Friday, 29 July 2022

It always seems impossible until it's done.
- Nelson Mandela

 https://www.facebook.com/TheChautauqua

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

Wondering means you're not ready, 
doing means you are.
- Mike Dooley (www.tut.com)

Monday, 25 July 2022



From TEA for the Heart & Soul Deck Created by Beth Richardson ©2021


Friday, 22 July 2022

There will always be a gap,
 a space between where you are and where you want to be.
 This isn't failure. This is life, 
especially for someone who continues to grow… 
 - Tama Kieves

Wednesday, 20 July 2022

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, 
even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry. 
 - E.B. White

Monday, 18 July 2022



From TEA for the Heart & Soul Deck Created by Beth Richardson ©2021


Friday, 15 July 2022

July 15, 2022 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   2022 has certainly been quite the year for me so far.

   I was invited to exhibit at the Donalda Gallery for the Arts July19 - August 2, 2022.  The Gallery hours are 10 - 5 pm daily (note: if the door is locked, go to the museum across the street and they will let you in to view the artwork).

   It is hard to believe that this is my second solo exhibition this year (in my life!) as I never imagined that I’d ever have artwork of mine in an actual gallery.

   My exhibition is entitled: Exploring My Artistic Voice: a journey without a map and my selection follows my journey from my very first (acrylic) painting, through various artistic explorations including:

    • baskets out of old newspapers

    • a sample of food (patterns used from “Tasty Crochet” by Rose Langlitz and “Yummi’Gurumi” by Christen Haden & Mariarosa Sala)

    • acrylic paintings based on whimsical drawings

    • a simple daily-panel cartoon strip in ball point pen in handmade folded books

    • card decks I produced digitally - including the font

    • printed canvases showcasing a selection of my many sky drawings - produced on the ipad – as well as printed canvases of recent watercolour play explorations

    • archetype dolls in crochet

    • and more ;)

   Most items will be available for purchase.

   I will be at the gallery both weekends for a meet & greet - not sure of times yet so check https://www.facebook.com/donaldaartgallery to find out more details.

   I hope you are able to view the exhibition, and I look forward to seeing you there.  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yORFyAXZRiedPN5XhJjFC0Xop3eyWvjE/view?usp=sharing

   Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 20 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!

And, if you are looking for a unique gift idea, please visit: https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html

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

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

As far as I’m concerned, “whom” is a word that was invented 
to make everyone sound like a butler. 
 - Calvin Trillin

Monday, 11 July 2022



From TEA for the Heart & Soul Deck Created by Beth Richardson ©2021


Friday, 8 July 2022

My Artist Voice #3 July 8, 2022

   Welcome to my third Artist Newsletter.  Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed to date.  If you would like to receive this newsletter via email subscription, please contact thechautauqua@gmail.com and ask to be added to the mailing list.  Feel free to share this with friends who may also be interested.  Thank you so much for your support.  

    As I mentioned in my last newsletter, my first (remote/virtual) recording session was June 11th.  I freely admit that I was VERY nervous and scared as I had NO idea what to expect, and we had the added concern of technology to deal with, and we all know how temperamental technology can be!  Thankfully TJ Moss and Laura Rose are a treat to work with, and were very good at putting me at ease.  
  
   We got all the tech to work!  Yippee!  Then I started recording the first song.  My first attempt - which ended up MUCH better than I expected for the first try - was too fast.  My second attempt was better.  My third attempt was the best.  We did a fourth where I could be as loud or as silly as I wanted.  The perk of the process was that I could send the audio files as soon as I finished recording them, so that Laura and TJ could hear them right away.  We were able to get a second song recorded - again with 4 versions - before our two-hour session wrapped up.  The best part of the whole situation was that we finished right before my neighbour started mowing his lawn!

   All in all, the process was way easier than I expected, and worked out way better than I imagined, AND I sounded even more incredible than I thought was even possible!

   As everything was quiet, on June 13th, I set myself up and ended up recording 4 versions for three more songs!  I started a fourth song, but decided that it needed more work.

  My second recording session was June 17th.  We figured out what tweaks to make to the first song - I had messed up the words in the final verse (oops!), listened to the three I did on my own to see if they were okay (they were), and then recorded bits I needed to redo and another song.  So we had initial tracks recorded for 6 of my 10 songs!!!

   What makes this whole situation so amazing, and surreal to me, is that when I was a Girl Guide, I was accepted to attend a provincial music camp outside of Calgary, and we went to a recording studio to record some of our songs for a radio promotion.  After the first song, I was not allowed to sing - I could only mouth the words - because I was "ruining the sound" because I could not sing as high as the leaders and other girls.  I was not allowed to sing for much of the camp, and I didn't sing for the final concert for the parents - I only mouthed the words.  From being accepted because I could sing, to then being told I couldn't sing, led me to not singing in public (except at church) after that.  The 10-Day Immersion last November was a HUGE leap for me to participate in, and now this album is an even BIGGER leap.

