An alternative: Using my light detector

Yes, I definitely know that there are very good apps that I can use on my I phone to help me detect light.  However, for some reason I continue to use this nifty little gadget that I bought many years ago from a boutique at the Montreal Association for the Blind.

It is small and so very simple to use.  All you need to do is to flip a switch and if the gadget buzzes then it is detecting light.  If there is no buzzing sound then there is no light to detect.  Simple, eh?  However, I do not know if this little gem is still in circulation.

I use it to detect if there is light on my computer screen, to tell me if I have turned off the lights in my home, and more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.
 
If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

Important notice from Donna J. Jodhan
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to share news and or info about yourself or about others, then please read on!
Donna J. Jodhan can help you reach a rapidly growing list of over 12,000 readers and listeners and counting!
All you need to do is to give a listen to her monthly shows and if you like what you hear then here's how it works!
For the very affordable price of $25, Donna will feature your info and news on 2 of her monthly shows.
Once on the Ask Donna show and once on the Dining with Donna show.
Both of these monthly shows run weekly.
This means that your info will be featured twice for the month.
No more having to worry about posting to Facebook!  
You'll be able to engage with ready made readers and listeners!
Your payment of $25 will be prorated as a monthly payment.
So you can either pay monthly, or you can pay as you go.
Just send your info or news to Donna at askdonnaonblindlife@gmail.com
No more than 150 words.
Donna will then post your info or news as soon as you remit payment to her at paypal@donnajodhan.com
To give a listen visit https://www.donnajodhan.com/askdonna and https://www.donnajodhan.com/dwd
Take advantage of this very quick and easy way to reach a ready made audience!

 

Dealing with a surprise: When the blackout came

It was totally unexpected and when it came the entire place went dead silent.  Not being able to see when the lights went out I knew that it had come upon us because my fridge and my TV had been making loud sounds.  Yes, loud sounds and then everything went dead silent.  Thank goodness that my computer was off.  

I sat there and hoped that the electricity would soon return but it did not.  It lasted for a few hours and during that time I took advantage of the quiet time to just relax, recharge, and regenerate.  Truth be told, I enjoyed the down time and when the electricity did finally return I had to fight to get my cable back up and running.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and 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.

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

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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html

and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!

Finally, you can subscribe to my free let's talk tips monthly newsletter by visiting http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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 identifying other colors.  Red, blue, and green.  Then I had to take my time 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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html

and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!

Finally, you can subscribe to my free let's talk tips monthly newsletter by visiting http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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 also 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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html

and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!

Finally, you can subscribe to my free let's talk tips monthly newsletter by visiting http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Why I do it: Communicating with light switches

I am not sure if I can explain this to anyone, let alone to myself, but ever since I lost the ability to see lights in my home I continue to turn light switches on and off. The thing is that I need to make sure that I remember to turn them off.

When I wake up in the morning, I automatically turn on my  kitchen light and then turn it off at night before going to bed.  I turn on my bathroom and office lights but on very rare occasions I forget to turn them off.

So, how do I know when I have forgotten to turn off a light?  For my kitchen, my bird clock would make noise if the light in the kitchen has not been turned off. 

For my bathroom, office, and anywhere else, I just need to be very careful.  Oh yes, just another challenge for me to overcome.

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 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.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.  http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

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

Cherished Christmas memories: Remembering the Weall and Cullen barn

Such wonderful memories for me and especially so at Christmas time when this landmark building would be lit up with all kinds of Christmas lights!  They lit up the building outdoors and I could see it as we approached.

Then, when we entered, there it was!  A fairyland of figures, decorations, lights, churches, nativity scenes, and boundless creations to satisfy anyone's imagination!

For me, my imagination simply came alive and for those very few special magical moments I allowed myself to drift into dreamland where I would become a kid once more and dream to my heart's content.  Oh, how I enjoyed these visits and for the most part I would simply ignore everything around me and enter my little world where I did whatever I wanted.

