Yes, the last eight years writing this humble column have certainly been a trip – not to be clichéd – a trip down memory lane. I wrote my first column back in May of 2017 when I was in my 50s, and the word Covid was still a few years away from entering our lexicon. Since then, I’ve contributed – if my arithmetic skills are intact – 92 columns, 92 stories about my life growing up in Leaside, 92 trips down memory lane. And, in case I haven’t been clear, it seems that this is my final kick at the column can.
I didn’t really want to stop. I enjoyed my monthly historical spelunking expeditions in search of another, usually funny, tale to recount in 700 words. The first six years were a breeze. I had lots of stories stockpiled, all of them true, and many at my own expense, most also involving my frequent co-conspirator, my identical twin brother, Tim. But as we headed into year seven, I found myself struggling to find new stories I hadn’t yet told but were fit for the august and renowned periodical that is Leaside Life. (I confess, there are some other stories I’ve not yet told, but given the current statute of limitations on certain offences, I’m afraid they will have to wait a few more years. Great tales, just not yet the right time!)
Anyway, it began taking me longer to come up with pieces. I’d wrack my brain and bug Tim and other family members and friends for story ideas. And when I finally came up with one – or gratefully borrowed/stole an idea from someone else – I’d then have to check back to make sure I hadn’t already told that particular tale in an earlier column. More than once, I had to abandon a half-written column when I’d get a little twinge of déjà vu. A quick check in my computer files would often confirm my suspicion that I’d already told that story, and I’d be back to the drawing (writing?) board.
So earlier this year, I made the difficult decision to wrap up this little storytelling enterprise in the hopes that there might be someone out there with a whole new set of stories to keep the column going. And here we are.
“…my upbringing in Leaside, while mine, was not unique. The neighbourhood, its history and geography, its institutions, and its citizens, come together to create the perfect conditions for an idyllic, adventurous, and memorable childhood.
Through it all, close to eight years and nearly 100 columns, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’d meet Leasiders walking along Bayview, and they would tell me stories from their pasts prompted by my latest column. It reminded me that my upbringing in Leaside, while mine, was not unique. The neighbourhood, its history and geography, its institutions, and its citizens, come together to create the perfect conditions for an idyllic, adventurous, and memorable childhood. And Leaside has been doing that since its incorporation back in 1913, more than a century ago. And I daresay, Leaside will continue in that grand tradition for generations to come. It is truly a special community, which is why so many of us chose to raise our own kids in Leaside, or in the GLA – you know, the Greater Leaside Area.
Let me pay tribute to Jane Auster, the only editor I’ve ever known at Leaside Life, and Stan Flemming for giving me a monthly platform. It was a pleasure working with them and the rest of the stalwarts at Leaside Life.
And for those of you wondering who might fill my tiny, little shoes, take heart. I’ve recently been informed that a new columnist has been found who will write a quarterly column in Leaside Life, following in my footsteps. Yes, it’s true. My successor is… wait for it… wait for it… my twin brother, Tim Fallis. You probably think I’m joking, but I kid you not! Tim’s first column will appear in February. Go easy on him – I’ve recounted all the best stories already.
In the meantime, I’m not going anywhere. You’ll still see me in and around Leaside and I hope you’ll still stop and tell me your stories. That’s what we Leasiders do.
A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis grew up in Leaside and is the award-winning writer of nine national bestsellers. He’s busy working on his 10th novel, The Marionette.
