This & tHAT i

Stevie Nicks Live at The BJCC

Singer Stevie Nicks, who gained fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac before launching a successful solo career, will perform April 5 in Birmingham. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at at the Legacy Arena at BJCC, 1898 Ninth Ave. N in downtown Birmingham. Nicks' Fleetwood Mac hits include "Rhiannon," "Dreams" and "Landslide," while her solo hits include "Leather and Lace," "The Edge of Seventeen" and "Stop Dragging My Heart Around." The tour begins March 15 in Seattle and will continue through June 27 with a show scheduled in Louisville. Other stops on the tour include shows in Atlanta, Orlando and Knoxville, Tennessee. For more info visit www.bjcc.org

Grief Recovery Support Group

A Grief Recovery Support Group -- Your Journey from Mourning to Joy -- will meet every Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 PM. All meetings will be in room 3105. Video based curriculum followed by discussion concerning the stages of grief, the storms that come with it, and ways of dealing with loss. This is a free group. Sorry, childcare is not available during this time. www.frazer.church

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents, A Doll’s House, Part II by Lucas Hnath

In the final scene of Ibsen’s 1879 groundbreaking masterwork, Nora Helmer makes the shocking decision to leave her husband and children, and begin a life on her own. This climactic event—when Nora slams the door on everything in her life—instantly propelled world drama into the modern age. In A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2, many years have passed since Nora’s exit. Now, there’s a knock on that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind? “[A] smart, funny and utterly engrossing play…Hnath approaches what might seem like a hubristic project with the humility and avidity of an engaged Everyreader. A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 gives vibrant theatrical life to the conversations that many of us had after first reading or seeing its prototype…” —NY Times. “Hnath’s inspired writing, which endows each character with an arsenal of fastballs, curveballs and spitballs, keep[s] us disarmingly off-balance. He’s an uncommonly gifted parodist. For all its seriousness, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 is suffused with a contagious bemusement.” —deadline.com. Received eight 2017 Tony Awards nominations, and won for Best Actress. Order ticket at www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

5 Ways to Feel Happier this Year

Whether you vowed to ditch a bad habit, take better care of your health, move forward in your career, or improve your love life, almost all New Year's resolutions have one thing in common: a desire to feel happier. But even if you find yourself unable to to stick with a goal to lose weight, find a better job, or move somewhere new, there are other simple ways to increase your happiness and satisfaction with life, without relying on drastic changes in your circumstances. All you need to change is your perspective and attitude—and that can be done by anyone at anytime.

1. Appreciate the positive aspects of life. While it's pointless trying to pretend things are wonderful even when they're not, many of us are guilty of dwelling too much on the negative. Instead, it's possible to train your brain to focus more on the small pleasures in daily life that can improve your outlook and boost happiness.

2. Value your relationships. Studies have shown that fulfilling relationships are one of the greatest sources of happiness. So it's no surprise that losing touch with friends is one of the most common end-of-life regrets. Whatever your work or school commitments, try to carve out more time to spend with friends and loved ones this year—especially those who bring joy and positivity into your life.

3. Live in the moment. When you're feeling unhappy, anxious, or sad, chances are you're either dwelling on something negative from the past or worrying about something in the future. When you focus on the present moment, you're much more likely to feel happy and at peace. One way to live more in the moment and savor the good things in life is to practice mindfulness.

4. Help others. There's a reason why people who give back to others tend to feel happier: It's truly fulfilling to feel like your actions are making a positive difference in the world. Volunteering for causes or organizations you believe in, going out of your way to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor, or even just brightening a stranger's day can also bolster your overall health and self-esteem.

5. Take care of your health. While it's true that you can be happy even when you're suffering from ill health, we can all benefit from improving the aspects of health that are within our control. The important thing to remember is that eating well, getting more exercise, and sleeping better don't have to all or nothing propositions. Even making small positive changes can have lasting benefits.

Capital City Master Gardeners Association Lunch & Learn @ Montgomery Cultural Arts Center

Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn, the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They will meet at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center (Armory Learning Arts Building), 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery 36104. Mark your calendars, March 1, “Azaleas for Alabama Gardens” David Doggett, Advanced Master Gardener, will present “Azaleas for Alabama Gardens”, Have you always wanted to plant azaleas in your landscape, but didn’t know where to start? Join us for this very informative program about azaleas. Learn what type of soil is needed for successful flowering. Find out when to prune your azalea bushes. Discover the many varieties and colors that are available for the garden. Don’t miss this program! BRING A SACK LUNCH, FREE PROGRAM, WATER PROVIDED, For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www.capcitymga.org.

By Edd and Cynthia Staton