Wednesday 31 May 2023

What if it's not about compromising who you are to fit in?...
What if it's about leading your own life 
and finding kindred spirits along the way?
  - Linda Kohanov

Monday 29 May 2023



From TEA for the Bitter Times  Created by Beth Richardson ©2022


Friday 26 May 2023

The most profound transformations
 happened precisely when things didn't go my way – 
when my most reliable tools, ideas, training methods, and
 coping strategies failed and I had, 
well, nothing left to do. 
 - Linda Kohanov

Wednesday 24 May 2023

Wu-wei is not advice to “do nothing”...
It's about suspending the all-too-human fixation 
on what should or shouldn't be happen to notice what is happening –
 without flinching, running off, engaging in wishful thinking,
 or trying to aggressively control the situation...
you begin to notice “what wants to happen.”  
Unexpected solutions appear...
  - Linda Kohanov

Monday 22 May 2023



From TEA for the Bitter Times  Created by Beth Richardson ©2022


Friday 19 May 2023

May 19, 2023 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

  Since I wrote about my birthday in the last paper, I decided I could continue with the aging theme a little in this paper.

   Not too long ago, I was watching a series of videos on aging gracefully, which were geared to 40-50 year olds.  One of the main comments that was mentioned through all the videos is the notion that at that age, women are supposed to “pass the torch” to the younger generation.  I really liked that many of the presenters debunked that idea, and said that we should instead be shining our lights brightly and “lighting” the torches of the younger generation from our torches, so we can all be a light.

   Another concept in the video series that I really liked was that we’re not burned out by what we do, but rather, by HOW we do it.  We are told we are successful when we can do all the things and be all the things to all the people, and yet that’s impossible.  We know that in our minds, but it is so easy to keep getting sucked into that myth.  Instead, success is about knowing what to give up, let go, and ignore, so you can fully focus on what really matters in life and brings you the most joy.  Note: what really matters is NOT wearing yourself out to have a super clean house or an empty email inbox.

   The third theme that wove through the video series was about getting out of our own way.  Too often we get stuck in our lives, not because we don’t know what we want or how to get it, but because we don’t want to make the wrong decision so we don’t make any decisions.  Or, we want to research ALL the options and information so we can be informed, yet we never act on that knowledge.  Or, we keep trotting out the same old excuses as that is easier than making a shift in the status quo, often because we think we have to make a MASSIVE change, yet a mere 1% change can make dramatic shifts too.

   In the end, it’s good to remember that “We’re not getting older. We’re getting bolder.” - Crystal Andrus Morrissette

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kgTS_pznJxRaC6qNm37Tird-2lE35XW-/view?usp=share_link

 Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 21 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 17 May 2023

We must overcome the notion that we must be regular. 
 It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary 
and leads you to the mediocre.
  - Uta Hagen

Monday 15 May 2023



From TEA for the Bitter Times  Created by Beth Richardson ©2022


Friday 12 May 2023

My Artist Voice #13 May 12, 2023

   Welcome to my thirteenth 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.  Please share this with friends who may also be interested.  Thank you so much for your support.  

   Wow!  My first anniversary issue of this newsletter! Who would have ever thought that I would create an "artist" newsletter in my life, and then keep it going for a year!?  And, who'd have thunk that I'd have so much to say and share! :)

   A highlight, since my last newsletter, was visiting the Lacombe Encore Art Show on Friday, April 14th.  The annual art show had been cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, and this was its big return.  My neigbhour, Margaret Blank of 3F Creations (margaretblank.com), finally got her chance to shine as the Featured Artist for the show.  Congratulations Margaret!!!! 

   As I started around the room, the first artist to really catch my eye was Darcy Gusse Edings of Silk Concepts (silkconcepts.ca), an artist who hand paints on silk.  I loved her colours and her silk scarves and could have stood there all day just drinking in all the vibrant colours.  Alas, I didn't have have unlimited funds and thus couldn't buy out her whole booth, so I settled on 4 cards (top row, below). 

