One of the interesting things that has come out of my entering the competition to be an Antarctic blogger, is the exposure it has brought.
Ryan, from ekoVenture, has asked me to be an online travel "guru" for their new website. I checked out their site and it actually looks pretty cool.
I will be working on my profile for ekoVenture over the next little while, and will post a link when it is up and running!
The positive energy continues!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Rotary Club - Stratford meeting in mid September
I am quite looking forward to meeting the members of the Stratford Rotary Club in midSeptember at one of their regular meetings.
Originally, I was contacted early last year by member Kevin McCann, however his untimely passing justifiably delayed my speaking to the Statford club.
Elizabeth has contacted me again and we have set a date to meet the group and many of Kevin's friends and fellow Rotarians.
My first presentation, in Welland late last year, went very well and the reaction was very positive.
I am really looking forward to being in picturesque Stratford later this summer.
Originally, I was contacted early last year by member Kevin McCann, however his untimely passing justifiably delayed my speaking to the Statford club.
Elizabeth has contacted me again and we have set a date to meet the group and many of Kevin's friends and fellow Rotarians.
My first presentation, in Welland late last year, went very well and the reaction was very positive.
I am really looking forward to being in picturesque Stratford later this summer.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Blogging my way to Antarctica...Vote for me!! Quark Expeditions
A good friend of mine sent me a link to a competition, run by Quark expeditions in the U.S., to attract votes for an opportunity to blog about a trip to Antarctica!
So far I have a whopping 7 votes! Here is the link, and what follows is the text of my introduction.
http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/291
The last continent for the traveller in a blue wheelchair!
Hi, My name is Walt, and I am a disabled traveller! I have travelled for 20 years when time and finances have allowed.
Most of the time I have travelled alone. This isn't too unusual until you realise that I travel the world with the use of my blue wheelchair!
I have backpacked across all 6 habitable continents and through 28 countries. The only continent that I have not been to is the one at the bottom of the earth - Antarctica.
For the most part I have flown on planes, or taken trains, but never in my life have I ever been on a cruise, much less one to the home of the Emperor penguin.
I have written a book of short stories, "Travels in a Blue Chair: Alaska to Zambia, Uluru to Ushuaia", about the hilarious adventures I have had in my travels over the years in many strange and fascinating lands.
One of the enduring threads of my travels has been the kindness and hospitality of people whom I meet along the way. Sometimes they have helped me, and sometimes they have accompanied me for a short while. When you travel alone in a blue chair lots of weird things can happen, and even the reactions I get are one-of-a-kind!
I feel that as a storyteller, you will enjoy my blog about the trip to Antarctica.
My blog will be from a unique perspective - even simple things like life about the ship will be an interesting adventure.
A polar adventure we can all share together in the spirit of all the past inspirational explorers who have ventured out into the frozen unknown.
Perhaps the only thing left of me at the end of this will be a frozen blue chair? I hope not!
So far I have a whopping 7 votes! Here is the link, and what follows is the text of my introduction.
http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/291
The last continent for the traveller in a blue wheelchair!
Hi, My name is Walt, and I am a disabled traveller! I have travelled for 20 years when time and finances have allowed.
Most of the time I have travelled alone. This isn't too unusual until you realise that I travel the world with the use of my blue wheelchair!
I have backpacked across all 6 habitable continents and through 28 countries. The only continent that I have not been to is the one at the bottom of the earth - Antarctica.
For the most part I have flown on planes, or taken trains, but never in my life have I ever been on a cruise, much less one to the home of the Emperor penguin.
I have written a book of short stories, "Travels in a Blue Chair: Alaska to Zambia, Uluru to Ushuaia", about the hilarious adventures I have had in my travels over the years in many strange and fascinating lands.
One of the enduring threads of my travels has been the kindness and hospitality of people whom I meet along the way. Sometimes they have helped me, and sometimes they have accompanied me for a short while. When you travel alone in a blue chair lots of weird things can happen, and even the reactions I get are one-of-a-kind!
I feel that as a storyteller, you will enjoy my blog about the trip to Antarctica.
My blog will be from a unique perspective - even simple things like life about the ship will be an interesting adventure.
A polar adventure we can all share together in the spirit of all the past inspirational explorers who have ventured out into the frozen unknown.
Perhaps the only thing left of me at the end of this will be a frozen blue chair? I hope not!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Q-107 Ryan Parker : Interview in August
Just an update on my previous blog item.
Ryan contacted me by phone yesterday and let me know that he was confused about my wanting to use the phone for the interview, if possible. The station apparently has a policy about guests coming in to do the interviews.
I told him that was no problem! So, we will be touching base again in early August, when both he and John Derringer are back from their respective holidays.
It will be great to be on the Q-107 morning show. I really enjoy listening to those guys, they are funny!
Ryan contacted me by phone yesterday and let me know that he was confused about my wanting to use the phone for the interview, if possible. The station apparently has a policy about guests coming in to do the interviews.
I told him that was no problem! So, we will be touching base again in early August, when both he and John Derringer are back from their respective holidays.
It will be great to be on the Q-107 morning show. I really enjoy listening to those guys, they are funny!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Q-107 Monday's interview is off.
Well, things have taken an unexpected and unpleasant turn!
Before I left for a Canada Day camping holiday we had arranged to record an interview on Monday, July 6th.
I returned to find an email from Ryan, in my box letting me know that Q-107 "will not be able to do the interview next week", and with no comment about arranging a future date.
