June 21, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Ask someone how they are and generally the response is, “Busy!”  Often, you don’t even have to ask…the information is volunteered.  People complain about being busy, lament about being busy, get sick (and some have died) because they’re too busy, brag about being busy, define their lives by the degree of their busyness, compete with each other to see who is busier, and avoid life by being busy.  Busyness is an epidemic which is out of control.

   In my life, during the course of a year, I…work at the Library two days a week, work on the newspaper (where I am owner, go-fer, and all other staff, including writer!), work on my Masters degree program courses (involving lots of studying, assignments, research, email discussions with the ‘class,’ and exams), attend yoga class weekly, teach a dance lesson weekly, read copious amounts (for work, school and, more importantly, for fun!), usually get seven hours of sleep, eat three meals a day (plus lots of snacking), attend Church weekly, visit friends and chat with people I see when I’m out and about, deal with horrendous amounts of paperwork, spend time with family, run errands (for myself and others), play on the computer, complete typing projects, work at the ongoing task of organizing my work and home space, have a dedicated bible study and prayer time, listen to music, answer phone calls and email...

   Am I busy?  In addition to the above, I also…attend meetings and workshops, correspond (via handwritten letters) with friends, watch a T.V. program or movie (seldom), go for walks, work on various handicraft projects, houseclean (rarely!), attend public functions and community activities (some of which I also have to organize), watch the sunrise, go for a massage once in a blue moon, complete the odd ‘someday’ project, meet new people, housesit, watch the sun set, eat out occasionally, help with the Girl Guide movement, surf the Internet...

   Am I busy?  I don’t think so, though I have the odd moment when I’ve felt quite overwhelmed and questioned my sanity.  I have lots of time for solitude when I can breathe and relax while contemplating life, or better yet, do absolutely nothing!  While there are many activities I could be taking part in, I choose not to because then I would be too busy, causing other areas of my life to suffer as a result.  I have found a way to balance my life and accomplish what needs to be done.

   Busyness is a matter of choice.  If you are too busy it is because you have chosen to be.  Busyness is not something that just happens to you, it is a conscious choice, and therefore can consciously be changed at any time.  Call me hard-hearted, but I don’t feel sympathetic when someone laments to me about how they are so busy that they can’t participate in, let alone enjoy life.  I do feel sorry for them, they are missing out on the true essence of life.  Are you busy?

Beth

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June 7, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   It will soon be Father’s Day, and I would like to share with you some of my childhood (and adult) memories of my Dad.

   I can remember being a preschooler and  playing with my dad.  Okay...I played while he laid down on the couch.  This put him at the perfect height for me to use his head as my playing area.  My dad always had a brush cut, making the crown of his head (especially  right after a haircut!) the perfect lush ‘field’ to ‘graze’ my toy cows or ‘gallop’ my toy horses across.  Looking back now, I can only say that he was infinitely patient with me and could obviously tolerate a lot of pain!  Take a moment to imagine a hard plastic horse, in the hands of a preschooler, ‘galloping’ across the crown of your head. 

   Dad would also spend lots of time driving dinky cars around a track approximately 2 feet by 1 foot with me.  Around and around...and around and around...For variety, we would sometimes prop the track up slightly, thus creating an incline to race our cars down.  If done correctly, the cars would continue across the floor as we didn’t have carpet!

   Often when Dad was working outside in the yard or garden, I would ‘help’ him with my own set of miniature garden tools, imitating his actions, or I’d be stirring up a large batch of mud pies in his wheel barrow.

   When I got older, my Dad taught me to ride a bike - another occasion when his infinite patience was evident!  It was Dad who took me out and about the countryside to practice my driving.  He even accompanied me to the dealership when I bought my car. 

   Dad was also able to share with me some of the major accomplishments in my adult life.  He attended my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award ceremony where I got to shake hands with Prince Philip.  Though we didn’t actually see it, friends told us that Dad was shown in the background while I was receiving my award from the Prince - on the news clip shown on Canada AM!  Despite major health problems, Dad was attended my convocation ceremony and watched me receive my B.A. in Athabasca last year.

   Dad...I would like to say THANK YOU for your support and encouragement throughout  the years.  I LOVE YOU!

   Any man can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a DAD!

   Happy Father’s Day to All the Fathers!

Beth

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May 17, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Graduation is approaching.  A major milestone in the lives of 25 young people in Alix.  It marks the final sentence in the chapter of their  secondary school lives and the beginning of the next chapter..  These young people are about to cross the threshold from youth to adulthood.

