A New Arrival

Tags

Animals, cat, Dog, Sharing, tortoise, Wishes

This may take a while.

How hard can it be introducing a new pet into the family? The moment Munch stepped paw into the house two and a half years ago, he was confronted with Angus my adorable black rescue cat who wouldn’t say boo or meow to a goose. He did however want to say hiss to a great big oaf of a Labradoodle that came hurtling through his front door. A swift swipe of his outstretched paw told Munch that he was being met with a hostility stand off rather than a welcoming committee. That set the tone for the relationship that they have today. Sweet Angus still rules, and Munch just obeys which to be fair is shocking as Angus is the only non-staff members of Munch in the family.

Now we have a new animal on the block in the form of my parent’s adorable tortoise Faith, Her brother Hero is still missing in action having escaped from their garden three weeks ago. The plan is that if he returns form his little jaunt, then he will be coming to join his sister in his new habitat. Introducing Faith to Munch has not been as smoothly as we had imagined though as he is not sure what to make of this odd-looking walking shell. A sniff here and there has only added to his confusion to this non canine like creature.

We have been searching like mad for the best way to introduce a tortoise to mischievous Munch and we are still crossing our fingers that he will soon act nonchalant like he does to everyone else. Apart from squirrels, he never gets this excited over any living being so I am crossing every body part that I have, that his excited barks will soon ease off and be replaced by a silent glance over his shoulder as he watches Faith slowly walk past him on a lazy afternoon stroll. Surely her chilled out attitude in life will speak to his inner sloth and they can become the best of friends.

Until then short bursts of sniffing Faiths new home, alternating access to free runs in the garden and treats for every time he does not bark and try and scare sweet Faith may be the way forward. I am crossing my fingers that I will one day be able to take a picture of Munch, Angus and Faith all being friends as their beautiful soul’s merge into a trio of friends.

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A Panini Thief? Where?

Tags

Animals, Dog, Foodie, Guide Dog, Humour, Labradoodle, Sharing

“Well, his official name is Minster as he was sponsored by Lincoln Minster Prep school, but I have nicknamed him Munch”, joked the trainer that had brought this beautiful hairy soul into my life. It wasn’t long before I knew why his nickname had come about.

Led by a typical Labrador stomach, Munch cruised through life hoovering up unwanted food debris with utter dedication to this life path that he had chosen. One of the advantages of being a guide dog was that he could go places that other dogs were not allowed. Working alongside his maid in different schools around the area meant that he had a lot of ground to selflessly cover in relation to removal of food waste. Not a break or dinner time went past that this hard-working soul was not on high alert for removing any food-based slip hazards that the two legged less hairy race could slip on. No corner remained unexplored on his shift.

Just the other day he was faced with preventing an urgent food spillage that was about to happen right before his eyes. As his maid was taking him through the reception area of a school, he spotted a potential health and safety hazard about to occur on his patch. Being the ever-vigilant hero that he is, he knew he had little time and had to act fast. Prevention was always better than cure, so he stepped up to the mark without a second thought for his safety. There in front of him dangling at face height was a chicken tikka panini in a careless hand. Knowing the damage that such a spillage could cause on the carpeted floor he sprang into action and put his own safety on the line. Saving the school cleaner a messy clean-up, he did what any decent citizen would have done and went in for the chomp.

Rescuing the whole panini in his mouth, he stood with pride showing off his heroic skills. The gasps of the astonished people all around him was obviously a shared appreciation of his bravery wasn’t it? As he stood with half of the panini poking lengthways out of his mouth, he pondered how he was going to get the whole lot in his mouth at record speed. It was in that moment that everything changed. Out of nowhere, the cruel hand of the maid came around to remove the mid-air panini part out of his mouth for some strange reason. There he stood, the top food spillage preventor around, being relieved of his duties. How could this be happening?

As he quickly ate the remaining of the chicken tikka panini that was safe in his mouth, he heard a lot of commotion from the two legged less hairy race. The maid was saying sorry a million times for some strange reason and there was a lot of giggling going on around him. As the maid offered to buy the pupil a new panini, he stood in utter amazement that nobody had stopped to thank him. After all those years of perfecting his cleaning up skills, nobody could see that he was just being of service the best he could. What had the world come too when a top dog is no longer celebrated? The mind boggles.

