Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Friday, February 28, 2025

Davia and I at practice: What about my piano?

 

At the end of the day I feel that I could have done more to play my piano keyboard while visiting Mom. Thank Goodness for Davia’s gentle persona and patience.

I played some days with Davia listening and coaching and I played Christmas carols. I played about 17 all together.

Davia and I had lots of fun doing this and I plan to play again when I return.

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
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Friday, December 22, 2023

Time to start celebrating

 

No time like the present for me, with my cat by my side, to start celebrating the Christmas holiday season. It’s funny how our pets really enjoy listening to a musical instrument.  Chester is no different and he simply loves it whenever I or anyone else plays the piano.

Thank goodness that he never comments on my piano playing but just having him hanging out with me is so much fun.

He does not know the words to the songs that I play but that’s just okay with me.  He does not know the melodies but it does not matter to me.  I am just happy to have him with me and he seems to enjoy it all.  Even my humming does not seem to affect him.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all! A 2024 tthat will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give a gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan
Would love to hear from you as well.
You can reach me at donnajodhan@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

When determination calls:Taking my piano playing more seriously

This has been a struggle for me for the past few years but I am bound and determined to be better at this.  I have two lovely keyboards at home; a full electronic piano and an electronic multi purpose keyboard.

I got up to grade five in my piano playing as a student  and I know that Mom and Dad had always wanted me to go much further.  Truth be told, I do enjoy playing and I have composed quite a few songs.

So, onwards we go and this is going to be one of my top priorities moving forward.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly 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


Thursday, June 3, 2021

She broke my heart! Remembering Whitney Houston

She had a voice as pure as an angel and how I wish that I could sing like her; but only in my dreams!  These were the thoughts that I resurrected to remember her on her passing in February 2021.

I remembered crying my heart out when I heard the news!  Oh, Whitney!  How could you have done this to me and to the world?  What went so very wrong  and why could you not have been saved from this horrible ship wreck?

You have left an unfixable void in the world of entertainment. But, most of all in the lives of so many, including me.

I never met you!  I only heard your pure and beautiful voice and I shall always carry images of you with me because I was able to see what you looked like when I had functional vision.

Rest well, Whitney.

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Thank you so much Karen Maurer: Happy music with Karen


These were such happy days for me! Times spent during afternoons or in the evening after supper making happy music with Karen.  We would often get together in the living room of Penfield House at the Montreal Association for the Blind.


I found it to be so much fun! It was relaxing and Karen was always so very willing and ready to accompany my piano playing on her recorder. Karen was tremendously talented and could play any melody to accompany me. She even composed a nifty little tune for us to play.


When Noreen passed on we gave a concert in her honour for the staff of Penfield and it was packed. We managed to play 20 songs and oh how we both enjoyed it! Yes, happy memories of playing music with Karen!


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.


Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan


Thursday, August 20, 2020

This was long overdue: Recommitting to my piano playing


For me, I think that this is a very long overdue commitment and one that embarrasses me at times. I have had two of the finest electronic keyboards in my home for many years now and yet I have never taken my commitment, or rather re-commitment, seriously enough.


So hats off to the Covid for having encouraged and driven me to make good on my recommitment. This is probably a tongue in cheek comment on my part for lack of a better comment.


So I'll do my best to commit to 3 times per week. I'll practice my scales and finger exercises and then follow this up with playing my easy-going pieces at each session. Not sure where this is going but the important thing here is that I'll get to enjoy some well-needed down time each time I play.


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.


Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan


Thursday, August 13, 2020

Keeping my mind intact: Limiting my listening

 

We are living in very uncertain times; times where we are never sure what to expect to see and hear. It can either control your thought process or you can choose not to let it do so.


I choose not to let it do so and I do this by only listening twice daily to the news. Early in the morning and then in the evening. Throughout the day I fill my listening with radio and TV programs that focus on such things as cooking shows, light entertainment and, of course, soft and easy listening music.


For me, it is the only way to keep my sanity and to stay focused. Above all, to remain on track.


