August 19, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Earlier this week we had various family members visiting us.  There was lots of storytelling, sharing and laughter.

   It is interesting how when family members get together, and the stories start emerging, the different perspectives you gain of people you thought you knew.

   Older family members relate stories of other relatives at a younger age, when involved in different activities, and had a different relationship.  You gain insight into aspects of personalities that you never had before.  Sometimes your burning questions as to why so-in-so acts in such a way are answered, and sometimes more questions are revealed.

   Sometimes shared memories trigger forgotten memories and open the door to deeper sharing.  Of course, there is also the chance that memories are revealed that someone thought were safely hidden. 

   We are all compilations of all the personalities within our families...the good, the bad, the sane and the insane.  We should be proud of our family histories and keep our own stories alive. 

   Pass the torch to the younger generation so that they can keep the family personality alive.  And if you are visiting relatives this summer...remember, no matter how bad they are, you can always go home!  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U3qF3j7b2H9Xc6qPJ2gqaxJqQ9CHKiIN/view?usp=sharing

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

August 5, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

  Sometimes when I’m asked where I get my ideas for my editorials, it is very tempting to give the glib reply, “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.”

   While doing some Internet research over the weekend, I accidentally came across a website that sells ideas to people “who want to write but don’t know what to write about.”  I also discovered that particular site is not unique in that there are a variety of sites which are selling ideas, for a variety of prices.

   Ideas are everywhere around us.  Want to write a letter or email to a friend?  Look at what’s going on around you.  Want to write the great Canadian novel?  What’s going on in your community that you could get ideas from (don’t mention specific people by name, they may not like it, especially if you cast them as the villain!).  Want to write an emotionally gripping poem?  What is going on in your life, what emotions are you dealing with, which you could express on paper?  What is going on around you that you can find humour in?

   Ideas are floating on the air all around you, you just need to open your eyes, ears, and heart to recognize them. 

   And...if you do write the great Canadian novel…I think 2% of your royalties would be a fair price for the ideas I’ve shared with you!  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C8_aEQjGycxXdw5p_epofhY5joHusFu2/view?usp=sharing

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