   The next artist to really catch my eye was SASART (https://www.facebook.com/savannahseverin/).  In an interesting coincidence, I had recently purchased a painted saw blade from the Alix Resource Centre's silent auction, and SASART was the artist who had painted it.  She also had a lot of tempting art in wonderfully bright colours.  I settled on a small wooden owl done in wood burning (bottom row, left)

   As I continued around the room, I chatted with a couple of the gals from the Parlby Creek Brushketeers whom I've known for years, and admired more art in various mediums and variety of subject manners.  And I will confess a ting or two (or more!) of envy when I admired some of the incredible paintings.  I also had a lovely chat with a watercolour artist (unfortunately, I can't remember her name) about cold wax varnishing watercolour paintings rather than framing them behind glass.  This is a technique that I want to try (someday)

   The next artist to really catch my eye was Sandra Bingeman of Ponoka (https://www.facebook.com/sandra.bingeman/)  At the last art sale in 2019, I had purchased a small painting of an inukshuk from her (one of the first pieces of art I'd ever purchased at an art sale - that day in 2019 I also purchased 2 small cowboy pen drawings, and a small purple rose painting).  Her vibrant colours also really appealed to me and I couldn't resist (even though I was already over my budget for the event) purchasing a dragonfly painting and a small painting of pussy willows (bottom row, middle)

   After listening to Margaret Blank's presentation, I decided to do one more circuit around the room - mainly so I could gaze at the painted silks again. :) I stopped at Amanda Frost's booth as she had some pointilism works that were incredible.  Definitely beyond my means by that point, so I purchased a couple of cards of the images (bottom row, right).  

   All in all, a great art show and congratulations to all of the artists.  I was even asked by a couple of people I know, who were also admiring the artworks, if I had a booth.  No, but maybe (possibly, potentially) in the future?

Celebrations: 

- I completed the requirements and graduated from the Awaken Love Yoga Teacher Training on April 20th.  I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I really, really did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Despite the health challenges and setbacks, I REALLY DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! While I was very sick and flat on my back, I did attend the graduation Zoom session live and am so glad I did as it was a wonderful time of sharing and honouring each other.  I was given the award of Head Cheerleader and Goddess of Joy. :) At this point, my next steps are to go back to the start of the course and watch all the replays again and deepen my personal practice. Huge thank you to Hillary Faye for creating the Awaken Love course, to Marda Sperber for being the most incredible loving and light-filled teacher, and to my fellow students for making my yoga journey so magical and amazing.

- On April 24th, the Aussies (Leanne and LaToya) and myself celebrated our 3rd year of friendship and support.  We had our first Inner Circle buddies Zoom call on April 23, 2020 - with no idea of where or how our connection would look or progress - and we have been meeting every week since.  While we have had to sometimes change the date of our call, we haven't missed a week yet!  Our calls have evolved from 45 min I-can't-think-what-to-share type calls to 3 hrs of sharing our lives, our wins, our concerns, our tears, our laughter, and many intriguing tangents we end up following.  I'm so blest to have these two wonderful women in my life.

- April 27th marked the 2nd anniversary of my daily sky drawings on the iPad!  On that day I completed my 1,258 drawing!!!!  I cannot even express how rewarding and important this daily practice has turned out to be for me.  

- My 50th Birthday was on May 1st!  One reason that was such a momentous milestone for me was because there has been more than one occasion in the past 10 years - more so in the first 6 years - when I was told that if we didn't get my health situation under control, I could die.  That added more stress to an already stressful situation, especially since we didn't know WHAT was causing my health challenges at the time.  Thankfully, I'm still here and still able to continue bringing smiles to the faces of those around me.

- also on May 1st I gave my first Kundalini Reiki Level 1 attunement!!!!!  It went much better than I expected :) Attuned the same wonderful person to Level 2 on May 8th.

- I woke up very early on May 6th (3 AM!) and watched the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.  A lovely ceremony, though I'm sure there were moments when Charles was wishing his mom was still alive and it wasn't happening.  It was neat to learn about the regalia and traditions - and to find out that Westminster Abby isn't a Church of England church but the monarchy's church.  I never knew that.  It was also nice to see the important roles that Canadians played in the event too.

- I finished the Painting with Words course, and the journal I created for the course, on May 6th (little off from my end of April date that I was shooting for, but that's okay)  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/3109494266020700

- I took a friend to the Bashaw Art Show on May 7th and we had fun looking at all the art.  My friend purchased one of Laurie Hall's cards for me as a thank you. 
- As part of my Qigong training earlier this year, we were to complete 100 days of Qigong.  I reached Day 100 on May 8th!!!!  At this point, I'm doing 5 minutes each day.

