That's my Santa Claus: Who is Santa Claus?

He comes primarily at Christmas time but did you know that he is always with us?  Many of our youngest ones think that he lives in the far North but in reality he lives anywhere and everywhere.

In North America and colder countries, he makes his entry into our homes through our chimneys, and the modern day Santa can also leave his presents outside the doors of our condos and townhouses.  He can travel in so many different ways: on a sleigh, on a motorcycle, on a truck, by bicycle, by ship or boat, by plane or helicopter, and even on foot.  It all depends on where he is and what he needs to do in order to get where he needs to go.

Believe it or not, Santa Claus goes by so many different names and it can easily be said that he has several different aliases.  In the colder countries he is known as either Santa Claus or Father Christmas.  In the Eastern countries he is known as St. Nick and in the warmer tropical countries he is known as Sandy Claus!  Of course, there are other names for him as well.

To the wide-eyed kid he is the one in a red suit and wears a white beard and he has a huge laugh of ho, ho, ho!  He brings toys and goodies down the chimneys of homes and he hands out gifts at malls and at parties.  He shows up at parades. He hands out toys from open-roofed trucks, and he lugs his goodies on bicycles, motorcycles and on his back.  He even drops off his gifts by ship, boat, helicopter, and plane.

This is who he is to those little ones who still believe in Santa.  However, there is more to this fat jolly man than just the one who does these things.

Whenever we smile at a stranger, nod a greeting to someone that we do not know, or take the time to give a gift to someone who is less fortunate than we are, these are all deeds of Santa Claus's generosity and in essence we, too, are Santa Claus in our own way. But we do not have to wait until Christmas to do this. 

The secret of Christmas may be this!  It's not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through!  Taken from a Christmas song.

Merry Christmas from me!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, wishing you a very merry Christmas! 

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB). In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.
You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

Feelings forever: The Christmas feeling

Christmas for me is simply a plethora of feelings, emotions, and so much more.  Christmas for me is a season where so many memories race across my mind.  I can tell you that Christmas for me can be viewed in two different ways: as someone who has precious little vision and as one who once upon a time had enough vision to see so much.

When I had enough vision to see many things, I could appreciate the flickering candles in Church, the flashing colored lights as I skated around an outdoor rink, crowded streets with scurrying shoppers, Christmas trees loaded with decorations and presents piled high beneath, tables loaded with dishes of food, and of course!  Santa Claus!  I used to spend so much time in the toy departments admiring the dolls and doll houses.  Drawing sets and coloring books.  I used to help decorate the house and always enjoyed putting up the angels, the lights, and most of all the manger with all of the figures. 

Now that my vision has dwindled to almost nothing, I have all of these memories to bolster my enjoyment of Christmas. In addition, I use my senses of sound and smell to help me continue enjoying.  Fragrances of burning firewood, pine, baking cookies, and turkey and pork all help me to conjure up pictures and images of years gone by.  Sounds of bells, kids laughing, Santa Claus ho ho hoing, and the scraping of blades on ice add to my happy memories.  You see, I have so many ways to recreate, reproduce, and make new memories.

Christmas as a blind person could be really interesting.  So much to enjoy and so much to share with others.  Christmas through the eyes of a blind person could be a very different perspective for many.  You can learn more by visiting www.acb.org.

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).
In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

They are my dreams: Some day at Christmas

One of my favourite Christmas carols is "Some Day at Christmas," made popular by the late Michael Jackson.  Yes, some day at Christmas when I could wake up on a peaceful morning and welcome yet another special day with my loved ones around me and the Christ Child in my heart. 

When I would be able to say, "Finally!  All is well and now blind kids will have an equal opportunity to be like their mainstream counterparts."  When they can play with mainstream toys and be able to use cell phones and IPods just like sighted kids.  When they would be able to play with games just like their sighted friends and not have to worry about inaccessibility.  When their classrooms and playgrounds would be free of accessibility barriers and they would have an equal opportunity to be just kids!

Some day at Christmas, when I could go to bed just before Santa makes his rounds, knowing that all of my wishes have been granted.  That all websites have been made accessible.  That all supermarkets and stores have  been made fully accessible to blind persons.  That online courses and distance learning have all been made accessible and usable to blind persons.  That blind persons have equal access to all reading materials in the same way that sighted persons do. 

Some day at Christmas, after Santa has come  and gone leaving a huge package for me under my Christmas tree, I could wake up and say, "Finally!  The banks have finally gotten it!  Their ATMs are now fully accessible.  Blind persons can now access all point of sale devices and touch screens without having to ask for sighted assistance. Blind passengers can now access kiosks at airports, they can enjoy movies on board aircraft, and no more problems at airports, train stations, and bus terminals for them."

