Wonderful times with special folks: At the top of Helena's back deck

This was yet another experience that I continue to cherish. A treasured memory courtesy of Helena and her family.

On a bright summer Saturday afternoon, after we had all had some nice cool drinks and a lovely dinner, Helena egged me on to jump from the top of her back deck into the swimming pool.

Her husband Wil was not really too keen on this and I will add that he was more concerned and tried his level best to dissuade me.

For her part, Helena wanted me to show her friends how fearless I was. So onwards to the task at hand. She wanted me to show them that as someone with a vision impairment, I could be unstoppable.

So I climbed to the top of the deck, escorted by Wil. There I stood with the sun shining down on me, a nice pleasant breeze, and Helena waiting in the pool for me.

I took my sweet old time. Thinking, gathering my courage, looking down at Helena, and listening to Wil's words.  Maybe it was the mellowness of the libation playing across my mind, or maybe it was just a simple desire to try

something new.

Whatever it was, it really did not matter at the end. I made the jump and I will never forget the feel of the pool's fresh cool water and the sound of my splashing down as I completed my jump. And there was Helena, waiting to

gather me in her arms, give me a huge hug and a kiss and it was a moment when the world stood still for those few split seconds.

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

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Another challenge: Choosing some new exercise devices

For me, as someone with a vision impairment, it is crucial that I choose exercise devices and programs that I am comfortable with using.

It is obvious that I would never be able to run fast enough in order to make it count and the same could be said for walking fast enough or even using a bicycle in the same manner.

So, I need to turn to the stationary devices: a stationary bicycle, weights, strands, plus more.

I still love to swim whenever I can and this, too, has been added to my arsenal of exercise activities. I still ice skate whenever I can and I am always seeking other ways to exercise as long as I am comfortable. And let us not forget the good old treadmill.

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

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Precious childhood memories: Remembering Maracas Bay

Oh, beautiful Maracas Bay!  How could I ever forget you?  With a beach so sandy and air as fresh as a breeze in a bottle?  I'll never forget you!

How well I remember those family outings to see you!  The cold sea water lapping against my body and then swimming with Dad and my brothers beyond the high breakers!  Then I would sit in the surf and there the family would dig in the sand for clams, which were so large.

So many times I would share happy moments with Granny, who was always content to sit in the surf and let the waves roll over her.   Mom preferred to remain on the beach, watching over us and reading her magazines.

On many occasions Mom and Granny packed a sumptuous lunch for us and we would either sit in the car with the doors opened or stand around eating, drinking, and enjoying each other's company.

Our days at Maracas Bay were filled with such memorable moments.  It was always an all-day affair and at the end of it we would return home refreshed but tired and just dying to go to bed.

I thank my parents and Granny for having made all of this so very possible!

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

Those days are forever: Remembering the swimming pool at school

Oh, what a lovely childhood memory!  Those happy-go-lucky days when I would frolic in our school's swimming pool with my school friends.  Mrs. Mondey would be supervising from the side and she made very sure that we did not go too far into the deep end.

I was probably one of the best swimmers so she did not mind me skipping into the deep end from time to time.  I still remember those warm sunny days when we would be allowed to go swimming.

It was always in the afternoon when the sun was at its hottest.  I would step into the pool using the steps and from there I would walk around, first looking up at the lovely blue sky and then looking down to see the sun playing on the water of the pool.

I would swim with my friends and we would laugh, yell, and sing out, all with pure delight.  Those were such happy days!  When there were no cares in the world for me.  So innocent as my thoughts were almost always filled with hopes and dreams and imaginations of growing up to go off and create all kinds of toys and things to help others.

These are such perfect memories and nothing or no one could ever take them away from me.  Oh no!  They are mine 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
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A wonderful friend forever: Happy times with Helena

Shopping is not just the only memory that I have with my dear friend, Helena.  No, not in any way, and if I had to recount them all it would probably take me years to do so.

