Great memories: Happy times in the Savannah

hey sure were such happy times for me and they are times that shall always remain in a very special corner of my heart.

I can still remember learning to fly a kite with my dad and playing all kinds of ball games with him and my brothers.  I remember racing around on Jeffrey's scooter with him running alongside me and laughing at the top of his voice.  I remember running as hard as I could with Jeffrey and Nancy and enjoying it so much as the fresh, cool air blew gently through my hair and across my cheeks.

Then there were the times when Dad and I would take our dog, Yella, for walks and she would just go off and roll around in smelly dirt and then Dad would scold her before taking her home to give her a bath and another scolding.

Then Dad would take Jeffrey and me to see the race horses and we would stand there watching them do their morning exercises and Dad and Jeffrey would describe everything to me.

Then there were the more quiet times: walking with Mom and Dad in the Savannah, feeling the cool grass under my feet, listening to the sweet singing birds,  inhaling the fragrance of nearby flowers, and sitting quietly on the benches while Dad read and Mom and I chatted.

Ah, yes!  Those cherished memories for a lifetime.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Great reflections: Imagining while sitting in my high chair

These were the times  when I was growing up that I got to truly imagine.  How well I remember doing this as I sat there fighting off bouts of fever and tonsillitis! As a child I suffered much from tonsillitis and spent too many moments either in bed or seated in my high chair with Mom close by.

I still remember those days.  I would be overcome with high fever and tonsillitis and Mom would have to look after me.  She would give me a hot bath, feed me the usual soup, juice, and toast, and then dress me in warm PJs and let me sit in a high chair until I told her that I wanted to go to bed. Then she would lift me out of the chair and put me in my bed.

However, as I sat in my high chair, shaking from the fever, I did manage to imagine. I imagined so many things!  I dreamed of becoming a story teller and writing about fairies, princes, princesses, and kings and queens.  Then I dreamed of becoming a lawyer and then I dreamed of becoming a good swimmer and ice skater.  These were the major things but, of course, there were many other imaginings.

Guess what?  I am so very delighted and humbled to say that my imagination has turned into reality!  I am now an audio mystery writer, and I can ice skate and swim reasonably well.  However, I am still working on becoming a lawyer.

Gosh!  I need to thank my imagination, don't you think?

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Fond memories: Growing up with the cousins

I can honestly say that memories of growing up with my cousins were ones of cherished and never to be forgotten times. There are so many memories for me to look back on but I'll tell you honesty that if you ever wanted to talk about equality, then my cousins showed how it was done.

They never differentiated against me!  They always treated me without any semblance of being afraid to play with me, talk with me, and have so much fun with me.

They walked with me, talked with me, swam with me, played hide and seek with me, plus so much more.  They even played football and cricket with me and never grumbled whenever I asked for help.  They even played cards with me and taught me so much.

They were mainstream kids who adapted so well to playing with a kid who was vision impaired.  We were close and saw each other so very often.  My, how I loved each of them in their own special way and even today we still manage to stay connected.

We love reminiscing about the good old times: building sand castles and water pools on the beach, running with the dogs, and cutting out photos from Mom's magazines, plus so much more! These memories will be mine forever and my cousins will be mine 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 ttp://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Lessons for a lifetime: What did I learn in England?

Despite it being so long ago I can honestly tell you that I learned so much and these are the lessons that have helped to shape me as a person.

I did not just learn how much Britain had to endure during those World Wars, I learned the true meaning of the phrase "stiff upper lip."  I also learned how hard this great country fought to stay alive and what it did in order to triumph and live to tell the tale.

I learned why Britain is often referred to as "Great Britain" and I also learned all about the important part Royalty plays in its history.  I learned all about a new culture and I came to appreciate the challenges that others face and the diverse challenges at that.

I learned to appreciate my family even more and I learned not to take anything for granted.  I learned to be more giving and sharing and I learned what selflessness is all about.

Most of all, I learned all about sacrifice, loyalty, and how not to give up in the face of adversity.  I learned how to endure and problem solve and I learned never to take anyone for granted and to appreciate friendships.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Lucky me! Memories of the Grange

This was my home away from home when I studied in England and I must say that it was one of the best places that any student could have hoped for. It was extremely luxurious with large bedrooms, comfortable beds, and the facilities for our recreation were top notch.

I can still picture the dining room, lounge, and living room in my mind. There was a garden just outside of the dining room and the grounds were simply immaculate.

Now, looking back on it all, I can truly appreciate it much more than I did then.  I had so much to be thankful and grateful for but unfortunately for me I did not see the true picture then.

This was a once in a lifetime experience that any teen would have died for but I am afraid that I may not have truly appreciated it then.  However, it is never too late to look back and remember.

In essence, I stayed at a classy hotel and I did not even know it.  I had the good fortune to be accommodated at a place that so many teens my age would have absolutely died for and have wished for.

Maybe some day I will return there, to Christopher Grange on Youens Way in Liverpool.  Just to see it once more and to silently say thank you for having enabled me to live there for one year.  I was the lucky one!

