The Chautauqua

Heart

2012-02-13T04:26:00.001-07:00

Follow your heart

without asking whether

it is okay to do so.

– Stephanie Tourles

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Watered

2012-02-10T04:04:00.002-07:00

The grass isn’t greener

on the other side of the fence;

it’s greener where it’s watered.

- author unknown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Love of Self

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

The remarkable thing is

we really love our neighbour as ourselves;

we do unto others as we do unto ourselves.

We hate others when we hate ourselves.

We are tolerant toward others

when we tolerate ourselves.

We forgive others when we forgive ourselves.

It is not love of self but hatred of self

which is at the root of the troubles

that afflict our world.

– Eric Hoffer

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Warm

2012-02-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

Find people who warm you.

– old Irish saying

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

February 3, 2012 Chautauqua

2012-02-03T04:39:00.002-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

Are you aware that you are really good at something? No, I'm serious. Are you? Please note that whining, complaining, worrying, avoiding reality, hiding from life, and fearful living totally don't count, even if you are a seasoned veteran at them.

Also, I'm not referring to a skill or proficiency that you constantly brag about to others. Incidentally, it has been shown over and over again, in numerous situations, that if you have to repeatedly "tell" people you are whatever quality or talent you are hyping, you obviously aren't exhibiting that quality or talent, otherwise they'd see it.

There is at least one task or quality that you are so proficient at that others can't help but see you exhibit it in your life - no matter what job or situation or encounter you may find yourself in. As humans are such complex creatures, I can say that you probably are extremely proficient in more than one task or quality.

So, do you know what yours is? If not, ask the people around you - they will be able to point it out with no difficulty at all. You may be surprised at what they tell you.

So many of us feel we need to accomplish certain things to prove to others that we have value and worth. Why? You are alive and breathing which means you automatically have value and worth. Plus, no matter what you do, you will never prove whatever it is you are trying to prove to others, because if they can't see you have value just by being, nothing you will do will change that.

If the person you are trying to prove your value to is yourself, there will be no change until you know, in the depths of your soul, that you are valuable because you are alive and can share your unique qualities with the world. Do you know you are valuable? Does your life reflect that knowledge?

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Special

2012-02-01T04:59:00.001-07:00

In letting go of wanting

something special to occur,

maybe we can realize that

something very special

is already occurring,

and is always occurring –

namely your life unfolding

in each moment in awareness.

–Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Deny

2012-01-30T04:59:00.002-07:00

Never “for the sake of peace and quiet”
deny your own experience or convictions.
– Dag Hammarskjold

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Yourself

2012-01-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Play no roles, only yourself.

(paraphrase of a quote by Stephen Ambrose)

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Loud

2012-01-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

You ask me what I came

into the world to do.

I came to live out loud.

– Emile Zola

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Impact

2012-01-23T04:34:00.002-07:00

The good you do today

may be quickly forgotten,

but the impact of what you do

will never disappear.

– Anonymous

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

January 20, 2012 Chautauqua

2012-01-20T04:15:00.001-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

Yes, it has been 10 whole years since I started this adventure. Where did the time go? As I told someone not long ago: time really flies when you’re having fun, or are far too stressed out to notice its passage.

I took on the task of publishing The Chautauqua not knowing how I would manage it, only knowing I’d figure it out eventually. Of course, life took some unexpected turns that month (okay, when doesn’t my life take unexpected turns?), so I not only had to quickly figure out how to put the paper together and send it to the Advocate electronically, I also had a very short time frame to register for my first course in my online Master degree program. Nothing like deadlines and intense pressure to get the blood pumping.

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I have had publishing The Chautauqua twice a month, as well as delivering it to the various communities. The experience has surpassed even my own expectations - once I got over my initial trepidation!

A lot has occurred in the past 10 years to us all:

communities experienced good times and not so good times
some long-time businesses closed, and new ones opened
schools grew or were closed
babies were born, as old-timers and youngsters passed away.
significant milestones were reached, and new goals set
familiar faces moved away, and new friends were made
there was joy, happiness, stress, and tears

In short, while there were many large, momentous events that have occurred in the past 10 years, those years were made up of a greater multitude of ordinary, average, everyday moments strung together. We may not remember each moment as they were too mundane at the time, yet we can look back on the past 10 years and see how far we’ve come. And we have come a long way. We’re not the same people we were back then. New experiences and relationships have shaped us and helped us grow. Here’s to the future, and all the wonder it holds for us.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives, via the printed word, for the past 10 years!

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Listen

2012-01-18T04:39:00.001-07:00

Sit quietly and listen to your heart;

it often gives the best advice.

