My Artist Voice #53 September 11, 2026

   Welcome to my 53rd 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."

   Well, life has been a rollercoaster since my last letter!  I had decided to stay with the press in Lethbridge because it was the best option based on the information I was given.  So the second August paper was a trial run (so to speak) for the new shipping set up.  Very long, very stressful story short, it was a gong show, and it was NOT the courier's fault - the guy who made the shipping label had my address incorrect so I had to track down my papers and get an address correction which took a whole day so I didn't get the papers when I should have, and I was late delivering them.  I was NOT impressed.

   Coincidentally, or serendipitously, the day I finally got the papers delivered to me, I received a phone call from a member of the Black Press management.  I've known the gal for years as she used to be the publisher at the Red Deer Advocate.  When she asked how things were going and if I was happy with the printing, I proceeded to tell her my numerous press woes from the past 2-3 years over a 1.5 hr call, and I shocked her.

   Turns out I was supposed to be moved to the Vernon press for printing automatically when the Advocate was.  I contacted Vernon the following week myself and got set up remarkably quickly and easily.  A huge load of stress was suddenly eliminated from my life.  And, I got my very reliable (grandfathered) shipping to my door back!  I also discovered that the various reasons I was given, that made me decide to remain with Lethbridge, were all false!  OY!

   So, just when I was finally able to breathe a huge sigh of relief as the printing/delivery was very easy again, I was contacted by the press that I had 2 weeks to pay them in full (yes, unfortunately I was in arrears because I wasn't receiving payments in a timely manner due to Canada Post delivery delays) or they were cutting me off completely and I would no longer be able to print the paper.  Sigh.... Through a lot of begging and pleading, I managed to get enough money to pay the press, and now I'm exploring other options for generating funding besides just advertising.  Never a dull moment!

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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?) 

[SUMMER/HARVEST]: Affirmation for Growth (earth, take the next step) 

Lughnasadh: Prayers and Wishes (air, wish on a star)

Celebrations: 

   I wasn't able to see my Niece on her birthday, so she came over on Aug. 22nd for belated birthday celebrations.  We made a no-bake raspberry pie (her request).  We picked fruits and veggies from the garden - 3 cups of cherries, some rhubarb, 2 dozen raspberries (I was shocked she found more as I'd stripped the canes the last time I picked), miscellaneous herbs, peas, beans, sweet peppers, and dug some potatoes.  I pitted the cherries, chopped the rhubarb and dealt with the dill as my niece dealt with the other herbs and cut up the peppers.  She found a couple of recipes for a hot sauce to dip the raw veggies into so I let her mix them up for us.  I made applesauce mini waffles for our lunch.  After lunch, she showed me her new nail art tools and supplies, and she did my finger and toenails.  We played Clue and I actually won one game!  All in all, a fun day together and she went home at 4:30 PM.

   I recently discovered that Clive Pharmasave has a local vendor corner in their store and I dropped off some of my decks and other items on Sept. 8th.  If you are in the area, be sure to check them out.

   I listened to the Aug. 12 - 16th WPCA finals in Rocky Mountain House - full of thrills and literal spills (2 drivers were bounced out of their wagons and both were okay!) and had a great end to the season.  I watched the replays for the Aug. 12 - 16th CPCA finals in Onion Lake, SK Aug. 16 - Aug. 20th - they also had some thrilling races and finish to their season.  It was a delight to be able to follow the full season for both associations again.

   I finished watching season 8 of "When Calls the Heart" and started season 9.  I watched some Hallmark movies on the Global app on my ipad and Josh Johnson's comedy sketches online for laughter and stress relief. 

   I watched more YouTube videos from Hannah of Real Vintage Doll House and am now in the very early 2025 videos - her content is very enjoyable as she covers a range of topics within the 1940's time period.  I really like the videos where she attempts to make a vintage recipe as she claims she's not really a cook or baker so she is always so surprised when the dish turns out.  As well, I like her videos highlighting a substitution that was used by homemakers in the 1940's due to shortages and rationing.  

   It's made me more aware of what's in this house that I can use in other ways.  For instance, I have a ridiculous number of partial packages of napkins (mom used to buy lots as we used them at church teas and Guiding events) and I decided that I can use them instead of paper towel for the times I need a paper towel as I don't go through napkins, as napkins, that fast when it's just myself (most are bigger/thicker than I need so I cut them in half to use).

