From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase 

March 20, 2026 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   I’ve mentioned before how much I absolutely love doing jigsaw puzzles.

   I always have a puzzle on the go, and I usually put at least one piece in every day. Of course, there are many days I do much more.

   I am currently working on a 1,000 piece puzzle I started back on November 15th. I put the edge pieces together with ease, and then it got significantly more challenging than I expected. So much so, that since November 15th, I have barely put 50 inside pieces together!

   I know what the puzzle looks like, I have the pieces all in front of me, but I have no idea which pieces go together, and where.

   In a way, that’s how 2026 has felt so far. I have an idea of the “big picture” for my life this year, and I have many “pieces” that I can use to create that life, yet it seems very challenging (with EVERYTHING going on) to put any of the pieces together to create what I want.

   How about you?

 

Ad rates went up. There is no charge to submit photos and/or news items, a donation is gratefully accepted.

I invite you to please donate a minimum of $24 in honour of the 24 years I’ve been in publication. That’s less than a $1/issue for a year. Receipts available on request. Thank you for your continued support.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SuFm5McARwhON58DtulPPuiJxqiToiTt/view?usp=sharing

 Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 24 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. 

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

E-transfer/PayPal to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

   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 phone: 403-352-3837        

When we feel powerless to confront injustice in this world, 

we have art to make us powerful enough to topple entire kingdoms.

When we can’t find the words to describe our pain and loss, 

we have art to speak for us and express how we feel.  

When we can no longer see the good in people, 

art will give us hope and bring us together.  

The world needs us artists.  It needs our art in whatever form we wish to create...

The world needs messy art.  Beginner art.  Unfinished art. 

Overworked art.  Unremarkable art.  “I have no idea what I’m doing art.” 

 - Scott Christian Sava

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase 

Saturday Morning Comic 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone: 403-352-3837

My Artist Voice #47 March 13, 2026

   Welcome to my 47th Letter. To receive these letters directly in your email inbox so you don't miss any, please contact thechautauqua@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.  Please share this with friends who may also be interested.  Thank you so much for your support.  If you no longer wish to receive, please reply with "Unsubscribe."

   Deanne Fitzpatrick offered a program called "March is For Makers" this year to encourage folks to rug hook daily in March.  I didn't sign up because I still haven't finished her "Playful Joyful Rug Hooking" course from last year.  That said, I did decide to do my own creativity for the month of March, and have completed something every day (except one day as I was too sick) so far.

meme source unknown 

Word of the Year: Hobbit (Comfort / Cozy)

Celtic Year theme: Joy and Delight (fire, do what brings you joy weekly, how can you bring joy to others?) 

[WINTER/REST]: Cleansing Body and Spirit (water, clear your energy/spirit)

Imbolc: Accept Love (fire, accept with an open heart)

[SPRING/PLANT/SEEDS]: Give into Passion (fire, let yourself go and follow your bliss, replenish yourself with joy and passion)

Spring Equinox: Healing Waters (water, take a healing bath)

Celebrations: 

 

   It's now 6 months later, and the greenery from the Telus bouquet is STILL lush in the vase on the table! 

   Feb. 22nd, I invited my neighbour to the Stettler Variety Showcase concert - Sue Foley - who did an incredible tribute to early female guitar players and their different styles.

   Feb. 26th, I filed my income tax and GST.  Nice to have that off my plate for another year.

   Mar. 7th I went to Bashaw to the "24 Hour Musical" - a fundraiser for the school volleyball program.  From 4 pm Friday (after a full day of school) the students then spent 24 hrs (with food and rest breaks) learning and rehearsing a musical which they performed at 4 pm Saturday (there was a 2nd performance at 7 pm) - the audience didn't know which show we would be seeing till we arrived (The Little Mermaid Jr) - there were 22 students in the cast and some had to have their scripts in hand, some needed lots of prompting, some made hilarious errors (which made the show even better than if they'd gotten the line right), and it was a blast!  So much fun and laughter.  

   I watched Hallmark movies on the Global app on my ipad and Josh Johnson's comedy sketches online for laughter and stress relief.

   I published two more comic strips in the paper and posted them online.  Both are repeats from last year.

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter, I...

   I finished my "Mandala" painting (13 inch round - acrylic, Posca paint pen, glitter glue) on Mar. 1st.