– Stephanie Tourles

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Season

2012-01-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

Live each season as it passes;

breathe the air,

drink the drink,

taste the fruit,

and resign yourself

to the influence of each.

– Henry David Thoreau

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Movie

2012-01-13T04:41:00.001-07:00

The past is simply a movie

you keep replaying in your head,

while the future is nothing more

than a coming attraction

for a film that is yet to be released.

Being in the present, however,

is the very essence of life

and where everything takes place.

– Michael Chase

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Three Times

2012-01-11T04:55:00.001-07:00

Try a thing you haven’t done three times.

Once, to get over the fear of doing it.

Twice, to learn how to do it.

And a third time to figure out

whether you like it or not.

– Virgil Thomson

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Secretive

2012-01-09T04:49:00.002-07:00

Lead the least secretive life you can.

- author unknown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

January 6, 2012 Chautauqua

2012-01-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

Here we are almost a full week into 2012. How are your New Year’s Resolutions holding out? Did you make any resolutions?

What if you decide that you are going to be the best person you can be in 2012? Each day allows you a fresh opportunity to share your best self with others, and with you. How often do we treat others better than we treat our own selves?

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favour underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

May you be the best you that you can be this year!

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Happiness

2012-01-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

Happiness is not a destination.

It is the attitude with which

you choose to travel.

– Arit Desal

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Celebrate

2012-01-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

Dwelling on the unimportant,

stressing on the unintended,

and freaking over the unknown

simply doesn't work...

Why not just celebrate

that you're alive every single day?

- Mike Dooley

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Home

2011-12-30T04:42:00.001-07:00

Our mind does not know the way,

Our heart has already been there,

And our soul never left.

Welcome home!

- Emmanuel

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Life

2011-12-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returned,

Was not spoken of the soul.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Yes

2011-12-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

If we always say "yes,"

we run a great danger

of severing relationships

than if we refuse right away.

- Vicky Hitzges

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Sun

2011-12-23T04:30:00.002-07:00

The sun does not use the excuse of clouds

to stop shining its light,

for it knows that the clouds

will always come and go.

– David Simon

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Proof

2011-12-21T04:39:00.001-07:00

What you do

simply serves as the proof

of what you believe.

- Simon Sinek

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Memories

2011-12-19T04:16:00.001-07:00

The wise use memories,

but do not allow memories to use them.

–Vedic expression

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

December 16, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-12-16T04:23:00.001-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

‘Tis the season of Christmas. A season of gift buying and gift giving. Some of the gifts will be simple, while others will be very elaborate or expensive. Some people will be overwhelmed with gifts, while others will be fortunate if they receive one. Some gifts will be treasured, while others will be set aside to be returned or exchanged. Some gifts won’t be a tangible item, but rather money or a gift card.

At this special time of year, we should remember that the most important gifts we receive, can’t be put in a box and wrapped.

It's being alive that makes you rich. - Mike Dooley

The true gifts we receive are what make us rich. The gift of life, of opening our eyes to a brand new day, is the most precious gift we receive, not just at Christmas time, but all year round. The air we breathe is gift we should give thanks for continuously. Family and friends are another gift we receive throughout the year.

Only giving creates human dignity.

Only giving opens up the soul.

Only giving can miraculously change a life.

Only giving works at soul level

and radiates outward to every area of your experience.

Only givers get.

Only givers live a truly fulfilled, powerful,

positive, happy and deeply meaningful life.

- Author Unknown

We can also give precious gifts to others. Never underestimate the powerful effect of a gift of a smile on another person. It is a gift that fits all people and all situations. And it is even better if it is exchanged!

We receive precious gifts every day of our lives. Let us share our gifts, even if it is “only” a smile with everyone we encounter.

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Laws

2011-12-14T04:35:00.005-07:00

Four Immutable Laws of Spirit

1. Whoever shows up are exactly

the right people to show up.

2. When it happens is

exactly the right time.

3. Whatever happens is the only thing

that could have happened.

4. When it's over, it's over.

- by Harrison Owen

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Truth

2011-12-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Truth always feels right.

– Robin Sharma

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Excuse

2011-12-09T04:23:00.002-07:00

You are either choosing to be happy now,

or you are making up excuses

for not choosing to be happy.

- Rhonda Byrne

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Reason

2011-12-07T04:26:00.004-07:00

Some men have thousands of reasons

why they cannot do what they want to,

when all they need

is one reason why they can.

- Martha Graham

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Better

2011-12-05T04:18:00.005-07:00

We do the best we can with what we know,

and when we know better, we do better.