   Graduation is an exciting time, and yet, a time of fear and trepidation.  Now what do I do?  What if I make the wrong choice?  Do I have to make a choice now?  I don’t know what I want to be ‘when I grow up,’ so now what?  I don’t want to grow up!!  The questions are plentiful, and the answers seem to be in short supply.

   It has been 11 years since I walked across the MACC stage in September and accepted  my high school diploma from Mr. Rutten.  Graduation was the last time our whole class was together, as many of us had already gone our separate ways - university, college, or jobs.  A lot has changed since that night. 

   To the students graduating this year I’d like to share some thoughts…

• Listen to your heart - it does know the answers, if you take the time to listen.
• If you truly believe in your dreams, you will accomplish them, and more.
• If you trust that circumstances will work out, they generally will - doors will open that were previously closed and plans and  details will fall into place.
• Remain open to the opportunities around you - opportunities for growth and learning, as well as for fun and adventure.
• Remember...people are always more important than things.
• And...money is not the most important object in the world - it can’t buy the things that really matter in life.
• You can handle anything life throws at you (even computer viruses!) if you take it one small step at a time.
• You don’t have to know it all, have it all, or be it all right now - delayed gratification is a good thing.
• Make sure you take lots of  time for rest and fun so that life doesn’t overwhelm you.  Laughter is the best medicine!
• Smile at everyone - it’s free and you never realize the impact you have on the lives of other people.
• Be yourself - that is all that is really required of you in life.
• Life is short and fleeting, so do what you can, with what you have, where you are, while you can. 

   Most importantly, you must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon.  The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about – the more you have left when anything happens. (Ethel Barrymore)

Congratulations to the MAC graduating class of 2002!  May you all be successful in your future endeavours.

Beth

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May 3, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Happy Birthday to...ME!  Yes, it’s true.  I’m another year older, and hopefully wiser.

   I read once that we should never make New Year’s Resolutions, but rather, we should be making Birthday Resolutions.  Apparently the success rate for keeping Birthday Resolutions is vastly higher as there are no hidden expectations that you’ll ever break them.  As well, most people generally become more contemplative around their birthday, thus making it a logical time to think about your life and any changes you’d like to make.

   As I celebrate this milestone birthday (29th), I am taking a moment to look back at my past, considering my present and looking forward to my future - now that my final exam is written and my income tax forms are completed and sent in (before the deadline)!!

   As I look into my past, I reflect on various memories - good and not so good.  When I graduated from high school I never imagined that one day I would be working in Alix, and, even harder to imagine, enjoying it!  I didn’t anticipate it would take me 10 years to complete my B.A. degree.  I have had to struggle with many years of personal illness, a struggle which has made me a stronger person both mentally and spiritually.  Every day I am getting healthier.  While I have no real regrets, I certainly didn’t foresee that I’d still be single when I turned 29.

   As I look at my present life, I can honestly say that at this time last year I never dreamt that my life would look like it does now.  I have a great job at the library which I love.  In addition, I am having so much fun putting out the paper - the fulfillment of a dream that I had stored in the back of my mind for years.  I have many friends, and the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people through my jobs.  I not only have plenty to keep me occupied, but oodles of free time to just sit and read, or do nothing! 

   At this moment, my future is a blank piece of paper, full of endless possibilities, opportunities, and many, many books still to be read!  I could resolve to start a regular exercise program in the coming year...but that sounds like way too much work!   On the other hand, a resolution I could make and keep (if I don’t pick a specific deadline) is to complete some long overdue craft projects.  I plan to continue studying and complete my Master of Library Science degree (though not by the time I turn 30 - as originally planned).  I pray that my future includes a husband and children (that should effectively dispel the myth that I’m a die-hard career woman!).  I hope to continue to contribute to the community in various capacities, and have a positive impact on the lives of others around me, either directly, or more indirectly through the paper.

   All in all, as I enjoy my special day, I have to say that I am where I want to be and doing what I want to do.  I am happy and at peace with my life and that is the absolute best birthday present in the world.

Beth

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April 19, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Next week (April 21 - 27) marks Volunteer Week.  A week in which we remember to thank all the unsung heroes who make our world go round.

