Wednesday 29 November 2023

If you want to change your story, 
change your actions first...
We become what we do.  
 - Seth Godin

Monday 27 November 2023



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


Friday 24 November 2023

Balance is bogus...and we don’t want it to exist. 
 If all things are balanced, there can be no movement or growth –
 everything would stand still.  
There is magic in the unbalanced 
because that’s when we begin to move forward. 
 We need counterbalance to make our lives work – 
we need harmony.
 - Tonya Dalton

Wednesday 22 November 2023

Friendship usually begins with two people discovering their similarities,
 but the relationship is firmly established 
when they learn to appreciate each others’ differences.
- Author unknown

Monday 20 November 2023



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


Friday 17 November 2023

November 17, 2023 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   Last month, I watched an online interview and one of the comments made was that it is very easy to figure out what your life purpose is.

   The presenter continued by saying, just take a look at all your daily activities, your work/job, your volunteer tasks and community involvement, your hobbies and pretty much every area of your life.  Then imagine that you were told you could only do 1 of those activities for the rest of your life, and you had to quit everything else.  What would you choose?

   The presenter said she would choose writing, and that’s how she knows it’s her life purpose.  Note, she didn’t choose a specific type of writing or even a genre.  Our life purpose isn’t something that is very specific, nor is there only one “right” way to express it.

   I found that little exercise interesting because I have personally lived it, in a manner of speaking.  Ten and a half years ago when I had my total physical collapse, I was faced with having to literally give up everything I was doing in my life. 

   I had to leave my job at the library, I had to resign from every board I was a member of, I had to quit teaching yoga, I ended up having to put a long pause on many of my hobbies, and virtually every area of my life was affected as I spent many hours in bed unable to do anything.

   The one thing I didn’t give up, and refused to give up under any circumstances, was publishing this newspaper. 

   It wasn’t easy to keep going as there were many challenges across the board, and I needed help with the deliveries, but I knew that publishing the paper was vital to my health and wellbeing (even if I was on death’s doorstep at the time).

   Another way of looking at this question, is to ask what gets you out of bed each morning.  We all have something that keeps us going even when life falls apart.  What is yours?

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FjwcShwZGEq9YDWpCYInFuTLsrHzPJG3/view?usp=sharing


 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 15 November 2023

Instead of focusing on a masterpiece, ask yourself, 
What’s the smallest unit of available genius?...
Don’t worry about changing the world.  
First, focus on making something worth sharing.  
How small can you make it 
and still do something you are proud of? 
 - Seth Godin

Monday 13 November 2023



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


Friday 10 November 2023

My Artist Voice #19 November 10, 2023

   Welcome to my 19th Artist Newsletter.  Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed to date.  If you would like to receive this newsletter directly in your email inbox, 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.  

   As I could NOT get my tech issues figured out, I finally bit the bullet and visited Janelle at Ember Graphics in Stettler on October 20th.  Janelle scanned some of my images and then sized them to the size I needed (a whopping 16,000 x 14,000 pixels).  On October 22nd, I crossed my fingers and uploaded one of the images to the Art of Where POD site, and it worked!!!!!!!  Victory!!!!!  As I needed a new duvet cover, and it was the largest item available to print on, I ordered one to see how it would look.  I knew if the resolution worked on something that big, it would work on all the other items available to put images on.  And, if it was a flop, I knew the colours would still look good, but that would mean I'd have to come up with another plan of action to continue on this path.  I (im)patiently waited for the cover to arrive and finally I had the package in my hands on October 30th. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EK6pAvSnM7djZOYNmCcBaeoby7dCFVeK/view?usp=sharing  At first glance, it looked like it worked, but I wouldn't know for sure till I saw it on my bed so I got everything set up and finally it was  on.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IV0ZkbaE0xCPWHeNeLbBeXR1KVfoljVY/view?usp=sharing OH MY WOW!  IT WORKED!!!  IT REALLY WORKED!!!!!!!!!  And a HUGE bonus, it sure brightened up my bedroom.
   Next step will be to upload the rest of the images that Janelle scanned/sized for me, and ordering something with one of my sky images to see if they will work too.  This is so exciting, and I'm so glad I asked for help and didn't give up.

