Plan an outing with Mom

First and foremost, it's Mother's Day weekend. I do have some gifts for my mom, even though every year she tells me, "Oh, I don't need anything," which usually is followed by a text hinting at certain things I could buy if I were to buy her gifts. It's funny how helpful that is. But it's almost funnier to know she's reading this.

If you're not the gift-giving type, moms always love spending time with their children. And don't stress if you're unable to spend time with your mother; you can still hang out with someone who has your best interests at heart, because I've gathered that's basically what being a mom -- or parent -- is all about.

Start off with music performed by contemporary Christian mainstay JJ Weeks and newcomers Jason Fowler and Tori Harper at STA Cafe in Cape Girardeau. Saturday, wake up early for some blood-pumping Zumba in the park. Or stop by the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center -- it's free -- for this month's featured artist, Helen Towner.

And since I think one can never spend enough time outside, do a little yoga at the Mississippi River in downtown Cape Girardeau on Saturday.

If your mom likes flowers, take her to West Park Mall for SEMO Iris Society's annual Iris Show -- last year's show was pretty impressive!

Last but not least, spend Saturday morning at the Cape Riverfront Market. Take in all that local growers have to offer, along with food trucks aplenty.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all mother figures!

Time for music

Check out the vocals of JJ Weeks, Jason Fowler and Tori Harper. Vocalist and acoustic guitarist JJ Weeks has been involved in ministry since childhood. Whether singing solos, performing in church musicals, leading worship or being a music minister, music and ministry have always gone hand in hand, according to his website.

Fowler -- Christian pop, rock and country artist -- is working with Dove-winning and Grammy- nominated producers Ian Eskelin and Barry Weeks (Francesca Battistelli, 7eventh Time Down), putting the final touches on his third solo album, set for release this year.

Songwriter, artist and Nashville, Tennessee, native Harper draws on life experience in much of her songwriting. Her style "blends faith and music in a powerful but delightful way inspiring and encouraging her listeners," her website said.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: STA at 820 N. Sprigg St.

How much: $10 for general admission; $20 for VIP

More info: facebook.com/STACAFE820

• Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for VIP; doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general admission
• VIP tickets include hors d'oeuvres and a Q & A session with JJ Weeks

You, Mom and Zumba

Wake up early for an all-level mother-daughter workout featuring special mom-themed songs! You'll learn all about the latin-inspired dance fitness class with hip-hop flair.

When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: North Cape County Park, pavilion 4, 2400 County Park Drive in Cape Girardeau

How much: $5 per person or $8 for mother/daughter combo; $2 for children ages 8 to 13

• An adult should accompany participants under age 13. Restrooms are available. And don't forget to bring water and a towel.

Art time

Stop by the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and enjoy this month's featured nature-themed colored-pencil artwork by Helen Towner.

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday

Where: Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 2289 County Park Drive

How much: Free

More info: mdc.mo.gov/southeastevents

Namaste

Join the Cape Parks & Recreation Department for yoga on the riverfront.

When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today and 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Cape Girardeau Riverfront

How much: $3.50 per class

More info: Call Christine, (573) 339-6604

An event that'll grow on ya

The SEMO Iris Society's annual Iris Show is this weekend. Don't only bring Mom flowers; take her to the flowers!

This year's theme is "Iris in Arts and Crafts." On display will be iris from domestic and international hybridizers. Local hybridizers and irisarians will be on hand to speak and answer questions about growing iris and the history of the flower.

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: West Park Mall at 3049 William St.

I got green beans, potatoes, tomatoes ...

The return of the Cape Riverfront Market is here. A variety of vendors will offer locally grown farm goods including fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, baked goods, prepared foods and artisan crafts. The market also will feature demonstrations and live music.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday

Where: 35 S. Spanish St.

More info: facebook.com/CapeRiverfrontMarket