Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.
- Sarah Knowles Bolton
Friday, 29 December 2006
Wednesday, 27 December 2006
Ability
Great ability develops and reveals itself increasingly with every new assignment.
- Baltasar Gracian
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 25 December 2006
Friday, 22 December 2006
Affirmations
Affirmations are really anything we say or think. Our thoughts create our feelings, beliefs, and experiences. Too often they are negative. We say, 'I don't want this in my life,' or 'I don't want to be sick anymore,' or 'I hate my job.' If we want to change or manifest something in our lives, we must state what we do want. We must affirm that we are willing to see ourselves or our lives in a different perspective. Thus, we can change our experiences by first changing our thoughts...
- Louise L. Hay/Founder, Hay House
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 20 December 2006
Choices
If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.
- Robert Fritz
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 18 December 2006
Friends
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advise, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
- Henri Nouwen
Friday, 15 December 2006
December 15, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
In this season of hustle and bustle hither and yon for shopping and parties...events galore, don’t forget to take some time by yourself, just for yourself.
This year, let your Christmas present to yourself be some time alone to experience some peace and to reflect on the year that is behind us. Allow the quietness around you to soak deep into your being so that you can emerge refreshed and renewed for the next activity.
Merry Christmas to you all...and may 2007 be your best year ever!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IohNI_557sygIfQHG0E-fjI22MfGoMsS/view?usp=sharing
Wednesday, 13 December 2006
Gratitude
Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
Monday, 11 December 2006
Dive into the woods...
Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do so you will be certain to find something that you have never seen before. Follow it up, explore all around it, and before you know it, you will have something worth thinking about to occupy your mind. All really big discoveries are the results of thought.
- Alexander Graham Bell
Friday, 8 December 2006
Mistakes
The way you get better in everything in this life is to make mistakes. Otherwise you're probably doing it right by accident. But you have to do everything wrong before you can really start with some authority to do it right.
- Tobias Wolff
Wednesday, 6 December 2006
Pass by...
I shall pass this way but once. Therefore any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.
—attributed to William Penn
Monday, 4 December 2006
Dreams
We must nurture our dreams like we would a child. They are God-given and just as precious. Without ambition how would a child learn to ride a bicycle, play an instrument or whistle? We deny the spirit of God when we as adults settle for less than our dreams!
- Conway Stone
Friday, 1 December 2006
December 1, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
· Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Could you do it? Could you believe in six impossible things before breakfast?
Impossible things such as what you want to do with your life... what you want to be... where you want to go... what you want to accomplish…
Once you identify your impossible things...then start to truly believe that they are not impossible at all.Can you do that?
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g4Ar5WjSaf3_IecQ7uEMYq1JSjXug_1m/view?usp=sharing
Monday, 27 November 2006
Encouraging thought
When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.
- Edward Teller
Friday, 17 November 2006
November 17, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
There is a new online discussion forum
that is being promoted through the United Church of Canada called Wondercafe (www.wondercafe.ca). The purpose of this online forum is to
promote and encourage discussion about a variety of topics (including religious
beliefs) in an open and accepting manner.
I found the responses of some of the participants to be quite
interesting.
First...there is a group that
believes they are RIGHT! No ifs, ands or
buts. They seem to feel that the only
way that they can get their point across and change others’ minds
is to keep hammering incessantly the message, “YOU’RE WRONG! YOU’RE WRONG!
YOU’RE WRONG!”
This response has an immediate
effect of totally killing any future conversation.
Secondly, there is another group,
not quite as harsh as the first, but close, who seem to feel that that only way
to dialogue is to quote Bible verses (nothing wrong with that in the right
context) and not venture a single original thought of their own. Again their message is “You’re wrong because
the Bible says…”
Again, their response does nothing
more than stop any progress that could have been made in terms of furthering
the conversation along as they are not really willing to participate or respect
the others views.
Thirdly, there is a group that is
somewhat willing to listen to others’ opinions, but they still think everyone
else is wrong and feel compelled to point that out every once in a while. However they are more polite about it and
thus conversation can continue, and isn’t immediately stifled.
Fourthly, there is a group that is
willing to express their views in a gentle, nonjudgmental manner. They are willing to dialogue with others and
find out why they have a differing view from their own. They are able to share in an enriching
experience of learning something they didn't know. They don’t agree with everything the others
say, but they are open to listening and learning so they can find common
ground.
When you are faced with differing
views from your own...how do you respond?
