October 17, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   I’m sure you’ve noticed that sometimes your life just hums along, everything going right as decisions and actions come almost effortlessly.  That is the time when we are so happy to be alive.

   Then there are the other times.  The times when you feel like you are fruitlessly banging your head against a brick wall.  Nothing goes right and every action is a major struggle.  Times like this you don’t want to even make a decision.

   If you take any difficult situation and get down to the basics, it usually means one of two things - either your on the right path, or you are not.

   If you faced with one difficulty after another, one disgruntled customer or client after another, one negative outlook after another, you might want to re-examine the direction you are traveling.  Perhaps you know that you are going the wrong way, but are too stubborn to admit it…

   On the other hand, you really could be on the right track and life still seems to be sending you through the wringer.  That is when you need to sit down and examine yourself - your beliefs, loves, fears and concerns.  This could be a time of growth for you. 

   Muscles grow strong through resistance and humans grow strong through adversity.   We think better and grow more when we are faced with challenges.  When this happens, we are forced out of our comfort zone into the unknown. 

    Life is an adventure...are you growing!

 

Beth

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October 3, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   I have been fortunate to once again vacation by Alix Lake.  It has been a delight to see the multicoloured leaves reflected in the waters, watch the ducks gathering below my window and observe the sun set over the waters.  The early morning mist rising over the waters lends a mystical air to the scene.

   I took a walk around the Lake one afternoon.  It was a delight to walk along with the wind rustling the leaves overhead and my feet crunching the leaves below.  I was able to see where the beavers have been busy this year.

   Fall is an exciting time of year.  The days are getting nippier.  The leaves are changing colour and drifting to the ground.  The gardens and fields are being harvested.  Fall is also a time when many of us sign up for classes to learn new skills.

   As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to count the blessings in our lives.  Despite everything that has happened this past year, we still all have lots to be thankful for.  Do you have eyes to see and a heart to appreciate the beauty around you...give thanks.  Are you healthy...give thanks.  Are you employed...give thanks.  Do you have friends and family that you are in contact with...give thanks.  Does your life have meaning and purpose...give thanks.  Did you wake up this morning...give thanks.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Beth

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September 19, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   Each of us has countless opportunities throughout our days to make a positive difference in the lives of other people.  Random acts of kindness, taking the time to really listen to others, and helping someone in need, are all ways that we contribute to those who share our lives, be they friend or stranger. 

   I recently had the opportunity to help further the dream of a young man who’d almost given up on ever getting a break.  A chance comment by a stranger opened doors for this man that previously had be locked shut. 

   It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time, but more importantly, it means caring for others.  How can you help someone today?

 

Beth

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September 5, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

 Everyone has their own reasons and motivations for choosing the jobs, work and careers that they do.

   Some people look for a job or career that pays extremely well.  Then, they spend the rest of their days struggling out of bed in the morning, forcing themselves to go to work at a job that they are growing to hate more and more, just because they get a hefty pay check every two weeks. 

   Of course, a subset of this group consists of those individuals who go to work expecting that same hefty pay check, but they don’t expect to actually do anything for it save sit around all day doing nothing.  Money truly does not buy happiness, health or peace of mind.

   Some people, on the other hand, choose a career based on the prestige and fame they will receive.  Little do they realize that fame is an illusion and the perks are fleeting.  They are constantly looking over their shoulder to see who’s threatening their position.  Their identity is jeopardized when the job ends.

   On the other side of the spectrum, are those individuals whose humanitarian efforts are largely unknown, but the results are appreciated by many as they work to better the lives of the underprivileged and downtrodden in our world.  They renounce money and fame in an effort to further their causes.

   The vast majority of us fall somewhere in the middle.  Whether you concentrate on the pay check or on the satisfaction of helping other people in your world, choose a job or career that you are enthusiastic about.  Your enthusiasm will be appreciated by those around you, and you will find that the work is more enjoyable in the long run.

 

Beth

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August 15, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   My faith in humankind has been strengthened.  There are some really good people out there.  Of course, there are bad people too, but given the chance, some of them will occasionally come through when you need them to.

   The young man, whom I wrote about last month, made the right choice (even if he left it to the last minute) in the end.  I can only hope that he will start making better choices in his life, so he will not end up in a similar situation in the future.

   The Communities in Bloom group had a wonderful experience with some young men who helped them finish the work on Heritage Park prior to the judging.  Not only did these gentlemen help, but they also came up with some wonderful suggestions that were implemented into the design.

   We need to encourage our young people to get involved in the community more.  They need to know that their ideas are welcome.  They need to feel accepted and valued for the contributions that they can make.  They need opportunities to contribute in projects that are worthwhile and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.  Communities in Bloom has made a step in that direction.  Who will be next?

 

Beth

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August 1, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Friday, July 25th, I had the opportunity to attend a country dance in an old country schoolhouse that had been converted into a hall.  I can only imagine the number of dances that were held within those walls in the years since it was built.