   I also completed 27 covered coathangers.  This is a nice craft as it is easy, uses my hands, doesn't involve a lot of thought, and gives gratification as I can complete a hanger start to finish in about 15 mins.  I've been completing an average of 2/day.  I sell the covered hangers for $2 each.

   I finished my 43rd cartoon comic booklet.  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/2946877649036634 

In Beth's Kitchen:

   On Feb. 12th, I made more potato chips and refilled my snack container.  I made tomato Parmesan, lemon + dill, bacon, and salt & pepper.

   Feb. 13th, I made two nut pie crusts and popped them in the freezer.

   Feb. 14th, I made 2 no-bake chocolate cherry pies with the pie crusts.  Perfect treat for Valentine's Day!

   Feb. 17th, I tweaked the recipe and made a batch of applesauce bites - worked much better than my first attempt!  Later that day, someone in town (who had seen my post on Facebook) contacted me to see if they could have a sample!  They popped over and I gave them 4.

   As my snack container was completely empty (they don't last as long when I share!), I spent 2 hours on Feb. 21st and refilled it with more microwave potato chips.  I made salt & pepper, bacon, garlic (salt), and I used a mixture of all the seasonings I've tried so far.  I almost have a 2nd pail of potatoes empty.

   Feb. 24th, I baked 9 potatoes - I thought they were bigger than they ended up being! (It did cross my mind, before I put them in the oven, that I probably should just have made them into potato chips!)  I was just going to leave them as baked potatoes, but decided to give the potato waffles another try.  The potatoes were too small for the waffle iron, but I managed to get some mini waffles.  Still didn't "work," but closer to what they were supposed to be, so I won't give up completely yet on this recipe.

   Feb. 28th, I made a baked oatmeal with applesauce.

   Mar. 2nd, I made more microwave potato chips: salt & pepper, and a mix of all the seasonings.

   Mar. 8th I made another batch of microwave potato chips: lemon + dill and salt & pepper.

   Mar. 9th I used the last of my smaller potatoes and made more microwave potato chips: salt & pepper and chive.  That leaves just 3 large potatoes from my garden and I have other plans for them.  I wasn't sure I'd be able to get those pails off my kitchen floor and now they are gone!

  Mar. 10th I made a batch of applesauce bites.  I love how easy they are to make.  They are almost like baked apple fritters. 

Jigsaw Puzzles

   I can't believe I haven't finished a puzzle since mid-November!  The one I'm currently working on has been more challenging than I expected.  The edge pieces came together easily, but I am only able to put 2-3 inside pieces together in a week!

UFO (UnFinished Object) Update:

   As part of my Hobbit year, I'm going through the Inner Circle Let It Go, Let It Flow program again.  I make sure that I let go of (or put away, or finish) at least one physical item per day, and delete at least one computer file per day.  At this point, I'm still going for the easy win, so am focussing on the really easy items.  Some of my bigger highlights so far...

   - continued to delete old "someday" files off my computer...out of the umpteen guided meditation audio files, I only kept 3! Next will be the saved workshop videos. 

   - I washed my tabletop water fountain and finally set it up - I haven't used it since I left the library almost 13 years ago! 

   - a few years ago, I was given 2 incense sticks that I haven't used, so I pulled one out and did a Feng Shui space clearing of the house on Feb. 13th.  I'll use the 2nd incense stick for another space clearing in March (spring equinox?) or around my birthday (depends on how much more I release from the house).

   - shredded old receipt books and deposit records from 2002 - 2017

   - box of old Chautauqua papers to a neighbour who moved this month - also gave her the 2 SARK books and "Pencil Dancing" book as she’s a writer.

    - in 2019 I took part in a year-long selfie/day challenge - which was interesting as I was very sick, and mom was in the hospital/passed away - the object of the challenge was to take a selfie first thing in the morning EVERY SINGLE DAY and not "judge" it (that was the real "challenge" part!).  I kept all 365 of the selfies on my computer, and recently started going through them - most I deleted, but there were a handful that I kept as they are good pictures.

   - I listened to a storytelling audiobook that I had saved on my computer - I'm not really an audiobook fan as they tend to just put me to sleep, so I was only able to listen to 1/2 hour at a time of the almost 4 hour audio!  I'm glad I listened to it as it was a neat book, and then I deleted the file as it wasn't one I needed to save to listen to again.

   Kiala Givehand’s 7 Books in 7 Days course: I still have ideas for books I want to make though that's on the back burner for now.  

