Lance Trumbull in NepalEverest Peace Project wins My Hero / Ron Kovic Peace Award
By Lance Trumbull | December 9, 2009
I am very proud to announce that the Everest Peace Project has won the My Hero - Ron Kovic Peacemaker Award for making and producing the film Everest: A Climb for Peace. The My Hero Project has a Short Film Festival once a year that showcases films that are submitted by adults and children from around the world that portrays “real life” heroes in action. The Everest Peace Project on behalf of “making the world a better place” as a peace organization has won this prestigious award. We at The Everest Peace Project would like to thank the My Hero Project and Ron Kovic for their incredible work and activism.
Information about The My Hero Project and Ron Kovic below.
Lance Trumbull with the Ron Kovic Peacemaker Award
The My Hero Project:
From Wikipedia: The MY HERO Project is a United States based non-profit organization that hosts stories on heroes and heroism. People all over the world write, produce and post written and video stories and works of art about their personal heroes on the The MY HERO web site. The MY HERO Short Film Festival, held once a year, showcases the films submitted from children and adults and recognizes commercial media that calls attention to real life heroes.
Ron Kovic:
From Wikipedia: Ronald Lawrence Kovic (born July 4, 1946) is an anti-war activist, veteran and writer who was paralyzed in the Vietnam War. He is best known as the author of the memoir Born on the Fourth of July, which was made into an Academy Award–winning movie directed by Oliver Stone, with Tom Cruise playing Kovic. Kovic received the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay on January 20, 1990, exactly 22 years to the day that he was shot and paralyzed in the Vietnam War. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Kovic and Stone co-wrote the screenplay for Born on the Fourth of July).
Everest: A Climb for Peace: Narrated by Orlando Bloom and hailed as a “tremendous achievement” by the Dalai Lama. Everest: A Climb for Peace is not just a typical Everest film, but a socially relevant documentary about peace, war, and the human spirit - an inspirational film, which also has some of the most incredible Everest footage ever shot, including a dramatic rescue from near the summit of Everest.
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Ali Bushnaq in Portland
By Lance Trumbull | December 9, 2009
Although I have communicated frequently with Ali via email, instant messenger, Facebook, and phone - I had not physically seen him since I was at his home in Abu Dhabi in October 2006. As he walked through the back entrance to our place our dog Joey ran to him and gave him an enthusiastic greeting. As he got closer I remembered what I had forgotten: Ali is a big guy! At least 6 foot 6 inches and a good 240 pounds Ali is built like a football player. I’m 6 foot and compared to Ali I look small.
The entire family was there to greet him - me, my wife Tikky, Joey - and the latest Trumbull addition: Kaden. Time was brief; Ali could only stay for the next 24 hours for his trip from the Middle East was going to be a short one, and he was there to visit and to help his son Nader take care of school business. Nader is going to the same great college - St. Martin’s University in Olympia - where Ali attended in the early 80’s.
And so we made the best of our time. After a very nice lunch we drove to Multnomath Falls - about a 45 minute drive. As usual it was beautiful, but damn it was cold and windy. It almost felt like being back on Everest once again! We left Tikky and Kaden in the car to relax and we decided to get some much needed exercise and take the many switchbacks up to the top of the falls. It was certainly nothing to brag about - but seeing both of us were stuffed from lunch - and both a bit out of shape, we were happy to get the exercise. Of course, Joey was there and he had absolutely no probably running up to the top. Even at 10 he is still in great shape, just like a puppy. I have been up on top several times and each time I go the view seems to get better! We took a few pictures and then made for a very quick journey back down.
Next stop - the Columbia / Mountain Hardwear employee store. Fortnately, I live near the Columbia headquaters. And fortunately, I have a friend who works at Mountain Hardwear - for this gives me the opportunity to get into the employee store by my house and get great deals on Columbia and Mountain Hardwear gear. Ali had a great time there - basically buying his entire family presents all in one shot. I love gear - and being in this store is like being a hungry kid in a wonderful candy store. It can be dangerous if you have your credit cards with you!
