April 21, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Have you had things going along very smoothly?  Don't think about it too hard, even smoothness for a mere 15 minutes will qualify.  Then, just as you are getting into the groove, something comes up to throw a curve at you.

    I have had a couple of those types of situations lately.  Plans are in place, life is chugging along smoothly and then I get a phone call, a visit, or an email that what was working perfectly fine has to change.  The change isn't always necessary, but it is out of my hands.

    So I am faced with doing a 180 turn, or completely changing what was working quite perfectly prior to the notice.  I sit down and come up with new plans.  If "A" happens I can do this or this.  On the other hand, if "B" happens then I will have to that or that.

    I get my options figured out and my best case/worst case scenarios in place, and then I find out that there really will be no change.  Say what??

   I think that Life sometimes throws those curves at us just to see how serious we truly are about completing a goal, following a certain path or committing to a decision.  When we show that we are determined to continue no matter how high the mountains we are facing or outrageous the demands on us, then we have somehow proven that we are worthy of the goal, commitment, or life path.

   When it seems like your life is turning 180 on you, don't flip out, just remember you're faith in yourself is being tested.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gYtZmj7QNpWDG6QNjVhWQG0NhmRqiG2M/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

April 7, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   After numerous unsatisfactory encounters with different individuals and organizations in the past two weeks, I can only leave you with the following: 

   Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic Red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair.

   Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

   His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but over bearing regulations were set in place.

   Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion

   Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

   Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

   Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. Also, a brother, Consideration for Other People.  He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

   Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.   (Author Unknown)

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eSJEpID7Ftm9TXD-LjZIXlYgPwXlk2CC/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

March 17, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   I came across the following quote recently:  “Obstructions are good signs, my friend.  Good signs, indeed...The bigger the spirit that is trying to be born, the greater the troubles that it must overcome.  This makes it stronger.”  It is believed this quote is from a chief or elder from a Native American tribe in British Columbia. 

   It is similar in theme to this quote I found which is attributed to the Dalai Lama, or at least one of his monks: “They [the Dalai Lama and his monks] believe when a lot of things start going wrong all at once, it is to protect something big and lovely that is trying to get itself born – and that this something needs for you to be distracted so that it can be born as perfectly as possible.”

   It certainly puts a different spin on the persistent minor irritations that come into our lives, to the seemingly insurmountable mountainous obstacles.  In our life journey the road is not always supposed to be free of potholes.

   However, you must be working towards the greater good of humanity, locally or globally.  Your actions must be promoting love and improving life for others, otherwise the spiritual contract is null and void.  Are your actions improving life, or do you just think they are?

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13uyEMc9LkkSo995AeoBStbsW-xgIsp8T/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

March 3, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Winter is certainly here with a vengeance.  I don’t know if March will actually come in like a lion or a lamb, but February certainly is ending with a dramatic flair!

   For all you snow and winter enthusiasts...here is your chance to go out and play.  There is definitely enough snow for skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and other winter activities.  For those less inclined to enjoy winter’s touch, snuggle up inside with a hot beverage and enjoy the winter from the perspective of a warm building.

   As for myself...it is time to bundle up and clean the snow off the walks...and throw a little around just for fun!

 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19dDVUPgaHtUfN2FsaYT3F5PAG62pyFQi/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

February 17, 2006 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer  

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tgnzS1m-dkZmfKfU7aEEDmxK9aIE7UZ9/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

February 3, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   I know what will be the downfall of the world as we know it today...bubble wrap.  More specifically, the use, or non-use of bubble wrap to transport books between libraries within the Parkland Regional Library System.  For those who want to know my position on this earth-shattering conundrum I’m on...I am a proponent for the non-use of bubble wrap.

   People who spend their days dealing with minor issues such as bubble wrap are accomplishing nothing more than lighting a bunch of useless fires.  They are not effective.  They are not productive, and rarely are they liked, except by others who major in the minor things like they do.