   It takes a special breed of person to volunteer.  A person who gives selflessly to others with no expectation of having their efforts even acknowledged.  A person who thinks the needs of others are more important than their own.  A person who sees a need to be filled, or a job to be done, and lends not only their hands, but their heart as well.  A person who all too often is overlooked or ignored when the accolades and credit for a job well done are passed around.

   Volunteers are the backbone of any community.  Without the dedication of volunteers, there would be no hockey, community groups, community functions, or even school extra-curricular activities.  Generally, it is the volunteers working very diligently behind the scenes that ensure the success of any organization or function.

   Volunteering gives a person a chance to return something to society by contributing to the world around you and making a positive difference in the lives of others.  Volunteering makes you feel good, and according to various studies, actually promotes longevity.  Just consider the number of  senior citizens who volunteer for endless hours!  Volunteering provides an enormous amount of personal satisfaction.  Knowing that you have helped out someone in need, or contributed to a worthy cause, is a great reward for all the long hours and back-breaking work. 

   To ALL THE VOLUNTEERS out there, I would like to say THANK YOU!  In particular, I would like to thank the members of the Alix Public Library Board and the volunteers who me help in the library - Carol Lukyn, Genevieve Marshall, Franshesca Bryant and Jodie Waddy.  I could not do my job without your assistance.  I would also like to specially thank Genevieve Marshall who helps me deliver the paper in Alix.

    I would like to leave you with this thought:  “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”  – Morrie Schwartz

Beth

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April 5, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

Goals and dreams...we all need them, and many of us dread defining them. 

   The goal-making gurus tell us that making goals is vital, but more important, it is necessary to write these goals down to give them concrete form, thus giving your mind something to focus on.  These goals can (and should) include everything from the ultimate direction of your life, to what you hope to accomplish on any given day, to a simple grocery  or to-do list.  Once your goals are written down, there are umpteen methods of organizing and accomplishing them, and, if you are really interested in this process, there are umpteen books available to help you complete each step in the process.

   As I am not one to follow the crowd or the latest experts, I do not have a written list of major, or even for that matter minor, life goals.  I am incapable of even functioning with a written to-do list!  But, that does not mean that I do not have well-defined, definite goals for my life.  I do.  The list is just stored in my brain rather than on paper or computer. 

   Though they were not written down, I have managed to accomplish some of my major life goals, and am in the process of working on others.  Some have been short-term and easy, others more long-term and challenging. 

   Two weeks ago I discovered that, due to circumstances beyond my control, I might have to put one of my major life goals on hold or, worst case scenario, quit totally.  As this goal has been part of my life forever and because I am not a quitter (I possess a very stubborn nature) the thought of giving up was something I did not want to face. 

   I was forced to analyze how important this goal really was to me.  What would happen if I did not accomplish this goal?  Because of the circumstances, no one would think any less of me, and my family and friends would not shun me.  Also, it would not change who I am inside.  I know I could have done it, thus I do not need this goal to prove to myself (or  even other people) what I am capable of achieving.  It would not really change my perspective of how I view life.

     So, if goal is not going to have a profound impact on my life, why is this goal so important to me?  After some reflection, I decided that I still wanted to go ahead, even though the pathway is going to be much rockier and more challenging than first anticipated.  
Accomplishing this goal will give me a sense of conquering the unconquerable and beating the odds, and, yes, it will be a growth experience for me.  Is that not why any of us try to accomplish difficult tasks?

   What goals or dreams do you have (written or unwritten) that you have had to reassess lately?  If it is important enough to make as a personal goal, and it feels right, it is important enough to strive for, regardless of the roadblocks and detours you may encounter.  I’m not giving up on my dream yet.  I encourage you not to give up on your dreams either.

Beth

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March 15, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

Essays...midterms...Help!  This past couple of weeks I have had to bury my head in the books, school books that is, in order to get lots of studying caught up and completed.

   While I enjoy studying and learning new things, in all honesty, I would really enjoy the process so much more if I could eliminate the assignments and exams.  Essay deadlines are worse than newspaper deadlines, particularly when they fall on the same day!  On the other hand, the luxury of writing an exam at a time of day convenient to me (7:00 a.m.), and without having to leave my home, is something that I have discovered I can handle quite well.

   However, education and learning are not confined strictly to the classroom with its teachers, assignments, quizzes, and exams.  Learning involves considerably more than school and seemingly endless amounts of homework.

   Every experience we encounter, every person we meet, every task we carry out, and   every choice we must make are learning opportunities.

