Just my thoughts: Knitting builds patience

I have found that after almost one year of taking knitting lessons, my propensity for patience has definitely improved.  Knitting is a very interesting activity for me.  I am forced to depend solely on my fingers and sense of touch to help me navigate in and out of stitches.

Knitting is exact.  You either do it right or you run into errors. But the good thing is that you can easily correct your errors once you find them.  I love the fact that there are different sized needles for doing various tasks.

My teacher, Miko, is very patient but she is now off on maternity leave for a while and I have a new teacher and his name is Robbie.  I had previously met Robbie and he is very nice.  So I am looking forward to continuing my knitting and my patience-building.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
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What a pickle for me: Finding the leaking water bottle

I never even knew until I stepped in it.  That is, a small puddle of water. This time, however, it was not too difficult to find the source of the puddle.  Slowly but steadily I inched my way towards the group of bottles standing in my storage closet.

Next, I examined each bottle individually until I came to the offending one. Of course, it would have been very easy for a sighted person to find the bottle with the leak, but for me with very little sight, this was the best way.

I identified the leaking bottle, removed it, and then cleaned up the puddle of water.  All done and matter solved.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Looking back: When the tomato fell

Boy oh boy, and what a mess that was for me.  One minute the tomato was sitting on my counter and the next minute it had rolled silently off and I never even knew until I stepped on it.  Then the real fun began.

I knew right away that there were going to be problems for me.  I sighed deeply and then bent down to inspect the damage.  I could feel the juice at my feet but there was more.  Pieces of tomato were all over the place.  From my kitchen floor and extending to the carpet in my dining room.

Sadly enough, I knew that I would need sighted assistance to help me clean this one up.  For there was no way on earth that I would ever be able to find all of the juice, all of the seeds, and all of the stains.  Not something that I would wish for anyone who is unable to see.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Not yet Christmas but here I am! Remembering November and December

I simply love those two months the best, and why?  Because November is the time that I start to get into the holiday mood and December is the time when I am there!

So many things, not just to do but to visualize.  All those wonderful holiday memories!  A plethora of colors!  Lots and lots of various smells and fragrances!  Oodles of things to taste and sample! Things to do that involve all of my senses!

Ah yes!  The holiday season and for me it is the time when my memory kicks into high gear and when it helps me to create new images and new memories! It is the time when I remember, refresh, and create!

November and December are the months when I simply go into my kid's mode, so to speak. Just like a kid in a candy shop, not really knowing where to turn next!  But it is all good!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Childhood memories: Coming home to the puppies

Yet some more very cherished memories to share with you.  Yes, coming home to the puppies.

There were six of them to start with as our dog, Yella, had given birth to her first litter of happy little puppies.  How I remember rushing home every day to play with them.  My parents had decided to let them have the run of the laundry room and there they were, playing, scrapping, and then trying to climb out of the room.

I would lift each up in turn, pet them, play with them, and speak softly to them.  They were all fat, happy, and oh so friendly.

All six stayed with us for about a month but sadly enough we could not keep them all and one by one they were given away to happy homes.  Then we were left with just two: Lion and Tiger, the favorite ones out of them all.

Then these two little gems started to grow and quickly fitted into our family.  They were the pride and joy of us all!  Everyone loved them. Friends loved them and family simply melted each time they came to visit.

Lion and Tiger became my fast friends and I had a decade of their friendship but then one day it all ended when these two happy dogs left for good, passing on to that dreaded big C disease!

Ah yes!  Memories forever!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Cherished memories: My beloved grade school

As I sit here writing I can still remember almost every inch of my beloved grade school  The memory is still so very fresh in my mind and despite the fact that this memory was snapped when my vision was quite limited, it matters not to me!  I have managed to enhance it to the point that I don't have to work too hard to focus on it whenever I want to.

Those vast green grounds were where I spent some of my best times as a child.  I romped and played with my classmates.  I walked through them on my own.  I spent so many quiet moments just simply standing there by myself taking in the bright sunshine, the blue skies, and breathing in the fresh cool air.

I remember the jungle gym, the swimming pool, and so much more.  There were the long corridors of my school, resounding with the shouts and echoes of the students.  The main hall where we had all of our morning assemblies and other important functions.

Then there was the intimidating stage where we rehearsed for our Christmas concerts and where we performed on concert day.  The large dining room where we ate, and oh yes!  Those unforgettable classrooms: the music room and the doll's house that was later turned into a cooking room for the girls.