   The people who have to come along behind and put out all those useless fires are not productive or efficient either as their time is largely spent on damage control, not on the real issues at hand.  Thus more worthwhile work is not being accomplished.

   Those firefighters are generally accountable to someone else, who is unable to accomplish anything either as a result of the previous two groups wasting time on issues which shouldn't even rate on any scale as issues. 

   Ultimately nothing gets done and more meetings are planned to discuss the reason why the workflow isn’t flowing, why accomplishments aren’t being accomplished, and what could be done to improve the situation.  Over Ninety percent of the time the response will probably lead back to something really minor as...bubble wrap!

   So now that I have wasted my time writing about it, you’ve wasted your time reading about it, let’s go an accomplish something worthwhile instead of lighting a bunch of useless fires for others to have to deal with.

Beth 

 

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jj6ygfk1ObyOc1wFhHdyYFAntlWIHUEu/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

January 20, 2006 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer  

 

  Time flies when you’re having fun!

   That saying is certainly true because I can’t believe how fast time has flown by...it has been four years since I took over entertaining you twice a month with a little newspaper called The Chautauqua.

   During the past four years I’ve managed to put out a paper, when I’m supposed to, despite numerous challenges, including technological malfunctions, crazy schedules, and other major and minor headaches and glitches along the way.

   As well, during the past four years, the newspaper has undergone a few changes - layout, number of pages, readership, area covered.  The most recent change being this month with the change in layout.

   I’ve had the opportunity to share with you the many and varied achievements and accomplishments of both individuals and communities.  We’ve rejoiced and celebrated together lots of good times. 

    We’ve also shared in the sorrow of local tragedies and loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hawksworth family on their recent loss and Atkinson family.

   Nothing stays the same.  Seasons come and go.  Life goes on.  We have a choice to continue to grow and improve ourselves, or stagnate. 

  As I enter this new year of providing the residents of the various communities I serve, I look forward to sharing more of the changes and challenges ahead - both good and bad - with you all.  Sorrow shared is halved, and joy shared is doubled.

 Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EyNbPUmxqSxvR5I1xtiF300pZzyF-8oX/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

January 6, 2006 Chautauqua

 

From the Editor's Computer  

   Happy New Year!  For some people this is a time of resolutions and “this year I AM going to do…”

   Often the intentions are good, but the body just doesn’t want to do/accomplish what we resolve to do.  Another year of resolutions bite the dust.

   Maybe we’re looking at this the wrong way.  Maybe it should be a time to reflect on what you really want to be doing in your life by going back to the way things were at an earlier stage in your life.

   There has been a resurgence of ‘classic’ music...rock, country and others.  Can you believe the popularity of the 1950s Christmas ditty “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” this past season?    

   How many times have you wished you could only be on one or two committees or boards so you could devote more time and effort to them, instead of the six or eight you’re involved with now.

   Rather than learning a new hobby or skill, why not dust off an old hobby or revisit a previous skill.

   Instead of resolving to ‘change’ why not resolve to ‘rediscover’ some aspect that used to be a part of your life.  Happy New Year!

 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nJpPgl8FHgEmY3NA9qkJukIsdj_gjlik/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.

December 16, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Have you ever had the experience of scrambling to catch up in one (or more!) areas of your life?  You’re trying so hard to catch up that all you are focussing on is the goal and your sights are so far ahead of you that you have lost sight of the present.  You slave and scramble, cry and rail against life and try to keep from sinking under the weight of uncompleted tasks.

   Then suddenly one day as you look ahead to where you need to be, you notice that somehow, somewhere along the line you passed yourself.  How is that possible?  How could you not notice?

   Human beings can get so focussed on what we need to do that it is like we are wearing blinders which block out everything around us.  While it is good to be able to focus and get the job done, we need to balance that focus with time spent enjoying the fun things in life.  All work and no play or relaxation makes us not only dull, but sick, out of sorts and miserable souls to be around.

