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

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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

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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

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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

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September 16, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

  I was reading a book on Celtic Wisdom not that long ago.  One of the pieces of ‘ancient wisdom’ imparted was that we all live by a three-fold principle.  The three parts are:

1. The necessity to suffer.
2. The necessity to accept change.
3. The importance of choice, or the exercise of free will.**

   The Celts believed that suffering is a gift.  We know that we are going to experience pain and suffering throughout our lives, so why not learn from it, embrace the experience to grow into a better, stronger person, and then let go of the pain and move on.

   It is said that the only constant in life is change.  The Celts realized that while change comes in our lives from forces outside of us, it is what is inside of us that determines how we respond to the challenges of change in our lives.  Again, embrace the growth and learning, but release the pain and misery.

   Often we make a decision, but we don’t follow through...or we hope by not making a certain decision our lives will not change.  It is the first two parts that make the third so important...many things will happen to you but nothing will remove from you your option to choose.  You are the one in control of your life and it is you who must chart your course.  

**Clan of the Goddess by C.C. Brondwin

Beth

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September 2, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of chuckwagon racing.  Not the chariots, not the pony chucks, but the big chucks!

   For years the highlight of my summer was listening to the races from the Calgary Stampede on the radio.  It was so thrilling to listen to the action and wonder who would win.

   Life got even more exciting in the past three years as the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) tour is broadcast for all the locations on the tour...10 races plus the Calgary Stampede.

   Each year I pick who I’ll cheer for based on their current standings, who has the best chance of winning, or just who I feel inclined to have as a favourite.

   This year I decided I’d better be cheering for a local guy...Reg Johnstone.  I wasn’t disappointed as Reg led the way with a number of wins going into the Calgary Stampede.

   While he had a few bumps and nudges with the barrels in a few of the races, Reg still came out a winner at Red Deer’s World finals in August.

   Congratulations to Reg Johnstone, the Bashaw Flash! World Professional Chuck Wagon Driver of the Year...first time he’s ever won this honour.

   And don't worry...I’ll be cheering for you all the way in the 2006 WPCA tour! 

Beth

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

August 19, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Earlier this week we had various family members visiting us.  There was lots of storytelling, sharing and laughter.

   It is interesting how when family members get together, and the stories start emerging, the different perspectives you gain of people you thought you knew.

   Older family members relate stories of other relatives at a younger age, when involved in different activities, and had a different relationship.  You gain insight into aspects of personalities that you never had before.  Sometimes your burning questions as to why so-in-so acts in such a way are answered, and sometimes more questions are revealed.

   Sometimes shared memories trigger forgotten memories and open the door to deeper sharing.  Of course, there is also the chance that memories are revealed that someone thought were safely hidden. 

   We are all compilations of all the personalities within our families...the good, the bad, the sane and the insane.  We should be proud of our family histories and keep our own stories alive. 

   Pass the torch to the younger generation so that they can keep the family personality alive.  And if you are visiting relatives this summer...remember, no matter how bad they are, you can always go home!  

Beth

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August 5, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

  Sometimes when I’m asked where I get my ideas for my editorials, it is very tempting to give the glib reply, “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.”

   While doing some Internet research over the weekend, I accidentally came across a website that sells ideas to people “who want to write but don’t know what to write about.”  I also discovered that particular site is not unique in that there are a variety of sites which are selling ideas, for a variety of prices.

   Ideas are everywhere around us.  Want to write a letter or email to a friend?  Look at what’s going on around you.  Want to write the great Canadian novel?  What’s going on in your community that you could get ideas from (don’t mention specific people by name, they may not like it, especially if you cast them as the villain!).  Want to write an emotionally gripping poem?  What is going on in your life, what emotions are you dealing with, which you could express on paper?  What is going on around you that you can find humour in?

   Ideas are floating on the air all around you, you just need to open your eyes, ears, and heart to recognize them. 

   And...if you do write the great Canadian novel…I think 2% of your royalties would be a fair price for the ideas I’ve shared with you!  