Later on that night we had a great dinner at Siam Cuisine in NW Portland; the best Thai food in the area! Two things that Ali really appreciates is good food and good beer; they have both there.
Unfortunately, before we knew it - the next morning was here. Ali slept on the couch; fortunately we have a big couch! We had a nice morning and then Ali was off back to go see his son in Olympia. It was wonderful to see Ali. In person everyone likes Ali - he is warm and engaging and nice to be around. Kaden is going to miss his new uncle.
Ali, Kaden, and Lance.
Hopefully we will see each other once again soon…
Lance Trumbull
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Everest: A Climb for Peace at Ironworks Gym in Berkeley - Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) Fundraiser
By Lance Trumbull | November 3, 2009
It was an inauspicious beginning to a karmically wonderful evening. I was in San Francisco during the day and my destination for the night was at a climbing gym in Berkeley. The problem was the Bay Bridge was actually closed! The first time I can remember this happening since the big earthquake back in 1989. And so what would normally be a 30 minute commute across the Bay Bridge, took 2 hours and 45 minutes via the Golden Gate. But it was well worth the drive. As I arrived at the IronWorks Climbing Gym - who helped the sponsor the screening of my film, Everest: A Climb for Peace - I was amazed just how enormous the place was and how cool it looked inside with all of the climbing walls.
When I walked in I was happy to see a section to the left that was surrounded by Tibetan Prayer Flags. TAP - the Tibetan Aid Project was in full force with flags, posters, brochures and several very enthusiastic volunteers. The main reason for the evening was to help raise money and awareness for TAP. “For forty years, the Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) has dedicated its efforts to restoring and preserving Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Working with an all-volunteer staff, the Project has served as a bridge between donors in the West and the Tibetan people.” I felt honored to be screening my film to help such a wonderful and worthy non-profit in any small way that I could.
I was also happy to see my good friend Jerry Price whom I had not seen in a while. Jerry is 75 years young and is one of the most friendly and inquisitive people that I know. Jerry climbed with us on our Kilimanjaro Climb for Peace back in 2005 and remains a good friend of my family and of course, The Everest Peace Project.
Jerry Price and Lance Trumbull
And so how could an already fun night become even better? Answer: free Zachary’s pizza! Hmmm pizza…! Since I live in Portland, Oregon it is not too often that I get to munch (or devour!) a Zachary’s pizza - and so my tummy was quite satisfied! Lhasa Beer was also provided as well. Although I do not drink alcohol I heard from several people that it was quite good. (note: thanks to La Val’s Pizza and The Cheese Board who along with Zachary’s also donated pizza).
After informative presentations by Rick Christiani and TAP’s Executive Director Rosalyn White, an excellent short film about TAP and its great works was shown. It was now almost 9:30 and it was my turn. I introduced myself to the 60 or so people who eagerly listened to me tell them about how my Everest journey all began. After my short 5 minute introduction we then proceeded to show the 63 minute film. It seemed like we had a very good audience and this time, after about the 300th time watching the film, I too enjoyed it as it had been several months since I watched it.
Screening the film at Ironworks Gym in Berkeley, CA
After the film ended we had a lively Question and Answer period in which I happily answered questions for about 20 minutes. However, it was now 11pm and the gym was supposed to close at 10 and so we had to call it a night. As always I thoroughly enjoyed speaking directly to and with the audience - and as always I had some excellent questions to answer.
But the evening was not over. I had the distinct pleasure of having a 2 hour conversation with Linnea and Rick Christiani at their beautiful (and I truly mean beautiful!) home in the Berkeley Hills. I had originally met Rick and Linnea on Mt. Everest 3 years ago. While our Everest Peace Climbers were climbing the mountain they were there for a few weeks on a climb to the North Col. It was Linnea who really was the impetus and driving force behind making tonight’s screening and fundraiser for TAP at Ironworks Gym happen.
Rick and Linnea Christiana
Thanks again Linnea - and thanks again for everyone else who helped make this wonderful event become a reality.
In peace…Lance Trumbull
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Orlando Bloom Named UN Ambassador - Everest: A Climb for Peace Narrator Continues His Good Work…
By Lance Trumbull | October 27, 2009
I was extremely happy to read recently in the news that Everest: A Climb for Peace narrator (and Lord of the Rings star!) Orlando Bloom has been named goodwill ambassador for the UN Children’s organization UNICEF.