– Maya Angelou

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

December 2, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-12-02T04:10:00.002-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

Christmas is rapidly approaching. Do you have all your Christmas shopping completed yet?

Every year, we hear of different ways to give gifts - ones that aren't as commercialized and that benefit others. There are various options including homemade gifts, homemade coupons for jobs completed for the individual, buying livestock for families in Third World countries, giving to charitable organizations in the gift receiver’s name, and more.

While these are all great, and worthy, ideas, I’d like to propose another option for you to consider. Support your local community. There are a variety of ways you can go about doing this.

The obvious, of course, is to shop for gifts in the local stores or get a gift certificate from a local business to give. Buy a special treat from the grocery store to give. Get a gift card from the gas station or a restaurant. Don’t forget the hairdressers and other service people. Check out the merchandise at the unique shop that you haven’t had a chance to venture into yet.

If you are the type who gives to charity, you are also in luck. You could make a donation to the local Food Bank. You could sponsor a special project the school is implementing. Why not donate an amount equal to the cost of a registration or membership into a group so that no one who wants to belong is left out. Or you could donate to any of the other clubs, organizations, and charities in your community that provide programming for a variety of ages and needs. Each of those organizations fundraises throughout the year to provide programs and services to the community members, so why not help them out with a little extra. Can’t think of an organization to support. Look through the pages of this newspaper and you’ll find listings for the communities. There are lots to choose from. Pick one or more that you feel are important to maintain in the community.

By doing your Christmas giving locally, you ensure that the businesses, clubs, organizations, and charities at home are healthy, viable and able to continue serving your community.

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Mistakes

2011-11-30T04:53:00.003-07:00

There is no such thing as making a mistake,

as long as you learn from it…

Instead of beating yourself up over it,

figure out what you did wrong,

and make sure it doesn’t

happen again in the future.

– Lynda Steele

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Rich

2011-11-28T04:55:00.002-07:00

It's being alive that makes you rich.

- Mike Dooley

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Moment

2011-11-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

You can get through anything life hands you

if you stay put in the day you are in

and don’t jump ahead.

– Regina Brett

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Fear

2011-11-23T04:19:00.002-07:00

Set aside a certain number of days,

during which you shall be content

with the scantiest and cheapest fare,

with course and rough dress,

saying to yourself the while:

“Is this the condition that I feared?”

- Seneca

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

No

2011-11-21T04:59:00.002-07:00

One must separate from anything that

forces one to repeat No again and again.

- Friedrich Nietzsche

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

November 18, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-11-18T04:33:00.001-07:00

From the Editor's Computer

Of late, it seems that many people I talk to are in situations that they don't want to be in, yet they won't do anything about it because "you can't say no."

Actually, you CAN say no. I know that you are all capable of saying no because it is one the first words we all learnt, and we had fully mastered by the time we turned three years old!

Also, we all have at least one individual in our lives that we say no to on a fairly regular basis. Who is that for you? Have you ever thought about why you can say no to that person, or persons, with such ease and not to others?

One reason, is because you can be real and honest with them. Think about that for a moment. Shouldn’t we be real with everyone we encounter in our lives? Whether a loved one, or a stranger, we should be able to stand up for ourselves whenever, and however, we best need to in the various situations we find ourselves in.

We all need to say no more often, but for the right reasons - because your life and health will be better when you do. Every thought we think, every reaction we experience, is reflected in our bodies. If you are saying yes when you don’t want to, you are unduly stressing your body. Do that too many times, and your body will shut down on you.

As individuals within a society, we've also forgotten how to say no and have lost control over many areas of our lives. Truthfully, how many of us really need the latest and greatest and biggest new product as soon as it hits the market? How many of us really need to live beyond our means? Saying no via our spending habits is a more effective “protest” than the current “Occupy” movements going on in various communities.

Now, whether the person you are saying no to respects your no or not, is a completely different story. And if they don't respect your no, perhaps they need to hear the word more often?

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Allow

2011-11-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

[Allow yourself] to be exactly

where you are and as you are,

and the world to be exactly as it is

in this moment, as well.

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Mind

2011-11-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, if conditions are such

that we feel free from the

pressures of life and things

don’t feel like they are

heating us up to the point of boiling,

or freezing us to the point of rigidity,

the mind can be quite spacious,

like a gas, expanding infinitely

and subsuming whatever occurs within it,

or like water, flowing freely,

unimpeded over and around boulders

and other obstacles in our path.

