Happy New Year to everyone!
May 2008 be filled with laughter, adventure and companionship.
Monday, 31 December 2007
Friday, 28 December 2007
Perseverance
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock,
the stream always wins -
not through strength but by perseverance.
- H. Jackson Brown
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Enlightened
If you think you are truly spiritual and enlightened
...go spend a week with your parents.
--Ram Dass
Monday, 24 December 2007
Friday, 21 December 2007
December 21, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
The holiday season is filled with laughter, good wishes, generosity and more. However, all these wonderful things that embody the Christmas spirit should not be only evident in our lives for one day, but every day.
As you enjoy the blessings of the holiday, I challenge you to take those feelings of warmth and peace and goodwill and extend them to those around you throughout next year. Perform more random acts of kindness. Smile at more people. Spread more cheer to all.
Merry Christmas and may 2008 be a wonderful time for you.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GYeBis7m3xYhnKnF1IBDb_yiQH2PqYd_/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Impossible
The young do not know enough to be prudent,
and therefore they attempt the impossible -
and achieve it, generation after generation.
- Pearl S. Buck
Monday, 17 December 2007
Serendipity
A great attitude does much more
than turn on the lights in our worlds;
it seems to magically connect us
to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities
that were somehow absent before we changed.
- Earl Nightingale
Friday, 14 December 2007
Boldly
Plunge boldly into the thick of life,
and seize it where you will,
it is always interesting.
- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Truth and Fiction
Why shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction?
Fiction, after all, has to make sense.
- Mark Twain
Monday, 10 December 2007
Friday, 7 December 2007
December 7, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
If you are someone who will be celebrating the Christmas season, you might want to try something different this year. There are a variety of options available for ways that you can celebrate Christmas this year depending on your mood or inclination. Options may even be mixed and matched for a more personal holiday.
Green Christmas - for those who desire a more eco-friendly holiday, includes giving of recycled gifts (either from a thrift store or made from a recycled products).
Traditional Christmas - for those who only give homemade gifts and pull out all the old traditions, including coal in the stocking for those who were bad.
Debt-Free Christmas - for those who want their cake but don’t want to pay all next year for it! This includes budgeting and money management skills but don’t worry you won’t have to cut back.
Shop till You Drop Christmas - for those who don’t care how much they spend or what they buy as long as it is expensive. This involves shopping every day the stores are open until Christmas.
Put Christ Back in Christmas - for those who shun the commercial aspects and want to restore the holiday to its more humble origin.
Family Christmas - for those who will be traveling to visit family near and far to share a number of Christmas dinners.
No matter what your current traditions are, take some time to breathe this holiday.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p3ozH7eb3egmYCQztkkgdXuJRH17FYXH/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Judgment
One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels.
The thing to do is to supply light and not heat.
- Woodrow T. Wilson
Monday, 3 December 2007
Friday, 30 November 2007
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
Time
It's how we spend our time here and now,
that really matters.
If you are fed up with the way
you have come to interact with time,
change it.
-Marcia Wieder
Friday, 23 November 2007
Strengths
Enter every activity
without giving mental recognition
to the possibility of defeat.
Concentrate on your strengths
instead of your weaknesses,
on your powers instead of your problems.
-Paul J. Meyer
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Tools
When you acknowledge and follow your soul,
you'll embark on a journey to a special place deep inside,
and you'll discover all the tools you need
to start thinking and feeling from within.
- John Holland
Tools
When you acknowledge and follow your soul,
you'll embark on a journey to a special place deep inside,
and you'll discover all the tools you need
to start thinking and feeling from within.
- John Holland
Monday, 19 November 2007
Friday, 16 November 2007
November 16, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Have you ever tried really hard to get a project finished and no matter how hard you try and how much you struggle you don’t seem to make any headway? Or, how many of you have wracked your brain for many minutes trying to remember a name, phone number or other piece of trivia and no matter how hard you try to remember it just isn’t there?
I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation such as the above more times than we’d really care to admit. No matter how much effort we put in it seems like we’re taking 10 steps back for every step we move forward.
Have you ever noticed that when you give up and relax that the task suddenly becomes so much easier and flows better. Or, that elusive piece of information pops into your brain without warning.
