Reaching for a Dream

Recently, I’ve finished my first novel, “Looking for Love”. It’s about Chloe Smith, who, abandoned as a child, grows up feeling unwanted. After finishing school, she works as a live-in nanny. She falls deeply in love with her employer, Richard Taylor. But he needs time to heal from the tragic death of his wife. Also, his domineering parents strongly oppose her presence in their son’s life. Then she becomes blind in a car accident. As she learns to cope in a sightless world, she discovers how love can really conquer all. I’ve sent my manuscript to a few publishers. In the meantime, I’m working on my next novel. I haven’t decided what to call it yet, but the story is about a blind girl who has been very sheltered all her life. She meets a man who has recently lost his sight. They fall in love. There’s only one problem; her family don’t like him and he doesn’t like her family. Writing has always been my passion. I remember as a little girl, typing short stories on my clunky brailler. I made tactile pictures and stapled the pages together to form little picture books. My Mum still has them today, for sentimental reasons. It’s only been the last couple of years that I’ve decided to take writing more seriously. While it’s always been my dream to be a published author, I used to think I would never have a chance. But one day, I realized that it’s better to try and fail, then to do nothing at all. At least I know that I’m giving it a go.

Importance of Communication in Relationships

“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new…, all the time, made new…” Amy E. Dean I always find conflict unpleasant, especially when it’s with a close friend or loved one. But sometimes the experience can help the relationship to grow. That is, if we communicate with each other. The other day, I felt depressed. Instead of telling my husband how I was feeling, I bit his head off and said some things I didn’t mean. I wanted to be alone and tried to shut him out. While the incident was painful, it helped me to realize that I need to communicate more, particularly with my husband. It encouraged us to really “talk”. Of course, I apologized for lashing out and he said he forgave me. It’s impossible, however, to unsay something you’ve said. But we have a deeper understanding of each other now. Lack of communication is a major cause of relationship problems. We need to be able to share our thoughts, feelings and wants. For example, when I’m feeling depressed, I need to let my husband know, instead of biting his head off or shutting him out. Verbal communication is particularly important for me, because I can’t see a person’s face or body language. When someone doesn’t speak to me, I feel isolated, unsure, frustrated. I rely on listening to what people say and their tone of voice. I’m also realizing that successful relationships require maturity. It’s important to recognize and respect each other’s differences. We also need to know how to compromise. When disagreements occur, We should try to find a middle ground. My husband and I always try to be there for each other. It’s the best feeling in the world, having someone to share my life with. While we do have arguments occasionally, if we talk things out, we can learn from our mistakes and grow as a couple.

Itching Dogs

Lately, my Seeing Eye dog, zora, has been very itchy. I give her Sentinel and Advantage once a month, so fleas shouldn’t be the culprit. I’ve heard from other people, that their dog is also scratching a lot. I asked the Vet from Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, for advice on how to fix the problem. She recommended the following: 1) Bath your dog about once a week, using QV Wash instead of shampoo. As this product is actually targeted at people, you can find it in most chemists. QV wash, however, is also beneficial to dogs displaying itchiness or flaking skin, as it doesn’t contain any soap, which can contribute to increased itchiness and dry coat. There are a few varieties of QV, but the vet recommends using QV Wash and Intensive Moisturizing QV Wash for best results. 2) Give your dog daily doses of Fish Oil and EPO (Evening Primrose Oil). While these products are used as traditional supplements for people, they are also safe for dogs. EPO has many benefits, but in this case, it is quite effective in managing skin issues. Fish Oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which, for dogs, provides anti-inflammatory effects and can help relieve itching due to atopic dermatitis, an allergy-related skin condition. According to a dermatology specialist, it is best to use BOTH Fish Oil and EPO for allergies/itchiness, rather than just one toe or the other. She recommends the following dosage per weight of dog: • Evening Primrose Oil: 1g per 10kg of dog • Fish Oil: 1g per 3 kg of dog For the average dog this would mean around 8 or so fish oil capsules per day and 4 or so EPO caps. However, to cut down on the number of fish oil capsules there is a brand that makes 2000mg fish oil caps which would half the number of capsules given per day. For example: if your dog weighs 26kg, you’d give him/her two 2000mg fish oil caps in the AM and two of the same at night; with the 1000mg EPO caps you’d give him/her two in AM and two PM. You could drop them in their food bowl, add a bit of water then swish around. Most Labs will eat the capsules in their food bowl without question. 3) The Antihistamine Telecast is another product that can assist in managing seasonal allergies and itchiness. It’s important to note that other antihistamines are not created equal. Telefast can be found over-the-counter at most chemists. While it is safe for dogs, to get the best benefit it must be given in high doses - 16mg per 1kg of dog. For example, an average 28kg dog: Multiply 28 X 16 = 448; divide that by 180 (mg per 1 tablet) and that gets you to roughly 2.5 tablets in 24hr period. Telefast is safe for regular use. If your dog is really itchy, especially at seasonal times, then using Telefast or its generic version might give additional relief. I’ve been following these steps and, to my relief, have found that Zora’s skin is improving. My Seeing-eye dog is like my child. I want to do everything I can to ensure she is healthy, happy and safe.

Zora's Explorers

My husband and I run a social group for people who are blind or have low vision. It’s called Zora’s Explorers, after my seeing-eye dog, Zora. We meet and do various activities, such as ten-pin bowling, movies and dining in cafes and restaurants. We always try to ensure that our events are accessible by transport. Today, we met up for lunch in the city. We had a lovely time. Everyone seemed to get on very well. The afternoon flew by. I enjoy meeting people through Zora’s Explorers. It’s great chatting with people and having a laugh. I’ve also made some fantastic friends, and even met my amazing husband. I’d been running the group for a few months, when Phil signed up as a member. First we chatted on the phone a few times, then arranged to meet up. And it went from there. He proposed to me after 8 months. We married on 9th of March, 2013. I feel like the happiest and luckiest girl in the world! Coordinating Zora’s Explorers, has helped me to grow as a person. I’ve learnt that we sometimes have to step outside of our comfort zone. While meeting new people has often been daunting for me, overcoming this fear has been very rewarding.