Ideas for Mother's Day in Memphis, Tennessee

For many, Mother's Day, comes with a groan of realization that it's almost upon us and we've thought of nothing, sent no card, no flowers--nothing. This holiday, begun in 1908 and nationalized in 1914 is the cause for a lot of grief in families that forget. The typical panic sets in and people overpay florists to courier over an expensive bouquet to mom or we make frenzied arrangements for reservations at the most expensive restaurant in town--those sorts of things. They're hardly going to be fun because the major feeling is relief that, thank heavens, we just barely missed some deadline. What a way to celebrate something that might otherwise have meaning! It doesn't have to be this way. Only you know your wife or mother. Just make some plans in advance and take her out to a place you know she loves or do what you know she'll appreciate. It doesn't even have to be ritzy. Or buy her a bouquet of flowers that you know she loves. I have a site I'll include for that which is one of the best ever. Now to look for things that might be special in Memphis.

I found something rather remarkable being promoted by the Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) here in the city. It's sponsored by these folks and it's called Free Yo Mamma Day. Yep. Now what this is about is raising money for ADAPT which is a group that advocates for legislation to assist elders to live at home and not be shut away in horrid nursing homes when they become frail. ADAPT owns a one room nursing home which people can enter and then bail themselves out. It's a really stark but demonstrative statement about the problems of nursing home "lockaway" mentalities and a money raiser for ADAPT to fight the Tennessee biases. To put it in their own words: "Inmates" to Home for PABU's were locked away for the day, to symbolize all of our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends that are segregated from us by the institutional biased system in Tennessee." This may not be an idea to replace a box of chocolates, but it certainly is in the original spirit of honoring our mothers. Who knows? Some wife or mother might appreciate your voluntary incarceration for a day to honor them!
Randy Alexander
Memphis Center for IL
1633 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN38104
901/726-6404

Now, there are some traditional things you can do that are more in the standard mode, without being unimaginative and boring. Barkley's Stem Shop is offering 1 dozen red wrapped rose bouquets for just $15. But stop! Don't get your roses there. I can guarantee their shelf live will be less than a centipedes. Instead, you should go and get some Mother's Day Balloons. Don't put them in the front yard. Put them in the back yard, with some lighting and see what she thinks. The intimacy of Mother's Day is important--not the splash, the expensive automatic dinner, the obligatory presents and cards. But if you do want flowers, shop for them at the link for proflowers.com at the bottom of this article. They will last a week or more, depending on what bouquets you get. If you don't like shopping online, go to either SAMS Club, or to Fresh Market on White Station Road and buy there. Their flowers are better quality, fresher, from better growers, and your wife or mother won't have to sadly watch them wilt or tip their heads in just two or three days.

Another special treat for any mother who loves her garden would be to visit a good local nursery and purchase some bulbs to plant, or put in some garden work. Give her a personal card in advance, promising help in laying in some new plants or even shopping and planning with her. Believe me, it will mean a lot. For people who live in the area I would strongly suggest going to Dan West for plants. You may get them cheaper at Home Depot down a few blocks, but you won't get much help or much follow up when you go back. Believe me, these people can help anyone who wants to get advice for a Mother's Day gift and tell you honestly how and where to plant it.
Dan West Garden Center
4763 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38117-4427
901-767-6743

http://www.brennansmemphis.com/spcl_sunday.html
Brunch has somehow gotten into the finish line for must-do Mother's Day appreciation activities. Well why not do it somewhere that has consistently been awarded "best brunch" venue by the Memphis Flyer? That's Owen Brennans in the east Memphis Regalia shopping center. This restaurant is reputed to be better than its namesake in New Orleans. The restaurant is independently operated and is not bound by franchise rules or menu as far as I know. You'll have to do that research on your own. The brunch is just unbelievable and it includes champagne and live jazz. I just know, from personal experience, that this place is tops for brunch. They're at 6150 Poplar - Memphis, TN 38119. Call to make reservations ahead. Mother's Day will be really booked up. 901- 761 - 0990.