LeDrew Live on CP24 - CablePlus 24

I have sent a note off to the program LeDrew Live on CablePulse 24, which is here in Toronto.

The program is quite wide ranging and they often have people on have a different point of view that may be interesting. Additionally, viewers can phone in and ask questions. The show is on during prime time at 8 pm, so there would be a large audience.

The program is simulcast on radio 1050 am, so people can listen in while driving in the car!

I am hoping to hear back is a short while, as it could be my first interview of 2010.

Rotary Toronto and The Rotarian

I have had so many successful speaking engagements at Rotary Clubs over the last year, that I am hoping to arrange a presentation at one of the many clubs here in the Toronto area.

Since a portion of the royalties from the book are donated each year to Rotary International's polio eradication fund, it is always great to meet the local members.

I am always received with a very warm welcome.

Maybe some day I will finally even get mentioned in "The Rotarian" magazine, which has thus far not been interested in "Travels in a Blue Chair"? I am nothing, if not optimistic!

Writing an article for Abilities magazine.

I have been asked to write a first person essay for Abilities magazine and have lots of ideas in mind, most of them revolve around motivating the disabled to get out and travel.

Along the same theme, "Travels in a Blue Chair" will be featured in this month's upcoming issue, so I am really looking forward to seeing the article.

Many thanks to Jennifer at Abilities for her tremendous support and for putting out such a great magazine!

YouTube video views surpass 6000 !!

One of the great things about the internet is the immediate impact you can make all over the world.

As I have been interviewed on TV and radio since publishing the book, I have been able to make these available on YouTube. I recently checked the account and was astonished to see that the various videos have been viewed over 6000 times. To me, that really speaks volumes.

It is also very interesting to track the countries whose viewers are tuning in. Many people I meet comment on seeing me in these interviews, and I receive lots of positive feedback.

It is another great way of reaching out to let other disabled and travel lovers find out about the existence of "Travels in a Blue Chair".

SNAP - a look at my book reading.

The February issue of SNAP magazine is out, and the recent book reading event at the Long Branch library is included!

There is a great little write up and lots of photos of all the great people who attended and enjoyed learning more about "Travels in a Blue Chair".

Here is a link to the article...

http://www.snapetobicoke.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=141588

Many thanks again to Andrea, of SNAP, for reporting and to all who attended.

Toronto Public Library (Long Branch) reading.

Many thanks to Andrea of SNAP Etobicoke, for attending my recent book reading at the Long Branch outlet of the Toronto Library.

Andrea took some photos for her magazine and kindly forwarded a few along. I am pictured with Dorota, from the library, who was so nice to extend me the invitation and has been so enthusiastic!!

Contact with Ability Online

One of the great things about attending book events are the people you meet and learning about the great organizations out there for the disabled.

At the book reading last week, I met Julie, an organizer for a group called Ability Online, which came out of a concern for disabled youth who are the subject of bullying. Here is a link to their website (which is in the process of getting an overhaul) ...

http://www.abilityonline.org

Julie wants to conduct a text interview with me in the near future, as well as an online chat. In addition I hope to become more involved and attend some events in the upcoming year.

What a great advocacy group!! Thanks Julie for all the positive energy.

Great book reading!

On Tuesday evening, I attended a book reading at the Long Branch Public Library in Toronto's west end.

I had been invited by Dorota, who works there and who had met me at a book signing late last year.

It was a rather mild night for mid-January and there were about 20 people in attendance, including some friends of mine, who surprised me and came out to support the book.

I started the hour by talking about my experiences and why I wrote "Travels in a Blue Chair", then I read two stories from the book, one from Argentina and the other about Fiji. To end the evening I answered some questions from the crowd.

As usual at my events, the interest was overwhelming and it took longer than the one hour allocated. I finished up with a book signing.

I also had many photos takes, as a photographer from SNAP, a glossy monthly Toronto publication was in attendance.

Many thanks to Dorota, the library and all who attended for making me so welcome and getting the new year off to such a positive start!

Book talk on Tuesday - Long Branch Library 7pm

Just a quick reminder to please come out to hear me read a few stories from "Travels in a Blue Chair" and answer any questions on my travels over the years.

The book club meets on Tuesday from 7-8pm and is open to the public.

I will also be signing books afterward.

The address is 3500 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Toronto.

Click here for a link to the library's website.

See you Tuesday night!

Happy New Year !

I hope that everyone who has enjoyed "Travels in a Blue Chair" has a wonderful new year full of lots of exciting travel, new experiences and interesting friends.

I hope that this year the blog reaches out to a whole new group of people who can continued to be inspired, as much as I have!