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.


Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan


Friday, April 19, 2019

She never complained when I made a mistake: When Yella listened to me play my piano


She did not come very often but whenever she did she would come quietly into the living room and there she would lie and listen.  I could hear her coming, her little feet tapping gently on the floor.  Then she would squeeze through the half-opened door and walk past me and take up her position. There she was, lying on the floor not too far from the side of the piano.

Many a time I would finish practicing my piano pieces and then I would leave her there snoozing happily away.  Some time later she would realize that I had finished and left her there and then she would come sluggishly out of the living room.  She was neither happy nor sad; she was just Yella listening to me play.

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

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Oh, my beloved Granny! Granny's favourite song


For as long as I shall live, I will remember that her favourite song was the hymn "Bless This House."  And she never tired of asking me to play it on my piano for her.

Sometimes I would complain but there were times when I did my best to fulfill her request.   Granny never asked me for very much in my life or her life and I just wish that as young as I was I could have understood more clearly and complied more freely.

"Bless This House" is a lovely hymn.  The tune is melodious and sombre but it is the words that are so very meaningful.

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


Thursday, March 15, 2018

Such treasured times: Saturday shopping with Char and Ray


I never knew what to expect but each time I went shopping with Char and Ray it turned out to be a unique experience.  Char was always up for an adventure and her husband, Ray, never disappointed us.

We went anywhere and everywhere.  We would first eat a quick breakfast and then it was off to conquer the world!  We went record shopping where we almost always came away with something.  The record stores were always crowded with record seekers and Char and I would go from rack to rack where she would read me the names of the various artists and I would get to choose what I wanted.

Then we would visit the clothes shops and take time to examine the sweat shirts and jeans.

Sometimes we would go to the hockey shops at the Montreal Forum and this was probably one of my favorite haunts.  We bought cards, sweat shirts, and even jackets.  Sometimes we would buy mugs and other memorabilia.

Our jaunts down St. Catherine's Street were priceless memories.  Char and Ray would walk on each side of me, with me hanging on to Char's arm.  We walked leisurely and as we did Ray would tell us what each store was selling.  Sometimes we would go into the store to explore but at other times we would bypass them and keep walking.

Finally, at around 1 pm or so, we would find a nice family restaurant and there we would locate a booth at the back of the restaurant where we would sit and enjoy our lunch.  Then it would be back home to go over our loot.

Ah, yes!  Such precious memories!

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.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2017

A heartfelt thanks: Remembering Penfield


Penfield House at the Montreal Association for the Blind is where I met so many kids that have become my friends for life.  Most of all, it is where I met my best friend, Char. Today, I am still friends with not just Char but Chris, Dar, and others.

This was so many years ago and it is just like yesterday.  My dorm room was so luxurious.  We had all the amenities to keep us in comfort and style and the meals were so very delicious.

We attended college and oh, yes!  We skipped classes every now and then. During the summer Char and I went riding in tandem at the back of Penfield House.  Char taught me how to roller skate and play basketball.  We played broom hockey, various card games, and drank tea and ate cookies at
night.

Karen and I had our two-person band, she on the recorder and me on the piano.  We played mainly at night and on weekends whenever she did not go home.  Noreen and others often came to listen and then Karen and I had this little concert in memory of Noreen after she had passed on.  Susan Russell
was our emcee and so many people from the MAB attended.  I'll never forget that day!

Linda Smoke kept me on track with my studies and there was Ruth Macleod and John and Giselle Hall for mobility, Judy Potts, Kathie Palmer and Jennifer Coppold for occupational therapy and Bill Rudkin and so many others helping me in every way.

I must not forget to mention Jay Wodsworth. He escorted me to class every day during my first days at Penfield as I did not know my way and had to learn my mobility.

The thing that I will be forever grateful for is that so many staff members pitched in to help me, and not just with my daily tasks!  They read to me, recorded books and handouts for me, and did everything that they could to help me complete my studies.