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Remember

2011-11-11T13:45:00.001-07:00

It is important to remember...

however it is more important

to learn from our memories.

- Beth Richardson

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Practice

2011-11-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Every time we get angry,

we get better at being angry

and reinforce the anger habit…

Every time we become self-absorbed,

we get better at becoming self-absorbed…

Every time we get anxious,

we get better at being anxious.

Practice does make perfect.

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Door

2011-11-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Every moment we are arriving

at our own door.

Every moment we could open it.

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

November 4, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-11-04T04:19:00.002-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

One day I chanced to catch part of an interview on the radio. A doctor, whose name I didn’t catch, was sharing the story about a certain patient who visited his clinic. As part of her treatment for her overeating disorder, the doctor told this lady to post her exact weight, which was well over 200 pounds, on a 3 x 5 index card by her computer at work. The point was that the card would serve as a visual reminder for her to aid her in curtailing her uncontrollable snacking habits. The lady refused to do such a thing as she would be mortified if anyone knew how much she weighed. The doctor pointed out to her that everyone in her workplace already knew that she was over 200 pounds!

Whatever we think we are hiding from the people around us, we aren’t really. Whether it is:

· differing opinions/beliefs/likes/dislikes

· lifestyle choices

· various habits

· our weight

· our spending

· relationships

· compulsive activities, or

· addictive behaviours

in reality you aren’t really hiding anything from anyone.

Even more damaging are the habits and behaviours (see list above) that you hide from yourself (deny). These definitely are not hidden from other people. Deep down you know you are engaging in those behaviours, whether you want to consciously admit it or not, and ultimately your body’s response will betray you in the form of nagging symptoms and illnesses, from the seemingly insignificant to terminal.

When all your energy and effort goes into hiding what you are doing or thinking, you aren’t left with much energy to live your life to the fullest. You have no time or energy to make healthy choices or engage in life-enriching relationships. Life is a lot easier, and more enjoyable, when you stop hiding and put your energy into really living.

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Present

2011-11-02T06:49:00.000-06:00

We take care of the future best

by taking care of the present now.

– Jon Kabat-Zinn

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Smile

2011-10-31T06:47:00.000-06:00

It takes only a smile

to make a dark day seem bright.

Find the one

that makes your heart smile.

- Unknown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Give up

2011-10-28T06:45:00.000-06:00

Don't feel sad over someone

who gave up on you.

Feel sorry that they gave up on someone

who would never have given up on them.

- Unknown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Choose

2011-10-26T06:44:00.000-06:00

I choose…

to live by choice, not chance;

to make changes, not excuses;

to be motivated, not manipulated;

to be useful, not used;

to excel, not compete.

I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.

I choose to listen to my inner voice,

not the random opinion of others.

– unknown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Lazy

2011-10-24T06:42:00.000-06:00

Some of the most productive, creative,

and efficient employees…

are really just lazy people

who have found the easiest way

to do their work

. – Erin Rooney Doland

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

October 21, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-10-21T04:08:00.003-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

As humans, we love guarantees and assurances. Nothing reassures us or gives us a better sense of security than the certainties in our lives.

Certainties? As much as we wish it otherwise, there are no certainties in this life.

One could argue that death is a certainty, and in one respect, that is true. However, look how much uncertainty surrounds death. We don’t know what day, hour, or year we will die, nor do we know the age we will be.

Further, we don’t know if our deaths will be quick, prolonged, painless, or painful. We don’t know if the cause of death will be natural, old age, illness, accident, or natural disaster. We don’t know if we will die alone, surrounded by loved ones, or in a crowd.

That is a lot of uncertainty regarding something that we figure is pretty much a guarantee in this life.

We can plan and prepare as much as we want for our daily lives, and future events, yet so many of the variables surrounding these plans are completely out of our hands, especially if the variables involve the weather or other people!

Now before you give up in despair and decide that there is no point setting goals or anticipating future events so we might as well all sit like lumps all day, there is another certainty that we often overlook: the certainly of choosing our reaction to the uncertainties of life.

How you may react to the events in your life could be uncertain, but that you will react, isn’t. Consciously choosing to react in ways that are healthy to our bodies and minds is an important step to flowing along life’s twists and turns. Once something has happened, we can’t go back and change it. That said, we can do our best, by our choices, to ensure that similar events don’t occur. The better our choices, the better the events in our lives.

Here something else we can be certain of…if you wake up one more morning, that gives you one more chance to make your life, and then the lives of others, and then the world, a better place.

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Round

2011-10-19T06:39:00.000-06:00

God made the world round

so we could never see

too far down the road.

