April 16, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I recently had the pleasure of sharing with his family, the happiness of a friend who was hired for the job of his dreams, after a long job search.  This job will utilize his training and past experience, and it will not only be as easy as pie for him, but will stretch and challenge him as an individual.

   I also heard about another individual who will be starting his dream job soon.  He has managed to take two important aspects of his life and experiences that he really loves and combine them into a new unique position which capitalizes on his personal strengths.  He is excited about this new opportunity and he feels like he’s won the lottery.

   Have you ever felt that you were working at the perfect job for you?  Have you ever felt that life was wonderful and everything was falling into place without any effort on your part?  Have you ever felt that you had the ‘Midas touch’ at work?

   If you have felt that way, you are blessed indeed.  If you haven’t, why not?

   Maybe it is time to look at your life and your job.  If you are not happy doing what you’re doing, why are you still doing it?  What excuses are you mouthing?  Why are you resigned to a life of unhappiness?

   A large majority of your adult life will be spent on the job.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to do something that not only challenges you, but fulfills your deepest desires?  Wouldn’t you rather do work that makes a difference, not only to you, but to others as well?

   I can tell you from experience, when you are working in your dream job, it isn’t work anymore...you feel like you’re getting paid to play.  That’s the way it should always be.  Is that how it is for you? 

Beth

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April 2, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   How do you perceive yourself?  Do you have a positive self-perception?  Or a negative one?  Just so you know, reality and negativity are not automatically the same thing! 

  How do others perceive you?  Have you ever asked your close friends or family that question?  Has anyone ever just volunteered to share their perceptions of you with you?

   Is who you are on the inside who you are reflecting on the outside?  If not, why not?

   You are the only person who really knows who you are.  Thus, you are the only person who can alter how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you.

   If you are finding that others are not treating you the way you think they should, take a look at what you are projecting to them.  Feel that you are lacking respect...are you projecting the impression of a person who deserves respect, or are you not?

   Humans have a tendency to mirror, or reflect, back to others what they project to us.  If someone is speaking to you in an angry tone, notice how easy it is to respond in like manner.  Or the most obvious example...ever tried to not smile at someone smiling at you?  There is a reason for the saying that smiles are contagious.

   If things are not working in your life and people do not seem to be treating you the way you want them to, it is time to take a good look at yourself and your self-perception.  If you think you are a victim, you will project that and others will treat you like one.  Thankfully the opposite is true.  Believe you are a winner and soon those around you will treat you like a winner.  

Beth

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March 19, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Saturday is the first ‘official’ day of spring.  There have been many signs sighted already, not counting the disappearing snow!

   Gophers have been spotted frolicking on the remaining snow drifts.  Someone told me they spotted a robin.  I heard the geese honking as they flew over the library the other day.  I was also told that someone has managed to rake their lawn already!  There is still too much snow lying around to attempt that feat on our lawn, though I have had the opportunity to play in a few mud puddles.

   Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation.  People have more energy and perk up when the sun is shining.  Spring is an ideal time to start new projects and try new skills. 

   Happy Spring!! 

Beth

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March 5, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

  I was glancing at some junk mail the other day that was hyping the new healthy alternatives for those following the low-carbohydrate diet.  Some of the products were rather ridiculous...low-carb bread? 

   The one that really caught my eye was the latest offering at some restaurants - a bun-less burger.  Now, unless you have an allergy, it is not the bun that comes with the burger that is going to kill you or causes you to gain weight, but rather what is between that bun.  Just like it is not what you eat between Christmas and New Year’s that is the cause of your weight gain, but what you eat between New Year’s and Christmas.

   The average consumer in North America is quite gullible and marketers take advantage of that.  If the package says ‘Fat Free’ or ‘No Sodium,’ consumers will buy them without looking to see that the fat free is high in sodium and the no sodium has a high fat content.

   The majority of Canadians do not need to cut carbohydrates out of their diets, they need to cut out junk food and candy...processed sugars.  Our bodies need carbohydrates for fuel and proper functioning.  What we don’t need is excess sugar.