From the late Jeff Tessler to Sandra Dorfman, Ruth Robillard and Donna Woods, Fred Collins and William Rudkin Sr.: they were all my readers.  From Dorothy Allen and Marion Torpy to Joyce Leach and Karen and Jamie Prieur and Linda Smoke and her husband, Jerry, to Tony Russell; these were my greatest supporters.

Then there was Donna-Marie Patton, Maralyn Caners, Ellianne Masson, Nicole Caron, Suzanne Billideau, Maralyn Bridgeman, Lorina Pottier, Dollie Hicks, Judie Fletcher, Harry Morrison, and if I have left out anyone then my sincerest of apologies.

A special thanks must go out to Paul Gareau, Dr. John Simms, and Wilfred Williams and oh, yes!  Joan Stryde.

I had five Montreal moms: Dorothy Allen, Marion Torpy, Joyce Leach, K McCrimmon, and K Smith.  They were all there for me when I had my terrible accident and we have remained friends after all of these years!  Then my dear math teacher, Betty Tate! From Wilfred Williams to Dr. John Simms; I shall never forget!

They were all mentors to me and each in their own way helped to make me a better person!  Thank you, Penfield House!  Thank you, MAB!  Thank you, everyone!

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

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

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Friday, April 14, 2017

School time: Remembering concert costumes


My first memory of concert costumes was when I was slotted to play Little Boy Blue at a Christmas concert. The next time was when I was dressed as an angel in a skit called the Eight Bells of Christmas.  Then I was dressed as Mother Hubbard and after that my days as a so called would-be child actress ended mercifully.

I will be honest here and let you know that being in concerts was not an easy task for me.  I did not like it. I was almost always very anxious and nervous and even when I was chosen to be in a choir or even perform a piano solo or duet, I would practically have bad dreams before the actual event.

Christmas concerts were the order of the day for our grade school and many of my classmates practically lived for these moments.  Not me!  Sure, I enjoyed the excitement but I would almost always be praying that I would not be chosen to be a part of it!

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

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

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.takeanother5.com
And available for download from iTunes and Google music play

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

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

A treasured memory: My little blue piano

I can still remember this little gem and oh how much fun I had with it.  I am not sure how old I was when my parents bought it for me but I sure remember those wonderful times as a kid.

The notes were so clear.  There were only 2 octaves without the black notes or sharps.  I was able to pick tunes on it and my brother, Jeffrey, was always along for the ride.  He was also able to pick out a few tunes and we used to sit together as we had fun.

I even learned how to play the British Anthem on it and this was my pride and joy of the day as Mom and Granny were my faithful coaches.

Christmas time was the best for me.  I used to bang out those Christmas songs and carols and Mom and Granny were my audience along with Yella, our Labrador dog.  She used to come and lie close by and most of the time she would either fall asleep or spend time listening whenever she could keep her eyes open.

Ah yes!  That was my little blue piano with its notes as clear as bells.  Not sure whatever happened to it but I'll always remember it!

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

Friday, August 7, 2015

Can I enjoy a concert?


This is a question that I am often asked by those who do not really know me. The answer is a resounding yes and as a general rule of thumb, one does not have to be able to see in order to enjoy a concert.

True it is that it does help to be able to see but I can definitely use my listening skills to help me enjoy a concert. There is nothing better than being able to appreciate great singing and instrument playing. Nothing more enjoyable than being able to get involved in what is being said up on stage.

So, back to the question at hand: Can I, as a blind person, enjoy a concert? Most definitely!

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

Follow me on twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
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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!"

Thursday, December 12, 2013

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.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Christmas is for me


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

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

That was then and this is now but not much has changed for me. True it is that I can no longer see the flickering candles, the colorful Christmas lights, and the big fat snowflakes, but this does not prevent me from enjoying this special time of the year. My sense of smell is still intact along with my sense of taste and I use my memories of years gone by to help me along. I focus on the times when I could see and intermingle those memories with the now.

