About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
April 7th, 2008 by jamie a
Peacock at the Franklin Park Zoo Photo uploaded by
Take the kids and celebrate Earth Day in Boston at the on April 20 from 11 am to 3 pm!
Featuring Jeff Corwin (producer for Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel) as the keynote speaker, it’s a great opportunity to learn about raising awareness for conservation. There will be crafts, activities, interactive fun with the animals of the zoo, and environmentally-friendly exhibits for all to enjoy.
If you’re been to the zoo before, head back for this great event and get to know the amazing animals that live here in Boston!
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April 2nd, 2008 by jamie a
Peter at the ICA Photo uploaded by
My latest field trip proved that spring is a wonderful time of year to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art on the waterfront in Boston. From the magnificent views from the wide windows, to the sun that filters in just perfectly into the galleries, you’ll love the museum’s relationship with its environment.
In anticipation of my visit, I read up on and was very excited about The World as a Stage, the newest undertaking at the museum. In association with the Tate Modern in London, the exhibit features works by 16 international artists, and blurs “the lines between theater, performance, visual art, and everyday life.” The exhibit was a perfect one for myself and my two visiting friends– all certified theater nuts.
The west gallery on the 4th floor features Renata Lucas’ Falha, involving the construction of a stage and playing space, Jeppe Hein’s Rotating Labyrinth, and Rita McBride’s Arena. These works invite the guest into the space to both make it their own and interact with the work, thus forming a concrete relationship between audience and artist. We were also mesmerized by the creepily accurate businessman sculpture named Bob by Markus Schinwald, Geoffrey Farmer’s Hunchback Kit, and we had a ball playing in the shadows of Dominique Gonzales-Foester’s Seance du Shadow II.
On another note, we also discovered a new artist to admire! As part of the ICA’s Momtentum series, Indian artist Ranjani Shettar’s Sun-Sneezers Blow Light Bubbles was one of our favorite works we saw all day. Based on the photic sneeze reflex that causes uncontrollable sneezing when one is exposed to the sun, it’s a whimsical and inspirational take on the ailment. The piece was created especially for a particular space in the museum, where you can walk around, under, and through it to experience its magic. Using non-art materials like muslin cloth and tamarind kernel powder paste, the sculpture takes on a incredibly unique texture that requires up-close inspection to appreciate her handiwork.
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March 24th, 2008 by jamie a
Sustainable Living Quote Photo uploaded by
This spring, learn how to be a responsible consumer and learn about the importance of sustainable design at this year’s
Held at the Hynes Convention Center from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, this festival celebrates “green living” and how we can all do our part to make a difference. Since Boston has been ranked at #3 on the list of America’s Greenet Cities and Cambridge ranks in at #6, this festival fits right in.
Participating vendors include Alt Wheels, Equal Exchange, Greenward, LUSH, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among many others. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and children under 12 are free, so it’s a great event for the whole family!
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March 19th, 2008 by jamie a
Mary Baker Eddy quote Photo uploaded by
After going on a Photo Walks tour with Saba, I headed over to the stunning Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium for the second leg of my fabulous field trip day. I had heard about how “absolutely amazing” standing in the center of the Mapparium was from one of my coworkers, so I was very excited about experiencing it myself.
The three-story stained-glass globe, created in 1935, is frozen in time, and represents a world that no longer exists. As you stand on the glass walkway that traverses through the center of the earth, there’s an accompanying narration show entitled A World of Ideas that brings the ideas and story of the Mapparium to life.
I felt a bit spoiled during my visit to the Mapparium, as I got to experience the exhibit all by myself! It’s quite an experience to stand in the middle of a stunningly beautiful three-story glass globe alone. My tour guide told me that one of the best ways to experience the globe is to whisper something into the air and marvel at the whisper traveling back to your own ear. I promise that the acoustics are nothing like you’ve ever experienced before.
After you’ve seen the Mapparium, I suggest also taking the time to explore the library and museum exhibits upstairs, which paint a portrait of Mary Baker Eddy herself. From her humble beginnings to her thoughtful spirit, the exhibit is the largest collections by and about an American woman.
The month of March is Women’s History Month, so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium! I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I enjoyed mine.
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March 14th, 2008 by jamie a
Massachusetts State House with General Joseph Hooker Statue Photo uploaded by
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of taking a little field trip to go on a with Saba Alhadi!