Some day at Christmas, as I sit quietly in a church along with others waiting for the Christmas Mass to begin, I could say, "Thank you, God, for ensuring that from now on society will treat blind persons as normal persons who can function on their own and the only thing wrong with them is that they are unable to see."

Some day at Christmas!  Ah, yes, it is only my dreams but who says that dreams don't come true?  The smell of cookies baking in my kitchen are real!  Christmas carols being played around me are real!  Children laughing and families decorating are real!  Is it too much for me to ask Santa to help make my dreams come true?

The late Steve Jobs made some of my dreams and those of other blind persons come true!  Dare I dream that there could be another Steve Jobs out there just waiting to bring hope to the blind world?

I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a very merry Christmas! Joyeux noèl!  Feliz Navidad!

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).

In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

I'm probably one of the biggest ones: The Christmas kids

I really don't think that it matters how old we are when it comes to enjoying Christmas.  We are all kids in our very own way and I am probably one of the biggest kids when it comes to Christmas.  

Yes! It is my favorite time of the year.  Just to hear the kids themselves as they shout with glee!  As they sing with joy!  As they whoop with excitement whenever they see Santa Claus or they find something that they have been looking for!  Ah! Just to be a kid at Christmas! 

For me personally, at Christmas, being a kid in my own way is really not describing it fully!  I guess that I have always been a kid at heart.  I love the toys.  First, the electronic games and gadgets.  Next come the dolls and doll houses with all of the furniture, and tea sets.  Then come the puzzles, the bats and balls, and then finally everything else that makes me smile!  In short, anything that makes a noise, anything that beeps, talks, and anything that enables me to create, imagine, and develop! 

Christmas is for everyone and age is no barrier.  No gift is too big or too small.  There is a kid in each of us and all we need to do is to let it all hang out.  It is not as difficult as you may think.  Just let it happen, then sit back and enjoy! It is what I do every year, and you know what?  I really don't have to wait until Christmas to do it!  I can be a kid anytime I want!  It is just that it is so much more fun being a kid at Christmas time! It is so much easier to be a kid at this time of the year! 

The sounds and smells!  The ambiance and the songs!  The sights and events!  For after all, was it not then when the greatest and most famous kid was born?  Our Lord Jesus Christ? 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, wishing you a very merry Christmas! 

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB). In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.
You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

My favorite time of the year: Christmas is for me no matter where I am

Yes!  You got it right!  You heard me correctly!  No matter where I am and no matter what I'm doing!  Christmas is for me! 

I could be spending it in Canada where the winters are icy, the snow is falling, the winds are howling, and I could practically hear Santa chuckling. Christmas is for me!  Or I could be spending it in the sunny Caribbean where Santa could be seen in either a jeep, standing in an open truck, or even on a motorcycle. Christmas is for me!  No matter where I am, this very special time of the year is for me! 

There are some very special things that many parts of the world share in common: the birth of Jesus, gift giving, greeting each other, Christmas goodies, toys, and the singing of Christmas songs and carols!  So many things in common for us to share!  

No matter where I am, all of these things will be with me!  From a snowy winter with skaters skating on an icy rink with Christmas lights winking in the background and bystanders drinking hot chocolate, to a deep blue sea with swimmers swimming lazily under the watch of bright blue skies, Christmas will always be the same!  It is not where I will happen to be!  It is all about the spirit of Christmas!  Remembering what Christmas really means to me!  The giving, the greeting, the joy, the special hopes and wishes for others, but most important of all!  Remembering to let the Child Jesus into my heart and to let him stay with me all year through! 

Quoting from a popular Christmas carol:  "The secret of Christmas is not what you do at Christmas time! But the Christmas things you do all year through."   

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, wishing you a wonderful Christmas and the very best for the new year. 
May all of your dreams come true! 

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).
In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

Unforgettable! Under the Christmas tree

It may not be yet Christmas but, boy, do I have some wonderful memories to share with you.  Memories of me as a child with very little vision enjoying my experiences under our family’s Christmas tree.  I had enough vision then to see the lights in their different colors.  I could see the other decorations on the tree, as well, but I did not have quite enough vision to help decorate the tree. 

That was okay by me.  I enjoyed smelling the fragrant pine of our live tree.  At night I would crawl under our tree and lie quietly among the presents, taking care not to crush any of them.  My two brothers were always trying to peek into their presents and they would let me have a feel of mine.  I would shake the packages to see if I could tell what mine were, but my brothers would peek and tell.  Oh, how much fun it was then.

I always loved our Christmas tree and everything that went with it.  I loved everything about those wonderful trees.  The smell of them, what lay under them, and what was placed on and around them.  Ah, yes!  Under the Christmas tree!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others about my memories of being under my Christmas tree. 