Celebrations: 

- June 8th, I picked up my completed decks and printed canvases from Ember Graphics in Stettler.  OH MY GOSH!  They turned out better than I expected, and the canvases look AMAZING!  You will be able to see them in person at my art show at the Donalda Gallery for the Arts (details below)

- My 3rd recording session is today (July 8). Plus, I wrote another song based on the tips/ideas from our May songwriting session, that I didn't end up using for the song we were working on.  You can listen to the the very rough first draft here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/699157291144782


- for our virtual retreat the end of June, in the year-long mentorship program I belong to, we created wisdom stones.  I painted/completed 30 stones. Then the next day I painted/completed 5 more to bring my total to 35.  But, I didn't stop there, last weekend, I created/painted 5 more so now I have 40 all together. :)  These were so much fun, I plan to make some more (smaller) sets in the future.


Recently Completed:

Besides what I've already mentioned above, since the last newsletter, I've completed...
(L-R top) Watercolour play (on 9x12 mixed media paper), "This Big" (8x10 acrylics)
(L-R bottom) "Pie & Coffee (8x10 acrylics), "Aces" (8x10 acrylics), Watercolour play (on 9x12 mixed media paper)
As well, I finished another cartoon comic booklet (May 10 - June 26, 2022) which you can view here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/1696588264032710

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on... 
- a 9x12 page of watercolour play 
- an 8x10 acrylic painting
- crochet chocolates and candy for my crochet food project [temporarily on hold]

- In Voice of the Muse, I've been practicing my new songs so I can record them 


Upcoming Projects: 

   I was invited to exhibit at the Donalda Gallery for the Arts from July 19 - August 2, 2022.  The Gallery hours are 10 - 5 pm daily (note: if the door is locked, go to the museum across the street and they will come over and let you in to view the artwork).  

   My exhibition is entitled: Exploring My Artistic Voice: a journey without a map and my selection follows my journey from my very first (acrylic) painting, through various artistic explorations including: 
- baskets made out of old newspapers 
- a sample of crochet food (patterns used from “Tasty Crochet” by Rose Langlitz and “Yummi’Gurumi” by Christen Haden & Mariarosa Sala) 
- acrylic paintings based on whimsical drawings
- a simple daily 2-panel cartoon strip in ball point pen in handmade folded books 
- card decks I produced digitally - including the font 
- printed canvases showcasing a selection of my many sky drawings - produced on the ipad – as well as printed canvases of recent watercolour play explorations 
- archetype dolls in crochet
- and more ;)
Most items will be available for purchase.

   I will be at the gallery both weekends for a meet & greet - not sure of times yet so check https://www.facebook.com/donaldaartgallery to find out more details. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks for reading,
Beth 

~~~~~~~~

As a life-long creative, and recently self-taught artist, I endeavour to weave my varied interests and wisdom together in an enlightening and entertaining manner, to make people think, but above all else, bring a smile to their faces and hearts, as my style is almost childlike in its simplicity and playfulness.  While bedridden for much of 2017, I developed 5 – 10 minute practices which allowed me to commit to them daily. I’ve been called the “Queen of Small Steps” because my simple practices – though they may seem small individually – have added up to quite a body of work in a relatively short time period. 

~~~~~~~~

Thank you so much for your support, and again, if you would like to receive this newsletter directly via email please email: thechautauqua@gmail.com and ask to be added to the mailing list.  Thank you!

Select items I currently have for sale can be viewed here: https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html or in person at 4910-47 St, Mirror, AB

Back issues of this newsletter can be found here: https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/  under the category "Artist Newsletter"

Wednesday, 6 July 2022

The secret to always being in the right place, 
at the right time, 
is knowing you always are.
- Mike Dooley (www.tut.com)

Monday, 4 July 2022



From TEA for the Heart & Soul Deck Created by Beth Richardson ©2021


Friday, 1 July 2022

July 1, 2022 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   In the past, I’ve often said that I wished I had more days in my week to get everything done.  I didn’t want more hours in the day as some days are too long as it is (even if I’m not getting things done)

   After some reflection of late, I have decided that I need to change my wish.  Instead, I wish I had the energy and stamina to get done what needs do be done, as that is the real issue, not the amount of time I think I have, or don’t have.

  Too often we think we know exactly what we need to improve our lives, or at least make an improvement in one area.  Yet, too often what we “think” is the best solution isn’t really.  Many times, it doesn’t even address the real issue we are dealing with, and would just make the situation worse.

   That’s because we make decisions based on what we “know” based on what we’ve done in the past.  To truly make a difference, we have to stop doing what we’ve always done, and make a decision to do something completely different (or at least the opposite of what we usually do).

   But that is much easier said than done.  If you have ever tried to do something different, then you know how easy it is to default back to the familiar, because, well, it’s so gosh darn familiar.

   Even though I have been doing a lot of different activities of late, and been leaping out of my comfort zone, in a way, they aren’t that unfamiliar in the end as they are similar to activities I was already doing, or have done in the past. 

   That said, they are still new experiences, I’m learning new skills, meeting new people, and having adventures I never thought I’d ever have.

   Now, if I just had the energy and stamina to keep up with all of this, and everything else on my plate, this would be a lot more enjoyable!  

   Happy Canada Day to each and every one of you!

 Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xFzA3iqXnS39h6atiPnSuNG6BXROlkm/view?usp=sharing

   Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 20 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!

And, if you are looking for a unique gift idea, please visit: https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html

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