Human beings have an amazing ability to take any task and make it 10 to 100 times more complicated than it needs to be. We do this by trying and struggling as if we would “tame” the task, which we all know is not an effective means of getting anything done.
We also have an amazing ability to store and retrieve literally millions of pieces of data from our brains. The proviso is that we are more effective at this skill when we are relaxed. Which, incidentally, is why test scores are not always an accurate reflection of what a student knows!
Stop struggling, stop trying so hard, and just let the task happen or the information bubble to the surface of your mind. It really does work better that way.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArE-vJzEX36ZqQm76px1qLQEnq6d5vqT/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Have you ever tried really hard to get a project finished and no matter how hard you try and how much you struggle you don’t seem to make any headway? Or, how many of you have wracked your brain for many minutes trying to remember a name, phone number or other piece of trivia and no matter how hard you try to remember it just isn’t there?
I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation such as the above more times than we’d really care to admit. No matter how much effort we put in it seems like we’re taking 10 steps back for every step we move forward.
Have you ever noticed that when you give up and relax that the task suddenly becomes so much easier and flows better. Or, that elusive piece of information pops into your brain without warning.
Human beings have an amazing ability to take any task and make it 10 to 100 times more complicated than it needs to be. We do this by trying and struggling as if we would “tame” the task, which we all know is not an effective means of getting anything done.
We also have an amazing ability to store and retrieve literally millions of pieces of data from our brains. The proviso is that we are more effective at this skill when we are relaxed. Which, incidentally, is why test scores are not always an accurate reflection of what a student knows!
Stop struggling, stop trying so hard, and just let the task happen or the information bubble to the surface of your mind. It really does work better that way.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArE-vJzEX36ZqQm76px1qLQEnq6d5vqT/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Live
If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon
in a perfectly useless manner,
you have learned how to live.
– Lin Yutang
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 12 November 2007
Friday, 9 November 2007
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Paths
Look at every path closely and deliberately.
Try it as many times as you think necessary.
Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question.
“Does this path have a heart?”
If it does, the path is good; if it doesn’t, it is of no use.
– Don Juan, Mexican shaman
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 5 November 2007
Differences
We must not, in trying to think
about how we can make a big difference,
ignore the small daily differences we can make which,
over time, add up to big differences
that we often cannot foresee.
- Marian Wright Edelman
Friday, 2 November 2007
November 2, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I have been observing quite a few people of late as they attempt to convince myself and others that their way is best.
Some attempt to turn everything into a fight. They seem to want to win you over to their side by lashing out that their way is better. They use intimidation to convince you that they are right.
Others use confusion. I guess they figure if you are confused enough then when they arrive like a voice of clarity you will be so impressed that you will agree with their viewpoint.
My favourite though are the ones who don’t attempt to change your mind at all. They merely present an other viewpoint, or way of looking at things, in a calm manner. They offer another option but don’t insist that you have to accept it. And guess what...more often than not, you do accept it because of the way it is presented.
How do you attempt to share your thoughts with others, especially those who disagree with you?
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/118hbZix6qOzYVXo7cKDBS22iwshOeB5u/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Be
People should think less about what they ought to do
and more about what they ought to be.
– Meister Eckhart
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 29 October 2007
Mistakes
When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long.
Take the reason of the thing into your mind,
and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom.
The past cannot be changed.
The future is yet in your power.
- Mary Pickford
Friday, 26 October 2007
Blessings
Reflect upon your present blessings,
of which every man has plenty;
not on your past misfortunes,
of which all men have some.
- Charles Dickens
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Consequences
While we are free to choose our actions,
we are not free to choose
the consequences of our actions.
- Stephen Covey
Monday, 22 October 2007
Friday, 19 October 2007
October 19, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Another municipal election has come and gone. I was pleased to find out that 315 voters turned out to cast their ballots in Alix. A quick glance at the other election results shows that voters did turn out for this election.
Some municipalities are seeing no real change in their leadership, while others have experienced a complete change.
Whether the status quo has been maintained or not in your municipality, our job as voters and taxpayers is not over. Casting our ballots as voters, and getting elected for the candidates, was the easy part.