Celebrations: 

- I submitted the Christmas and Winter header images to the Wondercafe2 site moderator October 10 and 15, and received my first commission payment for the images!!!!!!!!

- I entered the UK Wraptious Fall Artist Contest on November 1st.  They changed their rules and criteria for this round so I was only able to upload 1 image.  To make my life easier, I used the same image I used for my duvet cover as it was already formatted correctly.  To vote for my image, click here: https://www.facebook.com/Wraptious/posts/pfbid0BMaLKqEavuFtQSdmnZAu4QmPukXW2FRCmPbBqtvxrp1W4yzgjNcVQyCmAgW5QHp4l and like/share. Thank you for your support.

- November 9th was my 1,300 DAILY creative post to the Inner Circle Facebook group!  OH MY!  That's over 3.5 YEARS worth of DAILY posts!  That is showing up and being visible to the nth degree!  While creating daily is easy for me, and pretty much always has been, sharing what I am working on as I'm working on it has been the biggest stretch for me.  It's so much easier to share after it's all done.  But, that's not what Inner Circle has been about - yes, we celebrate what we have accomplished, but we also celebrate the baby steps along the way, as well as sharing the trials & tribulations, and our mistakes.  It is about acknowledging the WHOLE journey, not just the fun parts, and ALL areas of our lives, not just our creativity.  While I have other daily practices that I have done for far longer, none of them have been as PUBLIC as these posts in the Inner Circle Facebook group.

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter, I've completed...

YES painting (watercolour pencils, acrylics, Posca paint pens on 9x12 mixed media paper) based on a process by Whitney Freya

- October 17th I made a pumpkin baked oatmeal.  I also tried an apple cheese bread - it didn't work, but unlike my last bread fail, this one was edible.
- I finished my 25th cartoon comic booklet.  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/1793766771123250

UFO (UnFinished Object) Update: 

October 13th I picked up a crochet hook and an unfinished crochet food project item.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1csxnZFreW5iOiZBqSd57fvAcDLBYIe18/view?usp=share_link I was SHOCKED that I haven't done any crochet since April, 2022!  Where did the time go??  I completed a crochet ice cream sandwich and a Neapolitan one too on October 14 (they are the same size and shape, even if it doesn't look like it in the pictures).  
Also on the 14th, my sister took a UFO cross-stitch kit that I decided I didn't want to do.  October 15th, as I sorted through some items in the house, I came across an Easter UFO of mom's that I had planned to finish.  On closer inspection, I discovered the various pieces were actually broken beyond repair so I tossed it and that took another UFO out of my life.  I had a bunch of pieces of cardboard that I was saving to make journal covers and on Nov. 1st I realized that after all this time I probably won't make the journals, so I tossed the pieces in to the recycling.  Another UFO out of my life.

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on...
- a 9x12 page of watercolour play
- based on Whitney Freya classes, I'm working on a JOY painting and a Laughing Buddha painting (in my personal smashbook)
- Heart Cards in watercolour pencil/Posca paint pen on mixed media paper 
- an 8x10 acrylic painting (still not started - a UFO?) + a 16x20 acrylic painting (2022/23 Hawaii virtual painting retreat - still stalled)

- I'm still playing around with my Tombow markers on 6 x 4.5 inch mixed media paper 
- I'm practicing my drum playing, and am still on the very first video/rhythm.

- Shiloh Sophia's Wild Card Oracle class - I activated the rest of the prepped cards and completed the 101st one on Oct. 21.  I figured I was finally done, but felt I had to create another card on Oct.22, so I did.  I think that is all I'll do, but I'm not sure yet.
- Recipes, Remedies, and Rituals Ayurveda course - it's been so long since I did anything on it, I will have to start over for a refresher when I get back to it!

