BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Autumn, the season of transition, varies greatly for various folks depending on what winter represents. But in the spirit of ‘being present’ this one has been truly glorious; September delivered our ‘secret summer’ and cooled abruptly just before
Craft Market
Music – Food – Gifts
November 23, 2025, 10am to 3pm
6548 Sunset Rd, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 3S8 www.burkesproducemarket.ca Get your gifts and decorations while supporting locals
Thanksgiving weekend. As I look out my window at October’s flamboyant colours, it’s hard to resist a bit of nostalgia. A poem, Seasoned Stripper, that I wrote for my high school graduation yearbook now speaks to me as much about what I wore out the door in the morning that is often doffed by high noon! So, as we are now launched into the season of feasting on turkey and ham, let’s remember to consider our three families: by chance, by choice and, by virtue of the COVID bubble, by circumstance. I, for one, enjoy the diversity of all three and recommend mixing it up. The ‘famdamily’ behaves better, plus, a bit of unfamiliar potluck can be fun! Following Matt Eicheldinger.com, a teacher and bestselling kids’ lit author, I was impressed with the stories he told about the breakthroughs his grade 6 class achieved by learning from each other. He told a story of young Damien, who could be described as an underachiever. Matt encourages peer-to-peer learning by asking questions like ‘What have you failed at that’s disappointing?’ This young man described a few in succession, concluding each one by pointing his finger and roaring: ‘However!’ and recounting how he could do better. It caught on and became known as ‘The Power of However’. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes that ‘Lessons are unlikely to stick unless they are repeated.’ That suggests that repeating mistakes isn’t such a bad thing. Checking in with each other on how that could go better next time strengthens confidence and ultimately, competence. Lest we forget, and let’s not, November is the bittersweet month of Remembrance. Who could have imagined even a year ago that south of our undefended border, democracy would be under such siege? Understanding a world in turmoil certainly creates uncertainty, and rampant disinformation exacerbates an escalating tenor of anxiety. Young people are becoming aware of the stealthy encroachment on civil liberties, and it is playing havoc with optimism and mental health. The opportunity to discuss the scary stuff is reassuring; let’s lead in those conversations. So what’s the thread in all this? What are the lessons to be learned again? As we embark on the holy day and holiday season, let’s remember that family by choice and family by circumstance matter as much as family by chance. Secondly, be vulnerable; it’s a risk worth the reward of deep connection and learning. Being vulnerable matters to mental health; let’s lead by example. And not least, let’s keep the stories of our veterans alive as long as we are. As Albert Einstein once opined: ‘When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change’. Badda Bing!
Now under new ownership st.thomas@mollymaid.ca
Looking for a New Shed this Fall?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Trust the professionals for all your moving needs! REEMAN THE MOVER LTD.
St. Thomas
• Local & Long Distance Moving • Commercial & Residential Moves • Senior Citizen & Student Discounts • Packing & Crating Service • Moving Supplies • Storage Facilities • Heavy Moving Specialist (pianos, safes, etc. )
Free Estimates 519-631-7346
COMPASSION • WORKMANSHIP • GUARANTEED QUALITY ELGIN Monuments
• Engrave on natural stones • Offer pet memorial stones • Restore older monuments • Order vases and urns 519.633.1591 www.elginmonuments.com Visit our show room at 220 Edward St., St. Thomas
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • November 2025 Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs