I shall never forget: Sweet St. Lucia forever

I don't think that I shall ever tire of singing the praises of this sweet little jewel in the Caribbean!  An island with spirit, personality, warmth, and a perpetual welcoming smile on its face.  From airport to hotel and from supermarket to mall, it has always been the same for me!

Such lovely beaches, ocean, and blue skies with birds making them their playground!  Such wonderful food and music!  And the best: the wonderful St. Lucians!

I consider myself to be so very lucky because I have had the good fortune to be visiting since 2010 and I truly hope that I'll have many more years of visiting and enjoying!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
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.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

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Lingering childhood memories: Remembering the beach houses

These memories shall forever stay with me.  As a child I had the privilege of spending so many joyous holidays in beach houses that were so warm, welcoming and filled with terrific memories.  I can tell you that these houses were always filled with shouts of glee!  Laughter and shrieks!  Noisy kids running to and fro and exciting games being played inside and outside of the houses.

Even our dogs got into it; barking with delight, chasing each other, and running with and after us! Then there were the beaches and the ultimate prize!  The warm waters of beautiful oceans filled with waves of all sizes.

Oh, yes!  Those sunny days filled with cloudless blue skies!  Sandy beaches where we built castles and dug sand pools and made them in so many different shapes!  Fishing in the lagoons and walking in their warm waters.

Racing with the dogs on the beach and us kids simply swimming freely in the sea with Dad watching over us all!

Oh, how I wish those days could somehow return, but alas!  They are gone forever but not my memories!  Beach houses in Toco and Mayaro!  Pictures that shall fill my mind forever and I did it all with precious little 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
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.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Happy days! Remembering the seaside churches

The thing about these memories is that these were churches that practically stood at the edge of beaches.  They were all so very quaint and very special to me.

They were small churches filled with congregations that knew all of the prayers.  They knew all of the hymns and they were such friendly and faithful folks.

We, as a family, always sat closer to the middle of the church and we always sat together.  I sang along with the congregation and prayed as hard as they did.  I dutifully went with Mom to receive Holy Communion and I always felt that I had to do the best that I could when attending mass.

I could not see those around me but I was always comforted by their warmth and their welcoming manner.  I knew that more often than not they would probably give me more than a glance when they realized that I was vision-impaired but that was just fine with me.  It did not matter to me because I
had other priorities, like praying as hard as I could.

This was my childhood memory of those wonderful seaside churches, forever imprinted on my mind.

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 
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.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A childhood memory: Remembering the jellyfish

They were all large and if you ever got too close to them they would simply use their threads to reach out and sting you with them.

Some were blue and some were pink and they hung out on the beach after having been washed up on shore by the waves.  So we had to be super careful when walking along. 

Most times Granny and Mom would spot them and use a stick to burst them as they were usually very puffy and when struck they simply burst and disintegrated.  I do remember once being caught by their threads and, boy, did it ever sting!

I also remember having been able to see them floating along in the calm sea, pink and blue and quite large.  Easter time was their time to make their presence felt.

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
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I could not have desired a better teacher: Learning to swim with Dad

He was probably one of my best teachers.  He was patient, generous, and so willing to teach me. Next to my granny he, too, taught me so much.

My swimming lessons started off with Dad placing water wings around my waist and showing me how to use my arms and legs to move through the water.  This was all done in the calm sea where there were no waves, just the sea as smooth as glass.

Next came Dad gingerly removing my water wings and then showing me how to support myself on my own.  This next step took a bit of getting used to but I knew that his hand was always close by to support me if I were to falter.

At first Dad stayed very close to me but as time moved on he would move further and further away from me until one day when I discovered that, indeed!  He was swimming beside me but about five feet away from me.

Dad taught me the butterfly, breast, and back strokes.  Then he taught me the crawl and then he taught me how to do backward and forward somersaults. Oh, what fun I had with my dad!

We had so much fun together during my swimming lessons.  Most of the time we swam together and sometimes he would challenge me to a race which he almost always won.  Occasionally he would give me a head start and allow me to win the race.

