bad mommy

Full disclosure and a bottle of wine

[ Janice Watkins | Oct. 2011 ] “The Talk”: two words that send most parents into a tailspin. The “birds and the bees” sent my mom into near vomiting convulsions, which is why we had the talk when I informed her I was pregnant my first semester of college. “So, I used the insurance card … Continue Reading

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TCTA’s “Witches” is hair-raising fun

[ by Janice Watkins | photos by EJ Drake ] “Down with children, do them in, Boil their bones and fry their skin, Dish them, squish them, bash them, break them, shake them, slash them, smash them…” While this witchy chant resonates in my bad mommy heart, the chanting of the ladies of the Royal … Continue Reading

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Kansas Ancestor Fair

The Kansas Historical Society announced it is partnering with other local organizations to co-sponsor the second annual Kansas Ancestor Fair, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, October 8, at the Kansas Historical Society, 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka. This free event is being held in celebration of Family History Month and will feature information, displays, … Continue Reading

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OK Kids Adventure

[ by Cale Herreman | photos contributed ] This Saturday, the winding trails of Shawnee North Community Park will be filled with the laughter and shouts of children having adventures in the fresh air.  The annual O.K. Kids Day on the Trail invites kids to follow a path that will let them explore sports, such … Continue Reading

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separate states: long distance grandparenting

[ by Leah Sewell | photos by Lydia Barnhart & Matt Porubsky ] It’s 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and I’ve just cleaned the sticky spots off the dining table before setting the laptop there and opening it up. Within moments, my dad’s kitchenette in Carol Stream, Illinois is on the screen, and then … Continue Reading

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bday at the patch!

An October birthday calls for an outdoor party, plenty of Fall activities and a Kansas tradition that can’t be missed this season: Gary’s Berries Fall Festival [ by Regina Budden | photos by Josh Rouse ] Parents know all about Chuck-E-Cheese birthdays. They smile and do their best to yell conversations over the roar of … Continue Reading

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Stephen Elisha to perform at TSCPL this weekend

[press release | TSCPL | Oct. 2011] The cellist Steven Elisha, formerly of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and Washburn University, performs a free solo concert for the public Sunday, Oct. 9 from 3:00–4:00 pm in Marvin Auditorium. Elisha performs throughout the United States and internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Catch this national act … Continue Reading

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keen eye: Fall 2011

There are 6 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are? Answer found below! [ by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography ]           Tweet This Post Share

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turtles are cool

Songs about Turtles, Wolves, and Stan the Man When I was looking for something to review in this space, I came across an artist I had never heard of, and I bet you haven’t either.  Having a bit of a challenging surname myself, I have a soft spot for people with long, funny names.  (He … Continue Reading

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sneak peek XYZ Fall issue

We’re so excited to bring you the latest issue of our print magazine, chock full with fun stuff for families in Topeka. You wonderful people who have subscriptions will see it in your mailbox in less than a week. Don’t subscribe? Well, hop to it; there’s still time! Otherwise, look for it around town at … Continue Reading

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