasing a "special thanks" credit. For $20, your name will appear in the end credits, making you a lasting part of this enormous endeavor. Such purchases will go toward production expenses to make this a reality.
Please visit: www.10mountains10years.com and click "Buy Film Credits".
This is a story of hope, the willingness of the human spirit to dream of something better, and the capacity of regular people from all walks of life to come together and change this world. The greatest view we will have from any summit is the view of who we become by doing it to help others.
30 million families worldwide are directly affected by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Please forward this on to everyone you know and post on your myspace and facebook pages.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read about this project. Hope you will assist us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Wishing you all the best!
Jen
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The gloves are off....Focused, Strong, Ready!
The gloves are off....Focused, Strong, Ready!
This is it. My last Blog until I return from the mountain.
I have spent the better of one year preparing my mind and my body for this endeavor I am about to undertake. But I feel I have waited a lifetime for my chance to make a difference, to make a statement, to stand up for what I believe in. One year of my life that I will never forget. All of the friendships I have made along the way. Here on Myspace, out in my life, because of the person I have become. For those who do not know me personally, I am very shy, quiet and humble. I have broken out of my shell and have gained the strength needed to do this and the faith expected to accomplish it.
I still remain ever thankful and loyal to those who have supported me, followed my journey, encouraged me, made me there inspiration, there hero, there friend. What it has done for me is beyond any words I can find. But you know I am going to try and find them because I owe it all to you to hear.
You all have made me stronger, empowered, heroic, inspirational, spiritually stronger,a better friend, a better mother, a better person. Everytime I receive a message from you or a comment from you my heart soars. I have been placed here for a reason. A reason that I understand to be one of making a difference. Something I have wanted to a very long time.
You have all played a role in my strength and determination. To the ones who have been here from the very beginning.......Jim, my inspiration for it all, Ken, my hero, Enzo, my mentor, my friend, my captain.....Kaz, my dearest and sweetest friend, Peter, my spiritual mentor, Mary, my sister from another mother, my hero, my strength,Ideliza, my sexita mamita, Kristin, my soul twin, Sandra, my best friend, Denise, my best friend. For Bill, Sue, Les, Maria, Belle, Jim, Alan, Shawn, Gabrielle, Gaylund,Darien, Dave, the entire Parkinson's and Alzheimer's community that I am involved with. All the others I have befriended along the way. Everyone of you have my utmost respect and love for all you have been made to endure and all that you continue to do to help find the cures so desperatly needed.
I have layed my gloves down. My training is done. I will spend the next few days connecting with my family and friends, packing, last minute shopping, meditating, praying, getting my house in order. I ask again for your prayers for myself and my teammates as we set out on July 2nd and climb and document our journey to the summit until July 4th. And when I come down I will sign on to Myspace and let you know how we all did.
Thank you from the inner most part of my soul and my heart for being here for me. For allowing me into your lives and hearts. I do this for all of you. I will walk for you, with you. I will make it all about you. I will pray for all of you as I walk and climb towards the summit. As long as God gives me the strength to do this I will endure.
Adios Bendiga
Peace, Love and Light
World Up!
A Trail Called Hope III
Strong Feather aka Eileen
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
20
20 more days to.........
Kick it up another notch in training
Train at Black Belt Camp this weekend
Pull all my gear together
Check my checklist.....again
Put my ticket itinerary with my luggage
Contact Jen about the time she is arriving in Portland
Get my hair cut one more time
Call Enzo....again (sorry E, you know I will)
Talk to my family and friends before I leave
Print my Blog with all the well wishes
Meditate
Invest in some quiet time.....to reflect on this wonderful experience I have been handed
and all of the wonderful people I have met and am proud to call friends. Dear friends who I love. Who I will keep with me, very close, as I climb.
Get down on my knees with my boys before I leave and say a prayer that what I am about to embark on will make a difference. That I do this for them so in there lifetime they will not have to worry about these diseases.
And if you are reading this.........I pray too that these diseases will be cured. That I will have you all in my life forever. I do this for all of you. I will climb with my team but it is you I carry in my heart.
A Trail Called Hope III
July 2,3,4
Another one Down
World Up
Strong Feather
Monday, June 9, 2008
Thank You.
Hey guys Matt here, I know it’s been awhile. First off I just want to thank anyone who stopped by on First Friday to visit my setup and hear me talk about The Regulars. The night was not that bad. Not as many people as I had hoped for, but those who did show up were generally interested. Out of everyone who showed up I think I talked to each of them for several minutes. The tough part about this is that you never know if anyone you talk too actually makes donations. The only way you can tell is by watching the funding pages…and they don’t look like they’re moving that much. However I did meet a lady who was very adament on donating, so told me about her son’s band who might be interested in helping out on the movie. http://www.myspace.com/boyinthebubble
On another note, the best part about preparing for a big trip like this is all the shopping! I swear I feel like a girl. Every other day some new piece of gear comes in the mail for me. It’s like Christmas everyday! I’m almost good to go gear-wise.
On even another note, a good friend of mine Ned helped me out on Friday talking to people and just getting people interested in the team. He’s really interested in helping us out next year. I’ve known him for five years and he has some truly amazing stories. He’s from Bolivia and he’s done some missionary work down in Voodoo country Africa. He says he would like to visit Argentina next summer. Even though it’s a long way away just tell him what’s up. http://www.myspace.com/nedscape
So I was on the phone with Enzo this morning. He brought up the fact that it’s already been almost three years since I met him on myspace. So much has changed in that time. I’ve moved back home from New York. I’ve injured my knee twice. I’ve lost my Grandfather. I’ve become an acting major. I’ve worked with a Private Investigator, at a bookstore and with children with special needs. And I’ve finally found my faith. Now it’s finally time that I join The Regulars above the clouds. Three years later I’ll be on Mt. Hood with Enzo and the rest of the team.