Dad also taught me how to float on my back, surf the waves by jumping over them and he also showed me how to dive under the large breakers.  Sometimes, however, I would misjudge the height of the wave and then I would end up being caught in it and would then be tossed onto the sandy beach.

These were such happy days for me with my dad teaching me all kinds of great things in the sea.  He never tired of teaching me and I never tired of learning from him.

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 memory: My special sea game

I can still remember my special little sea game and I do not think that anyone really knew about it. At least I hope that no one knew.

It was all about me and those wonderful waves.  The big ones and the small ones.  I floated over the small ones and jumped over the big ones.  Then there was good old Dad who was always there to tell me when to jump.

It was amazing how much he was involved but I still do not know if he knew about my games.

He would tell me when to jump and sometimes I got it and sometimes I missed it completely.  Then there were the times when I really missed and the wave would get the better of me and send me sprawling towards the beach where I would land face down at the edge of the water.

Strange, but I was never embarrassed. Just more determined than ever to try again and then Dad would be there to play along.  Ah, yes!  my sea games 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

Remembering Dad's playtime

I guess that almost every girl in town will tell you that theirs is or was the best dad that they have or had and I am no different. No, he was not perfect but almost so!

How well I remember playtime with my beloved Dad. He never hesitated to play with me: games that he made up as we went along, playtime on the beach and in the botanical gardens, but most of all those games that we always played in the ocean.

Dad would toss those large colorful balls to me as we frolicked in the sea and then he would tell me to throw them back to him. It was up to me to ensure that I could catch the ball and throw it back as accurately as possible. Then he would have me jump the waves. He would tell me when to jump as a wave approached.

Most of the time I managed to jump in time but there were those occasions when I missed all together and then I would end up face down on the beach as the wave would toss me there. Or I would find myself inadvertently accepting a mouthful of salt water and there was Dad, chuckling in a low voice!

Playtime on the beach was especially memorable for me. Dad and I built so many sand castles of all shapes and sizes and then we would build those high mountains and towers. I can still remember these wonderful times.

Then there were the times playing in the botanical gardens where we ran, jumped, flew kites, kicked balls, and rode my scooter. Nothing could ever erase these wonderful play time memories of playtime with Dad.

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.

Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.htmland you can even take advantage of our free downloads! Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan

"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!

If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

My friend the sea

My dearest friend: For as long as I have known myself you have always been there for me. You have never failed me. You have always been able to help me cope and you know so well how much I have depended on you to help motivate, encourage, and support me.

Many may think that ours is a somewhat strange friendship but at the end of the day it is really not. I always look forward to smelling your fresh and lingering scent. I always long to hear your waves as they roll gently ashore. I always look forward to feeling your warm water over my body and to your current rocking me gently back and forth in your surf.

I always enjoy tasting your salty water and I always admire the way you are able to come up with some tiny surprise for me every now and then. Like placing a stray shell in my hand as I sit in the surf playing with the sand or tossing a bunch of seaweed onto me as your current goes by.

Yes, my dear sea, you are my special friend and shall always be so. You and I grew up together and I discovered your friendship oh so long ago. You watched silently as I progressed through my teens and into adulthood and you know only too well that I will always come back to you from wherever I am. See you soon!

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.
Visit our online store to either purchase or subscribe for unlimited access to our library at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of our free downloads!
Or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter at www.donnajodhan.com

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"Each time we raise our voice at someone else we are engaging in bullying! Each time we raise our hands to slap or punch someone else we are also engaging in bullying and each time we engage in actions to either manipulate or force someone else to do what we want we are also engaging in bullying!

There is no room in this world for bullying and each day we fail to take action against bullying it is another day that we allow others to bully us and our kids. Our heroes and role models are the ones who have made us proud; those brave young men and women who gave their lives for us in past wars and those who continue to do so. They are not the ones who choose to be racists and those who believe that their bad behaviour in public is acceptable.

