Friday, July 21, 2017

A favorite memory: Remembering Mom's rose curtains


I can no longer see them but I sure remember what they look like.  They are bright and they light up her guest room.  They hang majestically from their rod and sway gently in the breeze.  They keep out the bright morning sun and they protect the room at night.

Mom's rose curtains are something very special; not just curtains but simply an important part of the room's decor.  Funny for me to say this but this is how I feel about those wonderful looking curtains.

They used to help me imagine and create whenever I lay there staring at them.  They would help me to fetch moments of happiness and refreshing thoughts and for some odd reason they always seemed to help me calm myself when I needed it. Indeed!  This is what Mom's rose curtains meant to me!

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

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Mine forever! So long to my darling Almond tree


She came into my life when I was but a wee one and she left in the summer of 2016.  To many she was just a tall almond tree with oodles of greenery hosting hundreds of birds.  This may have been true but to me she was so much more.

My darling almond tree stood so tall in the middle of the yard.  She gave shade and relief to so many who loved the coolness that she offered.  The birds loved her because she offered homes that were safe and secure from those predators such as nosy and curious cats. 

My darling almond tree represented something very special; she was the apple of my dad's eye.  For he was responsible for bringing her into our lives.  He got her when she was a youngster and by the time that he had passed on she had grown into a lovely specimen of over 20 feet!

I'll never forget the day when she was hewed down!  She fought feverishly to stay upright as the men struggled to bring her down and at times I could hear them expressing how strong she was. 

She is gone now but not forgotten!  She has gone to another life and has left me wistfully thinking about all of the joy and pleasure that she brought me.

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

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Cherished memories: Driving Jeffrey's cars around our home


I really enjoyed those childhood days whenever I got the chance to play with my brother Jeffrey's cars, trading in my dolls and tea sets for another type of fun.

We used to tie bits of string to these cars and then proceed to race each other around the house.  There was the police  car, the patrol car, the lumbering bus, the old timer car, and oh, yes, my favorite!  The Ferrari!

These activities usually took place on weekends, mainly on Sundays.  Our dogs were spectators but they made very sure to do their spectating from afar choosing to stay back as we raced by. 

Our parents did not seem to object or at least I never thought that they did.  Granny stayed in her room reading her newspapers and my mom and dad sat around looking on. 

Oh yes!  Those were such happy days, never to return! However, the memories remain 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
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

Friday, July 14, 2017

A frightening experience: When my wallet and flash drive fell out of my carry-on


Looking back on this experience it is the most that I can do but to simply shake my head in wonderment.  For if I had lost these two items it would have meant pure disaster for me.

Mom and I had just boarded the plane for our trip to the Caribbean and I had decided to check my carry-on and lo and behold!  My wallet and flash drive were both missing!

My first thoughts were that I had either probably left them behind in the lounge or that they had dropped out of my carry-on.  Mom began her frantic search but nothing turned up and then we decided to reach out to a passing agent.

He sprung into action immediately and within literally seconds he found them!  They were nestled in the seat pocket!  Pure relief flooded through my entire body!

I need to be doubly careful each time I travel now.  I need to make sure that I know where everything is and that I can account for each item in my carry-on at all times. I may not always be so lucky to have someone close by to help me 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
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

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Not very pleasant: Challenges of a colonoscopy


I guess that this particular procedure is probably most challenging for the majority of us even at the best of times. But for me, who is unable to see what the doctor is doing, it often leads to my imagination taking over.

Thank goodness that just before the procedure commences I am given something to relax me so then I have no idea what is taking place.

Before I am given this, however, the nurse and doctor do their best to put me at ease by telling me what is going on and what is going to happen, but for all of this it does not make me feel any better.  So I lie there on my back and do my best not to get too anxious about it all.

I sing softly but loud enough that those around me can hear and this sure helps me to feel better.

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

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Happy times: My pottery pieces


Much as I continue to enjoy producing my pottery pieces I am almost always so sad that I am unable to see what they look like.  Touching and feeling them can never make up for the visual part of it all that I am missing, so I can only imagine and visualize in my mind.

I have made so many pieces ever since I started with Joan almost three years ago.  I have made Christmas ornaments, soap dishes, fruit dishes, sushi dishes, mango shaped dishes, maple leaf plates, fruit bowls, tulips, a vase, bowls for my friend's cat, a jewellery bowl, and my pride and joy!  A bird house!

My teacher, Joan, has done so much for me!  She describes everything to me and I was so very proud last Christmas when I managed to make large fruit bowls for my mom and for my friend, Sue.

Joan is planning to retire in the spring of 2018 so I am planning to stay with her until she retires.  Not sure what my next piece is going to be but I can't wait to get started in the fall of 2017.

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

Friday, July 7, 2017

A memory from the past, thank you Ken: When I drove Ken's car


At that time we were both working at IBM Canada and I had told my coworker, Ken, that one of my dreams as a vision-impaired person was to drive a car. Believe it or not, he made it happen! 

On a cool day in the early fall, Ken invited me to sit in the driver's seat of his car and then he took his place beside me in the passenger seat and from there it was nothing but a dream come true for me.

Ken was calm and cool.  He spoke to me in a very easy tone, instructing me how to drive.  We made several turns around the IBM parking lot, maneuvering among parked cars.  Then he instructed me how to back up, how to move forward, and after about 10 minutes we parked his car. 

After we had disembarked, Ken told me how nervous  he had been but I can tell you that he never showed it while we were on our driving expedition.

Thank you, Ken Debono, for having helped me to realize one of my obscure dreams.

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

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Fond times: At the dollar store


This is probably one of my favorite places to shop and hang out and it does not matter whether or not I go with Mom, Sue, or Gabriella.  I simply love being there because there is so much to discover and explore. 

There is a large variety of so many things and these kind ladies never tire of describing things to me.  Toys, gadgets, kitchen stuff, things for the bathroom, and much more.

The aisles are narrow and the shelves are packed to overflowing.  Most of the time the staff are quite helpful and the cashiers are really nice.

I can probably spend a half day at a time at the dollar store but that's just me.  One of my favorite hangouts.

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

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Childhood memories: Battling fever as a child


Weird as this may sound, whenever I had to battle those frequent childhood bouts of fever, it meant that I had to lie in bed for long spells but this gave me a lot of time to think and imagine. 

As Mom fussed with the hot wash cloths and aspirins and generally worried over me, I found time to think and imagine.  Then, as Granny and Dad came in to visit frequently, it also gave me time to appreciate my family so much more. 

I must not forget my brothers and dogs, as well.  Many times Jeffrey, my twin brother, would come into the room and lie on my bed beside me and there he would remain, quietly, sometimes telling me some sort of joke that he had either made up or heard at school. Robert, my elder, would stand at the window close to my bed and would often try to cheer me up by teasing me. 

Ah yes, those faithful four-legged friends!  Yella would often visit and lie close by on the floor under my bed while Lion and Tiger would come in and out. 

As for my time to think?  There was a lot of time to do this and more often than not my imagination took me to so many places: foreign countries, adventures, and yes!  Thoughts of what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Maybe a lawyer or maybe a story teller!  Or maybe a child 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
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