I’ve never really spoken about this but after I came home from New York I had some real problems. My life was great in NY, and then I moved back in with my parents, lost a lot of freedom. After going to art school, community college really sucks. My faith back then wasn’t really strong at all. I gained twenty pounds, and for a college kid with no girlfriend that is never a good thing. I felt like my life was not going well. I found my self really depressed. Angry at the world. Angry at God. But mostly angry with myself for coming home and not knowing why. Then my grandfather got sick. Really sick. All faith was shattered. I knew I had to come home for some reason but I could never figure out why. Then my grandfather died. My whole family felt it. I felt it extra strong because I was trying to stay strong for my family. I didn’t even cry until five months later. But the things my family experienced was unbelievable. Straight out of Touched By Angel or something. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Sometimes I find it hard to believe. But through my grandfathers final days my strength and love and faith in God was restored. I prayed for a way to set me back on my path, to help me realize why I had come home. Three days later Enzo asked me to join the team on Mt. Hood.
Ever since then everything has become better than ever before. My life has become a conduit for others to find their way through the darkness. You have no idea how many people have thanked me because I tell them my story and my experiences. That is the greatest gift one can ever receive. To know that your life is worth something to others. Now that I have devoted myself to things far greater than myself I have been blessed with so much. Here I am. 21 days away from my trip to Mt. Hood. Everything is falling into place. Thank you guys. Thank you team. Thank you Enzo. Thank you Grandpa. Thank you God. I know that I can do better and I promise that I will.
~Matt
On another note, the best part about preparing for a big trip like this is all the shopping! I swear I feel like a girl. Every other day some new piece of gear comes in the mail for me. It’s like Christmas everyday! I’m almost good to go gear-wise.
On even another note, a good friend of mine Ned helped me out on Friday talking to people and just getting people interested in the team. He’s really interested in helping us out next year. I’ve known him for five years and he has some truly amazing stories. He’s from Bolivia and he’s done some missionary work down in Voodoo country Africa. He says he would like to visit Argentina next summer. Even though it’s a long way away just tell him what’s up. http://www.myspace.com/nedscape
So I was on the phone with Enzo this morning. He brought up the fact that it’s already been almost three years since I met him on myspace. So much has changed in that time. I’ve moved back home from New York. I’ve injured my knee twice. I’ve lost my Grandfather. I’ve become an acting major. I’ve worked with a Private Investigator, at a bookstore and with children with special needs. And I’ve finally found my faith. Now it’s finally time that I join The Regulars above the clouds. Three years later I’ll be on Mt. Hood with Enzo and the rest of the team.
I’ve never really spoken about this but after I came home from New York I had some real problems. My life was great in NY, and then I moved back in with my parents, lost a lot of freedom. After going to art school, community college really sucks. My faith back then wasn’t really strong at all. I gained twenty pounds, and for a college kid with no girlfriend that is never a good thing. I felt like my life was not going well. I found my self really depressed. Angry at the world. Angry at God. But mostly angry with myself for coming home and not knowing why. Then my grandfather got sick. Really sick. All faith was shattered. I knew I had to come home for some reason but I could never figure out why. Then my grandfather died. My whole family felt it. I felt it extra strong because I was trying to stay strong for my family. I didn’t even cry until five months later. But the things my family experienced was unbelievable. Straight out of Touched By Angel or something. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Sometimes I find it hard to believe. But through my grandfathers final days my strength and love and faith in God was restored. I prayed for a way to set me back on my path, to help me realize why I had come home. Three days later Enzo asked me to join the team on Mt. Hood.
Ever since then everything has become better than ever before. My life has become a conduit for others to find their way through the darkness. You have no idea how many people have thanked me because I tell them my story and my experiences. That is the greatest gift one can ever receive. To know that your life is worth something to others. Now that I have devoted myself to things far greater than myself I have been blessed with so much. Here I am. 21 days away from my trip to Mt. Hood. Everything is falling into place. Thank you guys. Thank you team. Thank you Enzo. Thank you Grandpa. Thank you God. I know that I can do better and I promise that I will.
~Matt
Thursday, June 5, 2008
TR
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Hey E Luv,
Here's a little collection of some recent shots of me on real rock. One set is from Tardos in Hungary (a small crag w/short sport routes), the other from my beloved Höllental (=Valley of Hell in German) in Austria, bw RAX and Schneeberg mountains, in the Grossofen region of the valley. It was a nice 9 or 10 pitch 330m route called Himmelsleiter (Stairway/Ladder to Heaven in German) tackled in threesome; funny names, huh? From hell all the way to heaven? :o)
No chance to get back to you guys on the new webpage: I was offline at the beginning of the week and had food poisoning (my vague idea is that the milk I drank on Monday night was to blame). Is it possible to send things after it's been launched? I know I still owe you that story from my winter course, for example, if that's the kind of thing you had in mind. Or I'll only post it on blogpost.
Are you getting crazy w/all the arrangement for the Mt. Hood climb? I so keep my fingers crossed for you guys! It's but a few weeks away! I'm excited for you :o)
Ciao
TR
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