Have you been getting the sense that the creative side of you could use some renewal?  Maybe you went to art school a few years back and your materials and supplies are in the back of the closet, or maybe you have never explored your artistic gifts, but are interested in discovering what you can do. The real reason to take a class at the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln is to awaken your creativity and enjoy a great learning experience. DeCordova offers a wide range of classes – from digital photography to jewelry making and metalsmithing, from printmaking to sculpture, and more…

This week for the Patch Great Escape you can be a patron of the arts.  The range of options for seeing a play or musical in and around metro-Boston is vast.   Here is a smattering of what’s out there. For a night out in Boston, "Hair" is playing at the Colonial Theatre through April 10. This 1960’s rock musical caused quite an uproar and was considered very controversial when it debuted. The messages may still resonate. After seeing this one, you will likely hurry home to download the soundtrack (if you don’t already own it). For a more intimate and up-close feeling, you can see a play at a …

Spring is finally here! You may have some lingering cabin fever - climbing the walls and itching to break out of winter hibernation. If that’s the case, then climbing the walls might be the answer. Escape this week to Boston Rock Gym in Woburn.  For a first-timer or a more experienced climber, Boston Rock Gym is a fun adventure and close to home.    With rock climbing you will learn something new, get a good workout (upper and lower body), and climb things you thought you could. Rock climbing requires concentration and focus and, if your not careful, you may find it to be habit-forming. For a…

This week’s escape starts with a visit to Debra’s Natural Gourmet. Though there are some amazing foods (check out the chocolate selection another time), this outing is to the other third of the store – the portion with the natural remedies. Find Debra, or one of the members of her kind and capable staff to help you navigate the beautiful selection of soothing and comforting products.  Some things to consider: Aromatherapy. For centuries people have been using essential oil extracts (from plants and the parts of plants) to improve mind and health. Aromatherapy is a great way to de-stress. …

Wouldn’t a glimpse of spring, some lush green foliage have a healing effect on your winter weariness? Inspirational and aspirational, the Boston Flower and Garden Show is an escape that will carry you pleasantly through the remaining winter days and into spring.   With breathtaking displays of gardens, patios, flower arrangements, landscape design, container gardens, native and exotic flowers, you will be astonished. The Flower Show will be at the Seaport World Trade Center starting on Wednesday March 16 and running through Sunday March 20.  There is plenty to see and do. Dozens of exhibitors…

In the mid-1990’s when Robin would go over to one of her girlfriend’s apartments in Boston to watch Melrose Place and share take-out food, she never imagined that over 15 years later she’d still be getting together nearly every month with most of the same five girlfriends (though it is now dinner at a restaurant).  Those once twenty-somethings are married and have moved north, south, and west of Boston. The topics have changed from boyfriends and bridesmaids to pregnancy and parenting and everything in between, but they still call it “Girls Night Out.” For Robin and her friends Girls Night …

Yoga is transformational.  Bear in mind that this can be true in the ways you think it is; Yoga connotes spirituality, inner peace, whole being wellness, and so on.  It can also simply be about fitness and exercise.  However you approach it, regular yoga practice is an escape that has benefits before, during, and after an actual yoga session.  If you are in Concord you don’t have to go very far.  There are literally dozens of classes offered in and around Concord.  Health clubs, yoga studios, private sessions - - there is something for everyone.  Selecting the right yoga class takes a little …

“I’d like to thank my children and my husband….”  Going to the movies is a perfect escape.  There is still time before the 83rd annual Academy Awards on Feb. 27 to watch all ten of the movies nominated for best picture.  Schedule some time for yourself, grab a friend, and check out local movie schedules.  Along with your bag of popcorn and a soft drink (tip:  get the smallest size - you don’t want to miss any of the movie), relax and take in the sights and sounds – drama, comedy, thriller, social commentary, there is something for everyone.  Going to the movies seems to be a diversion that is…

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening. It's your time. Take it. Each week, we will tell you about one great idea to give you a much-desered break,and make your life a little easier and more comfortable. Today comes a suggestion about wrapping yourself in comfort. Winter weariness is setting in. So many snow days! For any mom, these days are exhausting. While this is what we signed up for as mothers, it serves everyone to let mom have a …