October 15, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

     You never realize how much you depend on something until it is no longer there, or no longer the way it used to be.

   Over two weeks ago, I almost ripped my thumb nail off.  A minor inconvenience that I figured would heal and life would go back to normal.  Fine in theory, but it was my ‘left’ thumb nail, and I’m left-handed.  I never realized how much I use that thumb, and its nail, in my everyday routine, until suddenly I was without thumb usage.  While I am fairly adept at changing hand usage at whim, I still found it difficult to do some things with my right hand, that are usually a breeze with my left.

   It is amazing how the ‘little things’ of life have the greatest impact on our daily lives.  It is not the big events that we notice quite as much as the little things when something goes wrong.  Habits and routines can be disrupted by something as small as a sore thumb, just as easily as something major like a terminal illness.  We can let the ‘little things’ get to us, or we can rise above them. 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OAmYsGmS7XULvRE9FGmnlL2cH12NtF0x/view?usp=sharing

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

October 1, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Due to renovations at the Library, I am enjoying an unexpected day off to myself. 

   Now, I could (if I wanted too) gripe and complain about how this is a big inconvenience…and it is an inconvenience, not only myself, but those wanting to use the library, or submit items for the paper.

   Instead, I am thrilled to bits.  This little, unexpected break is providing me with time to accomplish tasks that I thought I’d have to forgo this week due to time constraints.  As well, I am typing this editorial in a leisurely manner on Tuesday, rather than in a frantic rush on Wednesday, which means that the paper will get submitted at the proper time and I’ll be able to devote myself to studying on Wednesday.

   In life, we get unexpected breaks tossed our way - usually when we least expect it, but could sure use it.  Rather than griping and complaining about how our routine has been disrupted, we should savour these unexpected breaks for the bonuses they are.  Who hasn’t wished for one more day to accomplish a task, or for a couple hours just to themselves.

   Also, take time to enjoy the changing seasons.  Admire the changing leaves, walk out in the crisp fall air, rake some leaves together and then jump in them like a little kid, enjoy the garden produce and the fruit harvests.

   We have much to be thankful for in our world.  Let’s take the time to remember to appreciate and acknowledge our blessings.

   Happy Thanksgiving! 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MrzO0-XfyeI5n9zPz736mVbFH9DTkNvE/view?usp=sharing

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