   As the group of us in attendance laughed, joked, visited with neighbours and friends, snacked and, of course, danced the evening away, I was reminded of stories I’ve heard about the old-time community dances of yesteryear.  To help recreate the same atmosphere, we did have a local duo provide some old-time fiddle and guitar accompaniment.

   It was a wonderful evening, with everyone having lots of fun, from the youngest to the oldest.  A simple family event that will provide many happy memories. 

   In recent years, we seem to have lost the ability to just have fun.  One advantage of country living is that we have the ability to create fun out of the simple pleasures.  Fun that is not expensive and that you don’t have to travel hours for.  This tradition of the family country dance is just one legacy passed down from our grandparents that we should revive for future generations.

Beth

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July 18, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Choices...we have all been faced with them, we have all made them, we have all made good and not so good ones, and we have all had good choices go bad because of someone else’s choice.

   Last week, I had the occasion to meet a young man who made a choice.  It was not a good choice.  It was not a well thought out choice.  It was an illegal choice.  It was a choice with major ramifications attached.  It was a choice that adversely affected others besides himself.

   Having made this choice, the young man is now faced with even more choices, and they are not going to be easy.  He is going to have to seriously think before he acts and make sure that he does not make a wrong move.  He certainly does not want to compound his bad choices at this stage in the game.

   Every choice we make affects not only ourselves, but others as well.  We have to be very careful when making choices in our lives.  More importantly, we need to look ahead to the possible ramifications of our choices, on ourselves and others.

   The choices you make can change the whole course of your life in a heartbeat.  Think before you act and pay attention to what you are doing.

   You have the choice.

Beth

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July 4, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Despite what is happening in the world around us and at home, we truly are very fortunate to live in the country of Canada.

    One of my family’s Canada Day traditions is to watch the Parliament Hill noon-hour ceremony on CBC.  This year, the format of the ceremony was slightly different than previous years.  For instance, the Snowbirds began the show, not ending it as in the past.

    This year’s theme concentrated on the physical geography and beauty of Canada.  Governor-General Adrianne Clarkson pointed out in her speech that we have many great places of natural beauty to visit, not only in the summer, but all year round.  Canada is the place where we ‘can’ do whatever we desire as the possibilities are endless.

   Let us not take for granted the treasures we have around us.  Treasures of open spaces, clean air, nature trails, recreation areas, water bodies, and more.  People travel from around the globe to visit Canada and those places that are practically in our own backyards.

   This summer, take some time to explore the land around you.  Take a walk around Alix Lake, visit one of the many spots around Buffalo Lake, or take a trip to Content Bridge.  Be daring and take a drive down a country gravel road you’ve never traveled before, just to see where you end up.  The possibilities truly are endless. 

    Have a wonderful summer.

Beth

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June 20, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   As I type this, the time is currently 1:20 pm.  The paper should have been sent off to the printer over seven hours ago, and yet, here I am attempting to compose an editorial.  What’s more, I have absolutely no idea what I should write about.  In addition, I can think of at least a couple of things I’d rather be, or should be, doing.

   Very often in life, we wish we had all the answers, a crystal ball that revealed the future, or a large sign pointing us in the right direction.  Of course, we don’t know all the answers (or even all the questions for that matter), there is no crystal ball and there certainly is no giant direction sign showing us the next step in our lives.

   We have to keep on plugging away, doing our thing and hope for the best.  Hope that we are on the right path and doing what we should be doing.  Life isn’t easy, but nor is it overly complicated either.

   Keep smiling and looking up.  And don’t forget to enjoy both the sunshine and the rain showers, as both are vital for growth.

Beth

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June 6, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Father’s Day is going to be different for my sister and I this year.  While we didn’t go all out for Dad, we did remember him on this special day of the year.  Though, with two incredible daughters like us, what more could the man have wanted?!

   “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)  These words could be used to describe my Dad’s life. 

   One of Dad’s greatest strengths as a father was his presence in our home.  He was always there.  If we ever saw something neat and nifty we could share it with Dad.  If I ever had a question, he was there to ask.  Though, one time I asked how big an acre was (in relation to an area that I could visualize) and his response was, “An acre.”  He had a very good sense of humour too.

   Dad believed in working hard and getting the job done. It didn’t matter who was responsible or what the job was.  If it needed done, you did it.  After many years working various types of jobs (he was a jack-of-all-trades), he retired and would often be seen around Mirror mowing and caring for neighbours’ lawns in summer and shovelling snow in winter.

   Dad was a man of immeasurable strength of character.  His tough inner core was pure steel.  He rarely complained about his health or little aches or pains - in fact, he often hid any problems he had.  Being sick was no excuse not to do what needed to be done - even if it was getting married (he apparently had the flu on his wedding day).  Dad was a very grounded, steady individual.  He usually didn’t get too worked up about most situations, and it took a lot to rattle that man.  Not that we tried to shake him up to often. 