Now we all need to work together to ensure that our municipalities function at their best for the good of all the people. We need to support our newly elected officials in all their endeavours on our behalf.
The job that our elected officials are taking on is by no means an easy one. Nor is there any glory in it. However, by working together we can all experience pride and satisfaction in a job well done and a municipality well represented.
I would like to congratulate all the candidates who were elected this term and I encourage those who didn’t obtain a seat this time round to consider trying again in another three years.
Also, best wishes and a speedy recovery are extended to Sukhi Dhaliwal of the Alix Motel who is recovering from a motor vehicle accident.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EZ0KWTRAtAElbJ8FpGuH8wA9oMT124JV/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Monday, 15 October 2007
Home
It is surprising how people will go to a distance
for what they may have at home.
- Samuel Johnson
for what they may have at home.
- Samuel Johnson
Friday, 12 October 2007
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Imagination
There are no days in life so memorable
as those which vibrate
to some stroke of the imagination.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 8 October 2007
Do
The world cares very little
about what a man or woman knows;
it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts.
- Booker T. Washington
Friday, 5 October 2007
October 5, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I was recently reading about Kerala in India. This tiny area, with a population of over 31 million, is roughly comparable in size to Vancouver Island and located on the southwestern tip of India. Kerala is almost an anomaly in India as a whole as quality of life indicators (life expentancy, literacy, health care, fertility rates, etc) rank Kerala in with the First World nations such as Canada and Japan. However, its low Gross Domestic Product places it firmly with the rest of the Third World nations.
An election in 1957 resulted in a communist led government which enacted a number of social and land reforms that favoured the labourers and rural tenants such as removing the caste system and giving land to the landless poor. Subsequent governments have continued the trend of social reform creating an equitable society with very little poverty. Fair price shops are within walking distance of each and every home, there is a commitment to education and libraries, health care centres are also within walking distance of every home, self-employment loans are readily available and there is no taxation for the self-employed.
Known as the Kerala Phenomenon - high human development, low economic development - is the area’s greatest paradox. Combining gender equality with grassroots democracy and a government supported social net, Kerala has emerged with a highly sustainable society.
This does not mean that the area is without problems (suicide, unemployment)...but that they have found unique ways to live a quality of life that surpasses what one would expect in a way that has the least impact on the environment and on each other. They did not accept the status quo and were willing to think outside the box.
How would you measure the real quality of your life? What changes need made to increase that quality for you? Think outside the box!
Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth by Jim Merkel (New Society Publishers 2003)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LYRSxq6fc38Oq6Wi8t780ZV2q0X5cSIo/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Simplicity
When all is said and done in this crazy world,
the simplest answer is usually the right one.
- William of Ockham
Monday, 1 October 2007
Prosperity
Prosperity is a way of living and thinking,
and not just money or things.
Poverty is a way of living and thinking,
and not just a lack of money or things.
- Eric Butterworth
Friday, 28 September 2007
Kind words
Kind words do not cost much.
They never blister the tongue or lips.
They make other people good-natured.
They also produce their own image on men's souls,
and a beautiful image it is.
- Blaise Pascal
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Excellence
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things,
you develop the habit in little matters.
Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
-Colin Powell
Monday, 24 September 2007
Free
Begin to free yourself at once
by doing all that is possible with the means you have,
and as you proceed in this spirit
the way will open for you to do more.
- Robert Collier
Friday, 21 September 2007
September 21, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
The other day I came across a website called Green As a Thistle (http://greenasathistle.com) which is the site of Vanessa, a single journalist who works at the National Post in Toronto. The subtitle of the site reads “making one change every day to greenify my life (and hopefully not being too smug about it.”
Beginning March 1, 2007, with the intent to switch to recycled, unbleached paper towels, Vanessa has been making one change daily and writing about it as she looks at changing her lifestyle in the coming year. Personally, I can’t believe how many different housecleaning and hair care products she uses!
