March 18, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer      

  By now I’m sure everyone has heard about the four RCMP officers who were killed two weeks ago near Mayorthorpe.  To the vast majority of us, who did not know them personally, they are nothing more than a picture in the paper and a tragic headline.

   For me, that changed when I watched the memorial service last week which was held in Edmonton. Anecdotes, and other memories, shared by family and friends gave us all a glimpse into the personalities of these four men.

   A father spoke of his promise to his son, Peter Schiemann, to tell everyone of Jesus and the hope He offers to us all if anything ever happened to Peter.

   A fellow officer, and brother, spoke of how he idolized his older (by nine minutes) twin brother, Leo Johnston, and how he spent his life striving to be as good as Leo.

   A friend spoke about Tony Gordon’s fierce competitive spirit and how he usually won every competition, except when he played crib with his wife.

   A family friend spoke about how Brock Myrol had such an adventurous nature, and travelled to various countries, including Africa where he trained to be a guide.

   These are very small facets of each of the men, but facets that remind us that each was someone’s son...a beloved family member...a cherished friend...and so much more than just a tragic headline.  They had dreams...one was newly engaged, one a newly wed, another an expectant father.  They were loved and they loved in return. 

   We all should be expressing our gratitude to the members of the RCMP, whose presence allows us to live in the peace and safety that we all too often take for granted and expect will always be.  Our lives would be so different without them to protect us.  But we should be express our thanks all the time, not just when something tragic happens to remind us of what we have.

   We also need to remember that what happened to Peter, Leo, Tony and Brock could happen to any one of our own officers.  Let us pray that it does not.

   To the family and friends of the four men I extend my sincerest sympathies and prayers.  May their sacrifice never be forgotten.     

Beth

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March 4, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I must be starting to get a touch of spring fever as I am sitting here and I can’t think of a thing to write!  Either that, or else I have so much swirling around in my brain that I can’t isolate one single thought that I am wanting to expand on or share.  I also hope I haven’t forgotten anything important.

   The days have been beautiful with the increased sunshine, warmer temperature, and melting ice and snow.  I’ve taken some time to work outside moving some of the more persistent piles of snow and ice. 

   Spring is a time when we throw off the darkness of the winter season and embrace the sunshine.  When we throw off the parka and look for lightweight clothing.  When we look for signs of new life and the returning birds.

   As we start moving towards more spring-like conditions outside, don’t forget to appreciate the changes around you as you add an extra “spring” to your step!  

Beth

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February 18, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer      

   First, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the kind folks who helped me get unstuck the past two paper delivery days.  Thanks to them, I was back on my way in a timely manner and was able to continue my deliveries.

   The latest topic of discussion in my management course is on mission statements and goals.  For those of you who think those two terms are interchangeable...they’re not.

   Mission Statements are short, easily remembered statements of where you are striving to go.  They do not reflect where you are now, but your aim for the future.  They are for an indefinite time period and can be modified.

   Goals, on the other hand, are definite, time related and are actions that are meant to propel you further along the road towards meeting the lofty aim of your mission statement.

   Too many people don’t want to adopt a quality mission statement because they can’t see past where they are right now.  Don’t be one of those in a rut.  Change!  Grow!  Move!   

Beth

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February 4, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

         I am currently taking a library management course as part of my degree program.  Not surprisingly this is a fairly new course and the idea of management in libraries in particular, while not a new phenomenon, is not something that was really discussed till recently.

   As this is an online course, the dynamics of class discussion are interesting to say the least, but not impossible through emails.  I’m not sure if it is the professor we have, or if it is the nature of the topic, but as a class we have been having quite the discussions about service or lack there of, the best/worst bosses we’ve had, and what the ‘ideal’ manager would do to bring about the desired results.

   What is interesting to me is how much we take good service and good work environments for granted.  Not everyone is so fortunate.  We expect, and often demand, that we receive good service when we are at a place of business.  But, this is a two-way street.  While the customer is always right, the customer should be respectful of the person serving them as well.  Then service will be good.  

Beth

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January 21, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

      I heard a really neat illustration not that long ago.  In reference to struggling church congregations, it was suggested that they need to learn to breathe water.