Do you shut down the lines of communication, or do you gently and
respectfully allow the other person to express their views and be heard?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 3 November 2006
November 3, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I don’t normally get involved in political
discussions, but this whole “Belinda Stronach” deluge in the media the last
month has been a little hard to ignore.
Contrary to what many media
personalities have said in the past, I, personally, do not find Belinda to be a
wonderful role model as a politician or businesswoman for Canadians - women and
young women in particular. Granted, you
cannot believe everything you read or hear in the news, however, it is
precisely what we are hearing and reading that shapes what type of person we
perceive Belinda, and other public
figures, to be and what kind of role model she is perceived as.
If we want to be effective role
models for others, and especially for the youth in our communities, we need to
learn a few things.
Firstly, we all need to learn that
‘demanded’ apologies are a waste of time.
Either you wait forever for what you consider is “your due,” never
receiving it, or you do get the apology and it is as fake and insincere as can
be as it has been forced from the person.
Second, we all need reminded that
you sow what you reap...what you give out will be what is returned to
you...life always mirrors back to you what you are showing life. If you feel that you are being treated
poorly, how are you treating others?
Thirdly, we all need to learn that
being a ‘victim’ is a personal choice.
Now it is possible that someone could rob you or beat you. Thus, you are a victim of a robbery or a
beating. However, once the event happens
and is done it is your choice whether you move on or wallow in the hurt and
misery of a victim mentality. You cannot
turn back the clock and undo actions, words or thoughts so you might as well
get past it and learn from the experience.
Let it go!
Fourthly, we all need reminded
that no one is exempt from the consequences of their actions. When the consequences seem delayed we have
tendency to get complacent and think we got off Scott free. The truth is there are consequences to
everything you do, whether for good or not.
We must remember to consider the consequences before every decision we
make.
Whether we realize it or not, we
are all role models to those who interact with us every day. Are you a good role model?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 20 October 2006
October 20, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Here we are, halfway through
October, and look how green and lush it still is in places.
I think our grass is the greenest
and healthiest it has been all year.
Some of the trees still have a number of very green leaves, which
contrast very well with the red and yellow leaves that have already turned.
Even though this is normally a
time when nature starts slow down in order to prepare for the cold winter
months ahead, there are areas where we can see new growth and renewed life.
As in nature, we go through stages
where we feel like we’re ready to hibernate from the old winter months of our
lives.
It is at this time when we should
be learning new skills, taking part in new activities, making new friends,
going new places, and challenging ourselves in new ways.
This fall, don’t start to
hibernate...perk up and show the world, and yourself, what you are capable
of.
It is never to late to bloom!
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 6 October 2006
October 6, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Ever notice how you enter a new place, or try
a new activity, and you immediately attempt to make the situation one that you
are already familiar with?
We do this all the time. We go to an unfamiliar place and if we’re
lucky there is someone familiar there who we can latch onto for dear life to
get us through. Or we make a point of doing
new tasks in a manner that is similar to how we always do things, or we only do
the parts we feel comfortable with.
In one of my courses we have a lot
of opportunity to offer feedback and discussion interaction in an online
mode. Too many of the students are stuck
on the fact that online interaction is not the same as face-to-face
interactions. By trying to make the
online environment just like an in-person interaction, they are missing out on
the unique online opportunities for learning and relating to others that we are
being offered.
This fall, try something new, go
somewhere you’ve never been before, and experience it JUST AS IT IS! You may be amazed.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 15 September 2006
September 15, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Every day we see, hear, smell,
taste and sense things in our environment.
In any given moment in the day we are bombarded with umpteen different
sensory details coming at us. This
happens to us every second of our lives.
Some days we completely miss the
different clues that life is giving us.
We are oblivious to how our lives are like a jigsaw puzzle and we are
given the next piece right at the exact moment we need it.
Some days we are so focused on
what isn't happening, what isn’t going right, or what we don’t have that we
completely ignore the various nonverbal signals that are showing us new
opportunities and adventures that await us.
We need to wake up and pay
attention to the world around us and the myriad of clues and puzzle pieces life
freely hands us to ease our journey through this life and its many twists and
turns.
We need to be aware of the
absurdities and seemingly insignificant moments of our lives - therein lies
some of our greatest treasures and wisdom.
We need to open all of our senses
to the marvelous and wondrous mysteries that life shares with each and every
one of us every moment of our lives.
By focusing on what you are
grateful for in life, you not only will find more of that, but more, and
varied, riches and opportunities than you could ever possibly imagine existed
in our universe.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 1 September 2006
September 1, 2006
From the Editor's Computer
While we don’t want to get so
attached to our routines that they become ruts (or graves), there is a lot of
good that can be said about having a routine that you can count on, especially
when life throws you a curve ball or two.