I write and record audio mysteries that are being used at such events as murder mystery evenings as well as at public awareness and team building events. I promote understanding, tolerance, and problem solving and my audio mysteries continue to be broadcasted around the world and you can listen to them anywhere! On the plane or train! In the car or right there in your home! On your i device or computer!

Please join my campaign against bullying (CAB) by supporting my efforts to keep on writing and recording!
If you truly care then you will certainly dare!"

Walking on the jetty

This is probably one of the most interesting sensations for me: walking on the jetty.

When I had enough vision to appreciate my surroundings, I used to love to walk on the jetty and admire the water lapping at the jetty's structure. It was so lovely, water gently lapping at the jetty and a fresh crisp breeze blowing through my hair and down my cheeks. Sun shining down on me or a bright moonlight overhead.

This was when I could see but now it is somewhat different walking on the jetty with practically no vision. I often do this with family members in attendance. They walk very closely beside me and go out of their way to describe my surroundings: boats in the bay or sailing out to sea. Other people walking along and swimmers enjoying the peaceful ocean. Fish jumping high into the air some distance away and me and my family just walking along on a pleasant and almost perfect day!

Sometimes the jetty would shake slightly as the water lashes it. Sometimes it is moist from the water's spray and at other times it is dry and hard. Sometimes the surface of the jetty is hot to the touch while at other times it is cool and it all depends on the time of day.

Ah yes! Memories of my beloved jetty!

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This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

That Air Canada silver jet bird

Oh how beautiful she was to me! Gliding lazily over a rich blue Caribbean sea with the sun blazing down on her! She was big but graceful! She was fast and noiseless and she was the best!

I shall always remember her each time I travel to the Caribbean. In better times I used to board her on flights to the Caribbean, but sadly enough she no longer goes there!

So many of us used to stand and simply admire her beauty! I for one always looked back at her each time I disembarked at the airport! There she would stand, proud and upright! She sparkled or rather glittered in the warm Caribbean sunshine and her maple leaf displayed so proudly on her sleek body!

Yet another memory for me to keep carefully treasured in my memory bank. I can no longer see things like this type of image but that's okay! I have it all memorized!

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

Swimming in the sea with precious little vision

I may not have very much vision now, as a matter of fact it is almost zero, but this does not prevent me from enjoying my swims in my beloved sea. For whereas some years ago I could see things like fellow swimmers, the shore, the blue skies and clouds overhead, the white-capped waves and color of the sand and sea, this is no more for me.

In distant times I knew where the shore was through visual cues. I could see people walking on the beach, the color of the sand, and so much more. Now whenever I want to find the shore I need to use my orientation and gauge things through the movement of the current.

I'll tell you that at first when I had to start using this method it was very scary and nerve-wracking, but I have grown used to it and it's great fun swimming in a new type of environment. I now use my memory to help me enjoy swimming in my beloved sea. I can conjure up the face of the sun, the color of the sea, waves, and sand, and images of boats sailing by and blue skies and puffy white clouds as my ceiling.

Sometimes I venture out to sea a little further than what my mom would like, but that's the fun for me! Venturing beyond the deep blue sea so to speak. Ah yes! Swimming in my beloved sea!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to share my blogs with others. Visit www.afb.org to learn more about the world of blind persons.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

My vision of St. Lucia

I have put my imagination to work here as I formulate a vision of the tiny Caribbean island of St. Lucia. With precious little vision to help me, I have developed a recipe of smells, sounds, feel, and touch to form the base of my vision. These are the ingredients that I use almost always now to help me formulate my memories and visions.

Since 2010, Mom and I have been spending my vacation time in St. Lucia and we plan to return annually for as long as we are able to. My vision of St. Lucia may not exactly match what this tiny island really looks like but I hope that it is close enough to give you a picture.

So here goes. Ah yes! St. Lucia! One of the shining jewels of the Caribbean. An island made up of lush green scenery. An island with lots of sunshine, terrific beaches, and sea bathing and swimming rivaled by very few other islands. I imagine that the sea is of a jade green color. The sand is golden brown, and the lazy white capped waves are something to behold. The skies are almost always a medium blue. Boats sail soundlessly by. Swimmers frolic in the surf while others walk leisurely on the beach.