– Isak Dinesen

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Kindness

2011-10-17T06:37:00.000-06:00

Practicing kindness and selflessness,

you naturally align your life

with the Integral Way.

– Lao-tzu

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Do

2011-10-14T06:35:00.000-06:00

We do without doing

and everything gets done.

– Norse runes

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Open

2011-10-12T06:34:00.000-06:00

Like a flower,

you have to open

to the rain and the sunlight.

– Colette Baron-Reid

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Thank you

2011-10-10T06:46:00.000-06:00

Thank you for being.

– traditional Seneca greeting

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

October 7, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-10-07T04:44:00.010-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

"We tend to focus on the people in our lives before the tasks...you need to decrease the people tension (home life, relationships, disagreements, health) before you can...focus on the task tension (deadlines, presentations, work life)." Karyn Goodwillie

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were discussing stressful people. I was told that we need stressful people or life would be too dull. I countered that we need exciting people to enliven our lives.

The people you interact with, and your reactions to them, have more of an impact on you (mentally, emotionally, and physically) than any other external or internal factors in your environment.

Stressful people make time seem like it is never-ending. A mere five minutes in their company can feel like eons! You want to run away and hide, avoiding them at all costs. When you are around exciting people, however, time is meaningless. Five hours can fly by and only feel like five minutes. You tend to seek out exciting people, and want to spend as much time with them as you can.

Stressful people are hazardous to your health as they deplete your vitality and energy. Normally healthy individuals can develop chronic, even terminal, illnesses just by being around stressful people for extended periods of time. Exciting people have an extremely beneficial effect on a person’s overall health as you relax and enjoy their presence. Some health conditions can be completely reversed by spending time with exciting people.

Rarely are we completely powerless regarding our contact with stressful people in our lives. Waiting for stressful people to change is futile, as they won’t. We can, and should for the sake of our overall health, make the choice to minimize, if not totally eliminate, all contact with stressful people. At the very least, we should change the way we relate to them, setting and enforcing firm boundaries for all our interactions.

We should also boost our contact with exciting people, surrounding ourselves with as many as we can. Equally important, we must each be an exciting person, not a stressful person, in the lives of those around us.

Beth

Click here to read the complete issue of The Chautauqua.

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

Content

2011-10-05T06:32:00.000-06:00

Once what you are doing

has for you meaning,

it is irrelevant

whether you’re happy or unhappy.

You are content –

you are not alone in your Spirit

– you belong.

– Sir Laurens der Post

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

Focus

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000-06:00

Concentrate all your thoughts

upon the work at hand.

The sun’s rays do not burn

until brought to a focus.

- Alexander Graham Bell

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Disappointment

2011-09-30T06:44:00.000-06:00

Disappointment to a noble soul

is what cold water is to burning metal;

it strengthens, tempers, intensifies,

but never destroys it.

– Eliza Tabor

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Nurtured

2011-09-28T06:40:00.000-06:00

I think people don't place a high enough value

on how much they are nurtured

by doing whatever it is

that totally absorbs them.

- Jean Shinoda Bolen

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Strength

2011-09-26T06:33:00.000-06:00

Strong feelings do not necessarily

make a strong character.

The strength of a man

is to be measured by the power

of the feelings he subdues

not by the power of those

which subdue him.

- William Carleton

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Postpone

2011-09-23T06:30:00.000-06:00

Do not postpone your happiness until you find

the perfect relationship or your ideal job.

Experience the aliveness of each moment;

focus on what truly makes you happy,

creates love, and brings you gladness

- here and now. This is the path of the heart,

and I assure you that when you make

this path a constant choice you will experience

a successful, abundant, and joyful life.

- Lynn A. Robinson, Divine Intuition

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Secrets

2011-09-21T06:28:00.000-06:00

When the start point is that you get everything

you want or something better,

there is no need to keep secrets.

– Lyle Estill

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Hero

2011-09-19T06:26:00.000-06:00

One must think like a hero to behave

like a merely decent human being.

- May Sarton

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September 16, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-09-16T04:19:00.006-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

Last week someone sent me a short video of Miss America contestants answering the following question: "Should math be taught in schools?"

Only one of the contestants asked if it was a joke. Of the rest that were interviewed, their answers ranged from "every child should have the right to learn what they want to" to "no, because math is not Biblically sound" to "I have no idea what math is so I can't say if this is a good idea or now."

While the video clip was meant to be a joke, it highlights a very serious problem we have in our world. There are truly people out there who have no idea of some of the most basic concepts of life.