Finally, the areas close to the school where we used to walk, laugh, and talk about all kinds of things.  Memories forever!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Looking into the glass

When I was at university, my friend Connie and I used to play this little game very often.  We would each fill a glass with water and then there we would sit for a while, just gazing into our glasses of water.

For better or for worse we would each claim that we could see various images and for me I believe that I could indeed do so.  I could see faces, images, and nature scenes.  We both loved it so much and it sure made us smile more often than not.

Unfortunately I can no longer do it, or I should be asking myself: could I still do it?  It would be a different way of doing it if I were indeed able to do so.

Maybe what I ought to do is just try it and see what happens.  Who knows? I may just be pleasantly surprised!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Making a mango for Imran

This is where I need to pour all of my memory of a mango into this project. For I will definitely need it and a lot of concentration to go along with it when I next pick up my pottery tools to do it.

Yes!  I have decided to make a mango for my friend and technician, Imran. You see, he just loves the sweet tasty fruit and I thought that the next best thing that I can give to him is a replica of one.

I have a bit of time to prepare before I attempt this feat.  I'll have enough time to bring back the memory of a mango and I'll have enough time to get it all right.

I have already informed my pottery teacher about this project and she is definitely on board with it.  So, for the next few months I'll be shopping for an artificial mango to use as my model.

I am looking forward to making a mango and anxious to see how it will turn out.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Why are my dreams like this?

This is one thing that continues to baffle me on a daily basis.  I am almost totally blind yet I continue to dream in technicolor, so to speak.  In short, I am almost totally blind but when I dream I can see faces and images, see colors and shapes, and find my way around without a cane.

In my dreams I have functional vision so what does all of this mean?  How can I be almost totally blind but yet dreaming as someone with sight?

I am not complaining in the least!  I love being able to dream as someone with functional vision but I'll tell you this: it is often hard on me whenever I remember my dream, but alas! The dream as someone with functional vision sure does not translate to having to face adversity as someone with practically no vision.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

My Prayer Book

I'll always remember my very first Prayer Book.  It was small but fat.  It contained several pages that were made of very fine paper and the edges of the pages were all trimmed in gold.  Of course, I could not read it because I was visually impaired but nevertheless my parents allowed me to take it to church in my little handbag. That was my Prayer Book, my perfect little Prayer Book in my perfect little handbag.

My handbag also contained a handkerchief and I was always so proud to take my perfect little Prayer Book to church in my perfect little handbag.  I made sure to not let it rub against anything, taking great care to ensure that it always stayed by my side.

I'll never know what happened to those two childhood treasures but I shall remember them forever.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

The new kid in town

Yes, he is indeed the new kid in town!  Ever since his mom, Gladys, deserted her kids and took off for parts unknown, little Rico, as I have named him, is now the new kid in town.

From what I can piece together from various stories offered by the workers, one day Gladys simply walked out of the compound, never looking back.  Then some of the workers took the 3 remaining kittens to a busy mall and left them there, sure that they would be taken by passers by.

They were almost right.  Two of them were taken within a day or so but there was one little guy who managed to make it back to our compound and we still do not know how he did it.

The workers were astounded and welcomed him back, calling him family, and I named him Rico.  I am told that he looks just like Mama Gladys and it is probably why he is as loved as his mom.

The workers feed him, protect him, and give him lots of love.  I can only picture what he looks like and I can't wait to see him again when I visit my mom in June 2016.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Resetting Mom's clock

This is not one of my favorite tasks to do for Mom but it must be done and I am the one to help out here.  So this is how I go about it all.

First I remove both batteries; one is for the chimes and the other is for the time.  Then Mom gets to work to set the time. She is steady and sure and after she has done her part then I take over.

We put in the two new batteries and then I start to program her chimes.  I need to be slow and sure, as well.

I gingerly feel for the button that is lowest on the panel that is at the back of the clock.  Well, it is not exactly a panel.  It is a sort of a groove built into the back of the clock.  Then I start to count with each press of the button until I obtain the number of hours that I desire.  That is, each press of the button represents an hour.

When I think that I have matched the number of hours to the number of presses of the button that I have made, I gently close the back of the clock and then both Mom and I start to pray.

Fortunately, the clock is able to program for itself the number of chimes that denote the quarter, half, and three quarters of an hour.  It took me a while to figure out how this clock works but now I think that Mom and I have found a way to deal with it all.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan