David Onley - also appearing in March?

It looks like the date for my speaking appearance in Hamilton is starting to firm up for the end of March.

The organiser of the event is planning to include another speaker, also disabled, who will speak of the importance of a great personal support worker....very valuable if you must rely on another person to assist you with the daily tasks we all must complete.

Kathleen also mentioned that she was hoping to invite David Onley, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, to speak at the event. Mr. Onley is a former broadcaster (weatherman, science reporter, news reader), who happens to use a scooter or cane in his daily routine. I sure hope he does attend, but I know he is very busy, and I advised that he be invited as soon as possible.

The event is really coming together and I am looking forward to speaking there!

Happy Holidays from Walt !!

To all my family, friends and those who have supported me and enjoyed the book "Travels in a Blue Chair", over this past year.....please have a Happy Holiday, and I hope you enjoy a safe, enthusiastic and interesting 2009!

Peace on Earth, and lots of travel, so we can all get to know each other better!

Cheers....Walt!

Facebook - disabled community

One of the great things about Facebook is the active disabled community on the website. I have recently met quite a few members with disabilities who have become aware of my book, Travels in a Blue Chair.

I have met a photographer from Sweden, a singer/composer from the UK who lives in the States, as well as many more from all over the world.

The power of the internet to reach out across the miles never ceases to amaze me!! And I find that these new friends are spreading the word out to their friends too!

Speaking engagement.

My speaking engagement with the Haldimand Abilities Centre has tentatively been scheduled for sometime in March. We are still trying to nail down the exact date.

As it stands now, there will likely be another speaker as well. I am really looking forward to getting out to the Hamilton area again, and hoping to entertain with some of the stories from my book.

Access Anything magazine! Paraplegic Association.

I just received some copies of the Canadian Paraplegic Association's autumn issue of Access Anything magazine!!

Dave and the gang at CPA reprinted an abridged version of my story "Up the Human Elevator, in Tokyo", which you can read in its entirety on my website.

The article appears on page 11 and includes 3 full colour photos as well and some info on how to acquire a copy of the book! It looks really great and I am sure will generate lots of interest.

Many thanks to all the hardworking staff at CPA and I am still interested in joining you guys to help work on your access project in Guyana!!

The Hour - CBC

Well, a bit of discouraging news from the interview program The Hour, on CBC. I had forwarded my info to Liz over there and then she forwarded it on to Lisa, the segment producer of the program.

Unfortunately, they said that I don't meet their needs. I had included in my introductory email, a link to the online text interview I did with the CBC website back in the Spring, which had one of the best responses ever.

Oh well, I informed Lisa that I am still available on short notice if they ever have a cancellation!! You just never know!!??

A surprise bit of feedback!

I was at a meeting of my local park group last night and arrived early for the meeting. One of the ladies in attendance, Barbara, had me sign a book for her in the summertime, during one of the street events I had been at.

Barbara had just returned from a visit to Thailand and told me she had been enjoying Travels in a Blue Chair whilst on her vacation to that country!! Just as she was enjoying a meal at the hotel in Bangkok, she turned the page and was surprised to find the next story was about my visit to that very city!

It is always great to hear from people who are enjoying my collection of funny, short stories!!

Chapters book signing.

I just spoke with K.Z., the manager of the local Chapters bookshop on the Queensway. KZ remembered me!! I asked about a possible book signing and she mentioned that they didn't do any in December due to the volume of traffic over the holidays.

That being said, she indicated that she would love to have me out in January and asked that I follow up with her early next month!! She said she loved reading "Travels in a Blue Chair" and looked forward to having me visit her store for the book signing.

Yay!! Such great, positive energy!

Book Clubs.

I received an email from a local group which has invited authors to recite from their books and then have a discussion afterwards. Unfortunately, I am too late for this round but I have written back and indicated that I am available to speak at a later date.

I am going to try to locate some other book clubs and see if they would be interested too?! Hey, this could be a great way to reach out at a grass roots level.