My 89-year-old mother moved in with us last September just after going through quadruple bypass surgery. (I later found out that she was the oldest patient in which her doctor had performed this type of surgery). I really only knew my mother as an adolescent. I left home at 18 to go to college and moved to Aspen the day I graduated.

The mother-daughter dynamic is very interesting. There have been many books written about the subject and it is the fodder for many a therapy session. It’s been interesting to get to know my mom as an adult, although the roles have switched. I also have my own daughter ” she’s 17. She would like to take the role as the adult and there is a tug-of-war with this just about every day in our household.

My husband and I were talking recently and were wondering exactly who these two people were living in our house!

---

---

My mom is much like a child ” we have to lug a lot of stuff around with us when we take her on an outing and we laugh about the cute things she said that day.

We have to remind our daughter practically on a daily basis that we are the parents and she is the child. I don’t know why she is in such a hurry to grow up and I wish she would latch onto her childhood just a little bit longer. I have no fear for her though, as she ventures out there, because she fears nothing! She’s tough, smart, creative and driven. Like my mother, she is like the Energizer bunny.

---

---

My mother is just as scrappy. There are times where her health seems so fragile I’m not sure she will be with us the next day ” then she pops up and says she’s doing great. My daughter’s health is also of concern. I’m sure a person can only burn the candle at both ends for so long.

What does this have to do with art? Everything and nothing. Everything because it’s an art to balance fragile relationships. It’s an art to be open to the ideas of those you love. It’s an art to live harmoniously. It has nothing to do with art because the process is a natural one and a truthful one. Although sometimes I think it might take a little therapy to tell your mom that you love her, most of the time I’m sure it comes pretty easy.

So get up, pick up the phone and call your mother! Tell her you love her! Happy Mother’s Day!

—–

Dancers Dancing tickets are now on sale at $15 for adults and $8 for students. The 12th Annual Dancers Dancing Performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 14-15. There will be a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. featuring the littlest dancers and select pieces from the evening performance.

All the performances will showcase the talent and beauty of the girls from the Choreography and Repertoire Project, the many students in our dance program, as well as the talents of Anthony and Alexandra Jerkunica. Reservations: 945-2414.

Calendar of events “

not to be missed!

POSTPONED until 7 p.m. June 12. ” Early Twentieth Century, Secular to Sacred ” the exploration of artist Ariel Agemian ” an evening of fine art, dining and fine wines hosted by his daughter, Annig Raley, and her husband Howard Raley at their home. This is not to be missed. Look for more information on this event.

May 14-15 ” Dancers Dancing Discovery ” Our Annual, Spectacular Spring Dance Performance

June-August ” Welcome to Artopia, June 10 through July 11, features the art of the Glenwood Springs Art Guild. July 16 through Aug. 29 is an open art exhibit in our gallery, a valleywide event. Look for more information on this happening too ” it’s going to be very cool!

The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts is located at 601 E. 6th St. between the Yampah Vapor Caves and Hot Springs Pool. We’re open 9-5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Information: gwsarts@sopris.net, http://www.GlenwoodSpringsCenterForTheArts.com, 945-2414. 945-2414.

Calendar of events “

not to be missed!

POSTPONED until 7 p.m. June 12. ” Early Twentieth Century, Secular to Sacred ” the exploration of artist Ariel Agemian ” an evening of fine art, dining and fine wines hosted by his daughter, Annig Raley, and her husband Howard Raley at their home. This is not to be missed. Look for more information on this event.

May 14-15 ” Dancers Dancing Discovery ” Our Annual, Spectacular Spring Dance Performance

June-August ” Welcome to Artopia, June 10 through July 11, features the art of the Glenwood Springs Art Guild. July 16 through Aug. 29 is an open art exhibit in our gallery, a valleywide event. Look for more information on this happening too ” it’s going to be very cool!

The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts is located at 601 E. 6th St. between the Yampah Vapor Caves and Hot Springs Pool. We’re open 9-5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. Information: gwsarts@sopris.net, http://www.GlenwoodSpringsCenterForTheArts.com, 945-2414.