Entering the office in reception a few moments later, he received the standing ovation that he rightly deserved as the three receptionists laughed at his little show. With his helicopter like tail rotating in excitement, he allowed the ladies to come and stroke him. The maid was still rambling on about some “little monkey” that she knew but he did not know what she meant. A quick sniff in the bin under one of the receptionist’s desks gave the ladies in the office the all clear from any potential food disasters. Regardless of the maid carrying on about being embarrassed by that little monkey that she kept harping on about, he went straight back into his professional role. He was not a quitter.

Arriving back in their counselling room with a full belly and job satisfaction, he drank two bowls full of water and settled down for the afternoon. The lack of appreciation from the maid filled him with disappointment. He decided to put her in the doghouse and give her the cold shoulder for the remainder of the day. Withdrawing his love for her he made her beg for his forgiveness to get back in his good books. He is sure he heard her saying something about there being a panini thief around, but he couldn’t be sure. He needed a rest before he had to go and tackle any more crime and prevention.

If you ever need a food spillage expert to come to your area for a major clean-up operation, just give Munch a call. He knows you will appreciate him more than his maid does.

Sorry, Was That Your…..?

Tags

Blind, Humour, Mistakes, Sight Loss

Have you ever seen something that was not there? A shadow in the corner of your eye, an outline of a face in a piece of toast or a word on a page that only existed in your mind? Me too. It happens quite a bit with sight loss, like missing objects and only seeing space or vice versa when you see objects instead of space. Well, your mind convinces you that you are seeing something that is not there. With sight loss a lot of the time you see things with a combination of your brain working out what it could be through method of deduction and pure and utter guess work.

Occasionally, this combination can get you into trouble in which I am an expert in. Take the following incident for example.

I was out one night with some university friends (pre-Munch days). After falling off stage in epic style (joys of a black stage raised on a black floor and very little vison), we checked for btoken bones then chatted away and tried to find a seat. There were none available, so we loitered with intent near some tables and chairs that were apparently there (I could not see) and waited for people to leave. As I finished my drink I wondered where I may put my empty glass. My friend told me where to find an empty table so off I went in what I thought was the right direction. All I could see what a pair of white legs flopped either side of a table (at least, that’s what my mind told me). This same conniving brain told me that the positioning of the flopped legs either side meant that there was a table in between these legs, and that this was the table that my friend had described. As I lowered my glass onto this imagined table, I saw the white lines growing closer together until they became a unified white line. It was only as my glass gently touched down on the crotch of a poor terrified man that I realized that there was no table and he had just been sitting with his legs akimbo. The panicky apology that I shouted at him over the blaring music felt a little too late. I really hoped that the CCTV cameras were not working that night.

For me, these incidents are more the norm than a rarity. I still think back to such incidents with a bowed head and chuckling heart to all the mistakes I have made in life. Being led astray by lack of vision and a comedic brain never lets life get boring or stale. Being a little daft is just part of my genetic make up and anything normal just wouldn’t be me. Blundering through life always keeps things lively and guessing if someone has a table between their legs on a night out will never get boring.

The above excerpt was taken from my upcoming book What You See When You Can’t See. If you want to read more cringe worthy tales, the book is full of them, so you won’t be disappointed.

No Need To Judge

“So, you are looking after your granddaughter and there is nobody there to help you?” the patronizing voice quizzed.
“No, not at the moment but it’s fine” I chirped back through gritted teeth.
“And tell me, how exactly are you going to bring her in for an appointment then?” the growingly grumpy voice growled.
“It’s fine I won’t be driving” I joked and was met with silence. “Someone will bring us down” she really was a tough crowd.

Calling for an out of hours Doctors appointment for my lovely granddaughter should have been plain sailing but it was more choppy water treading than anything. My granddaughter had slept over the night before and had been up nearly all night in pain with an earache. She had been in so much pain bless her so she desperately needed to see a doctor and a swift phone call in the morning I thought would get it sorted. I didn’t bank on a grizzly voice at the end of the phone being a little offish.
The doctor agreed that she needed to be seen and that wasn’t the issue. The issue seemed to be with me being blind.

