Dive into the woods...

Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do so you will be certain to find something that you have never seen before. Follow it up, explore all around it, and before you know it, you will have something worth thinking about to occupy your mind. All really big discoveries are the results of thought.

- Alexander Graham Bell

Mistakes

The way you get better in everything in this life is to make mistakes. Otherwise you're probably doing it right by accident. But you have to do everything wrong before you can really start with some authority to do it right.

- Tobias Wolff

Pass by...

I shall pass this way but once. Therefore any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now.

—attributed to William Penn

Dreams

We must nurture our dreams like we would a child. They are God-given and just as precious. Without ambition how would a child learn to ride a bicycle, play an instrument or whistle? We deny the spirit of God when we as adults settle for less than our dreams!

- Conway Stone

December 1, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things."

"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
· Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Could you do it? Could you believe in six impossible things before breakfast?

Impossible things such as what you want to do with your life... what you want to be... where you want to go... what you want to accomplish…

Once you identify your impossible things...then start to truly believe that they are not impossible at all.

Can you do that?

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g4Ar5WjSaf3_IecQ7uEMYq1JSjXug_1m/view?usp=sharing

Encouraging thought

When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

- Edward Teller

November 17, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   There is a new online discussion forum that is being promoted through the United Church of Canada called Wondercafe (www.wondercafe.ca).  The purpose of this online forum is to promote and encourage discussion about a variety of topics (including religious beliefs) in an open and accepting manner.  I found the responses of some of the participants to be quite interesting.

   First...there is a group that believes they are RIGHT!  No ifs, ands or buts.  They seem to feel that the only way that they can get their point across and change others’ minds is to keep hammering incessantly the message, “YOU’RE WRONG!  YOU’RE WRONG!  YOU’RE WRONG!”

   This response has an immediate effect of totally killing any future conversation.

   Secondly, there is another group, not quite as harsh as the first, but close, who seem to feel that that only way to dialogue is to quote Bible verses (nothing wrong with that in the right context) and not venture a single original thought of their own.  Again their message is “You’re wrong because the Bible says…”

   Again, their response does nothing more than stop any progress that could have been made in terms of furthering the conversation along as they are not really willing to participate or respect the others views.

   Thirdly, there is a group that is somewhat willing to listen to others’ opinions, but they still think everyone else is wrong and feel compelled to point that out every once in a while.  However they are more polite about it and thus conversation can continue, and isn’t immediately stifled.

   Fourthly, there is a group that is willing to express their views in a gentle, nonjudgmental manner.  They are willing to dialogue with others and find out why they have a differing view from their own.  They are able to share in an enriching experience of learning something they didn't know.  They don’t agree with everything the others say, but they are open to listening and learning so they can find common ground.

   When you are faced with differing views from your own...how do you respond?  Do you shut down the lines of communication, or do you gently and respectfully allow the other person to express their views and be heard?

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P2vLiaLO0P0PnGFnjEjvxI0wYjSgts9a/view?usp=sharing

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

November 3, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

     I don’t normally get involved in political discussions, but this whole “Belinda Stronach” deluge in the media the last month has been a little hard to ignore.

   Contrary to what many media personalities have said in the past, I, personally, do not find Belinda to be a wonderful role model as a politician or businesswoman for Canadians - women and young women in particular.  Granted, you cannot believe everything you read or hear in the news, however, it is precisely what we are hearing and reading that shapes what type of person we perceive Belinda,  and other public figures, to be and what kind of role model she is perceived as.

   If we want to be effective role models for others, and especially for the youth in our communities, we need to learn a few things.

   Firstly, we all need to learn that ‘demanded’ apologies are a waste of time.  Either you wait forever for what you consider is “your due,” never receiving it, or you do get the apology and it is as fake and insincere as can be as it has been forced from the person.

   Second, we all need reminded that you sow what you reap...what you give out will be what is returned to you...life always mirrors back to you what you are showing life.   If you feel that you are being treated poorly, how are you treating others?

