tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28707118162846123602024-03-05T08:56:31.207-05:00How to Travel in a Wheelchair ! - Travels in a Blue Chair ( the book bloggiary ! )Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-24047621092235363052020-06-13T08:38:00.000-04:002020-06-13T08:39:12.201-04:00Disability StudiesOne of the interesting things that I have noticed in the last few years is the traffic on my website from educational institutions, mainly universities.<br />
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I believe that some people participating in a relatively newer program of study called "Disability Studies" are beginning to notice the book "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>" !!<br />
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This is a wonderful development. Imagine if this book could be a textbook in a faculty program?<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-6482842435253505252013-05-22T06:08:00.004-04:002013-05-22T06:08:43.883-04:00AMI TV , interview will be next week, and air June 2I have spoken with Paul from AMI TV and we have scheduled an interview for early next week. The format will be a 15 minute spot discussing "<i><b>Travels in a Blue Chair</b></i>".<br />
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It will be great to further expose my travels and short stories to the visually impaired community, especially as the book is in the US Library of Congress as an audio book !!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-72207798330032493022013-04-17T07:23:00.001-04:002013-04-17T07:23:05.517-04:00AMI TV, contact from Robert.Great news! I have been contacted by Robert at AMI TV and they are going to review where I fit into things over there. So this is very encouraging.<br />
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More info soon, once the interview about "<b><i>Travels in a Blue Chair</i></b>", has been scheduled. Thanks for the feedback Robert!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-31590097354836632912013-03-27T07:18:00.000-04:002013-04-17T07:19:27.795-04:00AMI TV Great news is that I am trying to interest AMI TV in an interview in the near future! AMI is Accessible Media Inc. and they have a cable channel geared to disability.<br />
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The channel has descriptive audio on all programs, which assists the visually impaired to "watch" TV.<br />
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Additionally, there are a number of programs for all disabilities.<br />
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It should be fun! <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-71505161729991366462013-01-01T16:40:00.000-05:002013-04-17T07:14:07.599-04:00Happy New Year !! GoodReads.com Well, another year of writing this blog has come to an end.<br />
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The great thing about writing a book like "<b><i>Travels in a Blue Chair</i></b>", about backpacking and travelling the world alone in a wheelchair, is the great feedback you receive from other disabled people who are challenging themselves to get out and see the world. Or, even the next town, as one person from Europe, who was in a power chair, wrote me!!<br />
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The website Good Reads has been a new outlet to try to get some new exposure and it is very nice, to receive feedback from readers and to see them mark it as "to read" on their virtual bookshelves.<br />
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So I would like to wish you and your family, dear reader, a very happy and well travelled new year!! Go safely.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-41722976137378799282012-12-15T11:26:00.002-05:002012-12-15T11:26:42.359-05:00New wheelchairOnce again the time has been fast approaching to start looking around for a new blue chair. It is amazing to see how fast a person who is active can wear out a chair.<br />
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I remember a buddy of mine from wheelchair rugby days who made chairs and called his "the chair you wear" !! I always loved that motto, You really do wear your chair, and this current one, which I have had for 5 years now, has been a bit of a lemon, with armrests breaking all the time and not swinging away.<br />
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Oh well, I can look forward to a new travelling buddy in the near future, for some new adventures and chapters, in "<i><b>Travels in a Blue Chair</b></i>" !!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-40088063103044282952012-11-27T07:07:00.000-05:002012-11-27T07:07:06.062-05:00Back to the Future!I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the Dominican Republic earlier this month.<br />
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Not backpacking, but just relaxing on a resort with an old friend and two of his work buddies. I was very lucky, since my front wheel broke on my way out the door to the plane. I scrambled to get back into my abode and salvage a wheel off and old chair. When we arrived, the resort's handyman helped put the new one on and I was able to relax without worrying about falling out of my chair!!<br />
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Reminds me of a story from "<i><b>Travels in a Blue Chair</b></i>"!!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-80023262059716914582012-08-31T18:07:00.000-04:002012-09-18T18:13:29.436-04:00Some questions from ChadI received some great feedback about "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>", from a disabled fan named Chad. He really enjoyed the stories and it has been a motivating factor in his decision to go backpacking in a chair himself!<br /><br />Chad has forwarded a number of questions about his upcoming travels and is going to take a camera with him, as he is a documentary film maker! I really look forward to learning more about his trip as it happens and seeing the film, once it is complete!!<br /><br />Good luck Chad and keep travelling!<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-57599571482247353022012-05-27T13:30:00.000-04:002012-12-29T16:45:52.151-05:00An uplifting bookI received an email from someone who recently read "<b><i>Travels in a Blue Chair</i></b>" and really seemed to enjoy it! Here is a quote from the email...<br />
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" I saw you on Breakfast TV (I think) a few years ago and finally
remembered to pick up up your book. It was great! I knew you were a