You see, Helena and I became friends when I moved to Toronto from Montreal so many years ago and although we do not see each other much anymore, she is always uppermost in my mind.  I know that she will always be close by if ever I need to reach out.

We had happy times at restaurants, enjoying sumptuous meals.  I spent so many wonderful days at her house, swimming in her pool, sitting in her hot tub, and enjoying the hospitality of her family: her husband Wil, and kids, Nick and Tobi.

I still remember the day when friends at her poolside party dared me to jump from the top of the deck into her pool and there was Wil beside me, at the top, and Helena waiting for me in the pool.  What an experience!

Then there was the day when Nick took me for a ride on his motorcycle and Helena and Wil were standing there waiting for me after I had gotten off the motorcycle.

Then the day that we went shopping and one of us squeezed the bottle of body lotion a bit too vigorously and it burst and there was lotion all over us both!  It was Christmas time and we had to go home on the crowded subway smelling sweetly of body lotion.

So many wonderful days with Helena Nielsen and her family for me to remember and cherish forever.  A rare and wonderful lady with a warm and loving family!

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

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

Memories forever: Some favorite memories of Dad

I always find it a joy, pleasure, and a delight whenever I can drum up some of those favorite memories of my dad!  Of course, there will be always so very many to choose from but here is a sample.

Riding my bicycle with Dad on the beach!  How much I enjoyed those times with Dad and me riding along the beach and enjoying the afternoon’s fresh air when the tide was out.  Going swimming with Dad and my brothers or so many times when we did it together with Dad teaching me the back stroke, the butterfly, and the crawl.  The sea was so very calm and as the sun shone down on us, there we were with me, the student, and Dad, the patient teacher.

Then there was Dad teaching me how to fly a kite in the savanna and playing ball with my brothers and me.  Oh, how I loved those precious times.

Then how about the time when we traveled to South America and there was Dad sitting next to me, holding my hand and making sure that I was not scared as the plane bobbed up and down.  He explained to me that we were going through air pockets and this is why the plane was bobbing up and down like this.

Then those cherished times when he would read to me.  There I was, lying in bed, and he would be in his chair reading all kinds of news articles to me. Or those childhood nights when he told me stories that came straight out of his head.

Finally, this one: Dad and I walking in our garden and my holding onto his comforting hand as he caught butterflies and placed them in my hand and told me not to close my fingers around the butterfly because if I did so I would kill the butterfly.

I could go on and on but these are just a few and I thank my darling dad for having brought me all of this.

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

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

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

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

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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I could not have desired a better teacher: Learning to swim with Dad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The blind leading the blind?

This is what happened a few months ago when I met my friend Diane at the Southway Hotel in Ottawa for dinner followed by a swim in the lovely warm water of the hotel's swimming pool and then a soak in their hot tub.

There she was, Diane with no vision and me with not much more. Diane was the superb navigator as she and I entered the pool area. We used our canes to bang on the floor to let each other know where we were. Diane had had previous experiences with the pool area so she was quite familiar with the layout before we met. Nevertheless, we sure had fun.

We used our canes to help us find the wall, stairs, and chairs. Then we placed our slippers next to the chairs as a marker to where our clothes were. Funny, but at no time was I ever afraid of falling into the pool or hot tub. Diane was a marvellous guide and great sport on that day.

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

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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!"

That colorful little swimming pool

How well I remember this plastic pool! It was big enough for Jeffrey and me to swim and play in when we were but little ones. It was round with a yellow interior and rings of blue, green, and pink making up the rest of its form.

We played in it, sailed boats in it, and simply relaxed in it. Sometimes Dad would clamber in with us and we would have such fun. We placed it on our patio on a sunny Sunday and there we would have the time of our lives.

It had to be blown up of course and this was Dad's job. It had to be carefully filled with water and Dad and my brothers took care of this. My job was just to stand there in my bathing suit and enjoy the sight of the colors. I can still see them in my mind's eye, and now that I can no longer see, that's just okay. Memories sure help me!