This is wonderful news as Orlando continues to do good in the world. Orlando Bloom’s first visit to Nepal came just a few weeks after he narrated my film in a sound studio in Hollywood in October 2007; one of the main film locations was Nepal. And the Everest Peace Project - through the help of its educational partner Room to Read - helped fund two libraries in Nepal for needy Nepalese children. Could it be that narrating my peace film and seeing the gorgeous Nepalese scenery and people inspired Orlando to reach out even further and to get involved in this incredible work with UNICEF?! Maybe…Probably not…but regardless, Orlando continues to provide his time for meaningful and worthy causes such as The Everest Peace Project film - Everest: A Climb for Peace - www.EverestPeaceProject.org (which was also endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and UNICEF. According to the BBC, his first task will be to film an appeal about the importance of clean water supplies.
Thanks again Orlando for all the good work that you do outside of Hollywood.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Orlando Bloom and he was a true gentleman, professional and yet completely down to earth and as friendly as can be. Below is a horrible picture of me with Orlando. We were both having bad hair days! (And I was having a bad face day!)
Lance Trumbull and Orlando Bloom in the Studio recording narration for Everest: A Climb for Peace in October 2007.
Orlando Bloom in the recording booth recording narration for Everest: A Climb for Peace
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Everest: A Climb for Peace - Available at Netflix, Amazon, Best Buy, Borders Books…
By Lance Trumbull | September 1, 2009
Starting September 8th, Everest: A Climb for Peace will be available for purchase and for rental at the following places:
* Click here to rent at Netflix *
* Click Here to Purchase at Amazon *
* Click Here to Instantly Watch on Amazon Video On Demand *
* Click here to Purchase at Best Buy *
* Click here to Purchase at Borders Books *
I know it has taken a while, but the film is finally generating some real momentum and so please make sure to help keep the momentum happening and rent or buy it at your favorite online store. Look for it at your local store and on eBay as well. Support peace and support an inspirational and moving documentary film.
Narrated by Orlando Bloom and hailed as a “tremendous achievement” by the Dalai Lama. Everest: A Climb for Peace is not just a typical Everest film, but a socially relevant documentary about peace, war, and the human spirit - an inspirational film, which also has some of the most incredible Everest footage ever shot, including a dramatic rescue from near the summit of Everest.
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It’s official: I’m a Yuppie! Lance, Kaden and the Baby Bjorn
By Lance Trumbull | August 31, 2009
I am not sure what the 2009 equivalent version of the word Yuppie is, but it appears I am now officially one.
Here I am (below) wearing something called a “Baby Bjorn” - never did I ever think I would wear or use something that had mixed those words “baby” and “bjorn” together! But here I am proudly doing just that. And honestly, I love it - or perhaps better stated, Kaden loves it. No matter what his mood is, whether he is crying or cranky, the moment I put him in the Bjorn he gets this wonderful look in his eyes that says to me: let’s go daddy!
It seems although I am getting older, grayer and apparently fatter…my cutetness factor has risen! I attribute this to two important factors: A. The Baby Bjorn and Kaden B. I have a beautiful Yellow lab named Joey. And so when we all go on our daily walks together with Kaden in my Baby Bjorn pouch and Joey walking by our side, it makes women of all ages (young and old) take a seemingly irresistible notice of us; with a turn of the head and a “oooh how cute look” and smile, we seem to be quite popular on our walks. It is nice to get the attention, but then when I realize that they are not looking at me but at Kaden and Joey, it sends me back to the reality of - I am getting older, grayer and apparently fatter!
But it is a wonderful feeling taking “the boys” out for a walk in the neighborhood, with Kaden close to my chest and Joey by my side, it is our male bonding time and it is the best time of the day.
…The best time of night is when mommy, daddy and Kaden all sleep together…but that is another story…
Thank you Baby Bjorn…I guess it is good to be a Yuppie after all….