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

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter...

   I finished my 47th cartoon comic booklet.  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1884867009147814

In Beth's Kitchen:

  

   I just ended up pitting and freezing my cherries - I'll make them into pies another time.

   Aug. 16th, I mixed up some cinnamon buns and added dried diced banana and the last cup of fresh raspberries.  Then I tried a 2-Ingredient Bread recipe I found.  Mine was actually 4 ingredients because I didn't have self-rising flour so had to add baking powder and salt.  Also, I used a can of coconut milk as I didn't have whole milk.  I don't usually put parchment paper in my loaf pans, but did this time as per the recipe as I wasn't sure what to expect.  All in all, it was better than I expected.  Though, if I make this again, I'll make as two smaller loaves instead of one big one.

   I pitted and froze 8 cups of cherries Aug. 18th.  Then I started prepping apples for juice - out of the first 10 lbs I dealt with, I was only able to save 8 apples as the rest were completely rotten.  So disappointing!  Thankfully there were only 3 rotten apples out of the next 5 lbs I cut up so I was able to fill the Dutch oven for a batch of juice. 

   My week went sideways so I didn't finish the apple juice until the morning of Aug. 20th.  I ended up with 8 cups of juice.

   Aug. 24th, I probably should have just stayed in bed, but instead I was in the kitchen very early.  First, I picked the last of the rhubarb and cut it up.  With the rhubarb my Niece and I picked when she was here, I had exactly the right amount for a pie!  I had pastry already made - from the cherry pie attempt - so figured the pie would go together quickly.  Ha!  It was worse than the cherry pie attempt.  Sigh......Maybe a smaller pie plate?  I did try cooking the pie in the electric frying pan to say I did - it cooked, but I need to do some tweaking so the whole pie cooks!  Finished cooking it in the oven.  Again, the filling was too runny (sigh) and the pastry left a bit to be desired, but it tasted wonderful!

   I also went through the remaining 15 lbs of apples.  Ended up with just over 5 lbs of usable apples as the rest were completely rotten all the way through (even the ones without a visible outside blemish).  So disappointing, but on the plus side I didn't have to find crisper space for the apples, and they're all dealt with.  I made 6 cups of applesauce from the usable apples.

   Sept. 1st I decided to try a 2-Ingredient Biscuit recipe - again, mine being 4 ingredients as I didn't have self-rising flour.  Well, the biscuits tasted good, but they didn't rise and end up more like pancakes!  OY!  So I need to figure out what I did wrong before I try making more.

   As I had quite a few LARGE ripe tomatoes, I made 7 cups of tomato soup Sept. 4th.  I start by blending up the tomatoes (peel, seeds, and all) and then add other items (ie onions, peppers, etc), before I simmer it all with miscellaneous spices.  No two batches of soup are ever the same.  Five jars went into the freezer and I ate the other two on cold rainy days.

   A lot of my baking and cooking is based on what I have on hand as I rarely buy special ingredients just to make a recipe.  After assessing my kitchen, I decided to try making a basic no-knead peasant bread on Sept. 7th, as I had lots of flour and yeast.  I have made yeast bread since Mom passed away, but that was in the bread maker so I could decide if I wanted to keep said bread maker - I ended up selling it, So, like pastry, it's been eons and ages since I made yeast bread without a bread maker.  Thankfully the recipe was quick and easy.  And there is something so homey (Hobbit like!) about the smell of yeast bread baking. 

   I ended up mixing up another loaf of peasant bread on Sept. 8th.  Now that I had a better idea what to expect, I decided to bake this one in a smaller pan and that worked better.  It's a perfect sized loaf for 1 person.

   I decided to make one more loaf of the peasant bread on Sept. 9th. While the dough was rising for the 2nd time, I went out and pulled some carrots and dug some potatoes.  I ended up outside a wee bit longer than expected so the dough really rose up. But, when it was cooking, it ended up overflowing the loaf pan so I had a bit of mess! The only way I could get it out of the pan was to take the top crust off completely.  Really, there are days I swear I'm not supposed to enter the kitchen.  While not a "perfect" loaf, and smaller than planned in the end without the top crust, I popped it in the freezer so I have bread if I ever need/want it and don't feel like making any.