The chat with the doctor was going smoothly until I mentioned that I could not see if her ear was red with her because I was blind and could not see detail like that. I was mid-way through telling her that there appeared to be no discharge from her ear as I could not feel anything when she stopped me mid-sentence. “Hang on, you are blind and looking after her?”. I have a face that doesn’t lie and if she had seen my face over the phone, she would have seen my perplexed expression answering her. “Um, yes” was my querying response back. It was clear that this woman did not think much outside of the box.
Now I get why she may have been a little concerned about my capabilities of giving visible feedback about how my granddaughter was, but I did not get her questioning of my caring abilities. My rebellious side in me wanted to question her training in diversity but I remained silent. How I would have loved to hear her pre-conceived ideas on what she though people with sight loss were capable of doing. My bluntness was bubbling to the surface to query her queries, but I kept them cool and let her judge away.

Her tone of voice and belittling phrases could have been her having an off day, but I wish that she knew how sight loss can make someone know more that people think. I would have loved to have told her how I can smell when someone is ill as there is a unique smell that radiated from them. I could have told her that even the slightest change in an ill person’s voice can tell me that they are not themselves. Intuition tells me that the feeling that I have in my stomach reflects the unwell feeling that the person is experiencing. The low energy that an ill person emits from their being, confirms their need to rest. None of these may be written in a medical book but they are real to those who see with more than their eyes,

Bringing up four children (most of the time being a single parent) whilst not having functional vision has given me masses of knowledge and alterative ways of dealing with things. I really wish that this highly trained and skilled lady could have understood that before jumping to conclusions. It wasn’t the time or the place to educate her, but I do hope that one day she will understand that people with sight loss are more capable than she may think.

A course of antibiotics later and my gorgeous granddaughter is back to her bright and adorable self and that is the most important thing. I hope as she grows up, her mind is kept open to seeing past people’s adversity and sees the ability in disability.

Confessions Of An Eye Rolling Enthuisiast

Tags

Animals, Dog, Drama King, Eye Rolling, Guide Dog, Humour, Labradoodle

To my fellow eye rollers, I am writing this post on your behalf to educate the static eye gang on why the art of eye rolling should be pursued. Now, if we were having this conversation around 60 years ago, us eye rolling enthusiasts may have been called flirts due to the fact that our dramatic eyes were a sign of flirtation, but I can assure you that my eye rolling is usually due to another reason. Well, if there happens to be a nice-looking Labrador in the vicinity (especially light-coloured males), my eyes may do some old-fashioned rolling. In normal circumstances however, my eye rolls are just a visible by-product of wearing my emotions on my adorable face.

Many two legged less hairy beings (aka humans) believe that us dogs do not roll our eyes but let me assure we do. Admittedly, my eye rolling behaviour was non existent before I moved into my maid’s house, but the eye rolls soon began when I realized what I was expected to put up with. After my guide dog graduation in my bright new harness, I was told that I was ready to be a fully working dog. Nobody told me how hard the work was though. I mean, I sometimes must even work up to 2 hours a day in harness. I know what you are thinking, how do I cope? This is where the eye rolling talent comes in as I can let all those around me know that I am not impressed. To be fair, the maid cannot see me rolling my eyes, so I am extra thoughtful to her and just give her loud sighs.

Here are a few situations that you may see me roll my eyes in protest and I know that you will feel my pain and fully support my visual display of distain.

1. When the maid wants me to get out of bed before 7am for her to take me for a walk (which means working).
If, however, one of my favourite dog walkers comes to take me out for a nice walk and free run, I am totally fine with that.

2. If I must go out walking in the rain.
Swimming in lakes and rivers is totally fine with me but not rain.

3. If the maid tells me off for eating Angus’s cat food.
If she wants me to work for her, she must understand I need fuel to function at such high levels that I do.

4. When the maid refuses to go and retrieve the ball that she has thrown when we are playing catch.
I will maybe retrieve the ball for the first three times and take it back to her to throw but then it is up to her to throw and retrieve the ball and attempt everything to get me re-engage in the game.

5. When all the two legged less hairy race complain about my anal exhales.
They have yet to master the art of appreciate the organic aroma that I produce and share with others, they really need to live more by the sharing is caring motto in life.

