Tag Archives: massachusetts

All politics is local

When I moved back to Massachusetts nearly five years ago, I discovered volunteerism. I was 42 and had somehow made it that far in life without anyone ever asking me to be directly involved in a cause or an organization. I don’t know what that says about me, but I think that sometimes it’s best not to ruminateContinue reading “All politics is local”

A writing studio

Last week I signed the lease on a 285 square foot art studio on the third floor of a refurbished mill building in Lowell. I move into my new writing space on April 1. Perhaps the joke is on me. The idea of renting a studio for writing came out of nowhere. One day I remembered the building fromContinue reading “A writing studio”

The City of Spindles

Sometimes when you live near history, you take it for granted. I was reminded of that during February vacation when I took the kids to the Boott Cotton Mills Museum in Lowell. Growing up in Massachusetts, I was aware of the various mills in the state and the company towns that formed around them. It’s also hard toContinue reading “The City of Spindles”

Dance like nobody’s watching at Carlisle’s Friday Night Live

by Karina Coombs Brother and sister act at last month’s FNL. (Photo by Parissa Khayami) [Reprinted from the original Carlisle Mosquito article found here.] If you are in middle school and looking for a fun Friday night, Carlisle’s hottest club is FNL. Located in the gym and exercise room at the Carlisle Public School (CPS), andContinue reading “Dance like nobody’s watching at Carlisle’s Friday Night Live”

Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Show, 2016

Back when we were dating, my husband and I first went to the Brimfield Antique and Collectibles show. We spent hours strolling up and down the street and in and out of the tents looking for things that “spoke” to us. We acquired an enormous porcelain industrial glove mold, an old glass hospital paper cupContinue reading “Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Show, 2016”

Eastern Paint Turtle

This is our second summer in our house and living near water has meant spring and summers with a yard full of nesting Eastern Paint turtles. We’ve yet to ever see anything hatch and I’m not sure if that’s because they are so small, move in the night, or are completely devoured by predators while still in the egg. With the number of empty eggs and holes on the back lawn, the latter is probably the most probable, but I’m sure at least a few make it.

HitchBOT visits Carlisle

After two plus months of summertime fun, I got back to work. Here’s my latest feature (also found here). (Photo by Tracy McArdle Brady) HitchBOT visits Carlisle and humans learn a lesson by Karina Coombs This past July, Tracy McArdle Brady and her family took part in a social experiment that was followed by fans,Continue reading “HitchBOT visits Carlisle”

Cranberry Harvest, 2014

This past weekend was the cranberry harvest at the Carlisle bog. A strange little berry, but it does make for a good photo. Growing up in Massachusetts I took this for granted as a kid and just wanted the harvest to be over. That meant winter was coming and the flooded and frozen bog would become our personalContinue reading “Cranberry Harvest, 2014”

A Plymouth Thanksgiving

We made the trek south for the annual Plymouth Thanksgiving parade.  It was freezing and we got there way too early, but once it got  underway it was worth the wait and cold. Photos of our summer trip to Plimoth Plantation are here.

Wellesley College in October

    My husband and I had a very grown up Saturday and took in a lecture by Ang Lee and James Schamus at Wellesley College and then walked around campus for a few hours. Why is it that you appreciate things more when you no longer have them? I loved the campus when IContinue reading “Wellesley College in October”

Salem, MA

We decided to bring the kids to Salem today to check out the town pre-Halloween.  It was a little too festive; the crowds made it difficult to see its character and its characters.  I think we’ll have to make a return trip in a month that’s not October.  I’m eager to head back some afternoonContinue reading “Salem, MA”

The Woodchuck Trail and Garrison Loop

Yesterday called for a short hike on the Woodchuck trail and Garrison loop in Great Brook Farm State Park. Even with the light rain, it was a beautiful and easy hike. We parked near the canoe launch and walked across the road to the  Woodchuck trailhead to find some historical spots for my daughter’s schoolContinue reading “The Woodchuck Trail and Garrison Loop”

Thoreau’s Garden

~ My in-laws were visiting from Colorado this past weekend and a trip to Concord to see Emerson’s Old Manse and the surrounding national park was in order. The highlight of the trip? A stroll through and around the garden, planted by Henry David Thoreau for Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne who were renting the houseContinue reading “Thoreau’s Garden”