Martha's masterpiece

I have to admit that I was truly touched when a few months ago my niece, Martha, presented me with a drawing. This was no ordinary drawing; it was not just a drawing that she had decided to do for me at the whim of a fancy. No, it was much more than this and as I carefully placed it on my shelf after she had left us on that very cold fall day in mid November 2014, I stood for one moment in time thanking God that she was my niece and soon the tears came rolling down my cheeks.

You see, Martha had taken the time to draw and paint something very special for me and she ensured that I knew exactly what it was. For not only was it a drawing and a painting, it was done in a manner that I could feel exactly what it was. And, she had signed it in Braille! A painting of vines and my beloved Scottie standing on his purple perch!

Martha knows how very special my bird Scottie was to me and when she was but nine years old she had drawn him sitting on his perch. A beautiful orange canary sitting tall and proud and at that time I had enough vision to appreciate her work of art. However, when I told her that I had lost this precious picture, this beautiful young lady went to work in secret to replace it!

I could feel the vines, the perch, and yes! My beautiful Scottie! Magic under my fingers and perfect to the touch!

Thank you, Martha, for having helped to light up my life! You are a very special person and always will be to me!

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
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!"

Can Blind Persons Enjoy Art?

Here is another question that I am frequently asked and I say in response that every blind person has their own unique way of doing so.  I cannot speak for anyone else nor would it be fair for me to do so.  I can only speak for myself and here is my personal take on the matter.

 

I use my memory to help me enjoy art.  If someone describes a painting to me; my memory kicks into high gear and I am able to conjure up shapes and colors.  My mom probably does the best job of describing anything to me and this includes art.  If the art in question is that of a figure, then I need to work harder at remembering and conjuring up.

 

The thing that gives me the most trouble is my ability to picture animals.  I can do it for dogs, cats, birds, and some cattle but as for other animals like bears, lions, tigers, and so on; it is more difficult.  However, I am always open to enjoying any kind of art.  At least, I try.

 

Some of my favorite memories of pictures include beach scenes, paintings of skies, flowers, greenery, and a rising or setting sun.  It's what keeps me going and enjoying.  I love to remember colors and I can still bring them back into my memory without too much difficulty.

 

If you would like to learn more about how blind persons enjoy and appreciate art then please visit www.nfb.org.

 

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