   While he was a quiet man who didn’t like being in crowds, Dad was well known and well liked, as he would chat with anyone and everyone.  Often on a trip downtown, he’d chat with numerous neighbours and wouldn’t get home for a while.  In addition, Dad never hesitated to help someone if they needed a hand, or another pair of hands.  He was known for helping out various organizations in town - even though he was not a member.  Dad spent many hours helping with the Museum recycling program by sorting papers and cardboard galore.

   The woman I am now is due, in part, to the man that Dad was.  The example that he provided for my sister and I as we were growing up, and in the past years, has had a profound effect on our own personalities.  Our own inner strength and integrity are a reflection of his own, as well as our flexible, spontaneous natures.  

  Though he isn’t here to read this…

  Dad, this is for you.  Thank you for being such a wonderful father. 

   Happy Father’s Day!

Beth

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May 16, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Graduation is just around the corner.  This rite of passage is an important milestone in every young adult’s life - the transition from student to adult, the movement from the safe environment of school to the real world.

   I have some thoughts I’d like to share with the graduating class…

   Be flexible.  This one attribute can make all the difference in your future dealings with people in your life, on the job and in the community.  Don’t bend over backwards to please people, but when situations change and plans go awry, be flexible enough to come back and keep going. 

   That said, always have at least one backup plan.  Life doesn’t always go exactly the way we want it to (surprise!) and it is good to have some options available - the more the better.

   Laugh...I heard a speaker say not that long ago that if you’re going to laugh about it five years from now, laugh NOW!  When it seems like life is throwing you curve balls and raining on your parade - laugh.  Humour can make any situation more tolerable and easier to handle.

   Have fun.  Life can be serious, worrisome and depressing, if you want it to be.  Or, it can be one exciting adventure after another.  It’s your choice.

   Congratulations to the Class of 2003!

Beth

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May 2, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   May 13th will mark the 5th anniversary of my librarianship at Alix Public Library.  Time really does fly by when you are having fun, or just having endless computer problems!

   The Library has grown and undergone many changes and improvements in the past five years.  How many of you remember what the basement looked like before the renovations?  My very first task as Librarian was to clean everything (including the spiders) out of the basement so the renovations could take place - that was definitely an adventure. 

   Other changes and improvements have included the acquisition of Internet computers, the establishment of the Audio/Visual Suite, “When in…” Supper evenings, increased hours, and a weekly Preschool Story Hour.

   Becoming the Librarian in Alix has been one of the best things to ever happen to me.  Looking through some old Library minutes, I decided that I was obviously meant to have this job because I refused to consider it through the years and I still ended up here!

   In 1994, friends told me that the position was available and I should apply.  All I could think about was that I never (never say never) wanted to work in Alix.  It was still too close to graduation, and at the time I didn’t have too many fond memories of the community.  I was very happy working in the Bashaw Library, and I felt that I never wanted to work in Alix.  Refusal number 1.

   Then in 1998, two days after the application deadline (whew, I was safe, or so I thought) it was mentioned to me that Alix Library had been advertising for a new librarian and I should have applied.  Even though the deadline was past, they might accept an application.  After all those years, my list of reasons for refusing to even consider the position hadn’t really changed.  Having missed the application deadline, I figured that would be the end of it.    Refusal number 2.

   The end of April, 1998, Kitty Parlby phoned me at Bashaw and asked me if I could train their new librarian.  I hesitated, but training was a different kettle of fish from working, so I agreed.  Little did I know that once they got me in the door, I wouldn’t get off so easy.  After mentioning to the lady whom I was training that my career dream had always been to be a librarian, she approached the Library Board and suggested they hire me as the head librarian, with her as my assistant.  When the idea was presented to me, I was very hesitant.   Unfortunately (or so it seemed at the time) my reasons for refusing seemed to be no longer valid!  I accepted their offer and the rest is history, and I have had no regrets.

   If you are unsure about what direction to go, don’t worry.  If you stay true to your personal values, you’ll end up where you should be!

Beth

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April 18, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Have you ever noticed that just when you think you have it all together...life happens!

   Saturday I was in a rearranging mood, so decided to make some changes at the library.  I was having fun, and even discovered some treasures that I didn’t know existed.

   I decided to vacuum the floor, just to finish off the job.  Everything was going great, until I got to the stairs, where the vacuum died - painfully - with smoke and spewing of unmentionables.  The situation was made worse because we were having a supper that evening, and it was now impossible to breathe because of the smoke.  Needless to say, I had to come up with a rapid method of airing out the building and only a short time to do it in.  I did prevail, with the help of an air freshener, and our supper was a success. 

   What surprise is Life throwing your way?

Beth

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April 4, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   The moisture we have been seeing of late is a wonderful sight to behold.  Spring has truly sprung here in Alberta.

    Spring is a good time to reflect on our lives and our blessings.  As the earth comes to renewed life with buds appearing, as well as the green grass, we should take a moment or two and reflect on how we are coming more alive with the spring.

   Despite what is happening in the world all around us, we do have a lot to be thankful for, and I believe we need to remember that more often.  We all have umpteen things that we are grateful for, so start making a list.  See how long you can make it.

   Happy Spring! 

Beth

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