Those were special days but not so long ago.  This wonderful historical landmark is now no longer around but still I keep on dreaming. Memories 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
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

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!

My favorite time of the year: 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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at http://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 cherished memory forever: 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!

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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at http://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

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 also 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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html
and you can even take advantage of my free downloads!
Or subscribe to my free monthly newsletter at http://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!

Using light switches to help me remember

As things stand, I am no longer able to see the lights in my condo but for some odd reason I still turn them on and off.  Not sure why but I can only say that it somehow helps me to remember.

So I turn them on whenever I enter a room and then I turn them off whenever I leave the room.

Every now and then I forget to turn them off and then I remember some time later.  This has certainly led to some very funny incidents.

For example:  When I turned on the lights in my office to help my friend Imran see what was going on with my computer screens only for him to tell me that the lights were not working.  I never knew that the bulbs had blown.

Or when I do not know that the lights are already on and I go to turn them on.

It is all very entertaining to me and just another facet in my life.

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  jodhanmysterybook.club/about-the-author
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.
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

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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html 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!

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 www.donnajodhan.com/store.html 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!

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 o 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. 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 @www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan.
Come by and enjoy some of my audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com/store.html.
You can download a free sample, purchase, or subscribe to my unlimited access library pass.

Lights on please?

I still smile to myself each time I remember this particular incident. It happened a few years ago when I had a technician over to help troubleshoot some printer problems.

The technician came over at night and I escorted him into my office to have a look. All was going well but then I noticed that the technician had suddenly gone very quiet and was just standing next to my chair. I was about to ask what was the matter when he sheepishly said, "I need to have the lights on."

We both burst out laughing at the same time and he sure understood when I told him that, in my world, I often operate without lights although I do my best to remember to flip them on whenever sighted visitors or assistance come to my home. Truth be told, I flip them on all of the time or at least most of the time even though I can no longer see them.

Old habits die hard and now that I can no longer see, I still remember to turn on the lights at night or whenever I think that it is dark. I just have to remember to turn them off before retiring to sleep.

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
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!"

The different colors of lights

I still love to play this game with myself whenever sleep has decided to play tricks on me. That is, whenever I am unable to enter dreamland quickly.

I have always enjoyed watching colors and it is probably one of the greatest things that I miss now that I am unable to see. My imagination almost always kicks into high gear whenever called upon.

I imagine the colors of lights as easy as anything whenever I want. Red reminds me of an evening in December, ice skating around an outdoor rink. Red lights winking back at me as I skate around with an ice cold wind in my face. A yellow light reminds me of the headlights of cars as they travel along a busy street or neon signs on the fronts of stores.

A green light reminds me of cars getting the signal to go about their business. Purple reminds me of a night at the disco and it is the same for blue. Orange reminds me of a low lit room where everyone is talking in hushed tones. Pink reminds me of anything that is confusing to me after I have had one too many to drink!

These are my memories for what they are worth. The colors of lights on a night when I am unable to sleep. Red, yellow, green, purple, blue, and pink!

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!"

Why I touch light switches

There used to be a time when I could see lights; I used light switches to their fullest but now that I am unable to see lights, I have to be more careful with my light switches. I still turn them on; I am not sure why but despite not being able to see them I get a sense of security whenever I perceive them to be on.

The trick comes at night when I have to go around checking all of my light switches to ensure that they are in the off position. Now and then, I have left on a light and only found out when I went to turn it on or off later on and realized my mistake. Or someone with sight came to visit me and told me that my light was on.

Another situation arises when I discover that a bulb has blown. This circumstance is a bit more difficult for me to detect but it is a part of my life’s challenge. In short, light switches are an important part of my life. No I am not able to see lights, but yes they sure help me to feel comfortable and I really do not mind checking them every night.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to go out there and share my blogs with others. Visit www.afb.org to learn more about how blind persons interact with lights in their homes.