Sigh…………………………………..
It has been an
intense couple of weeks for me. Between
the heat warnings, humidity and wildfire smoke, my poor body has been pretty
stressed. Thankfully, I have been doing
better than the previous two summers when I spent the heat warning days in
extreme pain and was unable to even get out of bed. Thank goodness for ice cream - the ONLY
reason I’m still going.
In addition, I
faced some difficult choices regarding this paper.
In the past, I have
always been able to keep my expenses paid in full, and on time. Last year, when the printing increases
started, I made adjustments so I was able to keep things going as I’d always
done.
Then this year! Increases continued across the board, not
just the printing, even as I struggled to cut costs to keep my expenses
manageable. Added to that, Canada Post
service has dramatically gone downhill. For
example, it took a MONTH for a cheque mailed in Alix to reach me here in Mirror! And, some payments still haven’t arrived!
One advantage of
these two very anxious weeks, when I had NO idea if I was going to be able to
continue The Chautauqua in print form as the press threatened to stop printing
till my arrears are paid, is that I have looked at other options (I still have
the best press and printing price!), I’ve connected with new people, and am
looking at alternate forms of funding (there “may” be a grant I qualify for?
Fingers crossed)
I will continue to publish in print as long as I can, and I thank you all for your loyalty, support and patience as I navigate this rocky patch.
Beth
Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14AfIX2EpnHOYt51dSGSiIre5AoGG9vKc/view?usp=sharing
Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 22+ 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