Children in North America are not being educated and are growing up ignorant of the basic knowledge skills needed to cope in life. And it is not the children's fault.

I also have to say that it isn't entirely the teachers' fault either. On one hand, in Alberta, they are mandated to teach according to what Alberta Education decides should be taught, and how it should be taught. On the other hand, since we have teachers here in Alberta who are unable to read and write, or do basic math, themselves, it is virtually impossible for them to effectively teach the students these skills.

I personally believe that a child's education is not entirely the responsibility of the school. Education can, and should, happen in the home and in the community as well. Unfortunately, we have parents who went through the entire education system and can't read, write, or do basic math.

Computers, calculators and other gadgetry do not make smarter people. Besides, one still needs to be able to read and count to use them properly.

No wonder so many children, and adults for that matter, have no self-esteem or respect for others or themselves. Without the ability to read and do math, one can not really function in society. Their lives must be very frustrating, whether they will admit it or not.

Ignorance is not bliss.

Beth

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Choices

2011-09-14T06:23:00.000-06:00

Your life is the sum result

of all the choices you make,

both consciously and unconsciously.

If you can control the process of choosing,

you can take control of

all aspects of your life.

You can find the freedom that comes

from being in charge of yourself.

- Robert F. Bennett

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Critic

2011-09-12T06:21:00.000-06:00

If you gave your inner genius

as much credence as your inner critic,

you would be light years ahead

of where you now stand.

- Alan Cohen

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Think

2011-09-09T06:14:00.000-06:00

Think wrongly, if you please,

but in all cases think for yourself.

- Doris Lessing

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Live

2011-09-07T06:12:00.000-06:00

May you live all the days of your life.

- Jonathan Swift

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Fearlessly

2011-09-05T06:11:00.000-06:00

If you live fearlessly now,

what will your life look like

a year from now?

- Unknown

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September 2, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-09-02T04:34:00.003-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

This summer Mom and I took some road trips around the area, venturing off the beaten (mostly paved) path.

On one adventure, we headed over to the west side of Gull Lake. In the course of our drive, we viewed the lake from a boat launch, found the Cumming's Sawmill Historic site and then the Parkland Beach Store. We drove by the Asker Lutheran Church and ended up at the Calmut Hall before making our way home.

On the return trip from another adventure, that took us all the way to Crossfield to visit long-time friends, we slowed to view an old abandoned pioneer homestead in a coulee and then spotted a blue heron on the road in front of us. It was a surprise as there was no standing water where we were driving. On the same trip, we got up close to a number of crops as we meandered through a field - yes, we were still on a legitimate gravel road. After the crops, we shortly found ourselves practically at the base of one of the giant windmills southwest of Trochu.

For a change of pace, we decided to head east one day after church. We ended up in Donalda where we had a great visit at the Gallery with a View. After lunch at the Drop In, we continued on our way and drove through the coulees. We ended up touring the Diplomat Mine site and Big Knife Provincial Park. As we drove along south we drove through a tunnel - a very British-looking touch on the prairies. As well, we saw four miniature horses. On our way back from Stettler later that evening mom challenged me to find a road I’d never been on before (just so you know, all roads from Stettler seem to lead to Ol’ Macdonalds Campground). I accepted the challenge and before long we were driving up to the Union Hall, and after that, the Tail Creek Cemetery.

The best road trips involve travelling down roads that look interesting because we can’t see exactly where they will lead. Often there is a hill or a bend in the road. It is the unknown that lures us down that route to see what we will find and where we will end up.

So why do we want our journey through life to be straight and narrow with very prominent road signs to guide us?

Beth

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Days

2011-08-31T06:08:00.000-06:00

How we spend our days is, of course,

how we spend our lives.

- Annie Dillard

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Myth

2011-08-29T06:06:00.000-06:00

Myth embodies the nearest approach

to absolute truth that can be stated in words.

– Ananda Coomeraswamy

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Truth

2011-08-26T06:04:00.000-06:00

Fact is not the truth of myth;

myth is the truth of fact.

– Kathleen Raine

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Rain

2011-08-24T06:01:00.000-06:00

Some people walk in the rain,

others just get wet.

- Roger Miller

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Minds

2011-08-22T05:56:00.000-06:00

Minds are like parachutes.

They only function when they are open.

- Sir James Dewar, Scientist

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August 19, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-08-19T04:47:00.004-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

I usually use this column to keep readers up to date on the recent actions of Parliament

Do you believe in magic? I don’t mean the parlour tricks

performed by illusionists, rather the old magic by wizards and sorcerers.

