#blogging4charity – X is for Xenarthran

As you may have guessed, trying to find another word beginning with X that was different to my last #blogging4charity was always going to be a challenge. And so I have decided to go with Xenarthran!

Xenarthran – an ancient lineage of mammals comprising the armadillos (order Cingulata) and the sloths and anteaters (order Pilosa). The namesake feature shared by all members of Xenarthra is seen in the lower backbone. The lumbar vertebrae are “xenarthrous”; that is, they have extra contacts (joints, or arthroses) that function to strengthen the lower back and hips. This aids use of the forelegs in activities not associated with locomotion, such as digging-the primary method used by anteaters and armadillos to obtain food.

#blogging4charity – I is for Ireland

From a young age, I always had a huge interest in the island of Ireland, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. I always remember wanting to go to visit or even to move there. Some of my favourite music comes from Ireland as well as favourite actors, TV programs etc. Here is my blog celebrating the Emerald Isle! 

Dyslexia and Me: Get Some Hattitude!

I’ve always been a hat wearer. I absolutely love hats! While the stereotype of women is shoes and handbags, for me it’s hats. I have a couple of caps, some floppy hats, a beany hat with horns, a Frank Sinatra style hat, a couple of handmade hats from craft fairs… I LOVE HATS!!!

Dyslexia and Me: What you see, What I see

People often ask me what it’s like visually when I am reading. When you grow up looking through your own eyes, I guess you don’t realise that you’re seeing things so differently until someone asks. The best way I have found to describe my vision is like pixels on a computer or TV screen. Each of the pixels makes up a more solid colour through RGB. When I look at solid colours or shades, I can still see other colours flashing around, though I know it is a white wall or a red book or a pitch black room. Even when there is no light at all, I still see colours. In fact, it becomes even worse! I walk a lot slower and cautiously in the dark because my vision to make out shapes is distorted by flashing ‘pixels’ of colour that cloud my vision.