Some of her 200+ changes to date (which range from very small to life-altering large) include:
· Using tote bags, no more plastic bags
· Signing up for the Freecycle Network
· Unplugging anything that isn’t in use
· Unplugging her refrigerator
· Selling her car; using public transit
· No more take-out, unless she brings her own containers
· Buying in bulk
· Not using staples
· Composting
Some changes that Vanessa has made have been ones she will keep doing, some she has had to make a subsequent change to achieve the result that she wants. Some have been gradual. First she changed her dishwasher soap to a more environmentally friendly option. Then a few days later she changed her settings on her dishwasher to use less water and power. Then, a few days later, she stopped using the dishwasher totally and unplugged it. Some have been more abrupt such as cutting her hair shorter to save on product usage.
Imagine how your life would be different if you made only one small change each and every day for a whole year - whether it is to achieve a greener lifestyle or to learn a new skill or to realize a long-term dream. By making the changes in baby steps, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Start today!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cFAAwiw5NbWX1C2NC_imileO8dUzfbzp/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Monday, 17 September 2007
Problems
Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles,
they toughen and make strong.
-Norman Vincent Peale
Friday, 14 September 2007
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Breakdown
One of the symptoms
of an approaching nervous breakdown
is the belief that one's work is terribly important.
- Bertrand Russell
Monday, 10 September 2007
Friday, 7 September 2007
September 7, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I’m sure you all know by now that municipal and school board elections are happening this fall.
If you feel that you are capable of taking on the task of working, in cooperation with others, towards a positive governing atmosphere, then I encourage you to pick up nomination papers and get the required number of signatures. Forms are to be submitted on September 17, 10 - noon at the designated location for each of the jurisdictions.
We need people who are willing to run for municipal councils and school boards… however, we people to run who do not have any axes to grind or vendettas they want to enact. Being angry at the current governing body is not a good enough reason to run!
The purpose of running for these positions is to share your unique talents and skills with a board entity which is entrusted with a governing role. The good of the voters is just as important as the good of the governing body.
There is no power at all in these positions...rather, there is a huge responsibility to act, not only as the public wishes, but in the public’s best wishes. There is no glory, but rather a lot of hard work to balance the fine line between what you personally think best and what is truly best for all concerned. It is not a role to be taken lightly or without serious thought.
If you do not feel you are able to run, you can still sign someone else’s nomination forms. And, more importantly...you can vote on October 15!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1amxmxYa2W4hfp3WU12JLk3NROio38fvs/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Success
It is not the going out of port, but the coming in,
that determines the success of a voyage.
-Henry Ward Beecher
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 3 September 2007
Mistakes
The man who does things makes many mistakes,
but he never makes the biggest mistake of all -
doing nothing.
- Benjamin Franklin
Friday, 31 August 2007
Perfect
On the day when the wind is perfect,
the sail just needs to open
and the world is full of beauty.
Today is such a day.
- Rumi
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Vision
If your vision is for a year, plant wheat.
If your vision is for ten years, plant trees.
If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people.
- Chinese proverb
Monday, 27 August 2007
Heaven
Who doth build on earth the kingdom of heaven…
shall dwell in both worlds.
- Essene Gospel of Peace
Friday, 24 August 2007
Creating
It is during our time, through managing our choices,
that we are invited to create an outer world
that mirrors our innermost prayers and dreams.
– Gregg Braden
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Desire
There is no such thing as can't, only won't.
If you're qualified, all it takes is a burning desire
to accomplish, to make a change.
Go forward, go backward. Whatever it takes!
But you can't blame other people or society in general.
It all comes from your mind. When we do the impossible
we realize we are special people.
- Jan Ashford
Monday, 20 August 2007
Genius
Anyone can be a genius if they pick one specific subject
and study it diligently just 15 minutes each day.
- Albert Einstein
Friday, 17 August 2007
August 17, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I read an article in the Good Housekeeping magazine the other day that twigged my interest.
While the article was about dieting, it had broader application than that.
In the article participants in a diet program were given only one raisin, one corn chip and one Hersey chocolate kiss. I can’t remember if there were any other food items, but those three were definite.
Each participant was to eat the one raisin...and I mean really eat it...they had to smell it, examine the texture, pop it in their mouth and really chew it so they got the full benefit of the flavour. There were some surprised reactions when the participants actually found out what a raisin tastes like.