I am blessed! I am lucky! With or without sight, Christmas is for me! I am a kid at heart, playing with my talking games, playing my electronic keyboard, and my Christmas CDs.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, Joyeux Noèl, and Feliz Navidad to you all!
I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate. Come by and enjoy some of my audio mysteries at www.donnajodhan.com.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Ruthie's Gym Show


A few months ago I had the pleasure and privilege of attending Ruthie's Gym Show. Ruthie is my eldest niece and what a delight she is. I have watched Ruthie grow from a baby to becoming and blossoming into a bright and delightful young lady who is now married to a wonderful man and she has a great daughter. I am extremely fortunate that I have had this opportunity to watch someone grow from birth to the present.

Back to the gym show. It was a different way for me to enjoy this type of event given that I can no longer see what's going on around me or on stage. So what did I do? I started by enjoying the music and then Mom described as much as she could to me as the various dances and gym displays moved along.

I allowed the images to dance in my mind and I used Mom's descriptions to create my own pictures of what was going on. Maybe my pictures were not always accurate but that's okay. In my mind's eye I saw kids of all ages dancing, jumping, and doing their various gymnastics. I imagined their costumes and everything else. At the end of it all I had a wonderful time!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to share my blogs with others. Come by and visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Or you can chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

My early memories of the radio


I do remember that as a child the radio was my constant companion. I listened to it as often as I could and this is how I learned all about the big wonderful world. I listened to the news, followed all of the children's programs and bedtime stories, followed the sporting events, but most of all there was my music. Heck, I often heard the news before my siblings could read it in the newspapers.

As a blind kid, it was one of the fastest ways to learn, get my info, and keep up with things. I knew and could recite by heart most of the commercials. I used the radio to learn so much and the radio was a part of my daily life.

My radio was almost always with me and oh how I loved it. There were many times when my mom would scold me to put it down so that I could go to sleep and there were so many times when she and granny would join me to listen to those infamous soap operas after supper. Ah, such wonderful memories.

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.sterlingcreations.ca.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Or you can chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

My introduction to music


For as long as I can remember, my introduction to music was one of happy times when I was but a tiny one and my parents had hoped for me to love music. I am not sure if their hopes were driven by the fact that I was blind but that does not really matter.

My mom tells me that at a very early age, I would sit near the family's large radio and engross myself in the music on the radio. She often recollects how I used to just sit there and become lost in the melodies and how I would do my best to listen intently and then try to replicate it on my baby piano. My foot would be tapping away and my face would have an expression of wonderment.

My first memory of my baby piano was a little blue one with black and white notes. Then came the red clarinette, the silver trumpet, and then the xylophone with the colored keys: pink, green, and yellow keys. I loved them all and cherished each one for everything that they afforded me. There was also the flute with the green and yellow bars.

In those days, I played extensively by ear and then one day shortly after my 8th birthday, I received a very precious gift: my very own big piano with all 88 notes. For this I shall always thank my parents. I picked many of my melodies by ear and oh how I loved to do it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to visit my website at www.donnajodhan.com where you can be a part of my audio mysteries.
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan.
Or you can chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Music and color


This is how I manage to spark my imagination whenever I sit down to write my detective stories or, for that matter, anything else. I think of a particular sound or song and then I build my creations by inserting color into this mix. It may sound crazy to you but trust me when I tell you that it works for me.

So, this is how it works. When I sit down to write one of my audio mysteries, I allow my imagination to think of either a sound or song. My imagination wanders around and searches far and wide. Most times I reject the first and second recommendations from my imagination, but it really does not take a long time before my imagination comes up with something for me that I like.

The song could range from anything such as a piano piece to a ballad by Andy Williams, Engelbert Humperdinck, Whitney Houston, or even Donny Osmond, Michael Jackson, or Mariah Carey. The sound could be anything from birds singing to water flowing, cars racing or children laughing.

After I have chosen my song or sound, I next move to filling in the scene in my mind with color and this is something that is very hard to explain. Finally the text of the scene, and I build this with memories or creations of my own. This is how I match music and color.

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. Come by any time and visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.