July 16, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   This past week I took a trip back in history as I read through some old papers that belonged to my paternal grandfather. 

   The collection included rough drafts of letters he sent, replies from government officials, receipts, invoices, newspaper clippings, and more.  There was even a copy of the special supplement of the Swift Current Herald, dated November 11, 1918 (time: 7:30 pm) announcing that “Detailed Armistice Terms As Accepted.”  There were catalogues and flyers from the 1040s.  All in all, the dates ranged from the early 1910s to the 1980s.

   It was an interesting experience going through the papers and such, reading about events that shaped the lives of my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and dad - events that have only been textbook history to me.

   Some of the issues that were mentioned in the correspondence (particularly from the 1920s and 1930s) included homesteading (there were apparently underground noises that had to be investigated on Grandpa’s Saskatchewan homestead, these could not be resolved, so he took out a homestead in the Crow’s Nest Pass), relief (the requests for and rejections) and the difficulty in finding work during that period, minimum wage (the corruption of the Minimum Wage Act in the lumber mills) and the injustice of criminals roaming around free, while the innocent man is targeted if he dares to say anything. 

   It was fascinating to see the income tax forms from the early 1940s.  Very simple to fill out...put down how much you made from your job, find that amount in the chart, go across to your status (single, married, dependents) and then submit the amount in the column.  Piece of cake!

   Some of the items raised more questions than they answered, but it was all a fascinating glimpse of a time past...not necessary a better time or easier time, but a different was of  life for those who lived on the Prairies.

 

Beth

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July 2, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I have the opportunity to attend a very special, and emotional, graduation ceremony last Friday.  While there were 11 grads on the stage, one in particular was singled out for a little extra special treatment.

   Donna Peterson is retiring from Alix MAC after numerous years of teaching.  To honour her contributions to the staff and students, they held a ‘graduation’ ceremony as she ‘graduates’ from school to a new life.

   While I graduated from MACC (that is not a typo, there were 2 C’s when I went to school there), I did not have the opportunity to be taught by Donna.  I do remember seeing her in the school, and at school functions, where, more often than not, she played the piano when we sang “O Canada.”

   I was impressed, not only by the ceremony itself, but by the love and affection that the staff and students have for Donna.  It was a treat to see her son, Jeff, demonstrate some of her unique Mom-isms!  Surrounded by her family (including her father) and friends, Donna was centre stage as we paid tribute to her many contributions through the years.

   All of us impact those around us everyday, but it is often a teacher who has the most profound and lasting impact on a youngster’s life.

   Donna, while you may never know exactly what it was that you said or did that was the defining moment in one of your former student’s lives, please know that you did have a positive impact on many, both in your class and outside.  Thank you for the memories! 

Beth

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June 18, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

  It seems like I have been talking about education with a lot of people lately - public education (which has lots of problems right now), home-schooling (good option if it works for you) and university (what is my main focus these days).

   Sometimes we have to take a course or learn something, not because the material is relevant or applicable, but because it is an opportunity to learn something new and give our brains a workout.

   Sometimes we actually get to study something that no only makes sense, but is applicable to our lives, jobs, career or interests.  Such is the case with my graduate degree courses.  Each and every one has had some practical application to my library job, either in terms of improving tasks I already do, or in introducing me to new tasks and methods that make the job so much easier.

   While formal education is important, no matter what level you participate in, informal (just for fun) learning is important too.  We are surrounded by opportunities to explore and find out more about the various things around us.  When was the last time you picked up a book on a topic you knew nothing about?  Or talked to someone about their hobby, a hobby which you have no experience in?  Lifelong learning is a lifelong habit. 

Beth

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June 4, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I am a fan of "Anne of Green Gables."  If you are too, you will remember Anne's neighbour, Rachel Lynn.  The best line that Mrs. Lynn ever uttered, in my estimation, was "You are never safe from surprises until you're dead."  I believe that is very true.

   It all started back in April, when my laptop (which I use to put this publication together) decided to experience difficulties with the screen.  Not a huge problem...I just borrowed, and plugged in, a monitor for the duration until the necessary part was ordered. 

   Then, my modem and internet connection decided to go on the fritz.  Now that caused me a little bit more concern as most of my contributions come in email form, and I have to access the internet for further information.  Again, not the end of the world, I was able to access my emails at the library and forward them to a friend who very nicely downloaded the articles and photos to a CD so I could use them.  It resulted in a little more ingenuity on my part, but I was able to get out the second issue in May without too many headaches.

   Just when I thought life was going to return to normal as the part arrived to fix all my computer woes, it was discovered that I had more serious hardware problems than first anticipated...and I ended up without my computer for a week while they tried to do something about it.  End result...I needed a new machine and I just didn't have time to fit that into my already busy life as it was time for yet another issue of the paper to come out.

   Hold onto your seat cause it gets better!  My online graduate course began on June 1st...which requires a computer with a working modem and internet connection.  I wasn't too worried until, SURPRISE!, my course was changed to a ONE (very intensive) month course due to scheduling conflicts. Now things were starting to get a little hairy!!

   Life is not always a smooth ride and we will be faced with many surprises...some good and some that don't seem so good at first glance.  We need to be flexible to bend with the winds of adversity and we also need to have the right attitude so that when these surprises occur, we are not overwhelmed or broken. 

   Are you bending with the wind? 

Beth

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May 21, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   It is interesting how each of us have our own preferences and ideal ways to spend a day.  In our minds each of us has the ideal form of work we’d like to do.

   Last week I was helping put the finishing touches on this year’s BoomTown Trail Tales for the Trail.  Even though it took hours, I was thoroughly enjoying the process and watching the various pages take shape.  My co-worker in this venture thought she was being tortured!  I was doing something that comes fairly naturally to me, while my co-worker was struggling to accomplish something she knew she had to do.  As we were approaching the ten hour mark (and seemed no closer to finishing than we’d been at the five hour mark), my co-worker could not believe that I do precisely what we were doing that day, every two weeks.  It boggled her mind.

   If you are fortunate enough to have found a calling that renews you, no matter how many hours you have to spend on it - and if you really love it, time is meaningless - then you have found a gold mine.  You will be enriched and will grow as a person every time you approach that particular task.  Work will seem more like play, and you will feel relaxed and refreshed even after hours and hours.

   While I love what I do, and it seems more like I’m playing than working, the job itself is not perfect.  Things go wrong and there are always areas for improvement.  I really enjoy the whole process a lot more when computer equipment is working properly and people submit their items on time.

   There is no perfect job, but there is a job that is perfectly suited for you.  Have you found that job yet? 

Beth

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May 7, 2004 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   After the past week and a half of various challenges coming my way, I have determined that there are two main reasons why troubles and problems come into our lives.

   The first reason, I believe, is to stretch our minds and make us become more creative.  When the usual solutions don't work, there is nothing else to do, but to come up with a more creative solution.  It then becomes a challenge to find the right resource to get the right support...whether a person or information.  It then truly becomes a case of "who you know" which makes the difference between success or more problems.  If you can’t get in the front door or the back door, you have to come up with an innovative means of entering through the window of opportunity.  Above all else, one must never give up.

   The second reason is so that we end up owing our friends for major favours!  If you are lucky, your friends won't actual keep a score card as to who owes whom more!  While we are individuals, we are not isolated.  We need other people to support and help us when life is more challenging than usual.  As well, others may have expertise or talents which we haven’t developed.  Each of us has an unique contribution to make to others, and if we can help those around us, so much better.  It is true that two heads are better than one, and three or more can generate multiple ideas.

    So, to all my friends who helped me out during this challenging time...THANKS! 

Beth

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

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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