The food is awesome, a combination of French and Caribbean cuisine. The people are almost always smiling and are dressed in bright colors. These are my impressions of lovely St. Lucia and it is what will remain with me forever.

The sweet fragrance of the ocean! The fresh smell of the sea breeze! The wafting odors of St. Lucian cooking! Ah yes! Forever in my mind!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my memories with others. Come by any time and visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.


Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/author.jodhan

This is a personal message from author Donna Jodhan
"If you either are or have been a victim of crime, violence, abuse, or bullying, and if you are simply tired of being bombarded with audios and scenes of the above, then I am asking for your support. I have written and recorded audio mysteries that are completely void of vivid descriptions of sex, crime, and violence because I firmly believe that it is time for us to use the spoken word to help influence our kids to start listening to content that is clean and healthy. By doing this we can all do our part to tackle crime in a positive and meaningful way and it only costs pennies per day.Visit my online store at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
I thank you and your kids will also thank you!"

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
Come by and enjoy some of my audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com.

Bicycling with Dad

These precious memories shall forever remain in my memory bank. As early as I can remember, Dad and I used to bicycle whenever we could. In those days, my vision was very limited but it never stopped me from wanting to bicycle with him.

My first bike was a four wheel one and then I graduated to the three wheel and finally to the two wheeler. Dad was always there to be with me. At first, he walked alongside me as I rode and then when I got good enough he bicycled next to me.

My favorite memories were those of riding on the beach with him. He cruised along with me and allowed me to cycle as fast as I could. Then, when he felt that I was ready, he challenged me to races. I am almost sure to this day that he almost always allowed me to win. That was my dad: always encouraging, motivating, and challenging.

We rode mainly in the morning or late in the afternoon. As I rode I would look towards the waves breaking gently against the shore and then down at the golden sand. Dad never failed to give me a running commentary of everything that was around me as we rode. From a description of the blue skies and white clouds, to the rolling waves and blue green sea and fishes jumping in the ocean close to shore to children playing on the beach and parents strolling close by. So many wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my blogs with others. Come by and visit me at www.donnajodhan.com and there you will find some really interesting and exciting audio mysteries written by me.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

Using the water wings

They were a deep blue and yellow and how I loved them. They were what my dad would make me wear each and every time we went swimming in the sea. That was, until I learned how to swim. They were my constant companion each time we went swimming and they are what I used to learn how to swim.

I really do not remember when I graduated from not having to use them but that's really okay. Dad would take me swimming and allow me to paddle around. I would lie on my back and look up at the blue skies and gorgeous sun. Then I would flip onto my tummy and look down on the sun playing on the surface of the sea. Dad was always within reach if I needed him. Some times he would hold on to my wings and then at other times he would allow me to swim on my own but I knew that he was always right there with me.

I do not quite remember this part but I believe that my twin brother Jeffrey also had wings. My elder brother, Robert, did not have any as he was four years older than Jeffrey and me and was a good swimmer. After the water wings came the pink water pal and then after that I was allowed to swim as free as a fish.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my memories with others. Visit me any time at www.sterlingcreations.ca.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

Remembering the boat ride

This memory is still so very fresh in my mind despite its age. It's just like yesterday when my parents allowed a friend of the family to take me for a short boat ride. I was probably no more than six years old then but, boy, do I remember.

My dad placed me carefully on the passenger seat of the boat. He strapped me in and then he and my mom stood by as Ronald got in beside me and then pushed off. I remember looking back once at my parents and then it was away with Ronald.

In those days, I had a bit of vision, enough to enjoy what was immediately around me. The sun was shining on the water and all around me. The waters of the ocean rushed past our little boat and slapped gently against the sides of the boat. I sat upright in my seat and looked around. Of course, I could only see a bit but that was enough for me.