6. When the maid takes me to clothes shops.
Unless there is a Pet food aisle in a shop, I do not want to be there. Hoovering up stray bits of dog or cat food (I am not fussy) that has fallen on the floor from a ripped bag is me demonstrating my helpful nature. I do not wear clothes so therefore such shops don’t interest me.

7. When playtime ends.
When I am put back in my harness by my maid or on the lead by one of my dog walkers, my eyes will roll in protest. Play and sleep are the only two modes that I can ever be found in and surely, they don’t want me to sleep all day, do they?

8. When I gently take food out of any hand that is at my level and get told off for it.
I am polite and I never snatch. If there is food at my level, it is obvious that they want me to have it as they know that a regal being such as I need to be fed. Apparently, taking food off children is frowned upon. What a stupid rule as they are usually the ones with the tastiest of foods.

9. Having been told off yet again for digging up the flower beds.
I am a dog, I dig, Get over it.

10. When the maid uses that annoying sing song voice and talks to me in a childish voice.
I am far more intelligent than she will ever be so why she talks to me as if I am a baby I will never know. I have trained her and my other staff well and they should know that I should be spoken to like a king.

Eye rolling is just my way of expressing that whatever you are saying or doing is not okay with me. I am Munch and I am an eye rolling enthusiast and always will be until the day that my maid and other staff learn their wrong doings.

See With More Than Your Eyes

Tags

Alternative, Expansion, Senses, Sight Loss, Unconditional Love

With heads tilted up towards the sun, they feel the energy that lovingly gives to the living. They follow their magnetic footsteps that draws them to their destination that they know off by heart. Feeling each step-in turn, they collaborate with their memory to ensure that they are on the right path. The wrong turns that they make will be the centre of the new knowledge that will lead them into new territory.

Each heart-beat lures them to the place that they need to go to find their true-life purpose and allow the dramas to magically disintegrate around them. As the energy that they carry through life merges with the energies of loved ones and strangers around them, they see deep into the souls of each one they meet. The flickering of the internal compasses is the judge of who will stay or go in their life.

Intuition is omnipresent as all decisions are made by the expert of the gut. Whilst the untrained go through life ignoring what their body is telling them, the intuitive know that they must listen to the source that has never let them down before. Knowing what keeps them safe and puts them in danger comes from the internal voice that is always on their side and helps them manifest all the good that is available to all if only they took time to look.

Having spent so long detached from the intoxication of visual pleasure all around, they begin to see the world in a different way. Connecting to something that is much deeper than the vibrating atoms that are around them each day, they learn to see things that others simply see past. Life does not start and stop in their field of vision but expands across the whole of humanity where the true meaning of life can be found.

The unified existence of all living things becomes the driving force in life. The basics of life never change over time and is witnessed in the most complex of situations. The predictability of life is the base of decisions that seem impossible to make but are made all the same. Seeing past the problems that are placed in our way can only lead us to discovering the options of solutions that are waiting for us to discover them.

Choosing to see with more than your eyes, expands your world in unbelievable ways. Using your eyes to live your life in equally ways of using your senses, heart and intuition allows you to see with clarity in the unseen world. True blindness does not come from lack of physical sight, but from the lack of insight that you choose to see. Chose to investigate parts of life that you never knew existed and begin to discover what life is about.

Sight see from the inside to wholly experience the new world around you.

Talking Rubbish

Tags

Blind, Hidden Disability, Humour, Sight Loss

My life before Munch was a little….different. Walking around with sight loss made it feel like I was an undercover alien in a world full of normality. The superhuman sighted could do things that I could only dream of. Like tell the difference between a person and a bin. I know, amazing right?

One day, in the land of triple vision hazy fog (my equivalent of 20/20 vision), I found myself standing in a rainy pre-historic, dimly lit train station in the Welsh town that I lived in. With only five trains passing through each day (public transport haven I know), I knew that there was no chance of me getting on the wrong train as the next one was two and a half hours away. I was busy attempting to dodge the icy rain drops that was cleansing the shelter free station when a faint pair of footsteps approached. Minutes later, a deep heavy voice paired up with the boot sounding feet and grunted out a groggy hello.
A fellow passenger awaiting to board the train was a rarity on such early mornings in this sleepy town. Chirping a hello back in the direction that I thought he was in; I went straight into my acting mode. Rummaging in my bag for my phone to attempt to check the blurry time, the echoing voice progressed from grunting to audible two words sentences in a nanosecond. I answered politely to each thing he said although I still could not see him.

