Leave the high jinks to the pros on Mother's Day. See Alexander Yudintsev and 50 more acrobats in the final performances of Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo" show at 1 and 5 p.m. today at McKenzie Arena.You may not find sentiment on parody greeting card site Someecards, but you will get clarity. Like the cartoon of a woman musing to her child: "You're making it difficult for me to be the parent I always imagined I would be."
Today, of all days, don't be that kid. It's Mother's Day. Respect must be paid.
Think breakfast in bed will please her? It might, but not if you don't clean up the kitchen afterward.
Would she enjoy a luxurious soak in the tub? Possibly, but don't start knocking at the door the minute she dips a toe in the water, asking, "How long you gonna be?"
Maybe you'll wash her car? Great - just don't ask to borrow it for your own joyride tonight.
It's really not that hard to think about someone other than yourself. Moms do it ALL THE TIME. That's right. They're thinking about you, kiddo. All. The. Time.
Surely, you can give Mom your undivided attention for a couple of hours today.
Enlist Dad to help with a plan to spend the day with everybody focused on the woman who makes your house a home.
Maybe you've already picked up a card or candy or flowers. Here are five fun ways to spend time out and about with Mom today.
Movie date No. 1
There are plenty of superhero choices at the multiplex, but maybe Mom would prefer a female-centric comedy like Melissa McCarthy's "Life of the Party" or Amy Schumer's "I Feel Pretty." Or something inspirational, like "The Miracle Season." Or Gabrielle Union's mama-bear ferocity in "Breaking In." "Tully," about a new mom at her wits' end, might be too much true-life drama, but if that's the one Mom wants to see, then no arguments, no sighs, no rolling of eyes. Call it a life lesson in what it's like to be a mom.
Also keep in mind that Regal Entertainment Group, which operates Hamilton Place 8 in Chattanooga, is offering a Mother's Day BOGO. For every $50 in Regal eCards purchased (no expiration date), you receive a $15 Concessions Promo eCard (good through June 9). Purchase eCards online at https://regmovi.es/mom.
Movie date No. 2
In honor of Mother's Day, Heritage House, 1428 Jenkins Road, will present Yasujiro Ozu's "Late Spring" as part of its International Film Series today at 6 p.m. Ozu is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential directors, and his films traditionally deal with the themes of marriage and family, especially the relationships between the generations. "Late Spring" tells the story of a widowed father in post-war Japan who feels compelled to marry off his beloved only daughter. It will be presented in the original Japanese with English subtitles. Admission is free. For more information: 423-855-9474.
Flower festival
Rock City's Southern Blooms Festival is in full blossom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. The festival celebrates Rock City's original gardener, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter. Visitors will learn about the legacy and heritage of the gardens from tour guides and Master Gardeners and can be part of planting the gardens with the horticulture team. Kids can enjoy educational make-and-take activities and learn what it takes to make a garden grow. Admission is $11.95 for kids, $19.95 for adults. Rock City is at 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. For more information: 706-820-2531, www.seerockcity.com.
Cirque du Soleil
If home life feels like a circus sometimes, maybe Mom would enjoy the real thing. Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo" performance at McKenzie Arena, 720 E. Fourth St. "Corteo," which means cortege in Italian, is a festive parade as a clown imagines his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere. The cast includes 51 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from all over the world. Shows start at 1 and 5 p.m. today. Tickets range from $35 to $125. You can save 30 percent on Circle 1 or 2 tickets and 10 percent on Premium Circle and Circle 3 tickets using this web address: https://tinyurl.com/yacnd6w3. For more information: 423-266-6627.
Chattanooga Market
The market's Mother's Day celebration will include pampering for Mom with a selection of wines and champagnes and locally sourced treats. From vendors you can find a bouquet of spring flowers, fresh ingredients for a meal and a piece of art or jewelry to make the day more special. Jimmy Dormire and Heidi Holton are the day's musical guests. Market hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd. Admission is free. For more information: 423-266-4041, chattanoogamarket.com.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.