Same thing with the corn chip. One participant who could eat whole bags of corn chips in a week was shocked to discover that when she ate only one corn chip, very mindfully, that she absolutely couldn’t stand the flavour. The thought of giving up her habit of munching corn chips didn’t seem so difficult after that exercise.
The participants were even more surprised to discover that while they may live for chocolate, eating only one Hershey chocolate kiss emphasized the waxy artificial flavour to the point that it was nauseating (that’s why I personally prefer the novelty Hershey Chocolate Kisses to the original).
Instead of feeling like they would be depriving themselves of their favourite junk food snacks as they progressed with their diet plans, the participants voluntarily were able to give up the foods that just did not appeal to them...once they had really tasted them.
So let’s take that same process and apply it to other areas of our lives.
If you were to participate in an activity that is part of your normal everyday routine and really, mindfully, consciously engage in that activity with your full awareness for a mere 5 minutes...would you want to continue that activity after the time allotment was up?
If not, why are you engaging in that activity and spending precious time on it? If so, why are you not engaging in that activity and others like it that you truly enjoy on a more regular basis?
Conversely, what activities are a struggle to do, and you would find any excuse to avoid them? Could it be that once you spent five minutes really participating in the activity you discovered that you really enjoyed the activity and no longer sent you screaming for the hills.
So much of our lives are taken up by habitual tasks that we do almost without even thinking or being aware of what we are doing. As we become more aware and awake in each task we do what habits will just naturally fall by the wayside? What activities have you longed for more time to do? We have the choice to do what we want.
Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something you truly enjoy, rather than just acting out of habit.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sw5cYe2LjbLzljgfeHxqEw4j2BRlnPcw/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Enjoy
My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither,
but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate.
- Thornton Wilder
Monday, 13 August 2007
Riches
The greatest good you can do for another
is not just to share your riches,
but to reveal to him his own.
- Benjamin Disraeli
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Friday, 10 August 2007
Determination
It's the constant and determined effort
that breaks down all resistance
and sweeps away all obstacles.
- Claude M. Bristol
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Wise
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance,
the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 6 August 2007
Friday, 3 August 2007
August 3, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Ah, those lazy days of summer. Have you experienced them yet? Are you planning on any laziness this summer?
For me, summer is a time to laze around reading. Okay, I admit, I easily do that year-round, however, in the summer I really get into the lazy mode as some days are just too hot to do anything else.
While the stack of to-be-read books beside my bed doesn’t seem to be diminishing noticeably (I suppose it would help if I didn't keep adding to it every week), I have managed to work my way through a few books this summer.
Some of the more interesting books I read in the past month include (this is not a complete list):
- “The Not So Big Life” by Sarah Susanka - she gives an architect’s perspective to creating a balanced, harmonious life.
- “The Law of Attraction” by Jerry and Esther Hicks - a spin-off of “The Secret” processes - Gratitude is the real secret.
- “The 100 Mile Diet” by Alisa Smith and J. B. MacKinnon - chronicles the year-long adventures of two Canadians and their quest to eat more local fare.
- “The Forgotten Monarchy of Scotland: the True Story of the Royal House of Stewart and the Hidden Lineage of the Kings and Queens of Scots” by HRH Prince Michael of Albany - a 400+ history and call for Scots independence from Britain.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CWLaLg_Kpl9ZX5DHl-y0acUQqWn2DufJ/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Monday, 30 July 2007
Friday, 27 July 2007
What counts
Not everything that can be counted counts,
and not everything that counts can be counted.
– Albert Einstein
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Success
One worthwhile task carried to a successful conclusion
is worth more than a hundred half-finished tasks.
-- Malcolm S. Forbes
-- Malcolm S. Forbes
Monday, 23 July 2007
Most
Sometimes one pays most
for the things one gets for nothing.
– Albert Einstein
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Friday, 20 July 2007
July 20, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
It is official! I received word from Southern Connecticut State University this week that I have completed all the requirements for the Master of Library Science degree in Information and Library Science! The diploma will be mailed in August!
At l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g-g-g last, I have completed the goal I set for myself a number of years ago. It has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears, perseverance and plain old stubbornness to reach this momentous milestone in my life.