Yard & Garden:

   We received another 1/4 inch of rain Aug. 13th and then 1/8th inch on Aug. 14th.  My farmer friend was back on the 14th, and this time he was able to set the mole trap.

   Aug. 15th I went out and picked the last of the raspberries - 24 berries!  Hopefully next year's crop is better.  Cherries were starting to split because we had had so much rain, and even after picking another 8 cups, there were still lots on the tree.  I picked the rest of the apples and got another 10 lbs, so that was about 30 lbs total.  I pulled all of the onions and found 5 that looked like they were okay - on closer inspection, I only ended up with 3 very small onions, and I had planted 1.5 bags of onion sets.  VERY disappointing.

   I gave myself a scare, and I felt like throwing up, because I ended up stepping on a dead creature when I was picking the peas (shudder) - the mole?  I didn't look closely enough, I just headed right into the house! 

   I was outside for a bit Aug. 16th and pulled some carrots from the large garden planter - largest was the size of my pinkie finger!

  We received another 1/4 inch of rain on Aug. 17th.  Later in the morning, I went out and picked another 8 cups of cherries off the tree.

   After lunch my farmer friend returned and removed the dead critter from my garden.  Thank goodness!  I can handle a lot of difficult tasks in life, but dead critters are completely beyond me.  He said it definitely was a dead mole, so I hope it was THE mole terrorizing my garden, and that he didn't have any friends with him.  Farmer took his mole trap, and told me to contact him if I see any future mole activity.  Hopefully the sonic spike has been in the ground long enough to deter any future critters.

   Aug. 26th I went out and spent 1.5 hrs (approximately) pruning trees and shrubs in the yard - the biggest job was pruning the Nanking cherry and I probably should have taken more off but called what I did good enough for this year.

   I spent an hour outside on Aug. 27th.  I picked the last handful of peas and the last 2 cups of cherries.  I also spent more time pruning the Nanking cherry as I realized (after looking at it from my bedroom window) there were more branches that needed to come off.

   Later that afternoon, my neighbour mowed my lawn - between the weather and trying to keep the paper functioning, the grass got away from me again.

   My Niece came over the morning of Aug. 28th and loaded the branches into the truck.  She drove us to the dump and unloaded the branches too.  

   Sept. 3rd we received 1/2 inch of rain.  I really wish there was some way I could save all the water in my full rain barrels for next year!

   Sept. 4th I picked a very small handful of peas.  Some unexpected later growing plants were starting to produce!

   Sept. 8th we received another 1/8th inch of rain.

  

Jigsaw Puzzles

   Since my last Letter, I completed two 1,000 piece puzzles - Niece helped put the final pieces in the first one when she was here.

UFO (UnFinished Object) Update:

   As part of my Hobbit year, 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 (or old email, or tab closed) per day.  Some of my bigger highlights so far...

   - more items sorted and to my Sister

   - more items to the school - I had offered boxes of old handmade Christmas decorations and they were thrilled because theirs had all been stolen last Nov!

   - items given to friends who had a need for the items

   - more items used up from the freezer and cupboards as I subbed ingredients in recipes for what I have on hand

   - more open tabs on my computer looked at and closed 

   My niece was here Aug. 24th and helped me move two big wooden swinging lawnchairs out of the garage and to the front of the yard where my sale is set up. We also put some other items from the garage in the yard sale.  

   When she was here on Aug. 28th, we pulled more items out of the garage and added them to the yard sale.

   I was able to open the sales a few days the end of Aug. and over the Sept. long weekend, and I sold some items!  Hopefully I can sell a lot more before the snow flies!

   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):

  Karen Abend's annual (free) Sketchbook Revival online retreat.  With the outside work, I'm currently stalled on the journal(s).  

  Deanne Fitzpatrick's (paid) Playful Joyful Rug Hooking beginner course: working on my larger (for me) rug.

Physical Activity:

   Rebounder: It's been 6 months (!) that I've been doing 10 minutes of the health bounce, four times per day.  I haven't missed a day at all!  While I don't see anything "obvious," my body shape must be changing a bit as my clothes do fit slightly differently.  Also, I notice my energy is a bit off on the days I'm not able to do my first 3 sets before lunch time.

 

  "Mystery activity” I’m still doing this DAILY!!  August marked 2 years and I haven't missed a day!

Works in progress:

Currently, I'm working on...