   Thirdly, we all need to learn that being a ‘victim’ is a personal choice.  Now it is possible that someone could rob you or beat you.  Thus, you are a victim of a robbery or a beating.  However, once the event happens and is done it is your choice whether you move on or wallow in the hurt and misery of a victim mentality.  You cannot turn back the clock and undo actions, words or thoughts so you might as well get past it and learn from the experience.  Let it go!

   Fourthly, we all need reminded that no one is exempt from the consequences of their actions.  When the consequences seem delayed we have tendency to get complacent and think we got off Scott free.  The truth is there are consequences to everything you do, whether for good or not.  We must remember to consider the consequences before every decision we make.

   Whether we realize it or not, we are all role models to those who interact with us every day.  Are you a good role model?

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16v41NBWf02ItWy0OhpPRr7PQD5BhvrsZ/view?usp=sharing

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

October 20, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Here we are, halfway through October, and look how green and lush it still is in places.

   I think our grass is the greenest and healthiest it has been all year.  Some of the trees still have a number of very green leaves, which contrast very well with the red and yellow leaves that have already turned.

   Even though this is normally a time when nature starts slow down in order to prepare for the cold winter months ahead, there are areas where we can see new growth and renewed life.

   As in nature, we go through stages where we feel like we’re ready to hibernate from the old winter months of our lives.

   It is at this time when we should be learning new skills, taking part in new activities, making new friends, going new places, and challenging ourselves in new ways.

   This fall, don’t start to hibernate...perk up and show the world, and yourself, what you are capable of. 

   It is never to late to bloom!

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PW9AtQbqEhtN4nf_LPNiYFlMa12aZXQy/view?usp=sharing

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

October 6, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

     Ever notice how you enter a new place, or try a new activity, and you immediately attempt to make the situation one that you are already familiar with?

   We do this all the time.  We go to an unfamiliar place and if we’re lucky there is someone familiar there who we can latch onto for dear life to get us through.  Or we make a point of doing new tasks in a manner that is similar to how we always do things, or we only do the parts we feel comfortable with.

   In one of my courses we have a lot of opportunity to offer feedback and discussion interaction in an online mode.  Too many of the students are stuck on the fact that online interaction is not the same as face-to-face interactions.  By trying to make the online environment just like an in-person interaction, they are missing out on the unique online opportunities for learning and relating to others that we are being offered.

   This fall, try something new, go somewhere you’ve never been before, and experience it JUST AS IT IS!  You may be amazed.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13OxqiXQCRgDKuQCpifa__Dwtn2QoxBYl/view?usp=sharing

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

September 15, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Every day we see, hear, smell, taste and sense things in our environment.  In any given moment in the day we are bombarded with umpteen different sensory details coming at us.  This happens to us every second of our lives.

   Some days we completely miss the different clues that life is giving us.  We are oblivious to how our lives are like a jigsaw puzzle and we are given the next piece right at the exact moment we need it. 

   Some days we are so focused on what isn't happening, what isn’t going right, or what we don’t have that we completely ignore the various nonverbal signals that are showing us new opportunities and adventures that await us.

   We need to wake up and pay attention to the world around us and the myriad of clues and puzzle pieces life freely hands us to ease our journey through this life and its many twists and turns.

   We need to be aware of the absurdities and seemingly insignificant moments of our lives - therein lies some of our greatest treasures and wisdom. 

   We need to open all of our senses to the marvelous and wondrous mysteries that life shares with each and every one of us every moment of our lives.

   By focusing on what you are grateful for in life, you not only will find more of that, but more, and varied, riches and opportunities than you could ever possibly imagine existed in our universe. 

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X8ut0Q7eZJD0dyw3UxOU8l-JUYyAfVvK/view?usp=sharing

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

September 1, 2006

From the Editor's Computer  

   While we don’t want to get so attached to our routines that they become ruts (or graves), there is a lot of good that can be said about having a routine that you can count on, especially when life throws you a curve ball or two.

