Showing posts with label smell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smell. Show all posts

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Time to relax and enjoy

 

Ah, yes, and it is probably one of the things that I truly enjoy at this time of the year. To relax and enjoy!
To clear my mind and imagination of cobwebs and clutter!
To enjoy the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Christmas!
Cups of hot chocolate! Christmas cookies and cakes!  Minced fruit pies!
Skating on an outdoor rink!
Going shopping and buying gifts for friends and family!
Stuffing backpacks with goodies for a less fortunate family!
Listening to those favourite Christmas carols and songs and singing along.
Then bringing out my keyboard and playing along.
Looking forward to celebrating Christmas mass with my family!

Ah, yes!  Time to relax and enjoy! Time to just say that all of my troubles are miles away!
Must not forget to dream of Santa riding on his sleigh!

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all! A 2024 that 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

Thursday, November 2, 2023

My favourite time of the year: Those fragrant Easter lilies

Ah, yes and these sure are very fragrant and it sure does so much to enrich my Easter time experience!

As they often say, blind/vision-impaired persons probably possess a keener sense of smell at the best of times, but nevertheless for me! Those Easter lilies sure fill my heart and mind with warmth and all good feelings.

I simply love to touch them, smell them, and I just stand there next to them and appreciate them!

They bring back so many memories of unforgettable moments to me!  I smile as I interact with my precious Easter lilies!

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!
 

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Relearning: The food court

 

It is only natural that so many food courts in the malls have changed after the pandemic and the one at Fairview Mall was no different.  So, Stephanie had to reacquaint me with it.

Some fast food outlets were gone but there were some new ones.  This food court seemed a bit larger than the pre pandemic one.

We walked around to get acquainted and Stephie was very good at telling me what was there and this sure helped me to get back on track.

The sumptuous smells were still there but now there were new ones to familiarize myself with.

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

Friday, July 16, 2021

Joy and happiness! Rain and wind

 

These are two things that bring so much joy and happiness to me. Their sounds and their smells are absolutely refreshing and simply a tonic for me, especially so at springtime.

The sound of rain falling on roofs!  The smell of rain as it satisfies the thirst of the earth!  The sounds of cars as they splash on the streets during and after a rain shower.  The feel of raindrops falling around me and across my face as I walk.  Ah, yes!  Rain, rain!

Then there is the wind!  Blowing across my face with wonderful refreshing gentleness as I walk. Wind!  Helping to bolster the sound of trees swaying back and forth, leaves blowing around outdoors, and the super fragrances of blooming flowers and fresh cut grass.  Wind!  helping to cool down things outdoors and give us all possibilities and opportunities to welcome and enjoy spring.

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

Friday, December 18, 2020

Christmas Holiday Thoughts


What would Christmas be without those warm welcoming thoughts to keep me company? My sight may have deserted me but I can still visualize the decorations!


The images of Christmas trees all decked out with colourful winking lights, presents piled high under the tree, and oh yes! The star sitting proudly at the top.


The little manger in the corner of my living room with all of the figures standing at attention and Mary cradling the Baby Jesus in her arms and Joseph close by.


Images of malls all decorated with store fronts showing off toys, clothes for the holiday season, and baked goods. People rushing around with arms filled with all sorts of shapes and sizes of parcels. Kids running around everywhere.


Then let's not forget the smells and sounds of the Christmas season. All good everywhere. These are my cherished thoughts as I welcome Christmas 2020 and not even this cursed Covid is going to spoil my mood!


I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Happy holidays! But most of all! A 2021 that 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 gift the accessibility to families with children with a disability!

Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan


Thursday, April 16, 2020

Wonderful times: Bathing the dogs


You would think that bathing 3 huge dogs would have been lots of problems, but no! They never gave any problems. They would stand quietly and allow us to give them their baths.  Most of the time the water was quite cold but they never complained and never tried to run away.

I loved to spend time bathing them. I would call them and they would come willingly. I would turn on the hose then proceed to make sure that they were well watered down from head to foot.  Then I would soap them with tender love and care and finally I would make sure that they would be rinsed off thoroughly.

Tiger was flat-coated so it was much easier to bathe him than it was for Lion who was very furry. Yella was also flat-coated but smaller than Tiger and Lion. Each dog probably loved being bathed in their own way. It was always so very refreshing when we were done bathing them as they smelled so very fresh and clean.

Just some more childhood memories forever.

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


Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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

Thursday, July 11, 2019

The new light of my life: My lavender plant


Lavender is probably my most favourite fragrance. It reminds me so much of spring time. So, in February of 2019, I decided to treat myself to an early spring present in the middle of a wicked winter. 