Lance and Kaden at Multnomath Falls in Oregon. (Photo by Tikky!)
Topics: Kaden Trumbull / Baby Blogs | No Comments »
Dad and son Rocking Out!
By Lance Trumbull | August 23, 2009
The push for making my son Kaden the best drummer in the world by the age of 4 has begun! 
- At only 9 weeks I thought what does every young child want and dare I say need but a loud drum lesson!?!
But seriously, this was more of a photo op (albeit a very cute one) than a jam session. Nevertheless, it is my intention to pass on my drums skills to him as soon as possible (you gotta start em young!). I have been playing the drums for over 25 years now and I really look forward to passing this skill onto to Kaden. It is just too bad that I never learned something a bit more musical like the piano or guitar…
But then again babies dig on banging on things…and so do I!
Kaden Trumbull on the drums!
Topics: Kaden Trumbull / Baby Blogs | No Comments »
Everest: A Climb for Peace Wins COVR Award
By Lance Trumbull | August 21, 2009
I am proud to announce that Everest: A Climb for Peace won the COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) Award for Best Documentary film 2009!
Now if you are like me you may have never heard of this award as it is not a Film Festival or a traditional filmmaker award. However, in the New Age publishing world it is a big deal and so I am very happy and proud of this!
A bit about the organization:
The Coalition Of Visionary Resources (COVR) is a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to supporting independent retailers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers & publishers of visionary books, music, and merchandise. This is accomplished by focused servicing on a business-to-business basis, the retailer & wholesaler community in the visionary, New Age, metaphysical, alternative healing, and spiritual industries. COVR also welcomes consciousness-based individuals or companies who demonstrate an active interest in seeing our market grow, succeed, and expand.
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I’m a father! Kaden Kavi Trumbull – welcome to this wonderful world!
By Lance Trumbull | June 19, 2009
I’m a father! Kaden Kavi Trumbull - welcome to this wonderful world!
Lance, Kaden, and Tikky Trumbull
The greatest thing that I ever helped create was produced at 5:28am on June 18th, 2009. Kaden Kavi Trumbull was born 6 pounds 8 ounces to two very happy and proud parents: Lance and Tikky Trumbull.
His name: Kaden means fighter or “warrior” and Kavi means “poet” - and so we now have a Warrior-Poet in our lives!
I was little bit freaked out at the first viewing of my son: he was purple! I was thinking am I the father or is Barney?! (For those who do not know who Barney is click here). But then the doctor assured me that it is quite normal for the little guys to come out looking this way. Of course, being purple is one thing, but being an Alien is quite another! My son had an alien head! What’s going on here - I was thinking to myself, but the nurse also assured me that the head is made up of small plates and is malleable in order to fit thru the birth canal and that soon he would indeed have earthly dimensions! Of course, part of me remembered reading this in one of the stacks of baby books, but it is one thing to read about it and quite another thing to see it in Technicolor. After the initial shock of looking at this purple alien in front of me, I could not help but think “holy shit” we did it! But wait, quick count: 10 toes, 10 fingers, 2 eyes, a nose, a mouth, and oh my god - now that’s my son! His testicles were enormous! - I was feeling quite proud when the nurse told me that this swelling is also normal and that it would go way down in size within the next 24 hours. Damn…
Over the course of the next several hours I discovered all sorts of interesting things about babies: I had no idea that newborn babies could sneeze! The little guy must have sneezed about 15 times in an hour. I never thought sneezing could be cute - but it seems that everything he does is cute. I also had no idea that babies could dream so soon. I guess it makes sense…but what could he possibly be dreaming about?! - the good old days…? And then he started making all sorts of crazy sounds; it reminded me of my dog Joey when he has “chasing dreams” in which his body twitches, and he barks while his legs fray back in forth as if he was in a mailman chasing contest. Kaden was doing something similar and I was completely surprised.
Kaden awoke from his very brief sleep and I continued to study his face and all of his incredible expressions. At one moment he would be this holy crying terror - and the next his face would transform into Yoda - a wise and otherworldly being. And then even more strange and never seen before looks…after a while he gave me this expression that I could only describe as a naughty look - I did not quite understand what it meant. But I would find out a few minutes later when I went to change his diaper! I think I will have to remember this one.
