Mother's Day

Ah, Mother’s Day— the Hallmark of Hallmark holidays.* Regardless of how you feel about it, if you have children, you are on the hook. Even if your wife agrees that this forced, once-a-year spotlight on motherhood is just another conduit for consumerism in our counterfeit excuse for a culture, you still better have something planned for her “special” day— if you know what’s good for you.

This year, I decided to honor the mother of my children with a surprise lunch at the North Carolina Museum of Art. This is a date idea that I can highly recommend. The state’s museum is home to a wonderful collection of works that anyone can appreciate. Believe me, I was no art history major in college. But even I recognize names like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth , and Claude Monet (Hint: He painted those ubiquitous watercolors that adorn the apartment living rooms of every college co-ed.) Plus, the NC museum touts a collection of Flemish masterpieces from the 16th century that are simply Flembulous!** You can walk about the facility at your own pace and when midday approaches, sate your hunger at the stylish Blue Ridge restaurant. Trust me guys. This is a classy move that your wife will appreciate. Mine was no exception.

After casually touring the various galleries, we meandered down to the basement for our meal. I could see my wife was thoroughly pleased. (She was probably expecting me to take her to some bus-your-own eatery where the bottomless fries are the highlight.) She ordered the mixed greens topped with fresh trout and I had the smoked salmon and sweet potato hash from the brunch menu. The service was impeccable as well and our kids even managed to behave themselves. Overall, I think it was a memorable Mother’s Day for my lovely wife. Hopefully, I can keep the surprises coming as we approach the summer months. Stay tuned.



* Don’t sweat me about this, if you please. I’m all for mothers getting their props. I just don’t care for the shameless profiteering that comes with the “holiday.” I know how to make my wife feel special and appreciated as a mother. Here’s the first step: Do something considerate for her on days in addition to the second Sunday in May. There are 364 of them, you know.

** On a side note, there’s something very “win win” about taking your wife on a date to the art museum. She’s happy to be out of the house, doing something interesting and new. In addition, you come off looking less like a troglodyte for engaging in a cultured activity for once. Another romantic benefit: The atmosphere of an art museum typically exudes a reverent stillness encouraging a more muted discourse among the patrons. (Translation: There’s ample opportunity for more personal, intimate conversation as you to stand in close proximity, quietly discussing how certain pieces “speak to you.”) And for all you tightwads, the museum is FREE!