Great things about being blind. The bad day that turned good.

Yesterday started out very badly.  I had reserved a taxi the night before to pick me up at 8 AM to take me to the airport.  When I reserved the cab, I specifically stated that I was blind and would be traveling with my guide dog.  Tulia and I were standing on the porch at around 5 to 8 and I heard a car pull up and stop.  He never got out or said who he was.  I walked down the stairs and called,  "Are you my taxi."
He opened his door and went crazy on me.
"I will die if that dog is in my car.  I will die.  I have allergies.  I have a note from the doctor."
I calmly explained that I had mentioned the dog when I called ahead.  That not taking us was against the law.  I put my hand on the cab door.  "No no no I can't take you.  I will die."
"then, you have about two minutes to get me another cab because I reserved it for 8 Am.  You will stay here until you get me one or I will get in your car."
He called dispatch.
The dispatcher gave him a hard time.  He was yelling at dispatch but telling them his customer was very agitated.
I was mad but calm not agitated.  That was him.
A cab pulled up behind him.  A very nice guy who got out and told the other one that he was an idiot.
Then, took me in his cab.
He even walked us to the air line desk which was very nice of him.
He was lovely and kind.
The porter airline staff were stellar yesterday.
Helping when I needed it.  Not condescending or over solicitous.
I took three other taxis.  All drivers were wonderful and great.
The workshop I presented went very well I think and hope.  A great group of people working with new Canadians who wanted to learn how storytelling can assist them in their work.
My flight home was delayed.  As I said in the last blog post, I sat on the plane home beside a very nice man and we had great conversations.
He walked with me out to the cabs at the end of it all so I didn't have to wait for staff to do it.
Very kind of him and he just directed  Tulia and I perfectly.
When I got home, there was a phone message from the cab company management asking me to call.  Will keep you posted.

The nice people you meet.

I've had a long and adventurous day and am tired. Just want to thank the wonderful man I met on the plane who walked with me from the plane to my cab and was such good company to talk with even though the flight was delayed and tulia didn't get dinner until 9:30 PM. Thanks Tim I don't know your last name.

Great things about being blind. Walk in the snow.

The other day, my guide dog and I, my friend and her guide dog, and our friend went for a walk in a large park in the snow. I loved hearing the dogs run around together. Their jingling collars. Them snorting in the snow. Their feet. My feet crunching through snow. Great conversations. Laughter. The snow was wet and good for snowballs. I loved forming them in my hands. This walk made me happy and relaxed. The dogs too I think. Tulia came home wet and tired and content. Nothing like good friends, good dogs, walking in nature, and snow!

Great things about being blind. Touching animals. It's a small world.

Last night, I told christmas stories to a church group of seniors at their christmas dinner. I sat with them for dinner and pie although I already had dinner so just had pie. Then, told stories that were well received. About my grandparents and christmas. Then, sang my first carols of the season. A wonderful magical night with great people. A lady came up to me after and asked if I remembered a trip to the museum of nature where people let me touch all kinds of animals. Squirrels, chip munks, humming birds, other birds, bears, beavers, etc. They were mounted and stuffed and usually not allowed to be touched. I loved that day so much. I never knew how long a squirrels tail was. How big it was. What a beaver's teeth were like etc. I couldn't get enough of it. Anyway, this lady was one of the ladies who let me touch those animals and she said she never forgot the wonder in me as I did so. I thanked her again and again for showing me nature. What a small world it is. Glad I could tell stories for her last night and give back a little for what I got all those years ago.

Great things about being blind. Kind describer.

Performed stories last night in a bar and did not like my performance. It was noisy and although afterwards people said that people were listening, it really didn't feel like it. There were lots of performers there. Some slam poets, a comic, and some reading poetry. A woman sat beside me and described each person as they got on stage. She told me about their hand movements, facial expressions, what they were wearing, what they looked like. In an environment where I felt somewhat lost and left out, she really helped me to feel more comfortable. I thank her for that so very much.

Upcoming performances

Tonight I am performing at an event at Ottawa U for international day of disabilities. It is not an open event I don't think.
Tomorrow I am performing for a church seniors group at night. Again, it is not an open event.
However, two upcoming christmas events are open.
On December 15, I am on the NAC Fourth stage for our storytelling series. 500 years of christmas.
We trace christmas through the ages.
I am performing with fellow storyteller Alan Shain and some musicians.
On Friday December 16, will be telling christmas stories for kids and adults with fellow storyteller Sherri Yazdani in a local cafe. More details to follow.

Great things about being blind. Happy birthday Gia.

My wonderful last guide dog Gia would have been 12 today. I am writing this with a tiny black lab snoring at my feet. My Gia was with me for over nine years. She worked for almost exactly nine years and was retired with me for about six months before cancer took her from us. She was solid as a rock as a worker. Kind and calm. She loved carrots and stuffed squeaky ducks. She shreded kleenex and offered a paw regularly. She loved to swim. She worked beautifully even after I wrecked my knee and got arthritis. She had a calm serene spirit. In retirement, she loved to play with Tulia and go for walks with us letting Tulia do the work. I would find them sometimes all curled up on one doggy bed. They kissed each other at the end. Thanks Gia wherever you are for a wonderful life together. Hope you are enjoying a carrot cake.