literary living
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The Sacrifice (Part 3)
Eight weeks into the semester, Mrs. Mendall entered to find her students clustered once more around the CM2029. Bethany was at the heart of the group. Pale and thinner than ever, she seemed to be shrinking even as the subject in the artificial womb was growing, now at a rate of a millimeter or Continue reading
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The Sacrifice (Part 2)
Mrs. Mendall filled another cup with lukewarm coffee and exhaled heavily. The hours on her feet were not as kind as they once had been, and she gratefully sank into a seat opposite a younger teacher. “How’s your first day going?” Mrs. Williams, the younger teacher, smiled shyly. The older teacher considered her Continue reading
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The Sacrifice (Part 1)
Dear Reader, I began writing this story when I was sixteen. I had something important to say, but could not think of any better way to say it than through story. Soon, I became discouraged with my own work (as I so often do) and put it away to develop on its own. A few Continue reading
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The Aisle
I have walked down the aisle many times throughout my life: when leading a children’s processional, rushing to a band practice, or walking with dignity to the choir loft. I remember, most strikingly, the first time I walked down the aisle at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in St. Andrew’s, Scotland. I was one of a Continue reading
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A Lifelong Engagement
My fiancé and I opted for a three month engagement. He actually proposed exactly three months prior to our wedding date—even to the hour! However, when we tell people that we are planning to be married on July 9th, their eyes widen as they reply with the inevitable, “Of this year?!” I understand. Prior to Continue reading
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Frauenliebe und Leben: “Der Ring”
Nearly three years ago, I performed Robert Schumann’s stunningly beautiful Frauenliebe und Leben (translated “A Woman’s Life and Love”) for the first time. I say “for the first time” because this is a song cycle that I hope to perform over and over again for the rest of my life; composed to represent key moments Continue reading
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An Easter Rehearsal
I know my feet are prone to slip, unsure, So I play it again: Alleluia. And I know my hands may strike without measure, So I play it once more: Alleluia. But, worst, I know my heart is yet impure, So I pray it again: Alleluia, Amen. The organist and choristers know well The rehearsed Continue reading
2021 poetry, church music, church musician, church organ, church organist, Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday, holy week poetry, hymn, hymnology, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, liturgical living, liturgy, organ, organist, poem, poetry, practice musical practice, practicing, praising, rejoice, rejoicing, sacred poetry, Triduum -
Grief turned Grace
We all remember Palm Sunday last year. I remember it as the first year in a long time that I did not rise early to rehearse for a highly-musical church service. I remember it as the year I did not have to keep children’s choir littles from smacking each other with palm branches and the Continue reading
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On Coffee Table Books
When I dream of my own home, the first image that comes to mind is a steaming cup of coffee sitting cozily beside a stack of books on a rustic little table. There is something so welcoming about a well-placed mug and book on a coffee table; it seems to say to any and all Continue reading
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II. “The Woman” (Mark 5:21-34)
The crowd is throbbingAs my pain isthrobbing. I have not come this far in years.Twelve years. I cannot help the tears That begin to flow, To flow as blood hasFor twelve years. I am so close.But feel so far and fearsOvercome meAs the people overcrowd me. They know.They all know.They must. I see their glances:Quick, Continue reading
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Theology of Worship Panel – Part 2
I had the absolute joy of speaking on music-making, spiritual formation, and worship last night at Redemption Church Arcadia. It was such a fruitful time of sharing my thesis on musical practice as spiritual formation and then discussing how this factors into congregational worship. You can watch and listen here (slides included below): “There is Continue reading
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Theology of Worship Panel – Part 1
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic musician-theologians to present a panel on theology of worship/music. Follow the link below to watch/listen and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts! We will be continuing our discussion next week at the same link. https://youtu.be/PVd4U9EmdCg Continue reading
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Ryanne Molinari 