My usual routine was completely
tossed out the window this summer due to fulltime employment at the library, in
addition to running the paper and working on a graduate degree course.
This is only my second foray into
the world of fulltime employment in my 13 1/2 year career. The first time was a seven-month stint where
I alternated working in Alix and Lacombe.
The euphoria of finally being healthy enough to even contemplate
fulltime employment, let alone actually work the hours, momentarily clouded my
vision of what I really wanted out of life.
Plus, at that time I was only working the two jobs with very little
extra-curricular activities in my life.
This time round, I only worked 8
weeks in one location. Like my rare
delusions that I am computer guru material, I have now twice lapsed into
thoughts that maybe I could work fulltime.
Well, truth be told, I can do the work, but it really cuts into
my other activities and does take a lot of energy out of me, and is not the
type of lifestyle I want at all.
Truly, I’m not a fulltime kind of
person, nor do I want to be. If it works
for you, great! However, count me out!
For me, the ideal is working two
days a week outside the home, with an option to add a third day (mostly during
paper delivery weeks). That gives me
contact with the public, a chance to catch up on any gossip, intrigue or
momentous happenings that I may have missed otherwise. It also allows me to connect with my friends
and acquaintances and get updated on their lives, while I update them on mine.
To balance that out, I prefer to
work two days at home on the paper - either half days or full days. That gives me a chance to do lots with
minimal interruptions and interactions, but still allows for flexibility if
necessary.
The best part of this routine is
that I then have three days left in the week to work on the paper, work on
studies, read, or even just relax in a corner and contemplate the great
mysteries of the world (with a book in my hand, of course).
Each of us has a different
perspective on life and a different way of expressing that perspective through
our work habits. Don’t try to be someone
you’re not, and you’ll find that work magically becomes fun!
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 18 August 2006
August 18, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Technology, I’m afraid to say, is not
infallible. As much as we prefer to
think otherwise, that is the sad truth.
In fact, technology is most likely
to fail you right at that exact moment that you are counting on it the most.
How many times have you been on
the phone either waiting for someone to give you some information off the
computer, or you’re the person with the information on a computer that is oh so
reluctant to cooperate?
How many times have you been
faced with a deadline only to have your email go down, or the computer crash
and all your work disappear?
How many times has the power gone
off at just the most inopportune time possible?
How many times has the lawn mower
worked, only to quit right at the moment you plan to mow the lawn because
company is coming (or the Communities in Bloom judges)?
For that matter, how many times
has the vacuum cleaner quit as company is walking up the sidewalk?
There are umpteen different pieces
of technology that we use everyday without even thinking about it, until that
one moment when it stops working properly.
We are all going to be faced with
a technological blip at some point in time.
When it happens, may the blip be brief and create the least amount of
havoc in your life possible so that you can quickly get on with your day.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 4 August 2006
August 4, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Every look you give another, every
word you speak to another, everything you do (or don’t do) to another has a
impact on that other person.
Now before you start thinking that
the world revolves around you and that you are powerful enough to change the
course of the world and history, rest assured you’re not!
In fact, most often when we are
having the most impact on others we are totally unaware of our influence.
I’m sure at some point in your
life you’ve thought a friend was mad at you (though you couldn’t figure out
why) because they ignored you in the grocery store or on the street. Then you find out that they had something on
their mind and truly had no idea you were even around.
In the same way, without you even
being aware of it, you are having a profound impact on friends, family, and
even complete strangers.
A glance at someone in a crowded
room could give a wallflower some needed confidence, and yet, you have no
memory of even seeing them. A casual
word shared at the checkout, that is overheard by a stranger further back in
the line could be exactly what that person needed to hear to give them hope to
continue on their life journey.
There is no possible way you can
know how profound an impact you have on the lives others around you. Thus, you must live so that what you do is
always encouraging people.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 21 July 2006
July 21, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
In the news a few months ago there
was a story about a Canadian man who wanted to trade a red paper clip for a
house.
Kyle MacDonald started off with a
red paper clip in July of 2005. A mere
fourteen trades, and one year later, he achieved his goal - a house in Kipling,
Saskatchewan.
What would your reaction be if
someone came up to you and asked you to trade whatever you had for whatever
s/he had as they ultimately wanted a house?