Courses and Challenges (free and paid):

  Deanne Fitzpatrick's (paid) Playful Joyful Rug Hooking beginner course: I will get back to this soon!

Physical Activity:

   We got quite the dump of snow, so my neighbour took his snowblower to my sidewalks and around my vehicles Feb. 17 and 18th.

   After some massive melting, it cooled off and I had a lot of ice on my sidewalk.  Mar. 9th, I spent 35 mins and got 3/4s of the ice all cleared off.

   Rebounder: My aim was to increase to a minimum of 2 mins each day.  Then, serendipitously, I received some information on the "Health Bounce" where your feet don't leave the rebounder and you're just bouncing gently like you're walking (alternately bending knees slightly).  The person described it as more meditation and less sweaty workout!  Yet, it still gives all the advantages of jumping, without the impact.  I decided to give it a try and started off with 5 mins, twice a day.  After 2 weeks, I was able to increase that to 10 mins, twice a day!  I'll see how I do before I decide if I want to increase the time going forward.

 

  "Mystery activity” I’m still doing this DAILY!!  For 2026, I'm just going to enjoy the activity and not worry about reaching a specific time duration or level of proficiency.

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on...

- Era of the Dreamers journal 

- personal smashbook for DAILY journal writing as part of my connection to Spirit and my Guides

- mini collages - I am almost set up again (everything got moved for Christmas) so I can get back to these.

- painting (18-20?) ceramic Easter egg people from Gramma's craft kits (acrylics) - on hold

- UFO crochet project (not food) - on hold 

- my next small hooked rug (on hold)

   A good friend was surprised to hear that I had never watched the TV series "Yellowstone" and highly recommended it.  Despite good intentions, I haven't started season 1 of the Yellowstone prequel "1923" yet.

Featured Products for Sale:

   This is a great time to get back into routines, so I have my hour long Love Your Body Yoga Class (suitable for beginners and all levels) available in digital format for $20.  If you would like to experience this class, please email thechautauqua@gmail.com.

  

   I have inspirational card decks, journals, chapbooks, musical CD's and more for sale that would make gifts and stocking stuffers.  Please contact me at thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone 403-352-3837 to make a purchase. Or visit 4910 47 St, in Mirror, AB.  Items are also available for sale at Amy’s Bakery on Main Street in Delburne, AB.

   I offer $50 Distance Reiki/Energy Healing sessions.  I’ve been an Kundalini Reiki Master since 2023.  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 

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

Beth 

~~~~~~~~

As a life-long creative, and now artist, I 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 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 seem small individually – have added up to quite a body of work in a few short years. 

~~~~~~~~

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

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

To support my artistic journey, please consider purchasing my artwork, items available in person at 4910-47 St, Mirror, AB

or make a donation via

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

E-transfer/PayPal to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

   Your support and kindness are always greatly appreciated, and I look forward to bringing you joy and inspiration! Thank you so much and have a marvellous day!

Absurdity is creativity’s next-door neighbor.  

You can’t be creative unless what you do is unique enough 

to tempt at least one person to say, “That’s ridiculous!” 

Giving yourself the freedom to be ridiculous creates 

wide-open spaces where your ideas have room to roam

 and develop and feed each other.

 - Mari Messer

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase 

March 6, 2026 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   As I’m still attempting to tame all of the chaos (mainly mom’s stuff) in my house, I decided that for 2026 I would focus on deleting at LEAST 1 digital file off my computer daily, and getting rid of at LEAST one physical item daily.

    I wanted to make the process as easy as possible for me. While I’d love to just be able to deal with everything in day, or week, that’s just not possible at my current level of health. So by making the parameters so simple, I know I can still accomplish my aim even on sick days.

   Of course, most days I deal with more than one item, and I knew that would happen, and I enjoy the days that I make significant progress. And, I also celebrate that I still make progress - one item at a time - even on the days when I don’t feel like doing anything.

   I thought I knew (and have touched at least once) everything single item that is in this house, but I still am completely surprised by what I find!

 

Ad rates went up. There is no charge to submit photos and/or news items, a donation is gratefully accepted.

I invite you to please donate a minimum of $24 in honour of the 24 years I’ve been in publication. That’s less than a $1/issue for a year. Receipts available on request. Thank you for your continued support.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1neMtdEfG3qV9hUHa_nBg06tg7Lkr6h3h/view?usp=drive_link

 Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 24 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. 