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).

In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

My Christmas perspective: The color of Christmas

As Andy Williams used to sing out each year, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," and this is certainly the case for me.  It is that time of year when the child in me decides to show itself.  I am never too embarrassed to express my joy whenever I hear Santa's rich laughter and whenever I smell the sweet fragrance of pine.  All of those colorful presents, bows, lights, and other goodies dancing before my eyes!

Now that my vision is down to a bare minimum, I use my imagination to help me out.  I imagine all those mysterious colored packages under a huge tree decorated with blinking lights.  I can almost see those colorful lights dancing in my memory and I can practically reach out and grab one of those mysterious packages from under the tree.

Lights intermingled with artificial snowflakes, all kinds of Christmas figures, and at the top of the tree?  The shining star!

I must not forget my angel and my manger with the Baby Jesus lying in Mother Mary's arms.  The animals, shepherds, Joseph, and the three wise men.  All fixed in my mind's eye forever.

The toys all come alive in my mind!  Doll houses filled with little people. Furniture, tea sets, and strollers with baby dolls.  Even the racing cars, train sets, and those ice skates dancing just out of my reach.  The skis waiting for me to put them on and the colorful balls and game sets.

Ah yes!  The color of Christmas and I will forever be a child at this time of the year!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate. wishing you a happy, holy, and safe Christmas!

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB). In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same. You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

My precious Christmas friend: Little Christmas tree

It was the night before Christmas and in my dreams I slipped lazily and happily into memory lane.  Another time had come, and as I stood there the little Christmas tree twinkled in front of my eyes.  The tree smelled so wonderful!  It gave off the scent of warm pine.  The colored lights danced in front of my eyes as they took turns blinking on and off.

I moved, oh so carefully, towards my little Christmas tree, being careful not to step on packages neatly piled in front of it.  I had to get as close as I could so as to see everything.  My partial sight only allowed me the luxury of seeing things very close up and at best only a few things at a time. Nevertheless, it was enough for me.

I gingerly reached out and placed my index finger on one of the little lights, a little yellow one.  Then I took my time at identifying other colors.  Red, blue, and green. Then I had to take my time at finding a spot where there were no lights.  I found it after a few moments and I held a tiny portion of a branch between my fingers.

Next I looked upwards and found the star at the very top.  I stood gazing for quite some time, thinking of the story that my parents would tell me every Christmas: the night that Jesus was born.  What a lovely memory for me.  Then I bent down and felt for some of the packages and finally I made my way to where the manger had been set up.  There I spent most of my time, examining each little figure: Baby Jesus in the arms of Mary and Joseph, the three Wise Men, the shepherds, and the animals.

Ah!  That was a memory of when I was a child and had enough vision to see it all then.  Now I can only recall this memory each Christmas and that’s okay for me.  At least I have a memory that I can recall and one that I can cherish forever. Merry Christmas everyone!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you happy Christmas dreams!

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).
In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

A lifetime of precious memories: Christmas is for me

I have had the good fortune to enjoy many wonderful Christmases, with and without vision, and it does not matter!  Christmas is for me.  The smells and the sounds, the laughter and the merry making.

When I had enough sight, I used to enjoy going out to window shop.  To see the bright colorful lights, the flickering candles in the church, Santa's bright red suit, and streets crowded with throngs of folks of all ages.  I also loved to smell the scent of rich pine, cakes and goodies baking in ovens, and taste the various Christmas foods and drinks.  I loved to walk in the snow and watch those big white snowflakes race each other to the ground. But most of all, I loved to ice skate around those huge outdoor rinks decorated with Christmas lights.

That was then and this is now but not much has changed for me.  True it is that I can no longer see the flickering candles, the colorful Christmas lights, and the big fat snowflakes, but this does not prevent me from enjoying this special time of the year.  My sense of smell is still intact along with my sense of taste and I use my memories of years gone by to help me along.  I focus on the times when I could see and intermingle those memories with the now.  I am blessed!  I am lucky!  With or without sight, Christmas is for me!  I am a kid at heart, playing with my talking games, playing my electronic keyboard, and my Christmas CDs.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, Joyeux Noèl, and Feliz Navidad to you all!
I'm Donna J. Jodhan.  Will see you again in the New Year.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
Visit my online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com.

Dear Readers:
This is a personal request from me for you to join my campaign against bullying (CAB).

In 2012 I launched my own campaign against bullying in response to appeals from friends and associates.  I decided to try something new and here it is.

You can support my campaign against bullying (CAB) and in return for your valuable contribution I will send you a thank you gift.  Visit www.jodhanmysterybook.club to learn more. I will use all contributions to promote workshops to help others protect themselves from bullying and teach them how to launch their own anti-bullying campaigns.

