What to do, what to do?! With near perfect weather forecasted this weekend and so many engaging options, one needs to be cloned. Unfortunately, The Magnet School's young brain trust hasn't made that an option - yet. Personally, it's a classic torn-loyalty battle - an embarrassment of riches, if you will.
Inked on the calendar for Friday is my daughter's elementary school family dance. It's a sweet spectacle watching father and daughter and mother and sons in their finery shaking their groove things. Naturally, in fourth and fifth grade, many boys opt out of this ritual creating feelings of mixed chagrin for their mothers and potential crushes. Mixed feelings for their mothers because while it's another sign they're not little lads any longer, it gives them an out to arrange a babysitter or sleepover. Then, mama and daddy could kick up their heels and hear Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project's set at the Star Bar in Little Five. The native Stockbridge-an of Collective Soul is debuting his new project's album, "Devils n' Darlins," at the idiosyncratic institution. Alas, I will be elsewhere, delighted to snap pics as the DJ spins Pharrell and Taylor Swift.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, thankfully, we will be at RYSA taking in U10 soccer action after last Saturday's soggy scenario. But, if said clones were in place, I would dispatch a few elsewhere. One to Madison-Morgan Cultural Center to take in the new Asian-inspired Three Paths exhibit by artist Don Cooper, followed by browsing in the Barkin' Dogs Shoe Co. and Laughing Moon.
While I'm experiencing Una Bella Notte in Toscana at Newton Medical Center's Annual Gala at Oak Alley Farm, the enchanting spread of Dr. Richard Robinson and his lovely wife, Dr. Aileen O'Neill, on Saturday evening, another clone could hoof it to The New Depot Player's "Dearly Departed." Luckily, the production, featuring some of my favorite local actors- Patty Maguire, Jay Tryall, Connie Davis, Charles Swartout and Candace Parr - runs next weekend, too. And, the good ole Celtic Tavern and Whistle Post will be there for pre and post-show revelry.
Hopefully, the clones will catch a few hours of shut-eye that night. Wait, do they even need sleep? Both of them will be needed on Sunday afternoon. One will return to RYSA for soccer and the other to Salem High School for "Godspell." The only reason I would miss Lenae Rose's student musical on gospel parables would be to attend a United Methodist Women's Candle Burning Ceremony honoring many inspirational ladies - Jean Wiggins, Beth Andersen and Julia Flynt to name a few. If we could only clone their ilk.
Speaking of wonderful women, don't forget what's just around the bend - Mother's Day. I'm into giving experiences. For my mother's birthday last year, we went to The Sketching Pad and created mosaic trays. Disclaimer, I'm a huge art appreciator, but not so crafty. It was all good though because fine artist Jennifer Baker was at the ready guiding us in her enthusiastic manner. She's recently expanded the studio at a new location in Olde Town, perfect for hosting art parties, a creative generation-less outing, invite the kiddos, grandmothers and aunts along.