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

E-transfer/PayPal to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

   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 phone: 403-352-3837       

Chaos is the storm before the calm...

Chaos is the space between you and the creative thing. 

- Mari Messer

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase 

Saturday Morning Comic 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone: 403-352-3837

If we wane, as all energies must, 

it can only be to wax more ardently, 

more wonderfully.

 - Wendy Beckett

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

If we are facing lots of challenges and resistance on our journey,

 that means that we have lots of beautiful things to alchemise

 and our butterfly moment is going to be HUGE. 

 - Demi Fox

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase 

February 20, 2026 Chautauqua

Beth's Ponderings

   One of my comfort foods is potatoes. While it doesn’t matter how they are prepared, my favourite is potatoes smothered in melted cheese.

   I also enjoy potato chips, but haven’t eaten any since my collapse in 2013, as that was one of the umpteen foods I had to stop eating, except for a couple (not too successful) attempts at making homemade ones with my niece.

   Till now! Last month, I found a recipe for super easy microwave potato chips! As I still have quite a few potatoes from my garden, I’ve been having a blast making potato chips, and using up dribs and drabs of spices and seasonings I have on hand. I even impressed my niece!

   They are easy to make.Slice the potatoes really thin (I use the smallest/thinnest blade on the food processor) * single layer on parchment paper and add seasonings * microwave 3 - 5 mins (depends on microwave and thickness). Let them cool and then enjoy! Easy peasy!

Ad rates went up. There is no charge to submit photos and/or news items, a donation is gratefully accepted.

I invite you to please donate a minimum of $24 in honour of the 24 years I’ve been in publication. That’s less than a $1/issue for a year. Receipts available on request. Thank you for your continued support.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CycwyS1S-LeqoeO8P1UC2G-ywIWN7j8j/view?usp=drive_link

 Whether you've enjoyed reading The Chautauqua from the first issue 24 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. 

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

E-transfer/PayPal to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

   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 phone: 403-352-3837      

Detours happen when you’re trying to get somewhere 

and you end up somewhere else.  

Sometimes “somewhere else” can be more interesting than “somewhere.”  

If you’re open to change,

 a detour can lead you to a place you never dreamed. 

 - Mari Messer

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837

From BEEing  Created by Beth Richardson ©2021 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com 

or phone: 403-352-3837 to purchase  

Saturday Morning Comic 

email: thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone: 403-352-3837

My Artist Voice #46 February 13, 2026

   Welcome to my 46th Letter. To receive these letters directly in your email inbox so you don't miss any, please contact thechautauqua@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.  Please share this with friends who may also be interested.  Thank you so much for your support.  If you no longer wish to receive, please reply with "Unsubscribe."

   I don't feel like I've really done anything in the past month, as what I've done has been so little.  However, as Caylee Grey, the artist from Get Messy, says, "More than zero is enough" so I know that every one of my micro-steps is still getting something done and making a difference around here.  Plus, I've been getting lots of resting time too.

Meme source unknown 

Word of the Year: Hobbit (Comfort / Cozy)

Celtic Year theme: Joy and Delight (fire, do what brings you joy weekly, how can you bring joy to others?) 

[WINTER/REST]: Cleansing Body and Spirit (water, clear your energy/spirit)

Imbolc: Accept Love (fire, accept with an open heart)

Celebrations: 

 

   It's now 5 months later, and the greenery from the Telus bouquet is still lush in the vase on the table!  After this long, I'm surprised it hasn't grown roots!

   Jan. 16th was my 24th anniversary issue of The Chautauqua!  WOW!  There have been incredibly wonderful times, unbelievably stressful times, and so many amazing people I've met through those years.  Taking over the newspaper was one of the all-time best decisions I made in my life.

   January 18th, I invited my neighbour along to the Stettler Variety Showcase concert - "6 Minute Warning" - an acapella group from Edmonton.  They were quite good and so fun to watch because you could tell they really enjoyed themselves on the stage.

  For one of her writing assignments in early February, my niece was to write about someone who had an impact on her life, and she chose to write about me!  Her essay was very well written (she received a mark of 100%) and very emotional to read.  I must say, she really knows me!

   I've also reached out to neighbours on occasion and they've picked up some groceries for me when they were out, so I didn't have go myself.