   But more importantly than what we eat, is what we do for activity and exercise.  Our grandparents were very active compared to people today.  Hauling in wood or coal, water for drinking and washing, as well as getting up out of the chair to accomplish virtually every task kept them fit, despite their high carb and protein diets.

   Isn’t time you started moving more?   

Beth

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February 20, 2004 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   Somewhere in my box of future projects to be completed, I have a little saying that I am planning to ‘someday’ cross-stitch as a wall hanging, or if I get really ambitious, I’ll cross-stitch it on a shirt.  The saying: “God put me on this earth to accomplish so many things.  At the rate I’m going, I’m never going to die.”

   Many of us can relate to this quote.  There never seems to be enough time to get done what we need to get done, let alone what we want to get done.  Most of us have a list or a box, or something, with all the projects we would like to finish or start.

   Added to those projects, are all the new and delightful opportunities awaiting us in the future.  New skills to learn, new projects to start, new ideas to try out.  When are we to get this all done?

   This year, try to complete just one of your ‘someday’ projects and enjoy, not only the finished project, but the feeling of having completed something that you have wanted to do for so long.  The feeling of relief alone will make the effort worth while.  Who knows, you may decide to finish another project and then another. 

   Remember...someday is today! 

Beth

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February 6, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   We recently lost a priceless gem with the passing of long-time Alix resident, Alice Whitfield.

   Alice was very involved in the community throughout the numerous years that she lived here.  The list of organizations that Alice made her distinctive mark on during her lifetime include: the Arena, Curling Club, Golf Club, Public Library, Drop In Centre, Girl Guides, Alix Home and School, the Seniors’ Lodge, the Chamber of Commerce, Alix Wagon Wheel Museum, Sincerity Rebekah Lodge and her church.  As well as being a business owner with her husband in their earlier years in Alix, Alice had touched the true heart of Alix.  It was only in the most recent of years that she slowed down and did not take such an active role in the community events, but rest assured, Alice still had a hand in what was going on!

   Alice put down roots in this community, and those roots ran deep.  She was able to literally watch generations grow up and start families of their own.  A genuinely friendly lady, Alice had too many friends to count.  She was always able to keep tabs on those who were her friends, even if she did not see them often.  She will definitely be missed.  May the rich legacy which Alice has left all of us continue to grow.

   Also, I’d like to say a big thank you to the helpful gentleman with the snowblower who very nicely helped me get my car unstuck last weekend.  

Beth

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January 16, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

  For Christmas, I received a plaque that reads: “Everyone is born right-handed, only the gifted overcome it.”  While lefties everywhere wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, it does apply to other circumstances in our lives.

   You were born…

·        In a particular moment in time

·        In a particular locality

·        During particular series of events, both local, national and international

·        To a particular set of parents

·        Into a particular nuclear and extended family

·        Into a particular ethnic background

·        Into a particular segment of society

·        Into a particular economic class

·        Into a particular belief system

·        Into a particular tradition

   But...that does not mean that your ‘lot’ in life is set in concrete, never to be changed. 

   We all have the opportunity to take those parts of our background which we had no control over and then chose our future.  The factors that have shaped us are part of who we are, but they are not entirely who we are.  We are constantly faced with new circumstances and events in our lives.  These events and, more importantly, our reactions to them, are what shape our personality and character.

   All of us are ‘gifted’ in one area or another.  How are we overcoming what we can’t control to shape what we can...ourselves? 

Beth

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January 2, 2004 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year.  A year full of possibility and adventure.  A year in which anything can happen.  A year that you can chose to be the best it can be.

   This is the time of year when many of us come up with our New Year’s Resolutions.  Some resolutions will be kept, some won’t.  Some resolutions are the same as last year (and the year before that…), some are new.

   As we embark on this new year, my wish  for you is this...May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. (Anonymous)

   Happy New Year and all the best in 2004!

 

Beth

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December 19, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

  People tell me that time flies as you get older and each year passes quicker than the one before.  I can believe it, as this year definitely flew on by. 