For those who are eager to ask that burning question: What are your plans now?, I have only one response: I intend to bask, revel, glory, enjoy, wallow, appreciate, treasure, relish, delight, and savor the sheer thrill and excitement of this moment and this accomplishment. It has taken me 15 years to get to this point, so I think I should be able to take the next 15 years to really appreciate and enjoy reaching this point in my life.
So, if you will excuse me, I have some major relaxing and life-enjoying to do now!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L9w9AjcwDOxCekB0DDKCzJ5kgEVD7tNc/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Do Something
Every day do something
that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
- Doug Firebaugh
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 16 July 2007
Waiting
Many of us have things backwards.
We believe that we have to wait to create
the circumstances we want in life and rack up
a lot of successes so we can finally relax.
Actually, it works the other way around.
We should leave where we are and move
to where we ultimately dream of living,
whether it's Boulder, Santa Monica, Chicago, or Tibet.
Then once we're there, we'll figure out ways
to fashion a livelihood that will enable us
to survive and to prosper from there.
Paradise shouldn't wait, and happiness shouldn't either.
--Dr. Gary Goodman
Friday, 13 July 2007
Truth
Men occasionally stumble over the truth,
but most of them pick themselves up
and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.
– Winston Churchill
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Monday, 9 July 2007
Friday, 6 July 2007
July 6, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
To the Centennial Committee, the numerous volunteers and the residents of Alix and area...a great BIG thank you and pat on the back.
The Centennial weekend was a resounding success and you are all to be commended on hosting a wonderful party.
I heard many compliments throughout the weekend and everyone who participated thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was great to see so many people return to Alix for this special celebration. It was also amusing to see different people express their surprise and shock that former classmates actually made the effort to attend!
The weather was perfect and each of the various venues were decorated in fine fashion. The historic walking tour was also a hit with the visitors. One couple I was talking to were so impressed that they walked it twice! The community looked its best thanks to all of you.
The parade also elicited a number of positive comments. It was a delight to see so many participate in the parade itself and so many watching.
I don’t believe I have ever seen so many people in one building in Alix as I saw at the BBQ. If you were fortunate enough to attend the evening meal and entertainment, I’m sure you’ll agree with me it was well worth it! Firehall Catering outdid themselves with the meal and the Popovichs entertained to an appreciative crowd...even adding a surprise or two into the program.
All in all, it was a great time and you have a community that you can be proud of.
Here’s to another 100 years!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CETjYWB2YfAUn8YKeI5XITIHqkywQCmP/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Mental Sunshine
Mental sunshine will cause
the flowers of peace, happiness, and prosperity
to grow upon the face of the Earth.
Be a creator of mental sunshine.
– Graffiti, California
Monday, 2 July 2007
Enthusiasm
Most great men and women
are not perfectly rounded in their personalities,
but are instead people whose
one driving enthusiasm is so great
it makes their faults seem insignificant.
- Charles A. Cerami
Friday, 29 June 2007
Travels
The man who goes alone can start today,
but he who travels with another
must wait till that other is ready.
– Thoreau
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Sliver and Gold
Too many people miss the silver lining
because they’re expecting gold.
– Maurice Seitter
Monday, 25 June 2007
Future
The future need not be a repetition of the past.
Frequently one is caught by a paucity of imagination
which conceives of the future only in terms
of rearranging past events
or experiences that are already known.
Persistent attempts to explain the unknown
in terms of what is already known,
can lead to blind repetition of unsatisfactory patterns
that limit growth and restrict possibilities.
- Frances E. Vaughan
Email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Friday, 22 June 2007
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Happiness
Happiness comes to those who
are moving toward something
they want very much to happen.
And it almost always
involves making someone else happy.
- Earl Nightingale
Monday, 18 June 2007
Smiles
What sunshine is to flowers,
smiles are to humanity.
These are but trifles, to be sure;
but scattered along life's pathway,
the good they do is inconceivable.
- Joseph Addison
Friday, 15 June 2007
June 15, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Ever try and find something only to discover it was right in front of you the whole time? Or have you ever tried to look for someone to help you with a particular task and just as you are about to give up you find out that the person next you has all the necessary skills?