   This concept could be applied to any situation.  Instead of feeling like we’re drowning in work, obligations, worries, concerns, troubles, stress, responsibilities, committees, have-tos and so on, we need to learn to breathe water.

   This means that we need to look at life from a different perspective, approach our responsibilities in a different fashion, start looking at our have-tos and decide what we want to do, and stop dwelling on what we can’t change in our lives.

   When you think about this concept, most of us have experience with water breathing in one or more aspects of our lives already.  What we need to do is apply the concept to all areas of our lives.  

Beth

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January 7, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Sometimes something that should be a good thing turns out, through no direct fault of your own, to be a really bad thing.

   In November, a project was started in my life that should have been a good, positive thing...and it should have been completed by the end of that month.

   Unfortunately, the project continued into the next month and, besides inconveniencing a whole bunch of other people, totally turned my life upside down and inside out.  It still is not done and will become a massive undertaking to rectify the situation.

   Now, every once in a while we all need shook up and jolted out of our favourite ‘ruts.’  However, there is a difference between a rut-jolting and major upheaval that affects every aspect of your life in a very negative manner...health, jobs, social interactions, emotional and mental stability.

   When these ‘earthquakes’ rock our world, we have to make sure that we have something to ground us and keep us tied to the solid and sane.  It is important to have a support structure (friends, family) in place to lean on when needed until you get your feet back under you.

   We are at the beginning of a brand new year...and whether we are trying to survive a natural disaster, are grieving the loss of family or friends, are dealing with a major health crisis, or are having to deal with an unprofessional employee, we have the choice...either we can let the tragedies of life overwhelm us, or we use that time of upheaval to strengthen us. 

Beth

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December 17, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Last Sunday night I saw a shooting star streak across the night sky…and I made a wish…

   My wish for you is that...you have happiness no matter what is happening in your life...friends to share your joys and your sorrows with...you have a task that is not only meaningful, but also contributes to making the world a better place...you know that you are loved, even if it feels like everyone and everything is against you…and, that the magic of this Christmas season and the true meaning behind the traditions will give you hope!  

Beth

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December 3, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I am finding it hard to believe that it has been two whole weeks since I last typed an editorial.  Where, oh where, is this year going?

   The days, weeks and months have been flying by at lightning speed.  Plus, there are just not enough days in the weeks anymore.

   Do you remember how time dragged when you were waiting for Christmas as a child.  The anticipation and excitement kept building as the days counted down...very s-l-o-w-l-y.  It seemed like Santa would never get here.

   Many of us have lost that sense of anticipation and excitement in our lives.  We are so caught up in our routines and “have to’s” that we overlook the excitement of life around us.  We fret and fume about Christmas shopping and preparations, that we’ve forgotten the anticipation that we felt as a child.

   Let us try and slow time down a bit as we recapture our youthful excitement of the miracle of the Christmas season.  

Beth

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November 19, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Life is getting a little harried as I come to the end of another university course and begin working on the final project.  In the midst of that, I am also starting some projects at the library which need to be done by the end of the year.

   Also, we are approaching the time when Christmas parties, functions and shopping are coming up fast.  Remember...be responsible and look out for others.

   This year is rapidly drawing to a close.  I can’t believe how fast the days, weeks and months have been flying by.  Let us take a moment to breathe during this hectic time and reflect on the past year...on our accomplishments, on what we want to improve and on what direction we want our lives to go in the coming year. 

Beth

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November 5, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   It is amazing what can be accomplished when everyone works together for a common goal...especially if the goal is going to help others.  The Hartel Benefit held last week is an excellent example of this.

   Businesses and individuals in the community joined forces and pulled together to make the special evening a night of fun, laughter, friendship, and support.  Each person did their part to make the evening a successful undertaking on all fronts.  Hats off to the organizers and everyone who was part of the Benefit evening.

   Rather than dwelling on what couldn't be done, or what they didn’t have, people looked at the possibilities and what they did have that they could share with others.  No one sat there and said, “This can’t be done” or “This will never work” or “We should just give up as this is too big an undertaking.”  No, participants gave and gave some more - giving support to a family in the community.

   The Hartel Benefit should be an example to all of us and our community organizations.  Anything CAN be done IF people care enough to do something.  

