Bathing Suits and Water!

Bathing Suit Video

Yup! There it is! That’s my bum you’re lookin’ at. And I’m not gonna lie, it looks great! So I was worried for no reason (reference One Bathing Suit To Rule Them All). Bright sunshine (and I’m sure video editing) can cover a MULTITUDE of sins!

Ok, but the video’s not actually about me. It’s totally about our super cute star and her first ride on that amazing slide at Typhoon Lagoon. So much fun!

Here are a couple behind-the-scenes stories of the day we shot:

In the first scene, you see us walking over a bridge. Our star (cute little girl) is happily kicking her feet and walking on her toes. Her mother asked us later during the shoot, “Why is she walking on her toes like that? She’s so silly.” Ummm…yeah, so here’s what happened: It was freezing that morning and we were in bathing suits and bare feet. Our star was such a sport, but she is 3. We told her it wouldn’t be as cold if she walked on her tip toes. Ok, it’s a little, white lie she’ll realize later. But it’ll be super cute for the next few years when she walks on her toes to keep warm. You’re welcome😜

How many takes? Well, it always takes more than the shots you see in the final video. The water slide ride took quite a few takes. We found out, quite quickly, the water was heated. I’m not gonna lie, I was jealous that our star got to ride the slide so many times. I think we filmed her riding close to twenty times to get all the right angles.

Are we actually talking? Yes, we are. Who knows what crazy things we said to each other and our star to keep smiles on our faces. In the scene where I push our star at the top of the slide, you can see the life guard and me in the background. We were actually talking to each other saying, “Man, I wanna ride this slide! It sure would be nice to just get in this water right now.”

So, now that you’ve watched the video and got a tear in your eye from the sweet moments, go get your tickets to Typhoon Lagoon so you can ride those awesome slides!

Keep an eye out for the next blog. It’ll contain some information on how to get a new single from me. Teaser coming soon!

Too Many Excuses

This is scary. To admit you have made too many excuses. There have been more times than I’d care to mention that I’ve let an opportunity pass me by because of fear, doubt, pride and just plain laziness. I’ve made as many resolutions as the next person. And I’ve forgotten twice as much.

Today, like too many days before, I saw an inspirational video. They always make me think deeply in the moment that I watch them. But somehow, the fear of my next step holds me back again and I’m crippled back into living the same way.

The video I saw today was different. The video I saw today made me cry. It made me realize on a level I hadn’t felt in a LONG time that there’s no reason to let any perceived obstacle stop me. Because it is, after all, simply my perception. And if I could just take a moment to change my perception, I could see another way to beat this challenge.

That is exactly what this man, Richie, has done. He was born with, what would be to most people, an inconceivable obstacle. Instead of letting that be his way out, he has made it his way in. He sees that there is NOTHING in life that can stop him.

So, here is the video I saw that moved me to write today. Maybe you’ve seen it already and you were inspired. Or maybe you haven’t. And maybe this is the video that sparks a change for the course of you life.

Live inspired!
Richie Parker: A Man With No Arms