That’s a bit about how I felt a couple of weeks ago. My poor windshield has sported three lovely chips for a handful of months now. I wanted to get them fixed but could not see the point of driving all the way to Red Deer to get the job done. Besides, what if I ended up with another chip after fixing three? I had basically gave up on getting them fixed right away.
On Tuesday out of the blue I discovered that I could get my windshield fixed right in Alix! A chance comment from someone in the library solved my problem in a flash. Not only did I not have to drive to Red Deer...I only had to go across the street! Before I left town that day I had a freshly repaired windshield and bright, clear view of the world outside my car.
Many times we make our lives much more difficult than they need to be. The answers really can be found closer to home than we realize. Pay attention to the conversations around you and you may just discover the solution to something that has been plaguing you for a long time.
Ask around, the answers that you need or the assistance you require may be right beside you.
Happy Father’s Day to the Fathers!
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CfhjrufY_xTNsdsiZhf8FTNjIVCnfuOT/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Look up
Look up, laugh loud, talk big,
keep the color in your cheek and the fire in your eye,
adorn your person, maintain your health,
your beauty and your animal spirits.
- William Hazlitt
Monday, 11 June 2007
Passion
Listen to the passion of your soul,
set the wings of your spirit free;
and let not a single song go unsung.
- Sylvana Rossetti
Friday, 8 June 2007
Do it now!
You don't need endless time
and perfect conditions.
Do it now. Do it today.
Do it for twenty minutes
and watch your heart start beating.
- Barbara Sher
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Individuality
As life goes on it becomes tiring
to keep up the character you invented for yourself,
and so you relapse into individuality
and become more like yourself every day.
This is sometimes disconcerting for those around you,
but a great relief to the person concerned.
- Agatha Christie
Monday, 4 June 2007
Life
The purpose of life, after all, is to live it,
to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear
for newer and richer experiences.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Friday, 1 June 2007
June 1, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
We’re at that wonderful time of year when the fruit blossoms are flowering, the grass is growing, and gardens are being planted. Greenhouses are busy as eager gardeners are stocking up on plants of every description.
In the midst of this profusion of new life and growth and colour is one very bright, very noticeable sign of the season. The dandelion.
The dandelion is one of the first signs of spring and one of the first flowers to bloom. Kids love them. Not only because of the various games they play with them but they make a beautiful bouquet for their moms.
People curse and fret and fume every time a dandelion pokes its sunshiny head up. They try various methods to rid their lawns of that pesky intruder. Sometimes they are successful, sometime not. A good wind blowing the seeds around ensures a new crop no matter how vigilant you’ve been.
Yet, throughout history, the dandelion has been considered one of the most important foods in our world. The lowly dandelion contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, silicon and magnesium. The dandelion is a staple in any herbalist’s kit.
The young leaves are great in a salad topped by the bright blossoms. The flowers can also be sautéed. Dandelion honey is easy to make by boiling flowers with sugar and lemon juice. The roots are a coffee substitute when dried and ground. You can also make dandelion wine if you are inclined.
Why are we letting such a valuable resource go to waste and calling it a weed?
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UUkbrdurCf4IXz5e8L4ynpAYHAUQpqV0/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Simple
The universe is as simple as it is or it is not,
but humans complicate everything.
– Miguel Ruiz
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 28 May 2007
Mountains
Never measure the height of a mountain
until you have reached the top.
Then you will see how low it was.
- Dag Hammarskjold
Friday, 25 May 2007
Winners
The real winners in life
are the people who look at every situation
with an expectation that they
can make it work or make it better.
- Barbara Pletcher
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Life plan
If you don't design your own life plan,
chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan.
And guess what they have planned for you?
Not much.
- Jim Rohn
Monday, 21 May 2007
Determination
A determined soul
will do more with a rusty monkey wrench,
than a loafer will accomplish
with all the tools in a machine shop.
-Robert Hughes
Friday, 18 May 2007
May 18, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
Unfortunately I’m under the weather and don’t have the brain power to come up with something witty or profound, so I’ll leave you with some humour I found. Smile…
Q: What do you get if Batman and Robin get smashed by a steam roller?
A: Flatman and ribbon.