- Era of the Dreamers journal - almost daily as I've been recording my outside activities in the garden.

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

- mini collages - at the stage where I have a whole bunch more bits and pieces that need sorted before I complete more.

- 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 

- I have my 13 inch round canvas that I started in Lou's program last year (that I got kicked out of) and I'm trying to decide what to cover it with.

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, and at Pharmasave, Main Street, Clive.

   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

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   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!

My Artist Voice #52 August 14, 2026

   Welcome to my 52nd 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've always been a tea drinker, but only occasionally.  After Mom had to stop drinking "real" tea, and we switched to herbal teas, I started drinking more.  When I had to stop drinking water because I was literally getting sick, my tea drinking went by the wayside.  

   After getting my Reverse Osmosis unit and able to drink water again (Hallelujah!), I started drinking tea, and I discovered that while I'd have a sip or two when it was hot, I tended to let the cup of tea cool almost completely before I drank it.  

   For the past year or so, I've revisited something I did back in my 20's when I brewed up a big pot of tea and put it in the fridge for iced tea.  I just happen to prefer cold tea to hot!

   As part of my decluttering adventure this year, I've been using my ancient, unopened packages of teabags and looseleaf tea (the best before date is 2029 so they are all safe) that have been hiding in the back of the cupboard.  I was surprised how much there still were behind my tried and true favourites!  I usually brew a quart of tea at a time and drink it chilled throughout the next day or two.  Perfect for the hot days of summer.

   There have been more changes with Black Press, and to keep printing the paper in Lethbridge, will require paying a LOT more for shipping to get the papers to me as the method I've used for over 24 years is no longer available.  Sigh...I just want to curl up on the floor and have a screaming toddler temper tantrum and let someone else be the adult in my life.  Even though I'm doing everything "right," the money isn't coming in the way it should be, or it is but not in the timely manner I need it to.  

   What I find most aggravating is that what "I" do really works - putting the paper together and delivering it to the communities...what I have to rely on others to do, because they can do it cheaper than I can (print the paper and deliver it to me), is where the problems are and the ever increasing costs and decisions beyond my control.

   I wish I could figure out how to get people to pay me to just be my Hobbit self, without having to drastically change my life.

   My health isn't such that I can just go get a job, and I don't qualify for any disability or assistance because "I don't look sick" or have cancer or heart disease.  And the stress and worry about how I'll pay my bills isn't helping my body/health either.  Sigh.........

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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?) 

[SUMMER/HARVEST]: Affirmation for Growth (earth, take the next step) 

Lughnasadh: Prayers and Wishes (air, wish on a star)

Celebrations: 

   I was thrilled to be able to watch the entire Calgary Stampede rodeo events and the chuckwagon races.  The final day was filled with crazy thrills and spills, and was a delight to watch.  I cancelled my subscription to SportsNet on July 20th (would have been sooner but paper deliveries and a couple of sick days happened) and it was a surprisingly easy and smooth process.

   The end of June I found two (scratched) lottery tickets under my truck when I was heading out to deliver papers.  They weren't signed so I had no idea who they belonged to or where they came from, and I didn't hear of anyone missing any.  I finally checked them two weeks later and I won $5!  Bonus!

   July 28th I entered Rancho Vignola's annual recipe contest.  I entered years ago and didn't win, but decided to give it another go as I've been baking more.

   I opened my door early Aug. 1st and found two large bags of wire coathangers on my step!  They were dropped off by a friend so I'll be able to get myself set up to cover coathangers again!  Though, once I've used up all of the nylon I cover the hangers with, that will be it as it is no longer available (unless someone has a bunch of balls of Nylotex lying around they want to give me!)

   Aug. 4th, I walked across the highway to see if the thrift store had any old electric cords.  They had 3 miscellaneous cords and one was a perfect fit for my electric frying pan!!!!!!  A miracle.  (The full electric frying pan saga, and why I needed a new cord, is below in the kitchen section of this letter.)

   I was surprised to receive a small parcel in the mail on Aug. 6th.  Three bottles of nail polish from a good friend!

   After lunch on Aug. 8th, my niece arrived - it's really nice being related to a teenager! - and loaded ALL of the branches into the truck for me.  Then she drove the truck - I was with her as she only has her learner's license - to the dump and unloaded all of the branches.  We went back to Mirror and loaded up my (rug hooking) neighbour's branches and made a 2nd trip to the dump. Helped out my neighbour and gave my niece extra driving practice.