   Here we are almost at the end of another year, Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s paper day again...and I haven’t had a chance to think of anything profound to share with you!

   This holiday season, don’t let the hustle and the bustle distract you from the real reason for all this excitement at this time of year.  Take a moment to remember friends and family, both near and far.  Share in the fellowship of others, be it at Christmas parties or special church services.  Remember there is more than one way to give to others.

   May your holiday be safe and full of fun and may the new year bring you endless joy!

 

Beth

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December 5, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   On November 23, 2003, I was in Stettler to watch the Heartland Arts Troupe perform their rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  All the performers and volunteers are to be commended on an excellent performance.

   The cast and crew of the production willingly shared their various talents so that the members of the audience could enjoy the experience.  Not everyone can be the star of the production, but everyone’s contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is necessary for the whole production to occur.

   Each one of has a multitude of talents.  Some of these talents we share quite readily, others we keep hidden.  Some talents we wish to explore further, while others we refuse to acknowledge.

   Each of us has to determine which talents are most important to us, and which, depending on circumstances in our lives, we are willing to put on hold if need be.

   Only as individuals can we decide which talents we are going to develop and nurture within us, and then share with others around us.

   You don’t have to be perfect, or the star of the show, to share your talents.  What are you waiting for?

 

Beth

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November 21, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

  If you are like me, you have lots of dreams.  Dreams that you are still dreaming and hoping will come true.  You may have some dreams that you have changed as the years have passed and you have matured.

   On October 31st, I had a dream come true in my life.  My cousin and I had the opportunity to attend a concert of my all-time favourite singer, Don Williams, at the Jubilee in Calgary. 

   The magic in the room was incredible, as I joined the other members of the audience in singing the words to all our favourite tunes, such as Till the Rivers All Run Dry and I Believe in You, with the Gentle Giant himself, who performed in a very laidback manner.

   So, don't give up on your dreams, even the ones that seem impossible.  Dreams do come true...especially when you least expect it!  

 

Beth

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November 7, 2003 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer     

   After residing in the community for 24 years, I never thought I’d see the day when I was ashamed to admit I was a resident of Mirror.  Sadly, that day has arrived.

   On Oct. 27, 2003 the residents of Mirror voted to change our Village motto from “Pride is Our Locomotive” to “Stupidity is the Name of Our Game.” 

   To the 57 other individuals who voted to remain a Village, I would like to commend you on your stance, and thank you for your support for our community.  As for the other 80%, I would like to remind you of some events that have happened in the recent past.

   On February 18, 2003 I attended a Village Meeting in Mirror where it was mentioned that if the proposed budget was passed, we would face dramatic increases in our taxes and water rates.  Naturally, there was some concern about the proposed increases.

   Following the March 26 Village Meeting, a Council meeting was held, with Tom Roberts from Municipal Affairs, and the budget (with massive tax increases) was  passed.  I was shocked when most of the residents in the room erupted into clapping and cheering.  If you were one of those cheering...YOU asked for the high taxes we were faced with this year and YOU showed your support for the increases by your cheering.

   Jumping ahead to the night of Oct. 27th.  I heard that people were again cheering when the results were posted.  Just remember, when things don’t turn out like you think they will...YOU asked for this.

   Dissolution will not solve the problem facing Mirror - which is the majority of the residents living here.  It has been mentioned that Mirror is a caring community.  False!  Mirror has a handful of residents who care about the community and the people who live here.  The vast majority of residents are either too lazy to  do anything, or else they don’t care at all. It has been suggest that we just need to work together to make things happen. The residents of Mirror have not been unified or worked effectively together on anything for as long as I can remember.  So what makes you think that dissolution will change that?

   I was very disappointed (but not overly surprised) that the majority chose to listen to the various lies, misinformation, and misconceptions going around town, rather than listening to the truth. 

   Like lambs being led to the slaughter, the majority of residents living in Mirror have been cleverly manipulated into causing the community’s eventual downfall.

   I can’t believe that the majority of YOU fell for it.

 

Beth

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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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