traveler but had no idea how much and how far you have gone. Your
character really shines though and I wish everyone could share your
perspective on life. Very uplifting. There are so many kind and
helpful people in the world but sad that our media is completely focused
on the opposite. Will there be a part 2?"<br />
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It is always so nice when an author gets this kind of feedback!! As for the answer to your question...stay tuned...you may be surprised !!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-78392451959095591492012-04-28T08:59:00.000-04:002012-05-02T21:28:10.606-04:00Christopher Reeve FoundationI was reviewing the website for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and noticed that "<i><b>Travels in a Blue Chair</b></i>" was listed a resource book for disabled travellers. I am so honoured to be included in this list.<br />
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I am hoping that any individual with mobility problems will be able to make the effort to get out and see as much of the world as is possible!<br />
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Thanks to all at the foundation for their great work on spinal cord research!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-2622379364874696652012-03-31T10:00:00.002-04:002012-03-31T10:04:43.738-04:00Disabled passengersOne of the nicest things about writing a book about backpacking across the world in a blue chair is that sometimes you are asked to put the knowledge you have gained and put it to good use for the benefit of other disabled passengers in various forms of travel.<br /><br />I have been working in the background to ensure that disabled travel passengers will have safe and efficient trips in the future. You never know what positive things will come out of writing a book!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-77942061072025831972012-03-14T09:56:00.002-04:002012-03-31T10:00:02.578-04:00Spring Book Fairs - disabled travellerWith the advent of Spring on the horizon, I will be looking forward to checking out the various events in the area, and participating!<br /><br />It is always so nice to meet and greet and let more people know about "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>".<br /><br />Keep tuned into this page for updates on the events I will be attending in 2012.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-81768152435075121032012-02-11T08:42:00.002-05:002012-02-11T08:45:32.512-05:00Follow me on TwitterI have now created an account on Twitter, so I will be tweeting all things new and exciting.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BlueChairBook">BlueChairBook on Twitter!</a><br /><br />You can follow me by using the link above. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-42235380109583950312012-02-10T19:03:00.002-05:002012-02-10T19:07:41.762-05:00Kindle edition of Travels in a Blue ChairGreat news! Travels in a Blue Chair is now available on Kindle as an eBook to be downloaded from Amazon.<br /><br />You can take my adventures with you on the morning train, on the plane or anywhere you want to read it easily and electronically!<br /><br />Here is the link....<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/TRAVELS-BLUE-CHAIR-Ushuaia-ebook/dp/B006ZR9MXS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328918525&sr=1-1"><br />Travels in a Blue Chair - the Kindle edition eBook</a><br /><br />Happy Travels!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-13319411719735364932012-01-02T13:25:00.002-05:002012-01-02T13:30:02.466-05:00Word on the Street FestivalI have contacted Nicola, the festival director of the "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Word on the Street Festival</span>", which is held in the city each September. It is a great author's event held at Queen's Park right in the centre of town.<br /><br />I am hoping they are interested in learning more about books on the disabled experience! I think it would be a great event to showcase "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>", and open some eyes to the book loving general public. Here's hoping!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-20109967430221169422012-01-01T17:22:00.000-05:002012-01-02T13:25:04.428-05:00Accessibility Toronto - Rogers TV showI have contacted the local cable TV show "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Accessibility Toronto</span>", to see if they would be interested in an interview this year?<br /><br />The program is great, and features accomplishments of the disabled community in the city.<br /><br />I am hoping to hear back from them in the next few weeks and will keep you posted!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-81418894412996283522011-12-30T16:06:00.002-05:002011-12-30T16:10:37.149-05:00Another year comes to an end.It is hard to believe that another year of this bloggiary is coming to an end soon!<br /><br />This year has been quite eventful with appearances, interviews and even some travels! My travel experiences this year were quite interesting in both a good and a bad way. More to come on the bad part later on.<br /><br />I will say a special "Thank You" to each of you who have read this page and those of you who have supported "Travels in a Blue Chair" over these last 4 years!<br /><br />Happy New Year!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-13700927362878898932011-11-19T10:07:00.002-05:002011-11-19T10:12:25.881-05:00GoodReads.com - author pageSerge, a buddy of mine who is a great reader, recently told me about the website GoodReads. He is an avid reader and urged me to participate as an author to try to spread the word about the book.<br /><br />I have set up an "Author's Page", although it is quite sparse just now. I am trying to determine the best approach, and will be updating it regularly. The website urges me to run a contest to raise interest so I will be considering that. <br /><br />Here is a look so far...<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6933375-travels-in-a-blue-chair"><br />http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6933375-travels-in-a-blue-chair</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-92139279573593139562011-11-17T06:34:00.000-05:002011-11-19T10:07:08.720-05:00Gretzky is a great guy!I recently attended an event for the local hospital last night, and the guest speaker was Wayne Gretzky! Wayne is only the greatest hockey player of all time and does quite a lot of charity work now that he is in his retirement.