   An added bonus was that I was finally able to get rid of my electric typewriter from my high school days as we discovered around 11 or 12 (?!) years ago it didn't work anymore (too many years stored in the back of a closet!) and I've been trying to get rid of it ever since by wasn't able to make any of the local electronic roundup events through those years..

   Back at my house, my niece toured the garden, and then raked my lawn around where the plum tree was to get the tiny branches and wood chips.  We visited for a bit and, all in all, she was here 3 hrs.  First real visit this year!

 

   The chuckwagon drivers who didn't qualify for the Calgary Stampede had fun races the two weekends that the Calgary Stampede were on.  There were no videos or race broadcasts for those races.  The WPCA drivers had the weekend after the Stampede off so I was able to watch the July 16 - 19th CPCA races at Batoche, SK online as they aired.  I listened to the July 23 - 26th WPCA races at High River, AB.  I watched the July 23 - 26 CPCA races at Beardy's, SK July 27 - 30th.  I listened to the July 31-Aug. 3rd WPCA races at Strathmore - missed most of the Aug. 1st as they had technical difficulties and didn't get the broadcast working till the final 3 heats.  I watched the replays for the July 31 - Aug. 2nd CPCA races at Saddle Lake, AB on Aug. 1st and 2nd - the final day was cancelled due to weather.  I listened to the Aug. 5 - 9th WPCA races at Dawson Creek, BC.  I watched the replays for the Aug. 7 - 9th CPCA races at Whitecap Dakota, SK Aug. 11 - 12th.  Currently I'm listening to the WPCA finals in Rocky Mountain House - season ends on Sunday!

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

   I was concerned that the Season 2 DVD for "Elsbeth" was taking sooooooo long to arrive, but the timing worked out as I got it in time to watch the 2nd last week of July (my "holiday" week as 5 Fridays in the month) - there were two episodes (out of the 20) that I couldn't watch because of damage to the DVD so I requested another version from the library - it came quickly and I was able to watch the two episodes before the end of July. 

   I also discovered there was a spinoff series to "When Calls the Heart" so I requested season 1 of "When Hope Calls" on DVD and watched it the last week of July - it seemed to tie into exactly where I am in my "When Calls the Heart" viewing so worked out well.  I'm not sure season 2 is available on DVD yet.

  I also went back (only 2 years on YouTube, though she's been on other platforms longer) and started watching, in order, the videos from Hannah of Real Vintage Doll House (where I got the haircutting tip) - just her free content as I'm not ready to pay to watch the extras.  I really like her 1940's vibe of make do and mend resilience and tips as we live in a world where they are needed again.  The first few months of 2024 consisted of podcast episodes which introduced me to a bunch of different people I want to look into more.  I've watched to the end of September 2024 so far.

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

\

Recently Completed:

Since the last newsletter...

   I finished my 46th cartoon comic booklet.  You can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/1542998257275495

In Beth's Kitchen:

  

   July 10th, I picked chickweed, beet greens, dill, baby bok choy, parsley, sage, basil, carrot tops, oregano, lavender, clover, lemon thyme and nasturtium leaves.  Sautéed the greens in butter and made another omelette.  YUM!

   July 13th, I picked chickweed, baby beet greens, dill, bok choy, parsley, sage, carrot tops, oregano, lemon thyme, nasturtium leaves, chives, and rosemary for my omelette!

   After two days of intense heat that resulted in me spending two days sick in bed, July 19th started off cool and rainy so I was able to function again!  I made a batch of banana chocolate chip cookies - substituted coconut oil for butter, and used half chocolate chips/half dried diced banana - this is becoming my fav type of chocolate chip cookie and I'd never have even thought to try it if I didn't have a lot of dried diced banana on hand (that I'm using instead of raisins in recipes)!  Then I tried a recipe for banana/oats waffles - just has banana (I used thawed from the freezer), eggs and rolled oats blended together!  I doubled the recipe, and used my mini waffle maker.  This is definitely a recipe I'll make again.  Finally, I made a batch of banana cinnamon buns - again, used dried diced banana instead of raisins.

