Category: Special Observations
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How Online Learning is Advancing My Career
Use Online Learning to Help Career I am naturally curious. I enjoy learning about all kinds of things. But mostly skills to advance my career and writing. Online courses have been my ticket to exploration and career advancement. I take these courses easily from my home. They are convenient and sometimes free of charge. They…
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The Benefits of a Library Card: It’s Not Just for Checking Out Books
When I was a little kid my dad took me to the library. It was part of our Saturday routine. We would pile in the car and drive to the local branch in our community. On the way he would share his childhood story about his inability to enter the main public library in his…
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Blindness and My Hair: Why I use a Professional Stylist to Help Me Look Fabulous
After I lost my vision I knew I had to seek a professional stylist. It had nothing to do with my self-esteem or confidence. Rather it was about being practical. No more were the days of coloring my own hair or using at home hair relaxing kits. I didn’t have enough vision to do the…
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I’m Still Not Back in the Movie Theater and Here’s Why
National Cinema Day Two years ago, I wrote a post about my reluctance to watch movies at my local movie theater, AMC. Although, they had put COVID protocols in place I was still not comfortable. The pandemic was still raging and our numbers here in Georgia were still high. Well, that was some time ago …
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Performances and the Pandemic: How I Attended Live Theatre Safely
Enjoy Live Theatre I have attended live theatre performances for many years. It is exciting and thrilling to see people on stage right in front of me. The acting, singing and dancing are a true joy to observe. I especially enjoy live community theatre. The close and intimate space provides an amazing chance to engage…
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July is Disability Pride Month and Is There Pride in Being Blind?
A Response on Becoming Disabled Back in August 2016 I read a very interesting article in the opinion section of the New York Times. It was titled, “Becoming Disabled” by Rosemarie Garland-Thomson. It asked the question, Where is our disability pride movement?” Afterward I wrote my own thoughts and personal reflections. In honor of Disability…
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Why Do the Blind Wear Sunglasses? It’s Not Totally Why You Think.
Many of us have seen that stereotypical image of a blind person wearing sunglasses and carrying a white cane. For years I wrongly assumed that wearing sunglasses was because the person either had no vision or their eyes didn’t look natural. It wasn’t until I lost my own vision that I learned otherwise. Now blind…
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Celebrating My Birthday With 7 Writing Gifts to Myself
Tuesday, June 21 is my birthday and I am breaking tradition. I am celebrating by writing gifts to myself. I know you are supposed to receive gifts from others and I will happily take them. I just wanted to do something a little different this year. After all the birthdays I have had, and there…
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After 20 Years of Ownership My House is Still a Home Sweet Home
Twenty Years Owning a Home Last month I contacted the courthouse to request a copy of my deed. For some reason I misplaced my original and needed to replace it. As I was reading the copy they sent, it dawned on me that it has been about 20 years since I purchased my house. Where…
Empish J. Thomas 