On a very cold winter's day, I bought Ms. Lavender at the supermarket and brought her home to be a part of my family. She stands tall and proud on my kitchen counter and her fragrance is strong and constant. I take time each day to visit with her for a moment and to say hi.  She continues to grow and I look forward to having her with me for a very long time.

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Fondest memories forever: Remembering Tragarete Rd


Ah yes!  The smells and sounds of the street on which I grew up!  I'll never forget you, my beloved Tragarete Rd!  With all of your interesting happenings at night, traffic during the day, and horns blaring, kids walking and laughing, and dogs barking and chasing each other.

I shall always remember Craig pontificating every night from his soap box and me listening to him before falling asleep.  The smells of the bakery as it baked all kinds of cakes and breads.  Kids laughing and shouting as they walked home from school, and oh yes!  The dogs barking and chasing each other and the overly happy folks who had a bit too much to drink at night.

Believe it or not, Tragarete Rd was once a very quiet street but today it has blossomed into a main thoroughfare.  All kinds of traffic rumble down its landscape on a daily basis and at night Tragarete Rd does not sleep, unlike the good old days when everything halted between 11 pm and 5 am.

Then there was Christmas time!  Tragarete Rd was filled with the sounds of firecrackers going off!  Kids walking and singing!  The fragrant scent of baking goods, and so very much more!

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

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

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

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

A lifetime of precious memories: Christmas is for me


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, September 14, 2017

So very sorry: When the jasmine died


For those who know me well enough, they will quickly tell you how much I enjoy the smell of jasmine. So, when my jasmine plant died I was really not too happy and, as a matter of fact, quite sad!

My florist had given me this beautiful plant and for a while it had fulfilled my dreams by filling my home with its lovely, fragrant smell.  Each morning I would stop by my jasmine and bend down to touch her.  I always enjoyed being able to play gently with her flowers.

My jasmine was abundant in flowers and leaves.  She was quite large and she had spread out quite a lot, but alas!  One day she had suddenly begun to wither and from there on it was downhill for her.

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, May 24, 2017

A cherished memory: When Dad left on his trip


I can still remember this particular day so clearly, as if it happened only yesterday.  It was a Saturday in early June many years ago and Dad was on his way to Europe with Uncle Ben and his cousins.

I did not want my dad to go because I knew that I would miss him so much and all day long I remember dreading the time he would have to leave.  I was not sure what I would do but one thing for sure was that I knew that Mom would do her best to distract me enough that I would not notice him leaving. This was exactly what she and Granny did.

A family friend brought his daughter over to play with me and so absorbed was I that I never knew when Dad left and when I finally realized that he was gone I burst into tears.  I was not mad that he had left without saying goodbye to me; I was mad that I did not even notice.

I went into his room and laid on his bed and sobbed into his pillows.  Then I turned over on my back and began to pray that he would return the next day but that was never going to be possible.  So I satisfied myself by inhaling the scent of the remaining dregs of his cologne and after a while I joined the rest of the family in the kitchen.

Looking back on it now, it is really interesting how the scent of Dad's cologne helped to calm me.

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

Thursday, December 15, 2016

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!

Friday, January 22, 2016

Going shopping at Price Mart


This is always a very pleasant adventure for me, going shopping at the Price Mart Complex with Mom.

Price Mart is huge, almost always crowded whenever we go, and filled with the sounds of shoppers scurrying around with their shopping carts.

I simply love to take in the many different smells, ranging from chicken baking at the deli to the fragrance of flowers.  I love to inspect the many fruits and vegetables, huge boxes of cookies and chocolates, and gigantic packages of so many other things.

Then there are the over-sized tins of nuts, the larger than large bottles of all kinds of fruit juice, and oh yes!  The bulky packages of meat of all kinds.

I always stick very close to Mom, hanging on to the handle of the cart as we cruise from aisle to aisle.  She describes the scene to me as we move along and then she often places packages in my hand to show me how huge they are.

Mom and I have so much fun on these special days.  She is my eyes and I am her ears.  Yes!  Those special shopping days at Price Mart!

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

Thursday, August 13, 2015

My beloved Tragarete Rd.


This is where I spent my early childhood years, living on Tragarete Rd. with my family, and they were some of the happiest days for me. Whenever I want to dip into my memory bank for childhood memories, this is the one that often pops up for me.

The sights, sounds, and smells will always remain with me until I travel to the next world. Standing on my balcony and looking down at the passing cars. Taking in the sweet odors around me, and listening to people chatting among themselves as they walked by.