   July 21st was wet and smoky so I figured it was a good day to do more baking!  I made a 1/2 batch of oatcakes - added ground dried orange and used coconut oil instead of butter as I was very short of butter and wanted to use what I had in the house - it wasn't a good choice as they weren't a "fail" but they weren't really a success either, so now I know it's butter or lard and nothing else for oatcakes.  I also made another batch of mini waffles so I could freeze them - I used a jar of my homemade applesauce instead of banana for this batch. After all that, I needed to go lie down and rest!

   Later in the afternoon, I chopped up some garlic scapes I'd purchased from the bakery in Delburne the previous week (while delivering papers) and I froze another 3/4 cups.

   July 23rd, we were under a heat warning again, so I went out early to pick the peas and I decided to see if there were any baby potatoes ready - there were!  I got 16 potatoes and decided to roast them in my small electric frying pan (so I didn't have to heat the house by turning on the oven) - I used to use our 2 electric frying pans all the time, but it seems like ages and ages since I touched them!  I ate the potatoes with melted butter and fresh dill on them - oh my...YUM!

   I was craving some potato chips so dug up another hill of potatoes on July 24th.  Overall, the potatoes were too baby still to really use, but I sliced up the 7 largest ones and made Salt & Pepper chips in the microwave.

   Very foggy when I woke up July 28th so I decided it was a good day to bake!  I had just enough coconut oil remaining in the jar I seem to have had forever so mixed up a batch of banana chocolate chip cookies - as I was very short on chocolate chips, I used 3/4 C dried diced banana and 1/4 C chocolate chips.  Then I made rhubarb raspberries cinnamon buns - added the cup of raspberries (and a handful of saskatoons) I'd picked the day before, just for a fun twist - they tasted AMAZING!

   July 30th I was awake earlier than I wanted to be so was in the kitchen really early.  I finished making rhubarb juice and got 9.5 cups.

   I had been psyching myself up to make a cherry pie this year as I had seen a bunch of kitchen hacks recently that I wanted to try, and once the cherries were ripe, I'd have enough for a pie.  It's been ages and eons since I made a pie with homemade pastry so I felt a bit nervous.  Well, there are some days I swear I'm not meant to be in the kitchen and Aug. 2nd was one of them!  

   Now, the great pie adventure actually started the previous day on Aug. 1st when I picked and pitted the cherries.  I also made the pastry in the food processor - first hack - I had to finagle the pastry recipe because no one in my family made just "one" pie, they always made at least half a dozen at a time!  While it WAS quick mixing the dough in the food processor, I'm not sure it was the "best" method - jury is still out on that.

   Aug. 2nd was nice and cool so a good day for baking.  Problems started when the pastry wasn't very "cooperative" - not sure if it was because I made in the food processor, or because I didn't use Mom's exact recipe which I know works?  I had to do a bit of adapting because I couldn't get to mom's recipes, and all I could find was cherry pie recipes that used cherry pie filling not fresh cherries.  Finally got the pie together.

   Second kitchen hack I wanted to try was to cook the pie in Dad's older-than-me electric frying pan - partly to see how the hack worked as our electric frying pan is the best, and partly because my oven had been acting wonky in the past few weeks.  Well, I plugged in the electric frying pan and the cord sparked and fried.  Oh no!  It's so old I had no idea if I’d be able to even find a replacement cord.

   So that meant I had to cook the pie in the oven, which seemed to take FOREVER to preheat.  I ended up cooking the pie for longer than the recipe said because the pastry didn't seem to be cooking at all and it took ages before the filling was even bubbling so I knew it was cooking.  Unfortunately, the pie ended up bubbling over so I'm glad I put a cookie sheet under it to cook.  All in all, a gong show, and I obviously need a LOT of practice making pies.  This wasn't an epic fail, but it sure wasn't a success either. Though, considering how long it's been since I made pastry, I guess it turned out pretty good.

   Upon examining the pie on day 2, it was actually better than I thought - still not really a success, but despite the excess liquid in the filling, the bottom wasn't soggy!

   Thunderstorm Aug. 10th so I decided to bake - knowing that there was a possibility of the power going out before I was done.  I got lucky power-wise, and made a raspberry baked oatmeal with my fresh raspberries.

Yard & Garden:

   Unless it rains, I'm outside daily (no matter how sick I may feel) watering the plants and garden at least once, and even if it does rain, I still have to water the plants on the south side of the house.  It usually takes me about 10 mins to do all of the watering.