<br /><br />As I was enjoying a glass of wine and some sushi, someone to my left stuck out his hand for me to shake. Since I am in a chair, I didn't see who it was at first, as his head is at a different level than mine, but I shook the hand without thinking. It turned out to be Wayne!!<br /><br />I told him my "Gretzky story", about how I was in the old Buffalo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aud</span> when he scored a natural hat trick in the third period to win the game 3-2, and in doing so, he broke Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Esposito's</span> NHL goal scoring record. He laughed when I told him I was annoyed with him, because he scored all the goals at the other end of the ice, since I was behind the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Oilers</span> net that night.<br /><br />I gave him a signed copy of my book, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>, and he was really interested. Later, when it was time for my picture to be taken with him, he even remembered my name, likely because it is also his dad's name. On the way out he again called my name and said he looked forward to reading it.<br /><br />Wayne is well known for his mild mannered demeanor and being a nice guy. He really is too!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-11416266541046063222011-11-05T08:41:00.002-04:002011-11-05T08:46:32.719-04:00Toronto Public Library - speaking @ Pape and DanforthI have been contacted by Alice at the Pape and Danforth branch of the Toronto Public Library about speaking about "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>" in the spring!<br /><br />One of the great things I enjoy is being able to reach out to readers and travellers alike, especially at libraries. One of my most memorable was in Haldimand-Norfolk, when I packed the house with enthusiastic readers!<br /><br />I am really looking forward to getting out there and meeting the group at the Pape and Danforth branch in a short while. Thanks Alice!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-23318419621290618692011-10-21T06:28:00.002-04:002011-10-21T06:33:30.003-04:00The library and the written wordOne of the great things about writing a book is the fact that many libraries, all over the world, will pick up your book and allow a wider audience access to my adventures!<br /><br />Interestingly, I have been informed that I will be receiving an entitlement to royalties based on the number of times "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>" was checked out. <br /><br />I hope that some of the people who read the book will tell others about it and continue to spread the word!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-89885233660247934672011-09-16T06:58:00.003-04:002011-09-16T07:08:18.950-04:00Four years of Travels in a Blue Chair !!It is hard to believe, but this month marks four years since publishing my book. I have had so many positive experiences over that time, and many struggles too! Somehow the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.<br /><br />I have received emails from people all over the world telling me that the book has helped get them out of their towns and explore the world. I have spoken to numerous groups both disabled and not, telling my stories and then receiving positive feedback. The book, "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Travels in a Blue Chair</span>" is now in libraries all over the world, and was even read aloud into a talking book!<br /><br />I have appeared on a few morning talk shows and then received lots of feedback from them. It also took me four years to write the book, and 20 years of travel before that too!<br /><br />Many thanks to each and everyone of my friends and family who have helped along the way, and to all my new friends, from all over the world, whom I continue to meet!<br /><br />The next chapter has yet to be written!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-1318689060691939172011-08-20T11:50:00.002-04:002011-08-20T11:53:51.382-04:00Attending weddings.I had the great honour of attending my niece Jessica's wedding last month and there is another one coming up next month. When I attend such events, I am invariably introduced to people as an author and it always seems to boost the interest of the book.
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<br />I will really have to think of a way to attend more public events and who knows? Maybe the word will really spread and we can more disabled people interested in travelling this great planet.
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<br />Spread the word!
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-28116298857897308492011-08-14T11:43:00.001-04:002011-08-20T11:50:08.724-04:00Winners are announced for free copies on MaiTravelSite !!Many thanks again to Federico over at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MaiTravelsite</span>.com who has really promoted "Travels in a Blue Chair" on his website these last few weeks.
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<br />Drum roll please....and the winners are.
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<br />1 softcover copy - Lindsay (from Toronto, ironically!)
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<br />4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">eBooks</span> - Amber, Abbey, Diana and Michel
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<br />Congratulations to all the winners! I really hope you enjoy your copy and I hope to hear from you in the near future!
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2870711816284612360.post-31082875801061595702011-07-29T07:04:00.002-04:002011-07-29T07:08:38.658-04:00Travel contest - win a copy of Travels in a Blue ChairFederico, has initiated the contest to win a copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair". In my previous post, I included a link to his great travel site, and my interview.<br /><br />Here is the link to the contest page....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.maitravelsite.com/tips-and-more/travel-contest-win-copy-travels/">http://www.maitravelsite.com/tips-and-more/travel-contest-win-copy-travels/</a><br /><br />So, get on there and post your comments! Both about the book, my travels and Federico's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MaiTravelSite</span> website. Get in there and win!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bluechairbook.com</div>Blue Chair Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042110988790974204noreply@blogger.com0