I can hear many of you saying, “Of course not! It’s all hocus-pocus!” Granted, our world and society have come a long way from those dark superstitious days when everyone believed in magic and its effect on everyday life. Our world and society are much more pragmatic and logical. Science has explained so much of the previously unexplainable, taking the fear and mystery out of much of life.

So, we don’t believe in magic. Really? Are you sure?

I think that the vast majority of the world’s citizens still do believe in magic spells and conjuring by sorcerers.

I can’t tell you the number of people I speak to who fall for the magic spell called Daylight Savings Time and believe that we literally gain or lose an hour through the year - 24 hours to 25 hours to 24 hours.

Or, how about the people who are so mesmerized by the wizardry of the Stock Market that they believe it literally determines the outcome of minute details in their daily lives. I’m not referring to the wizards working in the market, but rather the average citizen who may, or may not, even own stocks or mutual funds.

Lastly, don’t we all still believe that the magic potion called “Might is Right” will work, even though we have almost an eternity of evidence to the contrary? The events in

Norway

and London are examples of the use of this potion, which is also called “Violence is the Only Answer.”

When you set out to destroy someone because you fear what they represent, or fear that they will destroy you (or your way of life), you don’t make the world a better place...you just make yourself into a destroyer.

I freely admit I don’t get along with everyone I encounter, however I don’t wish those people ill or dead. Rather, I wish them all the happiness and prosperity they can handle...I just prefer they enjoy it somewhere else far away from me!

The world won’t get better until we start believing in the magic of hope, peace, justice and kindness, and act like we believe it!

Beth

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Settle

2011-08-17T05:55:00.000-06:00

The biggest human temptation

is to settle for too little.

- Thomas Merton

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Exile

2011-08-15T05:50:00.000-06:00

Has exile helped you?

Have you found strength in it?

Oh yes! Without a doubt,

I can try to tell you why.

When, at some point in our lives,

we meet a real tragedy -

which could happen to any one of us -

we can react in two ways.

Obviously we can lose hope,

let ourselves slip into discouragement,

into alcohol, drugs, unending sadness.

Or else we can wake ourselves up;

discover in ourselves an energy

that was hidden there,

and act with more clarity, more force.

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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Busy

2011-08-12T05:42:00.000-06:00

Being busy does not always mean real work.

The object of all work

is production or accomplishment

and to either of these ends

there must be forethought, system, planning,

intelligence, and honest purpose,

as well as perspiration.

Seeming to do is not doing."

- Thomas Edison

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New

2011-08-10T05:34:00.000-06:00

If you want to move to a higher level of life,

you have to be willing to let go

of some of your old ways of thinking

and being and adopt new ones.

- T. Harv Eker

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Cruel

2011-08-08T14:25:00.000-06:00

What you think of as being nice to others

(being overly compliant)

is actually being cruel to yourself.

– Mona Lisa Schulz

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August 5, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-08-05T04:40:00.009-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

Alberta is definitely a resource-rich province. However, I feel we are missing out on one of our greatest natural resources - a bountiful resource that is literally right under our noses...the many wild grasses/grains and wild flowers (aka dreaded weeds) growing profusely everywhere, including in our gardens, yards, fields and ditches!

I think we need to start changing our attitude toward the weeds around us. Any plant that can survive, and consistently return, no matter how hard we fight to eradicate it, obviously is a plant that should be growing here, and thus it must have a purpose and a vital use.

Many of the plants we have labelled as weeds are really quite beneficial, to humans and animals, as many of them are edible. As well, many of them attract the pollinating insects that are necessary to continued plant growth. This area of Alberta used to be open prairie and marshlands so the plants that grow best here are not plants that need to be cultivated and cared for, but plants that self-seed or self-sow themselves.

Without any government assistance of any kind, these plants have shown that they truly are “Proven Winners,” growing year after year in all soil types and in all weather conditions - drought to wet years, they grow in the same spot year after year without any threat of developing disease that will threaten other plants around them, they have genetically modified themselves to ensure the highest rate of survival, and they are always high yield without the need for any fertilizers - look how plentiful they are even when we are trying our best to completely annihilate them! By using the weeds, instead of trying to kill them, we would be able to stop polluting our air, water, and ground which would benefit not only us, but the animal and bird life as well.

We have a gold mine around us just waiting to be utilized for jams and jellies, dried for seasonings, used for medicinal purposes, made into flours, baled for hay, made into ethanol, or countless other options.

With some imagination and ingenuity, who knows, maybe Alberta is destined to be famous for it’s wild clover wines or cattail flours!