Beth

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

July 15, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer    
  

 Summer is here and the days are hotter!  Enjoy your vacation, if you are lucky enough to have one during the summer.  If you are not planning a vacation, take a day or two and road-trip around our area...there are lots of ‘hidden treasures’ just waiting to be discovered.  Spend time relaxing with friends and family.  Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen and don’t let the mosquitoes bite! 

Beth

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

July 1, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Have you ever come across something that strikes you as absurdly funny?

   Last weekend I was shopping at Extra Foods in Ponoka.  There was a beautiful array of flowers and plants on the display outside in the parking lot.  The store employees had placed pylons around the plant displays to protect them from the vehicles.  Printed on the pylons were the words “Caution Wet Floor.” 

   As Mom and I were walking around these pylons to get to the store, and reading those words...the rain was just pounding down around us!

   Caution…Wet Floor! 

Beth

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

June 17, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   The Alix Public Library just completed the planning process and has identified its five-year and long-term goals.  Every organization usually has some form of planning process that they engage in on a regular basis.  A process that identifies where the organization has been, where it is, and where it is going.

   Individuals too should be making short-term and long-term plans for their future.  It is good to have a direction, focus and goal so that you can stay on track as you travel through life. 

   While goals are good, often what happens is that individuals get hung up on the minute details and forget the overall picture of what they hope to accomplish.  When the details don’t appear, or react, in the preconceived manner and the right time, many feel that they are failing at meeting their goals. 

   As long as you have a destination in mind and are traveling towards it, you will get there even if life throws you a few curves, or you are required to make a detour or two.  Focus on the big picture of what you want your life to look like, and the little details will take care of themselves.

   And when life doesn’t seem to go the way you want it too, remember, your goals haven’t been derailed, you’re just on a scenic detour. 

Beth

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

June 3, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   I was able to sleep on my own bed last Saturday night for the first time since November 21/04.  No longer do I have to camp out on the spare bed, or on the floor...despite years of floor sleeping at Guide camps and family outings, I think my body is getting too old to enjoy that novelty for any length of time.

   While we are bombarded with slogans and admonitions to watch out that we are not ‘getting stuck in a rut’ in our lives, there are some areas in our lives where consistency is a really good thing.  A comfortable mattress is one, but by no means the only area!   

   Changing just to change rarely works, and more often than not, backfires on the person or organization making the change.  Change that is the result of a spur-of-the moment enthusiastic burst of energy can bring about less than desirable results too.

   We should be continually striving to grow and stretch ourselves, get out of our ruts, challenge and change, but that growth work and change is best done from a solid, consistent base.  The basic structure of our lives - our values, beliefs, family, etc. - should be rooted and grounded, thereby enabling us to reach and grow knowing we have the security of a safety net to fall back on.  The deeper the roots, the taller the tree can grow. 

Beth

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

May 20, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Each time I sit down to write an editorial I generally have a whole host of ideas and topics that I’ve been thinking about since the last editorial that I could share.  What usually seems to happen, more often than not, I am writing the editorial as the last item that needs completed before I send off the paper to the printer, so very little thought, time or effort goes into these endeavours.  (Except for this one which is being done early, but is short!!).

    We need to have a flexible personality and we need to be open to the opportunities around us.  Just because “we have always done it that way” doesn’t mean that we can’t explore a different path or direction.  If we want different results in our lives we have to do things differently.  If we want good things to happen...we have to be awake and willing to act when they happen!   

Beth

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

May 6, 2005 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer     

   Number one is leadership. Everything else is number two. - Berthold Brecht

   An organization, business, committee, or any other grouping of people together for a specific purpose will be not be effective in meeting its goals or objectives if the leader is not effective. 

   The group will not move in a forward direction, if the leader is not looking in a forward direction to growth.  The group will not be able to weather the storms that inevitably arise (external and internal), if the leader is not strong enough to keep the group together.

   The importance of strong effective leadership is not stressed as much as it should be.  Often we take whoever wants to do the job (or who can’t say no!).  If we want our communities and their groups to survive, we need strong leaders.  

Beth

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