   I watched Hallmark Christmas movies on the Global app on my ipad till Feb. 1st, and then started watching regular Hallmark movies each evening.  I am still enjoying watching Josh Johnson's comedy sketches online for laughter and stress relief.

   I published two more comic strips in the paper and posted them online.  Both are repeats from last year - though I updated the New Year's one.  

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter, I...

   Finished my 42nd cartoon comic booklet.  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/1443712393775425

In Beth's Kitchen:

   It's a good thing I'd prepared food in the Fall and froze it, as I just didn't have the energy in January (end of December too) to do any cooking or baking.  I did turn a loaf of bread into French toast the middle of January.

   Jan. 24th I finally made a half batch of oatcakes - it literally took me all week to make them as I added a dry ingredient to the bowl each day, hoping I felt well enough to bake, but didn't.  This time I made them with oat flour.   

   Jan. 25th I peeled and sliced two of my smaller potatoes (ones that would fit in the food processor) and sliced them very thin to make into microwave potato chips.  Wow!  They were way easier than the recipe indicated!  The recipe said to put the slices on paper towel in the microwave, and many of the chips stuck to it, so I switched to parchment paper and that was better (and, truthfully, I don't think I would even need that).  I made salt & pepper chips and dill chips. This is definitely a keeper and I'll have to make more soon.

   I also attempted to make potato waffles - fail!  Well, the smaller large potato sort of worked, but overall, a fail.

   I made a no-bake chocolate raspberry pie too in the crust I had in the freezer.

   Jan. 26th I used a different microwave potato chip recipe I saw (just for comparison) - used slightly thicker slices of potato, and I tried without the parchment paper.  I put nutritional yeast on for the flavouring.  Didn't work as good as the previous day's attempts (and I know I do need the parchment paper after all) so I'll stick to the thinnest slices.

   Jan. 27th, I went back to the original microwave potato chip recipe and made some more: salt & pepper (my fav seasoning so far), garlic (salt), and paprika.  This is so cool as I used to eat potato chips a lot until I got sick, and I look at them in the store when I grocery shop and decide I can do without, and now I can make my own so easy with my own potatoes!

  Jan. 29th, I made more potato chips in the microwave - I'm slowly dealing with my potatoes.  These ones were chive and onion (salt)

  Jan. 31st I made another batch of microwave potato chips.  These ones were herbal salt, Italian spice, bacon (bits), and sage.  Niece is impressed with how crispy the chips are, though her favourite flavour is still salt & pepper too. 

   I made another batch on Feb. 2nd.  Lemon & dill, thyme, salt & pepper, plus salt & vinegar.

   Each batch of microwave potato chips = 3-4 potatoes out of the pail!  I've emptied 1 (of 3) pails of potatoes now!  I'm also using up the odd dribs & drabs of spices/seasonings.  Feb. 3rd I made more: garlic & cheese, hot pepper, roasted red pepper spice, oregano, lemon & dill, and cinnamon sugar. 

   And here's a picture of ALL of the varieties/flavours together.  

   Feb. 6th I tried a recipe from Chef Abir for (3 ingredient) Banana Bread Bites - she made hers in an airfryer and I don't have one, so converted the recipe for an oven.  I also tried the recipe with applesauce (right) - think I need to make the bites smaller and cook a wee bit longer, but they did turn out so it's a keeper recipe!  They have cinnamon sugar on top.

   Feb. 8th I mixed up an apple & cinnamon baked oatmeal - used coconut milk and my homemade applesauce.  I also added the 3rd layer to the layer square I'm trying - each layer needs frozen in between steps but not as long as I've been leaving them!  I used a jar of (runny) raspberry jam from 2011 that has been on my counter for ages waiting to see if it was still good enough to use - it was.

   Feb. 9th I made more microwave potato chips - what I made before didn't last as long as I planned because I ended up giving more away than I thought.  These ones were herbal salt, bacon, and salt & pepper.

   Feb. 10th I put the final (chocolate) layer on the layered square - I'm glad I made it, but I don't think I'll make again.  I also made more potato chips: chive, garlic & cheese, salt & pepper, orange.  My snack container is full again!

  Feb. 11th, I decided to try making carrot chips in the microwave - cause that's just how I roll!  Tried a couple different methods and think I still need to tweak some more as they didn't really crisp up.  I seasoned with salt & pepper and ginger.