I can still remember the yummy smell of baking bread, popcorn popping, food cooking, and the fragrant combinations of perfumes wafting up at me from those walking by on the sidewalks. I can still hear the sounds of laughter, whistling, chatter, and music coming out of passing cars.

Then there were the barking dogs, the occasional cussing and swearing, and the drunken man going slowly home late at night. Then there were the revelers coming out of clubs at around midnight. At carnival time there were the sweet sounds of the steel pans as they provided music for masqueraders.

Christmas times on Tragarete Rd. were always very special for me. Kids running along the sidewalks, popping fire crackers and racing each other with their toy cars and trucks. Carol singers filling the air with their Christmas songs and shoppers greeting each other. Then there were the inviting smells of Christmas cake and cookies wafting out of the bakeries.

The activity would start at around 3 a.m. with the garbage truck going by collecting garbage along the road and I could hear the workers hosing down the sidewalks. Then at around 4 a.m. the birds would wake up and start to enchant me with their sweet melodious voices. They would start softly but soon enough they were singing at the top of their voices.

By 5 a.m. Tragarete Rd. would be fully awake with people traveling to work and soon enough it would be time for me to rise and get ready for school. The bakeries along Tragarete Rd. would soon start to wake up and begin their daily chores, filling the air with their yummy smells.

Then, at the day's end as I would lie in bed having done my homework and said my prayers, I would listen to Tragarete Rd. getting ready to settle down for the night and by 9 p.m. things would start to quiet down. Tragarete Rd. would indeed go very quiet with the occasional car driving by and the occasional person walking along the sidewalk. All would now be still for the night until at around 3 a.m. the next day.

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!
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Under the Christmas tree


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

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

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

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

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

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

Thursday, November 28, 2013

How I can tell when rain is coming


Now, you may be thinking that I must be a farmer in my own right but this is not the case. It is a very simple trick that I learned in grade school. Our teachers taught it to us and almost all of the time it works.

It goes like this. You need to pay attention to the smells around you, especially so to an earth-like smell. It is somewhat difficult for me to describe but the best that I can do is to say that it is an earth-like smell.

When this smell is detected you can bet the barn that rain is not very far behind. For many blind persons, and including me, our sense of smell is probably more acute than the mainstream person so it is often easier for us to detect this smell before others around us.

For whereas a sighted person can look out at the skies and see dark clouds approaching, blind persons would have to depend on other cues and one of my favorite and most reliable ones is that well-known earth-like smell. Or, to be more precise, an earthy smell.

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

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

Thursday, March 14, 2013

My favourite street


Almost everyone has a favourite street and I am no different. My favourite street, however, is probably based on some different reasons and please allow me to tell you.

My favourite street is favourite to me because of its fragrant smells emanating from bakeries, restaurants, and perfume boutiques. It is favourite to me because of the friendly folks that I often meet as I walk along. It is favourite to me because I know it so well, having traveled its length and breadth for so many years. It is favourite to me because I always feel welcomed there and no one really is afraid to approach me as I tap with my cane as I walk along the sidewalk.

People know me and are always somehow there in the nick of time to lend a helping hand. I know each building on my street. The supermarket with its friendly customer service reps. The cleaners, the jewelry boutique, the hairdresser, and the bank at the corner. The restaurants, the post office, and so many pedestrians traveling along each day as I do.

This is my most favourite street and one that I shall always cherish.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and tell others about your favourite street. Visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca to learn more.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

What makes food attractive

I can only speak for myself and I’ll tell you what makes it all attractive to me as a blind person.

First, smell! I love the good smell of food: chicken, pork, or beef baking in the oven. The smell of cake and cookies. The smell of a good stew on the way, eggs frying, coffee brewing, or the healthy smell of a grill or barbecue.

I am also attracted to salads, but in this case, as I am unable to smell the presence of a salad, I depend on others to tell me what the salad is made up of. Most foods have a smell of their own and whenever I visit a buffet table I use my sense of smell to help me determine what to choose. Most sighted people also use their sense of sight to help determine whether or not they are attracted to various foods but for me this is no longer an option.

Of course, the smell of certain foods helps to remind me of specific occasions. The smell of cookies baking in the oven reminds me of Christmas time and Granny at work in the kitchen. Meat baking in the oven reminds me of my mom cooking up a storm as she prepares the Sunday meal, and the smell of stews simmering away on the stove reminds me of a cool day in the fall. The smell of grilling and barbecuing all remind me of a summer’s day seated outside on my balcony.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and learn more about how blind persons enjoy cooking and eating through their sense of smell. Visit www.nfb.orgwww.nfb.org to learn more.