The tour, entitled Footsteps to Freedom, began at the Shaw Memorial, right in front of the Massachusetts State House. Right from the beginning, I knew that Saba was going to give us great tips and inspiration for capturing images that really represented the history and culture of Boston. In addition to photography tips, the tour also covers the history and culture of each of the stops along the way.
I had brought two cameras with me, one manual digital camera and one point-and-shoot, due to the fact that my camera can act up at inopportune times. Luckily, Saba’s tour is appropriate for all kinds of cameras, as she takes into account that tourists generally bring small, automatic cameras with them on tours. My camera did end up with issues, so I used my boyfriend’s Casio Exilim, which worked perfectly with Saba’s instruction.
Since I’ve only lived in Boston since May of 2007, the tour was a wonderful opportunity to be touristy again and get photos of landmarks that I walk by on a daily basis. In addition to offering tips on great spots for photo opportunities, Saba really inspired the group to notice the “everyday” and look for moments to capture in unlikely places. At each “prime photo location,” Saba provided individual attention to each group member, helping us figure out the intricacies of our cameras.
This tour genuinely made me appreciate where I live, along with inspiring me to get out there and take more photos! It’s a great activity for those who want an intimate tour with personal attention which will give them great tips on bringing home unique photographs to share with friends and family.
Here’s a big thanks to Saba for the tour and if you’d like to see all the photos I took on the tour, check out my !
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March 12th, 2008 by jamie a
Ice Skating on the Frog Pond Photo uploaded by
With an anticipated closing date of March 17th, this is your last chance to go ice skating on Boston’s famed !
Recently voted among the by Budget Travel, the Frog Pond is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Located in the oldest park in America, the Frog Pond is open year round, offering prime skating territory in the winter and a splashing and wading pond during the warmer months.
After taking a spin around the ice, you can visit the Park Street Church, the new Massachusetts State House, and start your walk along the famous .
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March 5th, 2008 by jamie a
Harpoon Brewery Photo uploaded by
Since Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for the big day! Boston’s mighty proud of its Irish heritage and the city is famed for throwing amazing Saint Patrick’s Day parties.
If you’re going to be in the city, the delightful folks at , which is the largest in Boston. From Friday, March 7 to Saturday, March 8th, you can get your fill of delicious brews, corned beef and hash, live Irish and rock and roll bands, along with tons of people jigging away on the dancefloor.
, where you can drink and learn at the same time! Sam’s classic brews are a staple of life in Boston and if you’ve got a , your entry is included, making an even sweeter deal.
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March 3rd, 2008 by jamie a
A Fine Selection of Cocktails Photo uploaded by
If you’re sick of staying inside on these chilly nights, never fear! For starters, it’s already March, so it’s got to be warmer…right? You can always just grab a scarf and mittens and head out for a night on the town despite the chill.
To get you started, From the traditional hot toddy at Alchemist Lounge to the new and inventive “snow globe” at Chez Henri, there’s plenty of ways to keep warm.
Cheers!
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February 29th, 2008 by jamie a
Dining at Grasshopper Photo uploaded by
Fellow bloggers over at Bostonist.com illuminate , cluing us in to places we never knew existed. If you or a friend is vegan, traveling within a group to dine out can sometimes be a difficult experience. You don’t always want to sit there and simply munch on some veggies…you’d like a warm and filling meal like the rest of your group!
From the much anticipated opening of , a 100% raw and vegan restaurant in the North End, to the tantalizing Asian fare of in Allston, Vegans can certainly dine happily in this city. There’s also with delectable pizzas in the heart of Harvard Square, with multitudes of Vegan and Vegetarian options, and , a traditional French restaurant with a couple Vegan offerings as well.
If you’re in the city on Wednesday, March 5, in Harvard has teamed up with the Boston Vegan Association to have a four course Vegan meal. Make sure to make reservations, as the seats are sure to fill up fast.
Have a recommendation for more Vegan fare in the Boston area? Let us know in a comment!
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February 28th, 2008 by jamie a
Thursday, February 28 (6 pm)
Head over to the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square to hear Adrian Tomine read from his latest graphic novel, .
Friday, February 29 (7 pm)
Join the Campaign for the Central Square Theatre by attending the ! Held at MIT’s student Stratton Center, there will be auctions, music and dancing, free food, drinks, and more.
Saturday, March 1 (4 pm)
The MFA will be showing the film , following the political journeys of Joan Baez in the summer of ‘69.
Sunday, March 2 (6 pm)
Help out the newly formed 826 Boston with a ! The benefit will fund a desperately needed P.A. system for 826, allowing them to give kids hands-on production experience.
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