The Chautauqua: July 2017

While I have never been there in person, I thoroughly enjoy watching the thrilling rodeo events and chuckwagon races on TV - where you can see the action a lot closer, and don’t have to battle crowds to do so.

The cowboys and cowgirls who compete in Calgary every year are the best of the best - whether they are veterans of the rodeo circuit, or relatively unknown newcomers. And so are all the animals.

Because they are so good, it is such a treat to watch them compete. They make their event seem so easy and natural. You can tell they love what they do.

Yet, just because they are so good, doesn’t mean that they can all win, or even that it is smooth sailing for them.

Things can, and do, go wrong. Riders get bucked off, barriers are tripped, calves and steers get away, barrels go down, someone ends up being faster, and competitors get hurt.

Just like in every day life.

No matter how proficient we are at our favourite tasks, sometimes things just don’t work out for us.

No matter how much we love what we do, sometimes we just have a bad day or two, or month.

No matter how good we are, sometimes someone comes along who is better or faster.

No matter how careful we are, sometimes we just end up getting hurt.

But, in life, as in the rodeo world, we can’t let that stop us. We need to dust ourselves off, regroup, and get right back in the ring to give it our best shot the next day.

Cowboys and cowgirls are not defined by just one ride or race, and we are not defined by just one activity or situation. They are the best because they keep competing and don’t give up. We become the best in our lives when we keep showing up and don’t give up too.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://sites.google.com/site/thechautauqua22/home/July%2021%2C%202017%20Chautauqua.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1

Contact The Chautauqua via email: thechautauqua@gmail.com or via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Open Heart

Until we can receive with an open heart,

we are never really giving with an open heart.

When we attach judgement to receiving help,

we knowingly or unknowingly

attach judgement to giving help.

- Brene Brown

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Monday, 17 July 2017

Path

Knowing that you're working toward something,

and understanding that you are on a path,

gives you the opportunity to look at that path

in order to traverse it more skillfully.

- Christiane Northrup

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Friday, 14 July 2017

Bloom

Bloom when it's your time...

no one is ever late.

- Colette Baron Reid

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Wednesday, 12 July 2017

Choices

It is not necessary to accept the choices

handed down to you by life as you know it.

- Hunter S. Thompson

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Monday, 10 July 2017

Start

If you want to be more productive,

then start at the start:

get there on time.

- Richard Branson

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Friday, 7 July 2017

July 7, 2017 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

I recently received a FABULOUS gift. The end of December 2016, I won a makeover from Lori’s Little Luxuries Salon, Spa & Gifts in Alix, and over four days last week, I was slowly transformed - facial, waxing, teeth whitening, eyelash extensions (most dramatic change as I haven’t had eyelashes since I was 14), eyebrow tint and shaping, manicure, pedicure, hair, makeup and 4 outfits - culminating in a fun mini photo shoot on Main Street, Alix.

A very LARGE HEARTFELT THANK YOU to Lori, Dixie and Jessica...you gals are the best!