Q: When is a car not a car?
A: When it turns into a garage.
Q: How much do pirates pay for their earrings?
A: a Buccaneer!
Q: Why did the scientist install a knocker on his door?
A: He wanted to win the No-bell prize.
Q: Why did the atoms cross the road?
A: It was time to split!
Q: What do you do when your chair breaks?
A: Call a Chairman.
Q: Why do Inuit wash their clothes in tide?
A: Because it's too cold out tide!
Q: What kind of car does Luke Skywalker drive?
A: a Toy-yoda.
Q: What is the biggest pencil in the world?
A: Pennsylvania.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mjh0ARxpH3uSJO_Dfo6e4pKF7gzY9Urf/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Monday, 14 May 2007
Worry
The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in your life!
- Brian Weiss, M.D.
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Change
There is little sense
in attempting to change external conditions,
you must first change inner beliefs,
then outer conditions will change accordingly.
- Brian Adams
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Monday, 7 May 2007
Boldness
When you cannot make up your mind
which of two evenly balanced courses of action
you should take - choose the bolder.
- William Joseph Slim
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
May 4, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I have been a member of the Guiding movement since I was seven years old, starting as a Brownie and progressing through the various levels. The other day I was looking at some old Brownie badges from approximately 10 years ago, or less.
The Guiding program has gone through many changes in the past few years. The changes are intended to make the program more fun and appealing to girls of all ages.
What I have found in recent years though is that they have taken all the growth, learning and challenge out of the movement. There is nothing to encourage the girls to step out and explore new territory.
When I was a girl, we learnt skills that were important but not necessarily part of our daily lives at that age such as no-impact camping (where you left no trace that you’d even been at that site), proper meeting procedures and investigating local politics, and we were part of the vast volunteer network of the community, providing service in a host of different areas and settings.
Now it seems that there is nothing in the programs to make girls better citizens and prepare them to handle the challenges that life has a tendency to throw at us all when we least expect it.
It is only when we are challenged to go beyond what we know that we learn anything. And then we want to learn more. It is in learning those skills that we are prepared for the next challenge, and the next challenge.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OEuxa_37rfHFh0tt3xWQnZqwbEV-VoaH/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Obstacles
Most of our obstacles would melt away if,
instead of cowering before them,
we should make up our minds
to walk boldly through them.
- Orison Swett Marden
Monday, 30 April 2007
Let go
Even though you may want to move forward in your life,
you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free,
we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt.
Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain.
The energy it takes to hang onto the past
is holding you back from a new life.
What is it you would let go of today?
- Mary Manin Morrissey
email: thechautauqua@gmail.com
Friday, 27 April 2007
Attitude
If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain.
- Maya Angelou
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
Monday, 23 April 2007
Good work
You cannot do a good work
if you take your mind off the work
to see how the community is taking it.
- Dorothy L. Sayers
Friday, 20 April 2007
April 20, 2007 Chautauqua
From the Editor's Computer
I have been having a very interesting email exchange with one of my friends for the past week.
My friend has quit her corporate job to work in the service sector with people. You’d think she would be excited about this new phase in her life, but she approached it kicking and screaming the whole way. Those of us who know her think that it is about time. Her caring nature and ability to put people at ease, her humorous approach and ability to create a nurturing atmosphere around her, make her a natural for her new life. But she doesn’t really see that...we do, but she doesn’t.
Now, it would not be surprising at all to find someone very reluctant and downright bullish about doing something they have never done. You want me to WHAT?!?! (bungie jump, speak in public, organize a large function, take on a larger opponent, or whatever it may be). We are often hesitant to try new things or step out of the comfort zone.
On the other hand, I find it interesting how we fight tooth and nail, clinging to our (distorted) perceptions of ourselves, rather than do something that is as natural to us as breathing. If something comes that easy to us why do we find excuses and reasons not to do it? We can’t use the excuse it is too hard or we don’t know how, but we can sure come up with pages and pages of other excuses.
What skill or talent do you have that is so easy you can’t believe everyone can’t do it? Are you sharing skill or talent with others?
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xFlrOT4qsx0zXa2QmmbxgTA9T7CCifKN/view?usp=sharing
To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)