Jigsaw Puzzles:

   Since my last letter, I still haven't made much headway on the puzzle - partly because I haven't put as much time in, and partly because it is a very challenging one!

UFO (UnFinished Object) Update:

   As part of my Hobbit year, I'm going through the Inner Circle Let It Go, Let It Flow program again.  Amber did some updates this year and I watched those too.  I did consider keeping track of the total number of items I let go, but decided to "let go" of adding more hassle to my life.  Instead, I just make sure that I let go of (or put away) at least one physical item per day, and delete at least one computer file per day.  I know there will be some days it's more than one each, and I know that the momentum will ebb and flow depending on how I feel each day.  Some of my bigger highlights so far...

   - continued to deleted old "someday" files off my computer 

   - more craft supplies/kits to Sis and our postmistress 

   - recycled a package of brand new (though old) water-damaged envelopes I saved for a journal craft (because they couldn't be used as envelopes) - I decided I had more than enough GOOD envelopes in the house to use if/when I do the craft 

   - I cut up 6 manila file folders for cards for backs for mini collages (recycled 3 file folders as they were too damaged to use) and then glued the 36 cards onto two old Alberta maps from the 1990s (Ralph Klein era) so they are ready for the next step.

   - I finished reading "Pencil Dancing" by Mari Messer - one of the creativity books from my neighbour.  I enjoyed reading it and now I can pass it on to someone else 

   - tossed lists of supplements I have taken from 2013 - 2022

   - recycled a bunch of unread mail from 2018-2019 (thankfully there was nothing important that I missed)

   - a friend asked one day if my "house full of everything" happened to have an extra mouse pad as she desperately needed a new one - my house did have a brand new one and giving it to her was my 1 item for that day!

   Kiala Givehand’s 7 Books in 7 Days course: I still have ideas for books I want to make though that's on the back burner for now.  

Courses and Challenges (free and paid):

  Deanne Fitzpatrick's (paid) Playful Joyful Rug Hooking beginner course: I will get back to this after I get the paper year-end done.

Physical Activity:

   Rebounder: I will aim for 2 mins each day (starting in Feb.)

  "Mystery activity” I’m still doing this DAILY!!  For 2026, I'm just going to enjoy the activity and not worry about reaching a specific time duration or level of proficiency.

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on...

- 13 inch round mandala acrylic painting (on hold)

- Era of the Dreamers journal - I didn't really touch this for all of December so am catching up on some of my spreads.  While it was only going to be for 2025, I will continue it for 2026.

- personal smashbook for DAILY journal writing as part of my connection to Spirit and my Guides

- mini collages (on hold)

- painting (18-20?) ceramic Easter egg people from Gramma's craft kits (acrylics) - stalled 

- UFO crochet project (not food) - on hold 

- my next small hooked rug (on hold)

   A good friend was surprised to hear that I had never watched the TV series "Yellowstone" and highly recommended it.  I watched season 5 (part 1) the end of January and finished on Feb. 1st.  I watched the 2nd part of season 5 the first week of Feb.  That's the whole series watched now - my favourite parts were all the ranch and cowboy scenes, hands down.  Next up, I'll watch season 1 of the Yellowstone prequel "1923."

Featured Products for Sale:

   This is a great time to get back into routines, so I have my hour long Love Your Body Yoga Class (suitable for beginners and all levels) available in digital format for $20.  If you would like to experience this class, please email thechautauqua@gmail.com.

  

   I have inspirational card decks, journals, chapbooks, musical CD's and more for sale that would make gifts and stocking stuffers.  Please contact me at thechautauqua@gmail.com or phone 403-352-3837 to make a purchase. Or visit 4910 47 St, in Mirror, AB.  Items are also available for sale at Amy’s Bakery on Main Street in Delburne, AB.

   I offer $50 Distance Reiki/Energy Healing sessions.  I’ve been an Kundalini Reiki Master since 2023.  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 

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

Beth 

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As a life-long creative, and now artist, I 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 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 seem small individually – have added up to quite a body of work in a few short years. 

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

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

To support my artistic journey, please consider purchasing my artwork, items available in person at 4910-47 St, Mirror, AB

or make a donation via

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

E-transfer/PayPal to thechautauqua@gmail.com 

   Your support and kindness are always greatly appreciated, and I look forward to bringing you joy and inspiration! Thank you so much and have a marvellous day!