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

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

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

Swimming in the sea with precious little vision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using the water wings

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

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

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

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

Remembering the swimming pool

I sure do remember the swimming pool, how much I enjoyed it and how much it meant to me when I had enough vision to gaze upon its calm and peaceful waters. I could sit there for hours on end just gazing into the blue/green nterior. I could still picture leaves floating aimlessly on the surface and sunshine playing on the water. I would never hesitate to jump in and swim around but I always found that the walls would feel so confining to me.

I shall always remember the swimming pool; I do not swim as often as I would like but that's okay.

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

Ocean versus swimming pool

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

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

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

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

Down the islands

So, what am I talking about today? This is a sort of seaside resort that my brother Jeffrey and sister-in-law Gayle took me to some years ago. I had never been before but now as I remember it, it was simply a very good experience for me.

I had enough vision then to see all around me. The huge colorful boats crowded with sea goers. The calm and peaceful sea just beckoning me to jump in and swim around. The sun beating down on us in all its glory. The blue skies above me with puffy white clouds drifting lazily by. We had such a great time. The kids loved it all, swimming around and around our boat. Gayle and I jumped in and we swam around as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my swim in the calm warm water and I was able to see enough to navigate my way. We spent a few hours at this resort and then made our way slowly back to shore. I simply loved to see the white spray as our boat traveled across the peaceful ocean.

Ah yes! Another memory that I just happened to pull out of my memory bank. One that I have carefully preserved for all time.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and inviting you to visit my new website at www.donnajodhan.com. Come and enjoy my detective DJ mysteries.

Staying Fit a Challenge

For almost all of us, staying fit is a very great challenge but when it comes to a blind person like me, the challenge is just that more challenging.  You may be asking yourself why and here is my incomplete list.

 

It is difficult for a blind person to engage in walking activities; we cannot see where we are going so we are unable to walk at a fast enough pace.

The same holds for jogging and running.

Many of the exercising machines have digital readouts so we are unable to utilize them.

Many of the exercise devices come with instructional DVDs and videos and it is hard for us to follow the visual instructions.

In many cases, it is difficult for us to negotiate the machines at gyms.

 

So how do I do it?  I have a treadmill at home and I use a talking timer of my own which is separate from my treadmill machine to time myself.  I have learned where the buttons are in order to set my speed. I have another device to help me stretch my muscles and do push-ups.  I also swim in my condo's pool. 

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and help lobby manufacturers of exercise equipment to make their digital readouts more accessible to those with vision problems.

Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.

Yes I Can Enjoy Swimming

Well, here is another misunderstanding for me to clear up.  Much of the sighted world has a very hard time understanding and believing that blind persons can enjoy swimming.  Of course they can and I am living proof.  In addition to ice skating and skiing, I swim as a hobby.  I am a very good swimmer and growing up near the ocean enabled me to learn to swim in the sea.

 

As early as I can remember, my dad and my siblings took me swimming.  Dad taught me how to swim and we started off with life belts but I quickly graduated to swimming on my own.  Naturally, he and my family worried about my safety as with any other kid, sighted or not.  Dad taught me how to do the back stroke, the butterfly, the crawl, plus so much more.  I learned to do summersaults too; both forward and backward.  Then I took my skills to the swimming pool.

 

One of the things that I enjoyed the most while swimming in the sea was to look up at the bright blue sky and the golden sun while I was lying on my back in the ocean.  I cherished seeing that beautiful Caribbean sky and adored the sun and surf.  Dad also taught me how to surf the waves and he and I used to have so much fun frolicking in them.  The foam caps reminded me of lace.  Now that I have precious little vision, I still enjoy it all but without enough vision to see the sky, waves, and color of the sea, I find other ways to enjoy things when I go swimming.

 

Dad was my best swimming buddy and I always feel very close to him whenever I go to the beach.  He passed on many years ago but his spirit still accompanies me whenever I go sea swimming.  Swimming is still one of my most enjoyable hobbies.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and help spread the message that yes!  Blind persons can enjoy swimming.  If you would like to know more, then please do not hesitate to send me an email at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.