   I don't think I mentioned in my last letter that I had one plant pot where none of the seeds I planted came up, so on July 6th I planted some cucumber seeds in it as the cucumbers I planted in the garden hadn't come up.  Then I planted some onion seeds I'd been given in the same pot on July 10th.  Fingers crossed.  I haven't been lucky growing onion from seed (vs from onion sets) though Mom always was able to.

   It rained early in the morning of July 9th, and before lunch I went out and pulled weeds along the house - because it was dry there - for 25 mins.  It's really hard to get to a maintenance phase in the yard/garden when I don't even have all of the initial "spring" jobs done yet!

   I went out for 20 mins on July 12th and pulled more quack grass from the west side of the grapes and around the rain barrel.  Then I transplanted some of my Egyptian Walking Onions in the spot.  Hopefully if I get more beneficial things growing they will crowd out the quack grass.  Fingers crossed!

   I spent 25 mins mowing my lawn on July 13th.  Very muggy day so I was moving slower than usual.  Later in the morning, I went out and pruned more new growth from the grape vines - looks like I might get quite a few grapes this year!  Fingers crossed.

   July 14th I officially gave up on my indoor garden idea.  So disappointing.  My house is a challenge for sunlight, in the right spot for the right length of time for healthy plants at the best of times, but it's been even more challenging this year with our long stretches of overcast/dark days due to rain.  While the seeds sprouted and the plants looked like they'd be okay, a week or two of darker days caused them to shrivel up and die.  I do still have the two chocolate mint plants, from the garden that I put in a pot, in the house and we'll see how they fare. 

   Between rain storms on July 19th, I went out to assess if there was any wind damage in the garden from the previous evening's intense wind gusts.  I picked up some plant pots that had blown around, and then spent about 10 mins pulling some LARGE weeds from one of the carrot beds in the garden.

   Rain off and on July 20 (1/4 inch) and 21st (1/8 inch).  I picked my first handful of peas from the garden on the 21st!

   As the weeds have been growing wildly, I spent an hour pulling weeds on July 22nd - along the house and around the strawberries.  Could you tell when I was done?  Nope, except for the full pail of weeds I pulled.

   We received another 1/2 inch of rain overnight July 25/26.

   I picked my first raspberries on July 27th.  Only ended up with 1 cup as many of the berries were full of worms.  Grrr.  I also picked all of the rhubarb and prepped it for juice.

   Later in the morning, I went out and spent 30 mins mowing my lawn.  It was way too humid for my poor body to be doing that much work outside, but I couldn't put it off as the grass was almost too tall for me to mow myself.

   Despite feeling like I overdid it the day before, I went out for a few minutes July 28th and cut down a volunteer raspberry cane by my dead plum tree - that raspberry cane was dying too.  Also started cutting down my tiny crabapple bush (came back from the stump after the crabapple died and was taken down) as it was dying too - that was more work than I could handle.

   I picked another cup of raspberries July 29th.

   Outside early on Aug. 1st to beat the heat.  I spent 75 mins outside and picked 1 cup of raspberries, 3/4 cup of Nanking cherries (most of the berries are on the trunk not the branches so very hard to reach), and 7 cups of cherries.  I also pruned dead branches out of the Nanking cherry and my main apricot tree - the apricot looks like it's stressed!  Oy.

   Aug. 2nd we received 1/4 inch of rain and on Aug. 3rd we received 1/8th of an inch.

   The gent who brings the papers to me each time rang my doorbell the afternoon of Aug. 3rd.  Had his axe with him and he chopped down my dead plum tree - it really was dead!  I just needed to find someone to help me get rid of the branches.

   I picked another cup of raspberries Aug. 4th.  It looked like I had a mole or a gopher in the garden. OY!  I had no idea how I was going to get rid of that!?

   Aug. 5th I stopped at Home Hardware in Bashaw, when I was delivering papers, and purchased a sonic spike to put in the garden to get rid of the mole or gopher - fingers crossed.

   Aug. 6th, after returning home from the rest of the paper deliveries, I quickly cut rogue maple branches out of the two flowering plum bushes in front of the house and added to my branch pile that needed removed.