   My usual routine was completely tossed out the window this summer due to fulltime employment at the library, in addition to running the paper and working on a graduate degree course.

   This is only my second foray into the world of fulltime employment in my 13 1/2 year career.  The first time was a seven-month stint where I alternated working in Alix and Lacombe.  The euphoria of finally being healthy enough to even contemplate fulltime employment, let alone actually work the hours, momentarily clouded my vision of what I really wanted out of life.  Plus, at that time I was only working the two jobs with very little extra-curricular activities in my life.

   This time round, I only worked 8 weeks in one location.  Like my rare delusions that I am computer guru material, I have now twice lapsed into thoughts that maybe I could work fulltime.  Well, truth be told, I can do the work, but it really cuts into my other activities and does take a lot of energy out of me, and is not the type of lifestyle I want at all.

   Truly, I’m not a fulltime kind of person, nor do I want to be.  If it works for you, great!  However, count me out!

   For me, the ideal is working two days a week outside the home, with an option to add a third day (mostly during paper delivery weeks).  That gives me contact with the public, a chance to catch up on any gossip, intrigue or momentous happenings that I may have missed otherwise.  It also allows me to connect with my friends and acquaintances and get updated on their lives, while I update them on mine.

   To balance that out, I prefer to work two days at home on the paper - either half days or full days.  That gives me a chance to do lots with minimal interruptions and interactions, but still allows for flexibility if necessary.

   The best part of this routine is that I then have three days left in the week to work on the paper, work on studies, read, or even just relax in a corner and contemplate the great mysteries of the world (with a book in my hand, of course). 

   Each of us has a different perspective on life and a different way of expressing that perspective through our work habits.  Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and you’ll find that work magically becomes fun!  

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sgRckFK0poJB2wA0T6RQqIj7sCO2s0sM/view?usp=sharing

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

August 18, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Technology, I’m afraid to say, is not infallible.  As much as we prefer to think otherwise, that is the sad truth.

   In fact, technology is most likely to fail you right at that exact moment that you are counting on it the most.

   How many times have you been on the phone either waiting for someone to give you some information off the computer, or you’re the person with the information on a computer that is oh so reluctant to cooperate?

    How many times have you been faced with a deadline only to have your email go down, or the computer crash and all your work disappear?

    How many times has the power gone off at just the most inopportune time possible?

    How many times has the lawn mower worked, only to quit right at the moment you plan to mow the lawn because company is coming (or the Communities in Bloom judges)?

   For that matter, how many times has the vacuum cleaner quit as company is walking up the sidewalk?

   There are umpteen different pieces of technology that we use everyday without even thinking about it, until that one moment when it stops working properly.

   We are all going to be faced with a technological blip at some point in time.  When it happens, may the blip be brief and create the least amount of havoc in your life possible so that you can quickly get on with your day.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9CaBvSeCE_NNEJsGFjA31Yx7L6vXKmy/view?usp=sharing

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

August 4, 2006 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer  

   Every look you give another, every word you speak to another, everything you do (or don’t do) to another has a impact on that other person.

   Now before you start thinking that the world revolves around you and that you are powerful enough to change the course of the world and history, rest assured you’re not!

   In fact, most often when we are having the most impact on others we are totally unaware of our influence.

   I’m sure at some point in your life you’ve thought a friend was mad at you (though you couldn’t figure out why) because they ignored you in the grocery store or on the street.  Then you find out that they had something on their mind and truly had no idea you were even around.

   In the same way, without you even being aware of it, you are having a profound impact on friends, family, and even complete strangers.

     A glance at someone in a crowded room could give a wallflower some needed confidence, and yet, you have no memory of even seeing them.  A casual word shared at the checkout, that is overheard by a stranger further back in the line could be exactly what that person needed to hear to give them hope to continue on their life journey.

   There is no possible way you can know how profound an impact you have on the lives others around you.  Thus, you must live so that what you do is always encouraging people.

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W3uUPX8y04LWuIeSUG1dGpQNzcH4Jksx/view?usp=sharing

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