Beth

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Alive

2011-08-03T14:23:00.000-06:00

When you arise in the morning,

think of what a precious privilege it is

to be alive - to breathe, to think,

to enjoy, to love.

- Marcus Aurelius

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Whining

2011-08-01T14:22:00.000-06:00

All neuroses are merely adult forms

of whining and pouting.

- Albert Ellis

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Choices

2011-07-29T14:18:00.000-06:00

It is not our abilities

that show what we truly are.

It is our choices.

– J.K. Rowling

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Kindness

2011-07-27T14:14:00.000-06:00

The best portion of a good man’s life

His little, nameless, unnumbered acts

of kindness and of love.

– Wordsworth

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Echo

2011-07-25T14:16:00.000-06:00

Life is an echo;

what you send out comes back.

- Chinese proverb

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Bounce

2011-07-22T14:13:00.000-06:00

Life will kick you around

like a World Cup soccer ball.

Keep your bounce.

– Regina Brett

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Tracks

2011-07-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

We will be known forever

by the tracks we leave.

- Native American proverb

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Awaken

2011-07-18T14:08:00.000-06:00

One mind awake can awaken another.

The second awake can awaken

their next-door brother.

Three awake can awaken the town

by turning the whole place upside down.

Many awake can make such a fuss

that they finally awaken the rest of us.

– Unknown

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July 15, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-07-15T04:06:00.003-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

Myth: a tale with supernatural characters or events.

Truth: state of being true.

Too often we dismiss myths and folklore because we believe that they are not factual, or historical accurate. What we need to remember is that behind every legend, fable, fairytale, folktale, and myth, there is an element of truth and wisdom waiting to be found.

A common theme in Celtic and Irish myths and folktales is that of someone travelling by boat, through the mists to the Otherworld (Avalon), which was a strange, yet beautiful, land with rivers flowing east and west.

It was not until I took a geography course in university that I discovered that Canada is the only geographical region with rivers flowing east and west. No one living outside of Canada would believe it possible for rivers to flow in any direction other than north-south, unless they were familiar with geography. It would be an unbelievable myth to them.

It has been proven that it is entirely possible that in ancient times someone could have travelled by boat from Ireland to the St. Lawrence River. That person would have travelled through lots of mist, plus the land and people they would have encountered certainly would seem to be from an “other” world.

Discovering the truth in myths is not about debunking the myth. Rather, it enhances the value of the myth for each of us as we apply the wisdom of the myth to our lives.

We need to open ourselves to the underlying truth in our society’s myths and legends.

Beth

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Mundane

2011-07-13T14:06:00.000-06:00

It's in the minute details of mundane life

that we play out our greater...

personal destinies.

- Colette Baron-Reid

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Past

2011-07-11T14:04:00.000-06:00

The past is a guidepost,

not a hitching post.

– L Thomas Woldcroft

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Focus

2011-07-08T14:00:00.001-06:00

There are many great things I want to do

and build and ship and start,

but I just don’t have the time to do them.

However, I’m finding that the real problem

is not my lack of time -- it’s my lack of focus.

- Shawn Blanc

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Humble

2011-07-06T04:40:00.001-06:00

To be humble simply means

to be realistic about yourself.

– Dallas Willard

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Loss of Control

2011-07-04T07:38:00.000-06:00

You fear loss of control,

but that has already happened.

Ride the wave.

- unknown

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July 1, 2011 Chautauqua

2011-07-01T04:13:00.005-06:00

From the Editor's Computer

A couple years ago, at a birthday party, I participated in a discussion on how to juggle. One fellow told us the secret to juggling, and then pointed out his own lack of juggling proficiency. I remarked that he was obviously a great teacher. He, unfortunately, took my praise as an insult along the lines of those who can’t, teach.

What I said was meant as high praise. We all tend to think that the most proficient at a particular skill would make the best teachers, however, that is not always the case. Usually, it is the opposite. They are so proficient, and the skill comes so naturally, they have no idea how to break down the steps to teach it.

A truly great teacher, on the other hand, may not be entirely proficient in their particular area of skill or interest, yet they have mental mastery over the sequences and shortcuts, and more important, they know how to communicate those to a beginner in the best manner.

The fellow at the party was a great teacher. I could tell by his manner. I wish I could have told him that before we were all interrupted.

Beth

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As They Appear

2011-06-29T04:26:00.002-06:00

If things are as they appear,

it is unnecessary to analyze them.

– Jnanagarbha

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Scaring People

2011-06-27T04:23:00.001-06:00

We’re good at scaring people,
but we haven’t gotten good yet
at telling them what to do.

– unknown

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