This Sunday we celebrate Mother's Day; the day we dote on our mothers, grandmothers and mother-figures. I was blessed to grow up with a wonderful Mom. I was the oldest of five children, so my Mom was extremely busy and probably tired most of the time, although she rarely let it show. Even on days when we whined, complained or disobeyed, she was always there to listen, love and nurture. She taught us to be responsible, accountable, humble and kind. If I am half the mother my mother was and continues to be, I will be blessed! Thinking of my mother got me thinking about other mothers around the world. How have other women left their mother legacy? Widowed mother Shirley and her five children enjoyed family time as they performed across the country (and in their garage) as a family pop band in TV's The Partridge Family. Maria Von Trapp was step-mother of the year. She left the convent to marry a widower and take care of his seven children. She was kind, loving and broke out into wonderful musical numbers with them often. Ma Barker was matriarch of the Barker Gang during the 1920s and 30s. Why, she loved her boys so much, she not only covered up their crimes, she came up with them! We must show some motherly love to Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad conductor. After being born to slavery and risking her life time and time again to free dozens of slaves, this loving, giving woman adopted a baby girl. And although she had no children of her own, Mother Theresa spent her life founding missions that aided men, women and children in 133 countries. She created systems for feeding the hungry, fighting disease, supporting orphanages and schools and fighting poverty. She was a "mother" to thousands of people around the world.
This Sunday, we honor and remember all types of mothers... the ones we have here with us and the ones who have passed. Want to get out and enjoy an activity for Mother's Day? There is so much happening in our community. Does a sunset paddle on Lake Rutledge sound like a relaxing outing? Head over to Hard Labor Creek State Park for a guided lake tour, the setting sun and the wonderful sounds of nature. If you are in need of a good laugh, visit the Improv Theatre for the stand-up comedy of Damon Wayans. For your weekend's musical entertainment, the Shaky Knees Festival is in town with the most incredible music line-up in Georgia! And for the art lovers, Barefoot in the Park is back for its 11th year. Enjoy works from regional artists, food, wine tastings, entertainment and children's' activities in beautiful Duluth Town Green.
Mother's Day Twilight Paddle
Sunday, May 10, 2015 8-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15, $5 parking
Visit Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, GA and take Mom out on this sunset paddle on Lake Rutledge. Enjoy the setting sun, nature sounds, and interesting facts on this guided tour. Register in advance. Contact 706-557-3001 for more information.
Marlon Wayans
Friday, May 8, 7:45 p.m.
Cost: $25
Actor, model, producer, comedian, writer and film director Marlon Wayans comes to the Improv Theatre for five shows this weekend. Wayans movies include The Ladykillers, Mo Money, A Haunted House, Paranormal Activity and The Heat, just to name a few. As a standup comedian, Wayans is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend.
http://atlimprov.laughstub.com/event.cfm?id=354926&cart
Shaky Knees Music Festival
Friday-Sunday, May 8-10, various times
Cost: $99 and up
Come to Central Park Atlanta for the biggest music festival Georgia has ever seen! This festival takes place for three days in Central Park and features dozens of the biggest acts in music including The Strokes, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Old Crow Medicine Show and Ryan Adams. These artists and many more all come together for one super music festival. Plenty of food, drink and vendors will be provided for your enjoyment. Don't miss this must-see line-up!
http://shakykneesfestival.com/
Barefoot in the Park
Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy Mother's Day weekend at the 11th annual Barefoot in the Park Fine Arts Festival where you'll find some of the most outstanding regional artists, entertainment, and flavors to Greater Atlanta and Northeast Georgia. There is plenty for everyone to do including a children's park, an adult learning village, wine tasting, a beer garden, a student art exhibit and a silent auction. Visit Duluth Town Green for fine arts, entertainment, food and fun!
http://www.barefootinthepark.org/