Tikky and Kaden Trumbull
About 18 hours later when things started to fit back into correct proportion and color, I took a closer examination of this incredible bundle of joy that lay in front of me. And as I was changing his diaper once again, I noticed that Kaden had my wife Tikky’s nose, her eyes, her chin, her mouth, her smile and…so I yelled over to Tikky “it seems the only thing he got from me was my penis!” She responded “yes, except for the slight size difference!” - I said, thanks for throwing in the “slight” remark. Just then Kaden peed in the air spraying me, himself and everything else around him. Without missing a beat Tikky responded “well it looks like he also got that from his father!”
Kaden Trumbull’s first bath
Kaden could not - or would not sleep at all last night - and while Tikky was still recovering from the painful C Section that she had to have due to complications - I was trying to get him to stop crying. It was scary and I honestly felt so helpless. How can I get him to stop I kept wondering…At first I was quite afraid to hold him. It seemed too literal of an expression of a bold truth: his life is literally in my arms. As I looked at this tiny version of me and my wife I could not help but think - am I really the man that I need to be to raise this miracle to become a healthy, happy, well adjusted, and compassionate person? And do I have the patience, the love, the kindness, the intelligence, and the ability to give him all the love and caring in the world that he truly deserves…?
I decided not to answer those questions but instead I took a deep breath, kissed his forehead, and looking into his beautiful eyes proceeded to rock him back and forth for the next hour.
We both silently fell asleep together.
I awoke a bit later - Kaden in my arms, my wife next to us…all that was missing was our dog, Joey. We will see him once we get back home from the hospital and then our family will be complete - and it seems, so will my life…
Topics: Kaden Trumbull / Baby Blogs | No Comments »
Huston Smith - Tales of Wonder and 90th Birthday Celebration
By Lance Trumbull | May 17, 2009
Phil Novak, Huston Smith, Lance Trumbull
It was a relatively quick flight from Portland to San Francisco - I was very much looking forward to getting back to the Bay Area, to briefly see my parents and to see my former professors from UC Berkeley Huston Smith and Phil Novak.
Huge book publishing firm Harper Collins (Harper One Division) was having a small private celebration for Huston Smith celebrating his just released autobiography “Tales of Wonder” - a gripping overview of his rich and wondrous life. The event was also to honor his 90th birthday.
The event was held in the library room of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco - one of the most impressive and moving Cathedrals in the United States. It was wonderful seeing my old professors. In attendance were world famous scholars, authors, filmmakers, old friends, and former students such as myself.
During part of the ceremony congratulation letters from all over the world were read; I was honored to be able to be called to say a few words about Huston in front of the audience:
“…It was 13 years ago and I remember as if it was yesterday. There I was in my Religion 90A Class at UC Berkeley and I was in utter awe of the man before me - not so much because of his amazing mind or his incredible breadth of work, but because at the moment he was in the middle of the class doing a perfect Yoga headstand! I remember thinking that (at the time) I was 28 and I could never dream of doing that and here is this “scholar” who was 50 years my senior standing on his head on the cement floor! - Amazing!
I was always impressed with Huston as a teacher, as a scholar, and eventually as a friend. It turned out that several months later Huston and Kendra moved just a few houses down from where I was living in North Berkeley. Although Huston had mastered the knowledge of all the numerous gods and goddesses of the various faith traditions of the world - he had still yet to master the realm of the computer gods! - And so I became his personal computer helper and later his personal book dealer. It was a pleasure and honor doing both and I look back with great fondness of all my encounters and time spent with Huston…”
It was a very nice event - and Huston who is now almost 90 years young, still is able to move people with his elegant words and friendly and smiling presence. As always he was gracious, humble and engaging. I feel honored knowing him.
…After the party I had a great time hanging out with my former professor and friend Phil Novak. We went to downtown San Francisco to a nice Italian restaurant and had some traditional Italian pizza; surrounding us were bars, scantily clad women, and strip clubs… our night cap was getting ice cream in Marin! Yes, I am getting old…!
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