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Forever in my mind: Memories of school days in England

Looking back on these memories I can only say that it was probably my first taste of real learning as they were all carried out so far away from home. I sure learned a lot.  I developed endurance, creativity, but above all I obtained an appreciation for the trials and tribulations of others.

As someone who is vision impaired, I learned that there were others with additional challenges, mental and physical challenges.  I learned to deal with all kinds of weather conditions ranging from dull and soggy days to wonderful spring mornings with fresh cool breezes blowing down my cheeks and through my hair as I walked to school.

I learned to cope with dark mornings and night-like afternoons as I went to and from school and I learned to appreciate a brand new culture, a very different British culture.

My classmates were all so helpful and encouraging to me.  I experienced so much with them and they were always so willing to share their knowledge, skills, and everyday activities with me.

I had to make friends with so many new kids of my age, and teachers, as well. At times I found it very overwhelming but it only made me appreciate more what I had left behind: my parents, brothers, Granny, dogs, and family and friends.

These were all learning memories for me; hard, realistic, and brutal but at the end of the day?  They were ones that were the beginning of the road to my independence!

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

School time: Remembering concert costumes

My first memory of concert costumes was when I was slotted to play Little Boy Blue at a Christmas concert. The next time was when I was dressed as an angel in a skit called the Eight Bells of Christmas.  Then I was dressed as Mother Hubbard and after that my days as a so called would-be child actress ended mercifully.

I will be honest here and let you know that being in concerts was not an easy task for me.  I did not like it. I was almost always very anxious and nervous and even when I was chosen to be in a choir or even perform a piano solo or duet, I would practically have bad dreams before the actual event.

Christmas concerts were the order of the day for our grade school and many of my classmates practically lived for these moments.  Not me!  Sure, I enjoyed the excitement but I would almost always be praying that I would not be chosen to be a part of it!

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

A childhood reflection: Riding the tricycle in our yard

I can still remember the absolute delight as I used to zoom around our yard on my tricycle.  Oh,, how I loved to just get on my little tricycle and then pedal as fast as I could.  I am very certain that my parents were watching me very carefully to make sure that I did not bump into anything.  I could practically feel their eyes on me from their second floor lookout as I raced around the yard.

I usually did it on evenings when there were not too many cars coming in and out of the yard.  The good thing is that I always rode around using the parked cars as my guide and in those days I had enough vision to see the cars and their bright colors.

I sure worked up a sweat and by the time I was done my clothes were soaking wet and then it was time to have my evening shower.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Precious and perfect forever! Quiet evenings on the patio

These are some of the times that I treasure most, quiet times on Mom's patio with Mom sitting close by.

It is the time when I could hear myself think.  Times when I could forget all about ringing phones, persistent emails, and those insistent text messages.  It is the time when I shut out the world, so to speak, and even the news is way in the background.

Mom and I sit and chat quietly.  Often times we have our dinner, relaxing and savoring the cool evening's breeze.  The birds fly by on their way to their nests, chirping and calling to each other as they go by and the fragrance of the flowers wafts gently against my nostrils.

Mom often describes pictures of sunsets to me; she is always looking for things to describe to me.  Anything from Rico, our adopted cat, crossing the yard to a lizard creeping soundlessly along the wall.

There is always something for us to talk about, laugh about, and wonder about.  Ah, yes!  My quiet times on the patio.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

A new path: Going with Mom to the doctor

Now that my mom's hearing is starting to deteriorate, I am happy to accompany her whenever she has to visit the doctor.  I listen intently as the doctor speaks to her and whenever I feel that she has not heard a question or a response I am happy to jump in and help her understand.

Mom is extremely patient and never loses her cool.  She never raises her voice and does her best to hear what is going on.  Her doctors are also very good to her and are happy to repeat themselves whenever necessary.

So it is a new experience for me; she sees and I hear.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Reflections: The 2016 Olympics

I am not sure if it would be accurate to say that the degree of audio description would depend on which channel you choose. But what I would say is that when it comes to audio description we are still a very long way from being able to enjoy acceptable audio description.

I found this out when I followed much of the 2016 Olympics on more than one channel.  Sometimes the audio description was simply non-existent and at other times it was not too bad.

At the end of the day I would say that I hope and pray that with time there will be more audio description.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

An interesting experience: When the pill rolled off the counter

Looking back, now, this particular memory was one that was a very interesting one.  I had brought my vitamin pills out to the counter and had laid them out but I needed to fetch some juice in order to wash them down.

So, off I went to get my juice and upon returning I discovered that I could only find two of the three pills.  At first I thought that the missing pill had just rolled away on the counter, but I was wrong.

The pill had actually rolled off the counter and had fallen onto the floor and now I had to use my logic to figure out where it was.  Sure, I could have asked my mom to help me locate it but this time I wanted to do my own searching.

So, I composed myself and then I began a methodical search on the floor, trying to figure out which direction the pill had taken.

This paid off quickly for me because before I knew it my fingers had found the missing pill.  Score one for me on this day.

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
http://www.donnajodhan.com

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.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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