Monday 30 August 2021

Wednesday 25 August 2021

It hasn’t always been easy living in your own skin
 and daring to honor your instincts, but you’re still trying.
  And that’s everything. 
 - Tama Kieves

Monday 23 August 2021

Friday 20 August 2021

August 20, 2021 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   Ever have an image of yourself that you’ve had for a very long time, and then something in your life changes, and you have a hard time accepting the new image or way of being?

   I have an opportunity to answer a Call to Artists this month for the chance to be part of an exhibit at an art gallery n the province.  Part of me is bouncing up and down wildly with excitement as this Call is open to beginner artists, and a variety of visual art media types, and it’s an amazing opportunity.

   But……………………..

   Another part of me is having a very hard time wrapping my head around how to present myself as an artist.  Yes, I know I’ve been painting and drawing for a while - and I’ve even shared images of my artwork in The Chautauqua for the past 2 or so years - BUT, I’ve been a writer for so much longer, and it feels way more comfortable to present myself that way.

   Now, on the plus side, I have a lot of artworks and creativity to choose from to include in the proposal, but at the same time, I almost have too many options and it’s hard to decide.  On the plus side, this isn’t the first time I’ve submitted my artwork to be considered for an exhibit, but on the other hand, it’s the first time I’ve actually had to submit a proposal (vs just sample images) and artist CV and I’m nervous about that.

   All in all, no matter what the end result, this will definitely be a growing and stretching process for me.  And who knows, by the time my proposal is submitted, I just might be able to accept that I am an artist too!

Beth 

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNJsRR_Z2C0q4FkAUv2bfmzq7m3Dev_P/view?usp=sharing

   Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue over 19 years ago, are a brand new reader, or somewhere in between, I sincerely hope that The Chautauqua has enriched your life, as much as it has enriched mine publishing it.  If you would like to help ensure it continues to enrich others like yourself, I ask you to please consider making a donation to The Chautauqua. There are three methods available: 

Mail a cheque or money order (made out to Beth Richardson – Chautauqua) to Box 261 Mirror, AB T0B 3C0 

E-transfer to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

PayPal at https://paypal.me/thechautauqua (note: you will need to sign into PayPal first, and then specify the amount) 

   Your support and kindness is always greatly appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to bring joy and inspiration to you with each issue. Thank you so much and have a marvellous day!

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

Wednesday 18 August 2021

Monday 16 August 2021

Friday 13 August 2021

Mistakes are a fact of life.  
It is the response to the error that counts.
  - Nikki Giovanni

Wednesday 11 August 2021

God made the world round 
so we could never see too far down the road. 
 - Isak Dinesen

Monday 9 August 2021

Friday 6 August 2021

August 6, 2021 Chautauqua


Beth's Ponderings

   Despite being a very avid reader most of my life, I did not read J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” till I was an adult in my mid-twenties, and “had to” for my university Children’s Literature class. 

   In truth, it was a book I had wanted to read for years, but never seemed to get around to until I had no choice.  In fact, there were quite a few books in that course that I finally got around to reading because my grades depended on it!

   After reading “The Hobbit,” I planned to read the “Lord of the Rings” books, but life seemed to happen, and I never got around to it.  I even ordered the books for the library at one point, so had no excuse as they were readily available.

   I did see both the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies, and that reminded me of my goal to read the books, though I felt I needed to read “The Hobbit” again first, to familiarize myself with the storyline again, as it had been so long since I had read it the first time.

   Three years ago, I even pulled out my copy of “The Hobbit” to read, and again life intervened - plus, they aren’t books that you can just skim through when you are feeling tired and just want something to read, like fluffy Harlequin novels!

   Well, I am finally getting around to the books!  At the time of this writing, I just finished reading “The Hobbit” and I just started reading the first Lord of the Rings book.  I should (finger crossed) have them read by the end of the summer!

Beth 

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fbHs7Z2IzV8O8ZnuEx0XuZLDEahgUeCR/view?usp=sharing

   Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue over 19 years ago, are a brand new reader, or somewhere in between, I sincerely hope that The Chautauqua has enriched your life, as much as it has enriched mine publishing it.  If you would like to help ensure it continues to enrich others like yourself, I ask you to please consider making a donation to The Chautauqua. There are three methods available: 

Mail a cheque or money order (made out to Beth Richardson – Chautauqua) to Box 261 Mirror, AB T0B 3C0 

E-transfer to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

PayPal at https://paypal.me/thechautauqua (note: you will need to sign into PayPal first, and then specify the amount) 

   Your support and kindness is always greatly appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to bring joy and inspiration to you with each issue. Thank you so much and have a marvellous day!

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

Wednesday 4 August 2021

Reflection is the mother of wisdom...
Make the time to think.
Daily.
  - Robin Sharma

Monday 2 August 2021

The mind can be a limiter. 
 The emotions are the liberator. 
 - Robin Sharma