Locally Speaking Kansas City
All things local to the Kansas City metro and beyond
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about
This is a blog to learn more about the Kansas City and surrounding communities.
Kristy Johnston is a retired educator, with a passion for continue learning.
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When ceramic artist Cathy Broski built her studio in the early 2000s, she funded it one art fair at a time. “We broke ground at the end of 1999,” she said. “I would go out and do an art fair, come home, pay the contractor, and then do the next thing.” Before moving into her…
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In the heart of downtown Independence, you’ll find a renaissance of charming shops, unique boutiques, and inviting restaurants. Although I grew up in the area, I have to admit that I hadn’t visited downtown Independence in years — and I was truly missing out. On a sunny afternoon, my husband and I made the short…
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A Delightfully Spooky Tale About Being Unapologetically Yourself If you’re looking for a picture book that celebrates individuality, curiosity, and a love for the unusual, Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is a standout choice.Perfect for readers ages 2 to 6—but truly enjoyable for all ages—this beautifully illustrated story reminds us why picture books continue to captivate…
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Tucked into the historic landscape of Independence, Missouri, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum stands as both a tribute to a consequential presidency and a living center for civic learning. Since opening its doors in 1957, the library has embodied the vision of Harry S. Truman, who believed deeply that understanding government was…
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This has been a good week for our Kansas City artist friends. Tonight Melissa Dehner will have her hand-painted wine glasses on display at this event. “Stems: A Garden Soiree” , is a fundraiser for the Arts and Recreation Department of Overland Park to support the amazing Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden‘s as well…
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You may remember I featured local artist, Dean Kube’s art in this post. Well don’t miss out on Dean’s new art exhibit at the Lenexa City Hall Gallery. Dean will be there this evening May 14th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for an artist talk and reception. This is your chance to get an up close look…
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The legendary sneakers my mother refused to give up It was said that “Shoe-less Joe Jackson” earned his nickname by breaking in a new pair of cleats. My mother, on the other hand, earned hers—“Toe-less-Shoe Mama”—by cutting the toes out of a pair of blue Ked’s sneakers. The Shoes That Shocked Me As far back…
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A Legacy of Stories There’s something special about a book recommendation that comes from someone you love—especially when that someone has a lifetime of stories behind them. This is the second title in a collection of over 400 books my mother-in-law, Bev, shared over the years. Each one feels like a small window into her…
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I’ve recently become a little obsessed with a charming, women-owned shop in the Kansas City area—Zen Donkey Farms. Located in Fairway, this unique spot specializes in organic, raw, cold-pressed juices, plant-based foods, and refreshing sparkling waters. After opening their Fairway location this summer, they’ve already expanded with a second shop inside the AdventHealth Cancer Institute…
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Recommended by Bookseller Ali Cave at Rainy Day Books A Visit to Rainy Day Book During a recent visit to Rainy Day Books (which I featured in a previous post), I spoke with bookseller Ali Cave about one of her favorite picture books and the lively story time she hosts each week.Inside Saturday Story time…