   I was outside for about 45 mins Aug. 7th.  I picked 10 cups of cherries - gave a cup to the garbageman and another cup to my rug hooking neighbour. [ended up pitting and freezing the rest a couple of days later.] I had noticed some apples on the ground the day before so checked and ended up picking 10 lbs of apples.  Still lots on the tree that aren't ripe.  I also picked another cup of raspberries.  I put the sonic spike in the garden - fingers crossed. 

   We received an 1/8th inch of rain in the early hours of Aug. 8th and 1/2 inch Aug. 9th.  Thunder and lightning most of the day Aug. 10th and we received 1/4 inch of rain and another 1/4 inch Aug. 11th.

   I went out for 35 mins early Aug. 11th and picked a generous cup of raspberries and 8 cups of cherries.  I couldn't figure out why I had so much trouble seeing the cherries till I backed out of the tree and discovered that THICK fog had rolled in!  

   Later in the afternoon, a local farmer friend stopped by and he had a mole trap!  Unfortunately, he wasn't able to set the trap as he couldn't find the mole's hole as the ground was too soft from all the rain.  And right after he left we had another downpour of 1/2 an inch!

   I picked 8 cups of cherries and another 10 lbs of apples Aug. 12th.  I will be surprised if I get any onions this year as they all seem to be rotting.  My farmer friend returned, but the additional rain made it even more challenging to find the mole's hole so the trap still isn't set, and the sonic spike hasn't made him leave yet. 

  

Jigsaw Puzzles

   Since my last Letter, I finally completed the 750 piece puzzle.

...and a 1,000 piece puzzle (those pies were all a success!)

   I found some more of our puzzles from childhood - thought I'd gone through all of them - and did a 100 piece one...

   ...and a 60 piece one.  This one is one of my all-time favourite puzzles from my childhood, and I'm keeping for now.

   This has sure been a different year.  I've only completed 8 puzzles so far, and usually by this time I've completed more than a dozen!

UFO (UnFinished Object) Update:

   As part of my Hobbit year, 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 (or old email, or tab closed) per day.  Some of my bigger highlights so far...

   - more items sorted and to my Sister

   - more craft supplies to our postmistress 

   - more items to the second hand shop and thrift store in town

   - more items to the Clive thrift store 

   - items given to friends who had a need for the items

   - more items used up from the freezer and cupboards as I sub ingredients in recipes for what I have on hand - and as a bonus, this is also clearing a LOT of plastics (recycled) out of my kitchen!

   - more "to be read later" emails read and deleted 

   I added more items to the yard/craft sales.  Though the weather didn't cooperate for me to open the sales most of July, I still managed to serendipitously sell some items!   

   I opened the sales July 25th, and after I pulled the tarp off the table, I discovered a LARGE wasp nest under the edge of the table - that was a challenge to get rid of and to get rid of the wasps!  I also opened the sales July 26th.  Only had 3 people stop all weekend and didn't sell anything.

    Sales open again July 31th but had to close early as it was much too hot to keep them open during the afternoon.  No had stopped anyway.  My next chance to open them was Aug. 7 - 9th - had a couple people stop to look.

   I can't remember if I mentioned this yet or not...for the past couple of months for sure, I've been getting more ruthless with my decluttering.  If I don't really love (or have a strong sentimental attachment) an item, or know for sure I will use it, it's going out of my life.  Even though I've lived in the house with these items for years, I've lived this long without them being a part of my everyday life, so they can go and it won't really impact my life negatively.

   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):

  Karen Abend's annual (free) Sketchbook Revival online retreat.  With the outside work, I'm currently stalled on the journal(s).  

  Deanne Fitzpatrick's (paid) Playful Joyful Rug Hooking beginner course: working on my larger (for me) rug.

Physical Activity:

   Rebounder: I do 10 minutes of the health bounce, four times per day.  

 

  "Mystery activity” I’m still doing this DAILY!!  For 2026, I'm just enjoying 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 - almost daily as I've been recording my outside activities in the garden.

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

- mini collages - at the stage where I have a whole bunch more bits and pieces that need sorted before I complete more.

- 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 

- I have my 13 inch round canvas that I started in Lou's program last year (that I got kicked out of) and I'm trying to decide what to cover it with.

Featured Products for Sale:

   I have my 8x10 to 11 x 14 paintings on sale for $50 each and the paintings larger than 11 x 14 are $100 each.  Contact me to find out more.

  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 

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   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!