   So whether you are still scrambling up a huge mountain of to-do’s, whether you are almost at the top of the mountain, or whether you’ve reached the top and are basking in the glow of accomplishment, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the upcoming holiday festivity preparations.  Don’t get so focussed on what you think needs done, that you forget the people around you and the fun activities that you can attend.  Take a break from your routine  to restore your soul.  Enjoy the present moment without fretting over what you can’t change from the past or can’t predict for the future.  Relax with a warm mug of hot chocolate and have a wonderfully relaxing Christmas!   

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e0abJWY3QQhtXO9Io4imlbgFIK0bBz_k/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.  

December 2, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Once upon a time, not so long ago, nor so far away there was a principality which was governed by a ruler who was both very wise and yet very foolish.  The ruler was exceedingly wise when following the advice of the wise advisors, and incredibly foolish when following the advice of the foolish advisors. 

   Unfortunately, the subjects of this principality never knew from day to day whether the ruler would act wisely, or foolishly.  Tensions ran high and tempers were short all around.  Even the various advisors didn’t always know which one  would be favoured that day to offer advice to the ruler...the wise or the foolish. 

   One day a stranger arrived at the ruler’s home and requested entrance.  Unbeknownst to anyone there, the stranger was the wisest and most knowledgeable advisor the previous rulers had ever had.  The stranger only appeared when the foolish were prevailing.

   The stranger was granted entrance and given food to eat.  Whilst he was partaking of his repast he observed the way the ruler interacted with the various advisors.  He noticed that the ruler tended to favour the foolish ones, ignoring the wise ones, yet acting like the opposite was true.  Thus, the reality was that the wise advisors were not asked for their advice and input.  The stranger found the situation to be most unique as he’d heard about the wisdom of the ruler in ages past. 

   Each day was a recurrence of the day before during the entire week.  The foolish advisors were favoured over the wise ones.  Thus the poor subjects were repeated victims of extreme foolish acts and proclamations.

   The stranger knew the situation was bleak for all, and that something needed to be done to transform the principality so it could thrive again.  He observed the situation for another week whilst he devised of a means to reveal to all what was really going on so that they could silence the foolish advisors, and allow the wise advisors to assist the ruler to restore order to the principality.

   Finally the scribe stood up one day and addressed the ruler, advisors, and subjects with these words…

   “Things are not as they should be,

With advice coming willy nilly,

The one who understands this clue

Can lead these people as the ruler true.

When I make my point

I leave no doubt,

Making my mark both

Within and without.

Lest thou fear

I’m easily mislead,

I keep my place

by using my head.

What am I?” 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WCqDFXMTkEbV2ko9jUCYNsCoS29U6TSl/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.  

November 18, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   We plan.  We fret.  We ponder.  We struggle.  We dream.  We stew.  We obsess.  We hope.  We pray.  We wish.  We plot a course of action.  We get advice.  We research. 

   However, no matter what we do...life can change in an instant.  The familiar becomes the unfamiliar.  We are turned around and we’re no longer headed in the direction we were headed.  The pathway that we were journeying down becomes steeper/rougher/narrower and more challenging. 

   The change could be nothing more than a change in price that puts a material object out of our price range.  It could be a salary cut which affects how we live and pay our bills, or a loss of job which affects how we perceive our value in the market place.  It could be the onset of an illness - minor, chronic or terminal - which can alter our whole life path and how we relate to others.  Changing relationships can alter more than our life direction, they can alter how we perceive and express our own natures.

   The change could come in a much more catastrophic form.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, out-of-control rioting, fires, and major accidents all have a way of stopping us in our tracks and changing life directions.

   While it is obvious when something huge or bad causes a change in life direction, there are also good changes which can result. 

   Winning the lottery (this one is a mixed blessing!), getting a raise, starting a new job with greater opportunities to express who you really are, volunteer opportunities which allow you to share and give back to your community and neighbourhood, new relationships - can all dramatically cause your life and shift it in a new direction, but not in a bad way.