Would you help him/her out? Would you laugh at him/her? Would you dismiss it all as foolishness? Would you go out of your way to help the
person along to their goal? Would you
dismiss them as crazy? Would you get
excited about the possibilities not only for them but for yourself?
Every one of us has dreams and
goals. Every one of us also has people
in our lives who either help us along our chosen path, or else people who try
to derail us, dragging us off our path.
The dream helpers know that if
they help someone else achieve their dreams that they will be that much closer
to achieving their own dreams. The dream
helpers know that what you put out into the world will be returned to you
multiplied many times.
The dream stealers on the other
hand, act out of fear. They fear that
the status quo will change (which it probably will), that the person will
change if they help them with their dreams (most likely that will happen too),
and they fear that they will lose their excuses as to why they haven’t achieved
their dreams (if one person can do it, anyone can do it).
We need to listen to the dream
helpers and minimize our contact with the dream stealers. We also need to discover if we ourselves are
dream helpers or dream stealers to the people in our lives.
Kyle MacDonald didn’t let anyone
stop him from achieving his dream of owning a house, and he started off in a
rather unconventional manner, but there were people out there who believed in
him and wanted to help him along.
Anything is possible if you
believe in yourself and what you want to accomplish. Just make sure you have some dream helpers on
your side to inspire, encourage and push you when you need it.
And by the way...if you have
anything you want to trade, come see me and we’ll see what we can do to further
your dreams!
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 7 July 2006
July 7, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Too hot to think!
Too hot to write!
Too hot to move!
Too hot to do most anything…
Enjoy these hot summer
days...whether you are boating, camping, hiking, or just loafing.
Remember, wear a hat, protect your
skin, and above all else, keep cool!
If you see me around and I look a
little wilted, don’t worry, it’s just the heat getting to me, and I’m hopefully
on my way to find a cooler spot and an icy ice tea.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 16 June 2006
June 16, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Last week my family went up to Athabasca to attend my sister’s convocation
ceremony at Athabasca University, where she was officially presented with her
Bachelor of General Studies (Arts & Sciences) degree. Congratulations Mary!
There were differences from when we attended
my convocation ceremony in Athabasca five short years ago. When I
convocated there were only 300+ graduates over two days. This year there were 1,100+ graduates over
three days. As the graduates are
literally from all over the world, not all are in attendance. Five years ago people were fainting because
it was such a blistering hot day. This
year we wore coats and dodged rain drops.
Five years ago the Masters degrees were still new, thus the number of graduates
were small. This year the Masters degree
recipients were in the hundreds, and the University is talking about their
plans to add many more degree options by 2015, including the possibility of
Doctorate degrees.
There were also similarities between the two
special days...The welcoming atmosphere wherever you go on the grounds...The
extra effort on the part of the university to have gorgeous bouquets and
planters of flowers everywhere...The personal touch they add to the events of
the day so that everyone feels included in the wonder and excitement the
graduates are feeling...The biographical information they share about each
graduate so that you can know them all.
It truly does not take much to make people
feel special and appreciated.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 2 June 2006
June 2, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
By the time you read this I will be buried
deep in the school books as I began a new course. The initial email from my professor stated
that she was going easy on us the first week.
After completing two 1-page assignments, numerous readings from the
textbook and other sources, the class discussion, and this week’s assignment,
I’m convinced that her definition of easy isn’t the same as mine, making this
intensive course more intensive!
Last semester I ended up in conversation
with one of my classmates regarding why students take online courses. In the discussion he revealed that he puts in
a minimum of 20 hours per week on each course (he took three courses last
semester) and he firmly believed that an online course can only be effective if
there are mandatory scheduled class interaction times throughout the week.
I countered with the statement that some of
us take online classes because of the flexibility offered by not having
to sit down at specific times during the week to study or go online. I also mentioned I have don’t have 20 hours
per week to study, which my classmate found totally inconceivable.
Often while working on a course, I must make
the choice to either work on readings and assignments, or participate in the
class discussions as I don’t have time for both.
In fact, not only do I not have 20 hours per
week to devote to studying, but I work out of the home less than 20 hours per
week and I have less than 20 hours per to put the newspaper together. Plus, I like to think that I have a life and
hobbies somewhere in there.
We need to be flexible not only in our
outlook, but in how we use our time.
What areas of your life and schedule do you need more flexibility?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 19 May 2006
May 19, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I was at a very well attended community
function not that long ago. I had a
delightful time, as I’m sure most of those in attendance did. My only concern was that there were smokers
smoking inside during the performance.
In the province of Alberta we have a Smoke Free Places
Act which states that there can be no smoking in public facilities when
there are minors under the age of 18 present.
