My mother passed away ten years ago, but I’m sure like most people, I think about her often. The contrast between her and my father was vast, and I wonder just how much of her is in me. There’s the obvious – everyone says I look like her. (My sisters, on the other hand, took after my father). But it goes deeper than that. She was my supporter in school. My father rarely went to anything I did, and even when I suspected she didn’t approve of many of the choices I made, she always tried to hide it. In her eyes I was going to grow up whomever I was going to be, and whomever that was, she was determined to support it. When I became a father I was determined to do that as well and let her figure out who she wanted to be with my contribution being only guidance (when she asked for it). That to me is the soul of good parenting, and although my childhood was…well…let’s just say interesting…I still credit my mom with a lot of my success in life. She was not perfect, but then no one ever is.
So this month may we salute mother’s everywhere. It’s so easy to get cynical about holidays like Mother’s Day, but this really is one we should take to heart.
Meanwhile, here at Primetime we also wish to show our appreciation to our event hosts in April that make all this work. I’m talking about you Robert, Louise, Jeffrey, Anne, Clare, Deborah, Patty, Miki, Martha, Lynn, Greg 2″G”, Mahani, Greg (the other 2 “G”), Barbara, Mireya, Andy, Michael, Heidi, Gary, and last and definitely least, that 3G Gregg (I can’t reach that far behind me). But I did really enjoy watching THE GRADUATE with you guys and gals.
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SPRING PICNIC
And this month you definitely don’t want to miss our Fifth Anniversary Spring Picnic at Beverly Sheffield Park on May 19. https://www.meetup.com/primetimeatx/events/300238808/ They’ll be food, music, and fun as always, with the extra special attraction that our group is now five years old! When you sign up, look for the link to answer a quick survey about what kind of protein you would like to have so we can properly shop, and also to let us know what food you are planning on bringing to share. We’re providing the proteins. We also need some small grills and a grillmaster or two, so let us know if you’d like to help. The survey link is in the event posting, or you can just go here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9LHSM8C
EVENTS IN NEED OF A HOST
Meanwhile, there’s lots of other stuff already on the calendar, including our normal book clubs, hikes, concerts, potlucks, and trivia nights. Don’t see anything that interests you? Why not host an event yourself? Everything is more fun with other people! Here’s some Events in Need of a Host this month in Austin:
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Austin, May 4 from1 to 10 pm (https://fiestaaustin.org/)
The Sleeping Beauty Performed by Ballet Austin at The Long Center, May 10-12 (https://balletaustin.org/performances/the-sleeping-beauty/#1635190877188-a80978fc-ddb2)
In the Lone Star Wars State – Star Wars Day at the Bullock, (May the 4th Be With You!) Bob Bullock State History Museum (https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/education/in-the-lone-star-wars-state-20240504?utm_source=box4&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=publicprograms&utm_content=in-the-lone-star-wars-state-20240504-FY24)
The Austin Affordable Art Fair, Palmer Events Cernter, May 17-19 (https://affordableartfair.com/fairs/austin/)
May 2024 “Fix-It” Clinic – Bring Your Broken Household Items And Learn to Repair Them With Guidance From Skilled Coaches!, May 18 12 to 2pm, Carver Branch, Austin Public Library (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-2024-fix-it-clinic-tickets-856379874257?aff=oddtdtcreator)
Don’t some of those sound fun? Like to go with a few friends? Let one of the organizers know and we’ll help you set it up. Its fun, rewarding, and essential for us.
Enjoy the month, Primetimers!
Gregg, on behalf of Louise, Andy, Barbara and Patty