   Every experience is an opportunity for us to grow and become better people, as well as make the world around us better.

   Life can change irrevocably in an instant, a blink of an eye, or in a ‘minute and a half’ as described by a popular country song.  There will be no warning, no time to prepare.  We need to be ready now with a flexible outlook and strength of character which will allow us to handle the setbacks and wonderful events with ease when our lives change at a moment’s notice.  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MZDLWBdufV2bBTLbFh_lFOW7sH7mI3N/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.  

November 4, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I have been a fan of bullriding for a number of years.  I actually come by my fascination with this extreme sport honestly as I come from a family with a long heritage in rodeoing and bullriding.

   Perhaps one of the more colourful of my rodeoing relatives was Dale “Hoot” Rose from the Redcliff/Medicine Hat area.  Dale reached the rodeo heights in the 70s, winning the bullriding at the Calgary Stampede in 1973 and then the Guy Weadick Award for sportsmanship in 1974. 

   One of my own earliest memories of Dale’s rodeo exploits was when he was gored by a bull at the Ponoka Old-timers Rodeo in the 1980s.  While the injury slowed Dale down, I do know it didn’t completely stop him from getting on the bulls in later years.

   Dale also trained a number of young rodeo hopefuls in the art of bullriding and calf roping beginning in the 1960s. Many of these young men went on to become rodeo champions and legends in their own right.

   Though a born cowboy, there was more to Dale than just rodeoing.  He was an accomplished woodworker.  As well, he was an incredible storyteller and wordsmith.  He was known for being able to spin a good tale.

   Dale passed away Oct. 27th taking his best stories with him, leaving us with memories.  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R72mLtQJ-19QgARU_mmZPWG2vxig1XEV/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.  

October 21, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

 

   Off and on for the past fifteen years I’ve flirted with the idea of becoming a computer guru.  Some days it seems like the perfect career choice.  Fortunately, I end up in a situation which rips the rose coloured specs off and reminds me why I don’t like computers enough to make a career out of them.

   Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against computers, or using them to accomplish various tasks.  My bone of contention with them comes into play when I have to deal with hardware problems, and software/programming glitches - generally, any situation or problem requiring tech support to resolve.  Or when I have to complete a whole course on automation issues. 

   Thanks to this course I’m working on, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am not meant to be a library computer tech or automation expert or systems analyst. 

   Sometimes we need to experience a little of what we don’t want in order to focus on discovering what we do want.  Sometimes it is easier to eliminate items, rather than add them, to our list of what we want to do in life.  When you find out you dislike a certain activity, be glad and then eliminate it from your life.

   In the meantime, I’ll make sure I always have at least one computer guru as a friend! 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uMKaxSJ7G3BZczLu3dxNQP5PArxsgDOr/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.  

October 7, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Sometimes things just don't work out right in our lives.  It doesn’t matter what we do, what we say, or how we feel, things just go in a different direction than we want them to.

   I’ve been having one of those weeks where it seems like everything is falling apart, not moving, or not going how I’d like it to go.

   My studies aren’t progressing the way I’d like them too (doesn’t help that I started the course three weeks behind everyone else due to late textbooks) and I discovered I can’t submit my assignments as my professor is out of touch with a family medical emergency.   Tasks I want to complete at work and at home aren’t getting done for various reasons.  I’m in the midst of a couple strained friendships, and that barely scratches the surface!

   Sometimes when things seem to fall apart, we need to let go of our desire to control the outcome and just let them. Let the computer not work, let the other person be mad at you, let yourself be frustrated, tired and miserable.

   Everything happens for a reason and the timing is always right.  The frustrating delay right now could be just what you need to allow you time to accomplish something else. The problems in your friendships could give you an opportunity to reach out to someone else who needs a friend.  It could be that you need to slow down and take care of yourself. 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pbu1ZpzgMZPktG7t1Lz7Z7png0njsrZ8/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.