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter, I've completed...
L-R: Rose mandala (Posca pen/Derwent Inktense pencils on 9x12 mixed media paper). Watercolour play (back & front on 9x12 mixed media paper)

- it's always a good day when I do some baking.  I found a recipe for baked oatmeal and gave it a try on April 14th.  I must point out that I never follow recipes "exactly" so I can't replicate them the same each time.  That said, my pumpkin raspberry baked oatmeal was super yummy.  I made another baked oatmeal on April 27th - this one was pumpkin and rhubarb.  On April 28th, I made a batch of almond flour shortbread cookies.  I was on a roll, and on April 29th, I made some vanilla coconut flour cupcakes - which I iced for my birthday cake.  
- some of you know that I like to forage in my yard for edibles, and I have discovered once you start eating "weeds," you never have enough, so I decided to take it to the next level this year.  On May 5 & 6th, I made juice from dandelions (leaves/blossoms), chives, pansies, and quack grass.  It worked better than my attempt with the quack grass last year!  My original plan had been to drink the juice (if it turned out), but after I made it, I decided it would probably be better as soup broth.  I ended up with 9 pints + 1.5 cups of juice.  On May 7th, I picked more dandelion leaves and blossoms and tried a different method and ended up with 5 cups of juice - this might be the best method, but I'm still experimenting.

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on... 
- a 9x12 page of watercolour play 
- an 8x10 acrylic painting (still not really started) + a 16x20 acrylic painting (2022/23 Hawaii virtual painting retreat)
- mandala on 9x12 mixed media paper 
- Shiloh Sophia's Wild Card Oracle class - project is still sitting for now.

- I hope to finish the Recipes, Remedies, and Rituals Ayurveda course in the next week or so (fingers crossed)

- Anne's Atelier pattern design membership: still need to get back into making patterns, as well as exploring Society6 and Spoonflower print-on-demand sites.

- I signed up for Hillary Faye's 8-week Faery Queen Council Initiations course - it started on April 12th and runs each Wednesday till the end of May, with a 1:1 session with Hillary on May 10th.

Upcoming Projects: 

- I will have my yard and gift sale open on the May long weekend - a great opportunity to view my artwork, decks, books, CD and more in person before you purchase :) 

- completing the 8-week Faery Queen Council Initiations course May 31st.

- I am offering 3-hr in-person VIP sessions (morning or afternoon) for the introductory price of $300 per session.  Sessions will be customized to the individual and may include topics such as yoga, Reiki, mindset, creativity, writing, behind the scenes in my studio, and more.  Also, each person who signs up will receive a lovely gift to take home.  I am also open to doing 2 people at a time (ie mother/daughter sessions) for $500 for both people.  To find out more, and to book, please contact me.

Thanks for reading, and as always, feel free to share with anyone you think might enjoy it.

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!

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

If you would like to support my artistic journey, please consider purchasing my artwork, select items available online https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html or in person at 4910-47 St, Mirror, AB

or by making a donation via
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 are always greatly appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to bring joy and inspiration! Thank you so much and have a marvellous day!

Wednesday 10 May 2023

Getting to a place of comfort 
can be uncomfortable. 
 - Marcus Samuelsson

Monday 8 May 2023



From TEA for the Bitter Times  Created by Beth Richardson ©2022


Friday 5 May 2023

May 5, 2023 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   By the time you are reading this, I will have celebrated a milestone birthday.

   And just to assure you that age really is just a number, I don’t feel I am this age at all. Okay, there is the odd morning when it is really difficult to get out of bed, that I “might” feel this age, but that is more a reflection of my health than my age.  Though, if you talk to my lovely younger sister, she’ll swear I’m a decade older than I really am! (I point out that would mean she’s older too, but not according to her math!)

   Earlier this year, I mentioned to a friend that I found it interesting when I look back on my (adult) life, that the majority of momentous events or significant accomplishments tend to happen in the year BEFORE I celebrate a milestone birthday.

   For instance, I met and shook hands with Prince Philip, plus started working at the Bashaw library (my first real job) when I was 19. 

   I took on the paper when I was 29 and started my MLS degree studies.   Also, Dad passed when I was 29. 

   We now know I was really sick when I was 39 (total physical collapse happened on my 40th birthday). 

   And the majority of my epic accomplishments last year - 2 card decks, book published, Donalda Art Show, music album, Reiki training, yoga teacher training, and so much more - happened after my 49th birthday.

   I never “planned” for my life to occur in that particular cycle, and anyone who knows me well, knows that I’ll still be accomplishing momentous things this year, but my year will be a slower and quieter one than last year.  Not because I’m getting older, but because I need a chance to integrate everything I have learnt and accomplished.

   And, I’m really THRILLED that I am 50 years old, because in the past 10 years there has been the very real possibility (more than once!) that I wasn’t going to be around to see this birthday.  That I’m still alive and kicking is a HUGE joy and delight to me (and hopefully to you too!)

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KLE_pZZIEXbMwUdSpc4sVdblsaKPWN20/view?usp=share_link

 Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 21 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 3 May 2023

I can't say as ever I was lost, 
but I was bewildered once for three days.
  - Daniel Boone

Monday 1 May 2023



From TEA for the Bitter Times  Created by Beth Richardson ©2022


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