Hi there, I’m Gemma. I’ve never been much of a writer although I’ve always felt like I’ve got a lot to say.
I enjoy the quirky things in life and am unoffended by people calling me ‘a bit arty’. I studied creative stuffs, including an MA in textiles. I now mostly crochet and cross stitch like an old lady, surrounded by four cats. Fact. Being a cat lady is the dream.
When I’m not crafting I can usually be found around Norwich checking out the going’s on. I enjoy entertainment of all kinds (I just like getting out really!), music, comedy, cinema, theatre and festivals.
In 2016 after many discussions with friends about our adventures, this blog, wheelescapades, was born.
You see, when I’m out with friends we always end up critiquing and rating everything, there’s a lot to critique when you’re a wheelchair user. There’s a lot that doesn’t cross the mind of your average walker (not of The Walking Dead kind) and so I end up getting myself in some situations.
I could be out with friends at a festival and need a handsome guy to free my wheel from the mud, it’s not only heels that get stuck!
I’ve been jammed in many shop doorways, my elbow about to snap, nearly reversed down a hidden flight of steps, and been stranded in a lift with nobody to press the buttons.
It’s these situations and tales which I hope to share with you, I want you to see the small stuff, the tiny details of disability.
I also want to highlight access. Access in all its forms. Entering a building does not mean equal access, it does not mean mission accomplished.
For the fellow wheelers out there I hope to provide reviews of venues, restaurants and organisations. Write in detail the good and the bad. How big is the step? How wide is the door? How high is the table?
I live with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy type2), which in basic terms means I can barely lift a brew and have a cough more pathetic than a cat. I hope to give you an understanding of this. It’s not all about the wheels.
I also like tea, and think I’ve done well not to speak about that yet. Hot tea, iced tea, afternoon tea. There will be plenty of that here. As long as it’s strong, gutsy and not too sweet, I’m there.
I started off as a disability blogger, well that was my aim. But now I like to think of myself as a blogger, who just happens to have a disability. It’s my way of life, and I hope you enjoy sharing it with me.
Hi Gemma,
I’m Sandra from Austria and i’m a wheelchair user myself. Just started to read your blog and I’m really exited what there is about to come.
Looking forward to read all your stories.
Have a nice day and stay safe!
Sandra
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sandra
Thanks for stopping by. It’s always great to hear from new people.
Hope what you find here is useful and entertaining. I’m always up for chats.
Take care
Gemma
LikeLike
Hi Gemma nice to red about you and get to know you better! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi nice to connect!
LikeLike
Thanks for dropping by. Come for a brew anytime 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you I sure will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve learned so much from you! Thank you for writing your story in a kind, humorous way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Humour is my way forward whatever the situation! Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Hello girl! You have educated me and confirmed life is for living. Also what I take for granted and should step back at times and appreciate. Thank you fellow blogger and friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s the small things that make a life. I like to think.
LikeLike
I’ve been following your blog for ages Gemma but never read your about page!! I love cross stitching too but since taking up blogging I don’t seem to have time for it unfortunately. I also love tea and will join you for afternoon tea anytime!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blogging seems to have a way of taking over doesn’t it?! Not that I’m complaining, I love the community.
I’m going to take part in #The100DayProject that happens in April to get my crafting fingers moving again. You should check it out. And are welcome for tea and cake whenever you like!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gemma!! I may need to look at that challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know if you’re taking part 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love reading your adventures Gemma, you have a real talent for writing. Always a pleasure x x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m not sure about talent, but I do like a good ramble!
LikeLike
I have read some of your tea posts and have loved them! My niece is disabled, sometimes using a chair, but other times walking, albeit like a drunken sailor, but she is on her feet. We used to do much more together, but since she is grown, and working we don’t do as much together. Thanks for this blog and for your words, you are a blessing. Cathi (DAF)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I’m always looking for fellow tea appreciators!
I’ve been reading and followed you nieces blog 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
she is an incredible young woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I now consider you one of my peeps in blogging. You make me consider things I might not have thought of access wise
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the aim 😊
And back at you!
LikeLike
Dear Gemma
You have been nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award! Thanks for being part of my blogging journey, and I hope you will be able to participate and pay this forward. You will find the post on my blog at https://bit.ly/2Z7Fcgt and published at 2am Vancouver, BC time August 16, 2019
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 😊
LikeLike
Dear Gemma!
I love your writing. I am in the chair for almost twenty years. Early on, I became an activist and advocate & have sued hundreds of establishment for lack of compliance to ADA laws,
I am beginning to blog. I, too, have lots to say & opinion on most topics. So happy to have discovered you. Keep up the good work. I’ll be reading!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, great to meet you.
Access is such a big issue that is so often easy to fix.
Good luck with your writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great picture and page. We are so many parts – no labels. Toss them out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers to that!
LikeLike
It all looks fab Gemma and you are most definitely a Blogger who drinks tea and just happens to be on wheels… You come first, the disability much later 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, I’m rubbish at the tech stuff!
It’s a way life. Not life.
LikeLike
Bloody well done, it took ages to get to tea! I think of wheelescapades as a tea on wheels blog 😆 (as a starting point)
The new look is great 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I did well there.
Tea on Wheels. Maybe that will be the book title 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loving the new look!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there, yes, you’re a blogger with a disability! You are more than the disability. Love your blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! And yes, we are all, who we are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to put a face to the name! This is Cathi…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to meet you. I’m Charlene at https://faithtoraisenate.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to meet you!
LikeLike
Nice to meet you,Gemma!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And yourself 😊
LikeLike
Photography and traveling? looks like we have something in common! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person