   Some of these learning situations are very obvious to us.  Especially when you are faced with the same situation time and time again.  Some, though, are more obscure, and we don’t realize their real significance until later.

   Thus, we need to be open and willing to learn from every one of these opportunities we face as we travel through this great adventure called life. 

Beth

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March 1, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

While I am proud to be Canadian, I am not a hockey fan.  There, I’ve confessed!

   Despite my lack of enthusiasm for one of Canada’s all-time favorite winter sports, I have managed to catch some definitive moments in the history of Canadian hockey.

   For instance, I watched the Calgary Flames defeat the Montreal Canadiens 4 to 2 to win the Stanley Cup for the first time ever in 1989.  Lanny McDonald retired shortly after that memorable game.

   I watched the incredible shoot-out between the Canadians and the Russians, which resulted in the Canadians earning a silver medal in the 1992 Albertville Olympics.  I even remember rookie, Eric Lindros, being given the opportunity to shoot the puck.

   More recently, I watch the Women’s Ice Hockey team receive their gold medals after beating the U.S. team in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake.  No, I didn’t watch the game. 

   On the other hand, I sat riveted to the TV screen for the last half of the men’s hockey game and cheered when Canada won gold by a score of 5 to 2 against the U.S.  As the medals were presented to the team members, it was a shining moment in Canadian history as the Canada won Olympic gold in hockey for the first time in fifty years.

   I’m still not a hockey fan, but I am proud of our Canadian athletes. 

Beth

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February 15, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

I was quite surprised when I heard of the impending closure of the cheese plant in Bashaw.  The plant has been a fixture within the community for many years, not only as a major employer, but as a promotional feature.  Of course, this will have a profound impact on Bashaw, affecting all aspects of the community.  How?

   Now let’s look at another community.  Mirror has had more than its share of trials and tribulations in the past, and at this point, I do not see any improvements in sight.  Despite all the problems facing the village, Mirror is still here.  Why?

   Finally, we turn to Alix.  The Alix of today is not the same as the Alix of yesteryear when I was coming over for high school.    Particularly in the past three years the community has undergone a major personality shift.  What is the reason for this difference?

   What really makes or breaks a community?  Businesses, or the lack thereof?  A school?  Big industry moving in?  The number of community clubs and organizations in existence? 

   What really makes or breaks a community?Could it be the people?  People who care about their friends and neighbours.  People who are willing to help and work for positive change.  People who care about their community and the direction it is going. 

   Are you a person who cares about your community?

Beth

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February 1, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

Ground Hog Day is just around the corner.    According to Ground Hog legend, depending on whether a shadow is seen or not, we will either have six more weeks of winter, or it’s six weeks till spring.  If you really think about it, it does not matter, as either way, we’re waiting six weeks for a major change in the weather. 

   I started thinking about other idioms found in our English language.  You’ve heard the expression, “It’s six of one and half a dozen of the other.”  There is even a joke about someone who ordered half a dozen doughnuts and was told there was only six left.  Or, my personal favourite, “If you treat the common cold it will last two weeks, if you leave it alone it will be gone in fourteen days.”  There actually are people in this world who honestly believe that the two values are not equal.   

   Of course, we cannot forget the age-old debate… “is the glass half-full or half-empty?”  No matter how you look at it, or what your personality bent is - optimist vs pessimist - it is still only half! 

   These are just some thoughts to ponder during the coming six weeks, whatever the weather may be like.

 
Beth

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January 18, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   We have begun a new year complete with new challenges, adventures and opportunities.  

   Welcome to the premiere issue of The Chautauqua, a new paper with a new captain at the helm.  Yes, the rumour is true, I am the new editor.  As you peruse these pages, you will find some familiar favorites (the Library column!) and meet some new faces.  The topics addressed cover a broad range of interests.  As I continue to learn, the paper will continue to evolve.  I am looking forward to this new adventure of producing a quality newspaper.   

   I invite you to join me in this grand adventure, for this really is your paper.  As I have not mastered the art of being in two (or three, or four or more) places at one time, I encourage you to submit articles and pictures from local events that you have attended.  As well, I cannot read minds (sorry to disappoint you!) so the more events and news you tell me about, the more I can include within these pages.  I hope to incorporate more news from the various communities in the area, in addition to columns from the various community organizations.  Suggestions for future columns and topics addressed are always welcome.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this paper.  I appreciate your support.

   Finally, I encourage you to please share The Chautauqua with our friends and neighbours.

Beth

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