I was well into my slow-motion owl impression, turning my head in all angles in a scanning mode, when I thought I spotted where he was standing. About six feet away from me I saw something which resembled a person so decided to direct most of the rest of the conversation in that direction. The darkness of the early morning seemed to embrace the blurry figure lovingly as the figure and background merged into one. At least I was now looking at the person, or so I thought.

Over the next ten minutes before the train came, we talked about the weather, lack of public transport to take us into civilisation, how chocolate Wagon Wheels have got smaller over the years and migrating birds. The usual morning chit chat on a cold winter morning. Feeling proud that I was looking in the right direction of the man although I could not see him, I heard the distant approach of the train. I was so thankful of my hearing, Until I heard the footsteps of the man walk slowly in front of me to walk up the platform for the approaching train.

It was at that moment that I realized that I had all along been facing and chatting to the bin on a post all along. I should have remembered that bin as I had walked into it a couple of times in past. As there was such an echo in the train station, it was difficult to pin-point where exactly the centre of the echo was to try and figure out the exact location of the man. Trying to fit into a world with people with superhuman powers of sight, seemed impossible as I blundered through life. Keeping sight loss hidden from others I had down to a fine art, except for in situations such as this.

Talking to rubbish bins instead of people, walking into benches that blend in with the colour of the floor, sitting on coffee tables instead of the same height chairs in waiting rooms are all perils of living in the sighted world with sight loss. Noticing a guide dog or white cane with a person makes more sense for such odd behaviours and a little more understanding happens. I am blessed that the universe gave me such a “in your face” guide dog that screams sight loss and for that I will be eternally grateful. At least now if I talk to a bin, people will know there is a reason in my madness.

World Meditation Day, Munch Style

Tags

Dog, Guide Dog, Humour, Meditating, Smile

Some have suggested that Munch the Dogi has yoga and meditation down to a fine art. If you celebrated World Mediation Day on 21st May with some Zen and blissed out way of being by meditating, you will appreciate Munch’s take on his favourite past time. If you are new to meditation, Munch has kindly given you a few beginners tips to taking up the soul feeding activity. Since he entered my life two and a half years ago, we have meditated twice a day together so this Dogi really knows his stuff. So, sit back, relax and learn how to meditate in style from this hairy leader.

Step 1 – Find a comfy place to sit or lie down. Munch tends to seek out a pile of newly ironed clothes, on top of important documents or sharing his six stone enlightened body sprawled across another body in a relaxed pose. Please feel free to use a chair or to lie on the floor or bed if none of the above appeal to you.

Step 2 – Concentrate on you breathe. As soon as that comfortable place is found, Munch enters straight into deep breathe work. To the untrained ear it may sound like a snore, but he is just connecting to and mimicking the vibration of the universe. If you wish to follow the snore free approach please breathe in through your nose for a count of three, hold for three and then breath out from your mouth for a count of three. Repeat and feel your body become more and more relaxed.

Step 3 – Feel your body relax. Munch the master in this field shows us how important this step is. He merges into the surface that he is laying on and will become one with it. He has transcended to the highest possible level of relaxation and can remain here for hours regardless of any commotion that goes on around him. Relax each body part in turn from your head down to your feet one by one and feel supported by the surface that you are on just like the master does.

Step 4 – Block out distraction. Regardless of how many times you call his name, the severity of the stench that he releases during this relaxation period and rustle of his work harness, he will remain in this zen like existence. Munch’s top tip here is to leave the world carry on around you and you carry on in the blissful world you have entered.

Step 5 – Scan your body and adjust. On the rare occasions that Munch moves from his settled meditative pose, it is because there may be a little discomfort in an area of his body so he needs to readjust. He may often flip over onto his back, put his paws in the air and use a little contortion to get comfortable. If legs in the air and contortion does not sound like your thing, just do whatever you can to feel at ease. The contortion will come with practice.

Step 6 – Let your mind wonder and empty. During this meditative state, Munch never gets caught up in the “how am I going to retrieve the stick from the river” or the “do you think they noticed that I borrowed the cat’s food again” trivialities in life. No, he just notices these thoughts and lets them go. Take a leaf out of his book and allow yourself to notice thoughts but do not attach to them and leave them casually go out of your head as casually as they entered.