They had asked for a book, which as readers of this blog know, is the biggest obstacle to getting interviewed, due to the lack of books when you self-publish. I have provided a bio and link to my website, where 3 stories from "Travels in a Blue Chair" could be read. Additionally, I can provide some discussion points.
I had suggested simply phoning the interview, as it would be much easier for me than to go downtown at rush hour. But that was only a suggestion.
Oh well, that is what this blog is all about! The ups and downs, highs and lows, and trials and tribulations of trying to get the word to disabled people about the book's existence.
Ryan did say they would mention my book and try to help me out. They wanted to be updated on future happenings.
Still it would be nice to know what happened and if they are still going to follow through with the interview?
I hope so. I know that John Derringer and all the morning gang and their listeners will really enjoy learning about some of my hilarious adventures!
Before I left for a Canada Day camping holiday we had arranged to record an interview on Monday, July 6th.
I returned to find an email from Ryan, in my box letting me know that Q-107 "will not be able to do the interview next week", and with no comment about arranging a future date.
They had asked for a book, which as readers of this blog know, is the biggest obstacle to getting interviewed, due to the lack of books when you self-publish. I have provided a bio and link to my website, where 3 stories from "Travels in a Blue Chair" could be read. Additionally, I can provide some discussion points.
I had suggested simply phoning the interview, as it would be much easier for me than to go downtown at rush hour. But that was only a suggestion.
Oh well, that is what this blog is all about! The ups and downs, highs and lows, and trials and tribulations of trying to get the word to disabled people about the book's existence.
Ryan did say they would mention my book and try to help me out. They wanted to be updated on future happenings.
Still it would be nice to know what happened and if they are still going to follow through with the interview?
I hope so. I know that John Derringer and all the morning gang and their listeners will really enjoy learning about some of my hilarious adventures!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Michael Ignatieff enjoyed "Travels in a Blue Chair"
Last night I attended the "Party in the Park" in Mimico. It was a great night to get out and enjoy the weather, meet other authors and see all the families together.
It was also a chance to sign some books and meet some people who have enjoyed "Travels in a Blue Chair", over the last few months.
Our M.P. for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Michael Ignatieff was in attendance. He is also the Liberal Party leader, an author, and possibly the next Prime Minister of Canada?
Michael saw me and yelled over "Walt!", he then came over to shake my hand and tell me how much he enjoyed reading my book!
Apparently his copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair" is now in Stornaway, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition.
Always great to meet up with another author!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Party in the Park - now at John English School
Due to the garbage strike the park will be closed, so the organisers have made alternative arrangements to hold the event at John English School.
John English School is located centrally in Mimico very close to the Mimico Memorial Park. The school is bordered by George Street and Mimico Ave.
Access to back of school field is off the north end of Central Street and off Mimico Ave.
See you there tomorrow afternoon!
John English School is located centrally in Mimico very close to the Mimico Memorial Park. The school is bordered by George Street and Mimico Ave.
Access to back of school field is off the north end of Central Street and off Mimico Ave.
See you there tomorrow afternoon!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 23rd 5-8pm @ Mimico: Party in the Park
Once again this year, I will be appearing at the Party in the Park in Mimico on Tuesday, June 23
The event was quite successful last year despite the weather being quite thundery...it will be held at Mimico Memorial Park (bordered by Hillside, Central and George Streets).
I hope to see you there and sign a copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair", just for you!!
The event was quite successful last year despite the weather being quite thundery...it will be held at Mimico Memorial Park (bordered by Hillside, Central and George Streets).
I hope to see you there and sign a copy of "Travels in a Blue Chair", just for you!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Toronto Reference Library.
I attended the Small Press Book Fair on the weekend at the Toronto Reference Library at Yonge and Bloor. It was an interesting experience, as there really weren't that many publishers in attendance, and there were lots of craft oriented groups.
I was able to sign 3 copies of "Travels in a Blue Chair". One was for a Kiwi just as the Fair opened, then I spoke to lots of interested people over the next 6 hours and then signed another two copies just near the end of the event.
It was nice to be able to participate, and many thanks to Terry for helping me to set up early in the morning and to Sue for dropping by near the end to help me pack up.
I know that those who received their copies will enjoy the stories!
I was able to sign 3 copies of "Travels in a Blue Chair". One was for a Kiwi just as the Fair opened, then I spoke to lots of interested people over the next 6 hours and then signed another two copies just near the end of the event.
It was nice to be able to participate, and many thanks to Terry for helping me to set up early in the morning and to Sue for dropping by near the end to help me pack up.
I know that those who received their copies will enjoy the stories!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Etobicoke South blog: www.etobicokesouth.com
Many thanks to Leigh who writes the Etobicoke South blog about all things in Toronto's great west end!
Leigh has graciously included "Travels in a Blue Chair" on her site. Here is a link to the item...
http://www.etobicokesouth.com/2009/06/author-of-travels-in-blue-chair-talks.html
If you live in the west end or are coming up to Toronto in the near future, please bookmark her great site , for all the info you need on where to eat and what to do...
Many thanks and hopefully we will meet up later this month at the Mimico event!
Leigh has graciously included "Travels in a Blue Chair" on her site. Here is a link to the item...
http://www.etobicokesouth.com/2009/06/author-of-travels-in-blue-chair-talks.html
If you live in the west end or are coming up to Toronto in the near future, please bookmark her great site , for all the info you need on where to eat and what to do...
Many thanks and hopefully we will meet up later this month at the Mimico event!
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