In addition, I will produce blogs and podcasts to help me spread my campaign and to convince others to do the same.

You may also visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html and browse through my selections.

Help me to stop the spread of bullying  and to show others how to combat bullies.

About my audio mysteries: Patterned after the "Murder she wrote!" and "Murdoch mysteries!" Where mystery is the order of the day. Meet Detective DJ and the Crime Crushers.  You won’t want to miss out on any of her audio mysteries!  Filled with gripping drama and unbelievable plots, you won’t be able to stop listening until the very end and then you’ll be craving for more – there is mystery behind every mystery!

Detective DJ writes and records her own audio mysteries. She uses the power of words to create and solve her crimes, and then she draws you in and before you know it – you’re all caught up in the plot!  But alas, at the end of it all, when you think you’ve identified the perpetrator, she surprises you once more and you’re left absolutely stunned and amazed!

Forever in my mind: Remembering the Rossi's store

Talk about a variety store that I used to frequent at least once a week and this was the Rossi's store in Montreal.  In fact, there were two of them close enough to where I lived and I frequented both.

Those were the days, as they would say!  When I would simply go in and start to browse.  I would enter empty-handed and by the time I would be ready to leave I would either be carrying an armful of purchases or just something small.

Visually, the Rossi's store held everything for me.  From toys and teddy bears to framed photos.  From clothes to sheets and towels and from stationary to cosmetics and cutlery to kitchen stuff.  Christmas time was always the time when this store went out of its way to sell all kinds of decorations.  From tabletop Christmas trees to ornaments and so much more.

I made my first visit to Rossi's with Char and Chris and many more after this. Then I went with Nella and with Francine.  Then, when I obtained my first cornea transplant, I would make it a habit to go there whenever I could on my own.

Ah, yes!  Memories of Rossi's forever!

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

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 favorite haunt: Remembering the Bo Peep Restaurant

Ah, yes!  The Bo Peep Restaurant, with its lingering smells of deliciously cooked food, the warmth of its staff, and everything good about it.

I was a regular visitor there and I went often with others and sometimes on my own.  I used to sit and enjoy it all and with functional vision at my disposal it was so very easy for me to spend time there just hanging out and watching the world go by.

I always enjoyed the cabbage rolls, the Ontario turkey dinner, and the roast beef.  I went with friends and even took clients there.  The Bo Peep was so very accessible to persons with disabilities.

The entrances were wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.  The booths were the same and the aisles afforded great ease of passage.

The staff really knew how to be of service to seniors and persons with a disability.  They were patient and were always so very willing and ready to explain and assist.  I think that many restaurants of today could easily learn from the Bo Peep which closed in 2004.

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

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

Such treasured memories: Remembering the White Rose Nursery

This was one of my favorite haunts, as they say: visits to the White Rose Nursery and I was so very sorry to see it close.  Oh, how much I used to enjoy going with Mom and Gabriella to choose plants and all kinds of decorations.

At the beginning of planting season, which was in May, we would go there to choose our flowers.  I still remember how very colorful they were, from impatiens to begonias and from marigolds to so many other types of plants and flowers.

We would start outside with the outdoor plants.  Mom would lead the charge with Gabriella and me following closely behind.  She would meticulously choose and then allow us to pack them gently in the cart.  Next we would venture indoors to pick up the plant food and other supplies.

In November we would return to choose our Christmas decorations and, oh, how much I cherished these visits.  There were all kinds of decorations, from ornaments of all kinds and sizes to hollies and poinsettias.

As I sit here writing this, the colors are simply dancing around in my head. All of the sights and sounds of that good old White Rose Nursery are very much alive in my mind!  Oh, how much I miss White Rose!  Another memory for me to cherish and I am sure glad that I was able to take all of this in while I had functional 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 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

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 rare and special lady: Saying farewell to Manon

It was so very somber, the day that I had to say farewell to Manon.  I first met her in 2006 when she was introduced to me as my new banking officer. From then until May 2017, she was a constant in my life.

I knew then that I was losing someone very special!  Someone who had so many times gone out of her way to ensure that my needs and requirements were met.

Manon did everything possible to ensure that I was comfortable when carrying out my banking.  She never made me feel inadequate and I sure appreciated her positive attitude whenever it came to ensuring that my documents were properly signed, initialed, and executed.

I would say this: Manon's friendly voice sure matched her personality! There could never have been a more perfect match!  She loved the Canadiens hockey team and so did I.  She loved to laugh and so did I.  She loved to chat and so did I!

Good luck, Manon, now that you are retired.  Stay well now and never lose your happy spirit.

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

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