Step 7 – Enter your happy zone. Thoughts of a food factory, swimming with swans, free runs and body massages are just a few examples of happy zone places that Munch thinks of in his meditations. Such places will bring him a sense of peace and tranquillity and fill his heart with joy which he will later bring back to the waking life. He knows that he can think of these places anytime things get a little tough. Think of a place that brings you with such joy and feel yourself in this happy zone in meditation and return to anytime you feel the need to.

Step 8 – Wait for a message. When Munch returns to terra firma after a meditation, you can guarantee that he will do something a little mischievous but we all know that it is not his fault as he was only listening to messages from this spirit guides. Listen out for messages in your meditations and act on them. If they lead to mischief remember you were just acting on guidance, if it is a good enough excuse for Munch it is good enough for you.

Step 9 – Come back gently into your body. Unfortunately, when Munch has come back too quick from his mediations into the waking life he has fallen off a bed or two, walked into a door whilst one paw is still in a different realm and spent a good five minutes wondering what his name is , so come back whenever you are ready and not before. Maybe waking your body up slowly by moving your fingers and toes gently then other body parts before opening your eyes is a good idea. Only move when you are ready.

Step 10 – Smile. The most effective way to end a meditation is to wake up with a heart felt smile as you bring the joy and peace back from your altered state of consciousness. A heart melting smile is infectious and one of Munch’s favourite qualities. Smile away to keep misery at bay.

Whether you practice Loving Kindness, Mindfulness, Transcendental or any other type of meditation, enjoy it to the max. With lowered blood pressure, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, increased kindness and many other benefits, why would you not want to meditate, Munch the Dogi is always here if you need any help and guidance with your practice. Happy meditating.

Munch’s Day Of Drama

Tags

Animals, Book, Books, Dog, Drama King, Guide Dog, Humour, Labradoodle, Writing

We were all set and ready to go.
There we sat, with one of my favourite authors of all time, ready to be filmed. Munch lay chilled out between his feet and I tried getting comfy and pretended to relax. See, Munch and I have a very different relationship with the camera. He adores all the attention and either gives his best poses or makes the one in charge of the camera work hard to get the shot. I on the other hand shy away from the camera as much as possible.
It was a dream come true as we got ready to be interviewed about my book by the brilliant Dr David R Hamilton. For those of you who have read his fascinating books, you will know that his knowledge of the mind and body connection is mind blowing. The pure passion that he has for his work is infectious and makes you start seeing your life in different way. On of my favourite books of his is The Five Side Effects of Kindness which makes you want to live your life in a whole different way right from the word go. He so generously agreed to endorse my book What You See When You Can’t See, and this interview was the icing on the cake.
The interview started well with David starting with the best opening line ever by saying “You had me at Hello” as he enjoyed the book from the first page. My nerves disappeared and we casually went into a lively conversation about the book. His interviewing techniques were so natural, and the chat flowed with ease until a funny odour began to emerge. Do you know when you think you smell something weird and then as if by innate curiosity you have to breath a bit deeper to check and regret it the instant you do it? Well that happened as soon as I smelt the rancid anal exhale of Munch.
Panic set in and I tried (but failed) to keep a neutral face as my body pleaded with me for some fresh air and I denied it its wishes. I felt so bad for David who just carried on so professionally and unfazed where I was losing my trail of thought as my brain screamed out for some oxygen amongst the green smog of Munch’s insides. Luckily, the cameraman halted the interview for a bit and poor David commented that as he was in the direct line of fire for Munch’s body part it had gone right up his nostrils. Thanks Munch, just thanks. What a way to make an impression.
We also had a pre-launch meeting at the office for book which focussed on possible book translations, media coverage etc which was so fascinating to be in. The work that Hay House Publishing put in behind the scenes is immense. I felt so blessed that these experts in the field oversaw promoting my book. We left the office on a high and minus the incident of singing poor David’s nostrils with Munch’s toxic fart, all had gone fantastic. The rest of the day was surely going to be just as great wasn’t it?
A nice walk in Regent Park in London was a must to let Munch to have a bit of off duty freedom. Walking in the grass he suddenly went limp and couldn’t put any weight on his right front paw. The poor soul began to roll around in the grass in pain and began licking his paw constantly trying to heal in. I was with my friend Steve (who is luckily fully sighted) who checked his paw over to check that there was nothing stick in his paw. We panicked as it looked like it could be an injury of a bone or a ligament, so we knew he needed a vet asap. We had a train to catch in 2 hours-time, so we rang around to get an appointment with a local vet.
As if by magic a local vet had one in an hour and a half’s time which was cutting it a bit fine, but it would have to do. The only issue was the Munch could not walk. Here we were over 200 miles away from home, in the middle of a huge park with a 6 stone Labradoodle needing to get to the vet which was a mile away. This was going to be fun. Uttering the words “we need something on wheels to move him” to Steve started the ball of manifestations rolling. He looked around and saw a Park Warden van in the distance, so he ran over to ask them if they had any ideas. They kindly offered to give us a lift out of the park and to a taxi. Steve carried Munch’s bulky body over the green and into the awaiting van as Munch leisurely took in the sights around him with his head held high. In the van he began whining again in pain. The Park Warden parked next to a taxi and Steve began phase 2 of the moving Munch operation and carried him into the taxi. Phase 3 was completed as he listed Munch from the taxi and into the Vets. Witnessing his pain was horrible.
Luckily as soon as we walked in, I heard the receptionist on the phone tell a client that they had missed their appointment, but they could swap for the time we were booked in for, so we had their appointment. The vet took us into the room and examined him and took him straight down to the treatment room. Ten minutes later, in bounded Munch happy as anything and was ready to take us home. Apparently, something had gone into the hair between the paw pads and made it a bit red. The dramatic rolling around on the grass in pain and whimpering that he was doing throughout, I thought that there may have something far more serious. £90 later and still in time to catch our train, we started out journey home.
I think it is fair to say that wherever Munch is drama will always unfold.