Ronald rowed strong and talked to me all of the time. He described the boat to me, not too big and not too small. A blue boat that was very pretty. He sang songs with me and treated me very much like a grown-up. Oh, how I loved it all and still remember it all.

The air smelled so fresh and fragrant. The sea was so calm, and I could hear birds around me. Forever in my memory.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to share my thoughts with others. Come by any time and listen to some of my audios at www.donnajodhan.com.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.

When I discovered the star fish

I was just a kid then and on a very sunny day with the breeze blowing through my hair and rolling down my cheeks, and the sun so warm and the sea water so fragrant, my dad placed a little star fish into the palm of my hand and then he told me all about star fishes.

He patiently described the little sea creature to me and allowed me to play with it. I was so curious about the little star fish. I touched him very gingerly and then I accidentally broke one of its little legs. I remembered feeling so bad. I could not really make out what he looked like but both my parents described him to me in great detail.

Then I wanted to take him home but my mom said that I could not because we had to send him home to his own mom. I was heart broken but somehow understood. I kept that memory with me for as long as I could and today, it is still very fresh in my mind. Just the memory of him lying in my little hand and me touching him and listening to my parents tell me all about star fishes is enough for me to smile and remember.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my thoughts with others. Visit www.acb.org to learn more about the world of blind kids.

Remembering the beach ball

Oh how well I remember my favourite beach ball! He was a colored beach ball; bright red, yellow, orange, green, and blue. Each time I went to play with him, I had to blow air into him. He was made out of some sort of plastic fabric.

I took such good care of him. I even placed him at the foot of my bed after playing with him and I was always so protective of him. I never wanted to let anyone else play with him and I always had to know his whereabouts.

As a blind child, my beach ball was one of my best friends and truth be told, I went through several beach balls while growing up. You see, each time one of those treasured balls punctured, my parents would go out and buy me another and they did it as quickly as possible. I welcomed each ball with the same love and friendship and each of them brought me such great joy.

Dad would play with me and my beach ball on the beach or in the sea and sometimes my brothers would sneak it away from me and play with it as well. That was just fine as long as they eventually brought it back to me. Ah yes, memories of my beloved beach ball!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my memories with others. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

My beloved sea

I will never tire of talking about my beloved sea; its fragrant smell, its calming sound, the feel of its gentle waters against my body, the taste of its salty water, and the memories of it all. When I had enough vision to see this beautiful wonder of nature, I would sit for minutes on end just watching it.

I can still remember those white-capped waves breaking gently against the shore; foam that looked so much like lace. The blue and green colors beyond the breakers, and the sun playing games on the surface of the water. Sometimes I could just make out fish leaping into the air out in the ocean and boats with sails of various shapes and sizes cruising quietly out at sea.

I adore the sea; I love everything about it, and not being able to see it has not lessened my love for it. Truth be told, I would love to live by the sea but who knows what the future will bring me.

In the meantime, I can only remember my beloved sea; swimming in it, playing in it, walking in it, and just remembering.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to share my thoughts about my beloved sea. Come by any time and visit me here at www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com.

Ocean versus swimming pool

As a blind swimmer, much of the sighted world may think that my preference would be for a swimming pool. Right? Wrong! My preference is for the ocean. True it is that a swimming pool has walls and I'd be much better at finding my way around. Probably so but the ocean is still my preference.

Oceans have currents and swimming pools do not but my preference is still for the ocean. Oceans have sand that many people do not like the feel of on their skin and swimming pools do not. But my preference is still for the ocean, and why? In an ocean I can swim freely without having to be concerned about bumping into walls. I feel less inhibited in the ocean and I believe that swimming in the ocean is healthier for you.

I love the feel of the rise and fall of the water in the ocean as opposed to the water in a swimming pool. I love to feel the gentle movement of the current as it nudges me along. I don't this in a swimming pool and I can ride the waves in the ocean. Not possible in a swimming pool. Some may argue that a swimming pool may be safer for a blind person to swim in, but I may disagree.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my blogs with others. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.