Artifaktori Vintage

Like its collection of oddities and vintage finds, Artifaktori is a treasure. Located in Davis Square and Beacon Hill (but soon only Beacon Hill), Artifaktori is something of a vintage lover's dream. The space embraces you with its hip tunes and smartly curated offerings-it is small, but packed with tchotchkes and items that will leave you lingering. Boston is filled with thrifting spots, but this one is extra special and extra cool. 

Wilson Farm

Wilson Farm, located in nearby Lexington,  is a food lover's paradise. The moment I walked into their store I nearly gasped with delight. This is how a farm's bounties should be displayed: in simple order with thoughtful packaging, surrounded by fresh cut flowers and the glories of the nursery. A rustic barn complete with exposed wooden beams doesn't help either. I found myself connecting to the food as if it came from my own non-existent garden, as if I had only just plucked the lettuce from the backyard and took some basil from the pot by the window. I do love grocery stores, yet I always suffer from a sense of alienation towards the food I see and buy. The same questions that we've all asked ourselves over the past decade never seem to leave my mind: where did this come from, is it organic, is it safe? 

But here, there was no such barrier. I communed with the food and left delighted with all my purchases. Despite the snow that falls today, spring suddenly felt nearer. I left reminded that food ought to be respected and appreciated-not only when we eat a delicious meal out, but when we dine in, with the groceries we have brought into our homes. Leave it to a farm that has been in operation since 1884 to remind us. 

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Several weeks ago, before Nemo graced us with his presence, I jumped in the zip car and drove to Mount Auburn Cemetery in neighboring Cambridge. In my general research of the area, I stumbled upon the cemetery and was intrigued by its mention of many famous names, beautiful monuments and even a watchtower that overlooks the city. Winslow Homer, Harriet Jacobs, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Amy Lowell are among those interned here and the list carries on and on. The place is quite large: seventy-five acres. Even with a car, I felt as if I could hardly see it all. There are dozens upon dozens of paths, all with lovely titles, like the Snowdrop or the Buttercup Path. The day was absolutely frigid, so I couldn't explore as much as I would have liked-but this is a place I plan to see again in the spring, when I can wander at greater ease (and actually climb the watchtower).  Perhaps I'll find irises along the Iris Path, daffodils along the Daffodil Path.  

Never before had I seen such a diversity of monuments, that were more fascinating than cryptic. People actually come here for wedding photographs. There is even a book club, which to me seems like an absolutely wonderful way to commemorate the buried. I had never heard of such a thing. But why not? It makes complete sense. (February's book was a historical novel titled The Bone Garden-a very fitting name-that features Dr.Oliver Wendell Holmes in his youth. He is buried at the cemetery.) 

This weekend there is a Longfellow Birthday celebration and I am slightly tempted to attend... Harvard professor Stephen Burt will lead a discussion and that is a reason in itself to go. Ah, but a snowstorm is in the forecast. What a surprise! We shall see, we shall see.