The community event I attended was
definitely a public event in a public facility.
As well, there were a large number of children present under 18 years of
age.
Also at this event were a few smokers who
were smoking inside the building a mere handful of feet from where a number of
children were sitting. I didn't see any
of the members of the hosting organization ask them extinguish their smokes, or
to go outside.
I would hate to see our communities lose
valuable family and public events in the future just because they don’t want to
abide by the legislation or enforce it at their events.
Let’s hope that community organizations
hosting events in the coming months will take the responsibility to ensure that
they are complying with provincial legislation so the same thing doesn’t occur
next year.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 5 May 2006
May 5, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Last weekend I attended a three-day workshop
in Bashaw on Theta Healing.
Theta Healing starts when the brain waves
are in the Theta cycle, and at that stage one is able to create a closer
connection with God allowing one to heal or create healthy conditions in the
mind and body.
We had a fabulous group, with women (and one
teenage boy) from all over. We were all
of varying ages and from various different backgrounds. We had different jobs and different life
experiences and memories.
While our individual reasons for attending
the workshop may have sounded as different and individualized as each of us
were, the underlying reason was the same...we each were in need of healing in
some area of our lives.
One thing that I noticed at the workshop is
the varying attitudes we hold as individuals towards healing. Some people are ready to take on full
responsibility for finding new ways and means to heal themselves. They are willing to do what they need to do
in order to bring about that healing - be it making changes to their physical
environment, changing their diet, dealing with unresolved emotional issues,
changing their habitual thought patterns and more.
Some, on the other hand, are very
reluctant. They want someone to do the
work for them. They don’t want to take
any responsibility on themselves that would bring to their awareness that
something they have done, or a belief pattern that they have nurtured, may be
the reason for their illness. They may
say they want to heal, but deep down they don’t.
Some have very serious, deeply wounding
hurts that they have buried within themselves that they need to bring to the
surface and confront before they can bring about any healing.
Others just needed to be guided towards the
healing method that they were ready for and the changes that awaited them.
Healing can happen on so many levels and in
so areas of our lives. Are we ready to
take responsibility for ourselves and our health?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 21 April 2006
April 21, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Have you had things going along very
smoothly? Don't think about it too hard, even smoothness for a mere 15
minutes will qualify. Then, just as you are getting into the groove,
something comes up to throw a curve at you.
I have had a couple of those types of
situations lately. Plans are in place, life is chugging along smoothly
and then I get a phone call, a visit, or an email that what was working
perfectly fine has to change. The change isn't always necessary, but it
is out of my hands.
So I am faced with doing a 180 turn, or
completely changing what was working quite perfectly prior to the notice.
I sit down and come up with new plans. If "A" happens I can do
this or this. On the other hand, if "B" happens then I
will have to that or that.
I get my options figured out and my best
case/worst case scenarios in place, and then I find out that there really will
be no change. Say what??
I think that Life sometimes throws those
curves at us just to see how serious we truly are about completing a goal,
following a certain path or committing to a decision. When we show that
we are determined to continue no matter how high the mountains we are
facing or outrageous the demands on us, then we have somehow proven that
we are worthy of the goal, commitment, or life path.
When it seems like your life is turning 180
on you, don't flip out, just remember you're faith in yourself is being tested.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 7 April 2006
April 7, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
After numerous unsatisfactory encounters
with different individuals and organizations in the past two weeks, I can only
leave you with the following:
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved
old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No
one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in
bureaucratic Red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value
lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the
worm and that life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound
financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting
strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when
well intentioned but over bearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with
sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for
using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly
student, only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools
were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but,
could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have
an abortion
Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live
as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after
a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a
bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his
parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility;
and his son, Reason. Also, a brother, Consideration for Other People. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights
and Ima Whiner.
Not many attended his funeral because so few
realized he was gone. (Author Unknown)
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 17 March 2006
March 17, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I came across the following quote
recently: “Obstructions are good
signs, my friend. Good signs,
indeed...The bigger the spirit that is trying to be born, the greater the
troubles that it must overcome. This
makes it stronger.” It is believed
this quote is from a chief or elder from a Native American tribe in British Columbia.
It is similar in theme to this quote I found
which is attributed to the Dalai Lama, or at least one of his monks: “They
[the Dalai Lama and his monks] believe when a lot of things start going wrong
all at once, it is to protect something big and lovely that is trying to get
itself born – and that this something needs for you to be distracted so that it
can be born as perfectly as possible.”