A Million Pieces Lost And Found

Tags

Blind, Choice, Motivation, Positivity, Resilience, Sight Loss

With the upside-down camera like information seeker ready to transform the surroundings into evidence, it begins its job. From the moment that they wake, the sighted are bombarded with millions of pieces of information that their brain will interpret to tell them about the world that they live in. From written information plastered on walls around them to watching facial expressions change in a blink of the eye, the eyes are on constant lighthouse duty. The masses of atoms in front of the eye will get matched by the brain to fit into the awaiting box of named items that will help the observer make sense of the world that they live in.

With the ability of the naked eye to see the light of a candle 14 miles away in the right lighting conditions, these superhumans know things that millions will never know. With half of the human brain being dedicated to vision and seeing, the sighted can be fountains of knowledge to learn from. As the eye is the fastest muscle in the body and does not take anytime to warm up as it is ever ready, when it is working properly, it can function at 100% at any given time without needing to warm up.

The eyes can be full of finds but they can also be full of loss.

What about the 39 million people around the world that are blind or the 240 million or so people globally that have a visual impairment?

What are they able to find in their lack of physical vision?
It can be possible to find more in a world full of visual distortions that many sighted may believe. The information that the brain receives and makes up ideas about the world is not made up of the cluster of atoms that lays before a person alone but collects information from alternative senses. Focusing on the touch, smell, sound and taste of the world around them, allows a different dimension of experiencing the world so nothing is ever lost. With intuition being a guiding light for finding your own place in the world, living on the path of truth is always possible. When a voice from years ago triggers your memory to awaken and remembers every detail about the person that you can no longer see but hear in front of you, you enter the time machine of happiness.

Sensing a quiver in a voice as soon as it appears, you connect with that emotion in an instant and do whatever needs to be done. The beauty of neuro plasticity means that working memory can increase with sight loss which overcompensates for the smaller visual region in the brain. Listening to auditory echoes and changes in temperature’s in closed off and open spaces allows the person with sight loss to be able to keep safe and accident free. The insight gains that can come from sight loss will never make up for fully functioning vision, but they allow a person to view the world in a whole new light.

The sighted and sight loss world are separated by the bridge of vision. Whichever side of the bridge of sight you live on, there will be many loses and gains. It is up to you, which way you want to interpret the world so chose carefully and live the best life that you can as your world is as perfect as you make it.