The other evening, my younger children asked me to read them a book of nursery rhymes before bed. I naturally obliged because not only did I know how much fun and laughter they would bring my children, but also I knew those rhymes brought back sweet memories from my childhood. It matters not how old you are or in what generation you grew up... everyone is familiar with nursery rhymes. Most of us can still recite at least one or two from our youth. Just like the ability to ride a bicycle, those silly stanzas have stayed with us. As I read several to my children, I was very intrigued by the actual content of the rhymes. As a child, I hadn't paid much attention to the meanings. I recited or sang them and enjoyed the sounds of the words and the silly pictures I created in my head. But now I realized how utterly nonsensical some of these things were!! All at once a laundry list of questions popped in my brain. Who names their kid Wee Willie Winkie (I bet he got picked on in school)? If I put Drury Lane in my GPS will I find the Muffin Man? Why did Jack jump over a candle stick? Why is Jack a good boy for sticking his thumb in the Christmas pie? Did vinegar and brown paper really heal Jack's head? Why can't Jack Sprat eat fat? Why does Jack need to be nimble? And who is this dude named Jack?! He has a lot of issues. The more I read, the sillier I felt. Before I knew it, I was laughing at the stories, my kids were laughing at me and we were having a silly, wonderful time together. As I tucked my littles in bed, they continued quoting the rhymes to one another and quietly giggling in their pillows. I guess it doesn't really matter what those little rhymes mean or if they make much sense. I may never know what the heck pudding and pie has to do with Georgie Porgie or if the dish and the spoon ever got married, but I do know there must be something magical in nursery rhymes. They sure do make us happy.
So in honor of Mother Goose, I wish you many giggles, big smiles and maybe a little magic with your family this weekend as you enjoy one of the many events in our community. If you are heading to Atlanta, make sure to check out two large events at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Atlanta Ultimate Women's Expo will offer celebrity keynote speakers, fashion, food, spa experiences, entertainment and more. Also at the GWCC, the Alive! Expo promotes eco-friendly and healthy lifestyles. Learn about and sample natural and organic foods and beauty products, eco-friendly home and household items, cooking demos, electric cars and much more. Put on your fairy wings and fly over to Covington where something magical is happening. Fairy Houses at Chimney Park will feature elves, gnomes and other magical creatures along with plenty of activities or the kids. And what's better than classic cars and fantastic food? Not much. Olde Town Conyers will host the Taste of Conyers and Car Show this Saturday. Sample specialties from dozens of local restaurants while you listen to live entertainment and browse the amazing collection of classic cars that are on display.
Atlanta Ultimate Women's Expo
Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3, 10:0am-5:00pm, 11:00am-5:00pm
Cost: $10, discounts available online
Calling all the ladies! Head on over the Georgia World Congress Center to hear keynote speakers Nene Leakes, Melissa Gilbert, Trina Braxton, Tabatha Coffey, Wendy Williams, Nancy Grace, Stephanie Mills, Jasmine Guy, Kim Zolciak, Tameka "Tiny" Harris and re-ignite your inner you. Experience shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics and travel while you spend the day being pampered with spa treatments, massages and retail therapy.
http://www.atlantawomensexpo.com/home
Alive! Expo
Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3, 11:00am-7:00pm, 11:00m-6:00pm
Cost: $10, free for children 16 and under
Go green and live well. Alive! Expo is "The Natural Products & Green Living" consumer event. Over 200 national and local companies representing natural & organic Foods, natural & organic personal care, vitamins & supplements, herbal medicines, natural & eco pet products, green home & household products and much more will be there. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the event will also include kids' activities, cooking demos and live lectures for your enjoyment.
http://www.aliveexpo.com/
Fairy Houses
Saturday, May 2 2:00pm
Cost: $5 (Children 2 and under free)
Chimney Park hosts the annual Fairy House Festival in Covington this weekend. At this special event, the park will bring hundreds of fairies, elves, gnomes, and other magical creatures to our park where they will have fun activities including the Bubbleman, face painters, a wishing tree, rock painting, a scavenger hunt, fairy wing making, archery, and the Charlie Elliott Birds of Prey. Bring the whole family!
http://www.rockdalenews.com/Spingo/#/event/4384338-fairy-houses?radius_miles=25&location=30012-conyers§ions=all&date=2015-05-01
Taste of Conyers and Car Show
Saturday, May 2 11 am-4 pm
Cost: Free (food samples range from $1-$4)
Cars and good food... what a great combination! Come to lovely Olde Town for the Taste of Conyers and Car Show. Restaurants from around our area will have food samples of their specialties. The Conyers Car Show, live musical entertainment and local vendors will also compliment this great family event.
http://www.conyersmainstreet.com/