It certainly puts a different spin on the
persistent minor irritations that come into our lives, to the seemingly
insurmountable mountainous obstacles. In
our life journey the road is not always supposed to be free of potholes.
However, you must be working towards the
greater good of humanity, locally or globally.
Your actions must be promoting love and improving life for others,
otherwise the spiritual contract is null and void. Are your actions improving life, or do you
just think they are?
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 3 March 2006
March 3, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Winter is certainly here with a
vengeance. I don’t know if March will
actually come in like a lion or a lamb, but February certainly is ending with a
dramatic flair!
For all you snow and winter
enthusiasts...here is your chance to go out and play. There is definitely enough snow for skiing,
sledding, snowshoeing and other winter activities. For those less inclined to enjoy winter’s
touch, snuggle up inside with a hot beverage and enjoy the winter from the
perspective of a warm building.
As for myself...it is time to bundle up and
clean the snow off the walks...and throw a little around just for fun!
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 17 February 2006
February 17, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 3 February 2006
February 3, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I know what will be the downfall of the
world as we know it today...bubble wrap.
More specifically, the use, or non-use of bubble wrap to transport books
between libraries within the Parkland Regional Library System. For those who want to know my position on
this earth-shattering conundrum I’m on...I am a proponent for the non-use of
bubble wrap.
People who spend their days dealing with
minor issues such as bubble wrap are accomplishing nothing more than lighting a
bunch of useless fires. They are not
effective. They are not productive, and
rarely are they liked, except by others who major in the minor things like they
do.
The people who have to come along behind and
put out all those useless fires are not productive or efficient either as their
time is largely spent on damage control, not on the real issues at hand. Thus more worthwhile work is not being
accomplished.
Those firefighters are generally accountable
to someone else, who is unable to accomplish anything either as a result of the
previous two groups wasting time on issues which shouldn't even rate on any
scale as issues.
Ultimately nothing gets done and more
meetings are planned to discuss the reason why the workflow isn’t flowing, why
accomplishments aren’t being accomplished, and what could be done to improve
the situation. Over Ninety percent of
the time the response will probably lead back to something really minor
as...bubble wrap!
So now that I have wasted my time writing
about it, you’ve wasted your time reading about it, let’s go an accomplish
something worthwhile instead of lighting a bunch of useless fires for others to
have to deal with.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 20 January 2006
January 20, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Time flies when you’re having fun!
That saying is certainly true because I
can’t believe how fast time has flown by...it has been four years since I took
over entertaining you twice a month with a little newspaper called The Chautauqua.
During the past four years I’ve managed to
put out a paper, when I’m supposed to, despite numerous challenges, including
technological malfunctions, crazy schedules, and other major and minor
headaches and glitches along the way.
As well, during the past four years, the
newspaper has undergone a few changes - layout, number of pages, readership,
area covered. The most recent change
being this month with the change in layout.
I’ve had the opportunity to share with you
the many and varied achievements and accomplishments of both individuals and
communities. We’ve rejoiced and
celebrated together lots of good times.
We’ve also shared in the sorrow of local
tragedies and loss. Our thoughts and
prayers are with the Hawksworth family on their recent loss and Atkinson
family.
Nothing stays the same. Seasons come and go. Life goes on.
We have a choice to continue to grow and improve ourselves, or
stagnate.
As I enter this new year of providing the
residents of the various communities I serve, I look forward to sharing more of
the changes and challenges ahead - both good and bad - with you all. Sorrow shared is halved, and joy shared is
doubled.
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Friday, 6 January 2006
January 6, 2006 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Happy New Year! For some people this is a time of resolutions
and “this year I AM going to do…”
Often the intentions are good, but the body
just doesn’t want to do/accomplish what we resolve to do. Another year of resolutions bite the dust.
Maybe we’re looking at this the wrong
way. Maybe it should be a time to
reflect on what you really want to be doing in your life by going back to the
way things were at an earlier stage in your life.
There has been a resurgence of ‘classic’
music...rock, country and others. Can
you believe the popularity of the 1950s Christmas ditty “I want a Hippopotamus
for Christmas” this past season?
How many times have you wished you could
only be on one or two committees or boards so you could devote more time and
effort to them, instead of the six or eight you’re involved with now.
Rather than learning a new hobby or skill,
why not dust off an old hobby or revisit a previous skill.
Instead of resolving to ‘change’ why not
resolve to ‘rediscover’ some aspect that used to be a part of your life. Happy New Year!
Beth
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
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