- Anne's Atelier pattern design membership: Monday (Nov. 13th) is my final day for this membership.  While I'm not where I thought I'd be at the end of the year, I have accomplished a LOT.  I created 407 patterns and variations, created a load of mock-ups to see what my art would potentially look like on real life objects, learnt new skills, uploaded one of my images to a POD site and created a duvet cover for myself, and made some great friends.  While I won't be part of the membership anymore, I will continue to explore pattern making and more in the coming days and months.

Featured Artworks for Sale:

It's time to create some space, and raise some much-needed funds, for new art projects!  For the month of November, I have the following for sale: my digital sky drawings printed on stretched canvas, which were featured in my solo art exhibition in Donalda last year.  GST included in the price.
Left top: 24x24 $300
Left bottom: 18x18 $200
Right top: 30x30 $500
Right bottom: 20x20 $250

Please contact me at thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone 403-352-3837 to make an addition to your collection.

Each artwork purchase this month will include a signed copy of my chapbook, "My Artist Voice: a journey without a map." 

"This book, Exploring My Artist Voice, is a journey of discovery, inspiration and overcoming adversities. Beth illustrates her journey with examples of her art throughout. What makes it powerful is that while Beth is working through her own personal issues, it is easy for the reader to identify with the problems and obstacles that she encounters. For me it was truly inspiring and beautiful." - JaneAnn Settergren, MFA, MDiv

I also have my card decks, chapbooks and my musical CD (listen to sample here: https://linktr.ee/beth.richardson) for sale too.  They would make great stocking stuffers.  Please reach out to find out more, or to purchase.

As well, I have a paperback and hardcover journal (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CJLKZ3KB) and a daily creative planner available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BMJM1SD3)

Perfect for Fall weather, I have a number of pairs of knitted and crocheted fingerless gloves for sale (prices range from $20 - $25 with GST included) First come, first serve for colour choices.

 Upcoming Projects: 

- I am offering Pay-What-You-Can Distance Reiki/Energy Healing sessions.  Energy healing works great from any distance and I've sent Reiki healing as far away as Queensland, Australia.  Please, contact me to set up your healing session.

"I have been suffering with Long COVID for over a year and have tried every healing modality in the book to get my energy back. Beth has been gifting me with healing Reiki energy for quite some time now and I have, for the first time in over a year, started to feel like myself again.  Much of my weakness has dissipated, and the dark cloud that I have been stewing under has lifted. Thank you Beth. ♥️" - Carla, Esthetician, Nova Scotia 

  If you have ever wished you could have my wit and wisdom handy, why not consider purchasing a deck of your own.  I have seven different inspirational/encouragement card decks to choose from:  https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html

- 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 total.  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 8 November 2023

Home is not where you were born.  
Home is where all your attempts to escape stop.
  - Naguib Mahfouz

Monday 6 November 2023



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


Friday 3 November 2023

November 3, 2023 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   I once was in discussion with a person who told me - in all seriousness - that the world was going to end in a mere handful of years, and what we were supposed to do about that.

   My response was that we need to appreciate all the good in our lives, and do everything we can to make the world a better, kinder place NOW.

   I was very politely told that I obviously had missed the point, and they repeated that the world was going to end, and the exact date that it would end.

   I’m sure that person probably wanted me to flip out like they were, and start running around with a “the sky is falling, the sky is falling” attitude.  I didn’t.

   Because, I believe that I really did get the point.  Whether the world ends tomorrow, or a million years from now is not what matters.  What matters is what we do NOW.

   What are we doing in our homes, schools, work spaces, communities and the large world to make things better?  How often are we appreciating what we do have, as opposed to constantly complaining about what we don’t?  Are we being kind to everyone we encounter, whether we know them or not?  Are we truly listening to the people we are with?

   Smiling at someone can seem such a small insignificant action, but we have no idea how even 1 smile can impact another person, and how it ripples out from there.  Smiles are contagious! 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b_me0XiQgr-eV_uciQckGJJXNXpkY513/view?usp=sharing


 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 1 November 2023

When was the last time you devoted a whole day
 to learning something just for the joy of it?...
Everyone should do this, 
all the time. 
 - Emma Howarth

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