Beth

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October 15, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

     You never realize how much you depend on something until it is no longer there, or no longer the way it used to be.

   Over two weeks ago, I almost ripped my thumb nail off.  A minor inconvenience that I figured would heal and life would go back to normal.  Fine in theory, but it was my ‘left’ thumb nail, and I’m left-handed.  I never realized how much I use that thumb, and its nail, in my everyday routine, until suddenly I was without thumb usage.  While I am fairly adept at changing hand usage at whim, I still found it difficult to do some things with my right hand, that are usually a breeze with my left.

   It is amazing how the ‘little things’ of life have the greatest impact on our daily lives.  It is not the big events that we notice quite as much as the little things when something goes wrong.  Habits and routines can be disrupted by something as small as a sore thumb, just as easily as something major like a terminal illness.  We can let the ‘little things’ get to us, or we can rise above them. 

Beth

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October 1, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Due to renovations at the Library, I am enjoying an unexpected day off to myself. 

   Now, I could (if I wanted too) gripe and complain about how this is a big inconvenience…and it is an inconvenience, not only myself, but those wanting to use the library, or submit items for the paper.

   Instead, I am thrilled to bits.  This little, unexpected break is providing me with time to accomplish tasks that I thought I’d have to forgo this week due to time constraints.  As well, I am typing this editorial in a leisurely manner on Tuesday, rather than in a frantic rush on Wednesday, which means that the paper will get submitted at the proper time and I’ll be able to devote myself to studying on Wednesday.

   In life, we get unexpected breaks tossed our way - usually when we least expect it, but could sure use it.  Rather than griping and complaining about how our routine has been disrupted, we should savour these unexpected breaks for the bonuses they are.  Who hasn’t wished for one more day to accomplish a task, or for a couple hours just to themselves.

   Also, take time to enjoy the changing seasons.  Admire the changing leaves, walk out in the crisp fall air, rake some leaves together and then jump in them like a little kid, enjoy the garden produce and the fruit harvests.

   We have much to be thankful for in our world.  Let’s take the time to remember to appreciate and acknowledge our blessings.

   Happy Thanksgiving! 

Beth

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September 17, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

      In some readings I did of late, I came across a blurb on the concept of Kaizen.  While this has been mostly applied to business management in Japan, Kaizen can be applied to any area of life.

   In a nutshell, Kaizen is small continuous changes which over time result in big changes.

   If you want to make a change to a particular area of your life - professionally or personally - it is better to start with baby steps.  Do just one small action a day to move you further along the road to your goal.

   By taking baby steps, you won’t overwhelm yourself - a major reason why people start something new and then quit after mere days.  Also, you will be able to see the tangible changes that you are making, changes that are in manageable bite sizes.

   These baby steps can be very small...finding a pen so you can write down the next step...putting everything for the next task in one convenient location...making one phone call (or just looking up the number so you can make the call!).

   Start off small, but be consistent.  It is only by consistency that the job will get done or the change will occur.  Doing one action a day will add up quickly to more and more actions.

   What is the one thing that you wish to change, improve, enhance or learn this fall...take the first baby step to accomplishing that goal.  Good luck! 

Beth

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September 3, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   It is getting to be that time of year again...the leaves are starting to change colour and drift earthward, the days are getting shorter, there is a definite nip in the air, people are starting to pull out their jackets and fall wardrobes, farmers are harvesting (weather permitting!) and garden produce is being taken in and prepared for winter storage.

   Children are back in school (myself included!) and it is time for the various clubs, organizations and activities to resume for another season.  Registration and sign up nights are scheduled to assist you in deciding what to take part in.

   We all have our usual organizations we’re involved in, but now is the time to reflect on why we’re in the groups we’re in.  If you feel that your contribution makes a difference, or that belonging to something fills a need you have, great.  On the other hand, if you only sign up because you always have and it has become habit, or a dead weight, maybe it’s time to think again.

   All of us have a basic need to contribute to the large world around us, and all of us want to feel that our contribution matters to the whole.  If you don’t have that sense that what you do is important, perhaps it is time to leave that group in someone else’s capable hands as you go off to find a group where your unique talents and expertise will be an asset.

   We all have a special niche in community life.  Have you found yours? 

Beth

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