Category Archives: Uncategorized

4/22: God Willing: one small urban garden

Posted on April 21, 2013 by maryangelis

The neighbors were oh so not amused. They’d held down this Irish Catholic turf for three generations, on a street of houses with three floors plus attic and an asphalt driveway with a car or two. Each had a little … Continue reading →

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4/13: Bowed Psaltery

Posted on April 13, 2013 by maryangelis

The bowed psaltery had her first music gig today. My volunteer organization invited her to come entertain at the registration table for our annual meeting. First, the flyers. Flyers are good because when people ask “What’cha got there?” it’s nice … Continue reading →

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3.18: Lent (Великий Пост)

Posted on March 19, 2013 by maryangelis

A very small story, in honor of the first day of Orthodox Lent. In the year 1907 at Optina Pustyna Monastery, two twenty-year-old Sisters came to a cell deep in the forest to confess to Father Varsonofii, their spiritual elder. … Continue reading →

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The White Ship (Белый пароход /Ак кеме) Film Review

Posted on February 14, 2013 by maryangelis

The White Ship (Белый пароход — Kyrgyzstan, 1975, Dir. Bolotbek Shamshirev) is based on the novel by Chinghiz Aitmatov. This heart-wringing little movie gem works a similar palette as The Color of Paradise (رنگ خدا) from Iran — Nature, trees, birdsong, … Continue reading →

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2/9 Still Life: Arlington National Cemetery

Posted on January 31, 2013 by maryangelis

Is that the bugle? I sit up and listen. Sure enough! I throw off the blankets and leap off the couch, running to the balcony to hear it. What a view! There’s the Washington Monument on the misty rose horizon. … Continue reading →

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1/15/2013: Steppin’ Out

Posted on January 13, 2013 by maryangelis

Feedback from Reader Rachel: This is very endearing, but I can not even IMAGINE where you ended up, or how. Next time I am giving you directions myself! _______________________________________________________ Rachel’s open house is 6:00 to 8:00. We’re all invited. It’s … Continue reading →

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12/25: Near-Hymn for Viola

Posted on December 25, 2012 by maryangelis

At our Catholic church, the liturgy committee was ready to be relevant for the Now Generation. In the early 1970s, they sponsored some progressive touches. Some innovations even raised eyebrows and heated debate at the local bakery, where the congregation … Continue reading →

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12/22: Liftoff

Posted on December 22, 2012 by maryangelis

The hospital had an old mental health annex. You could get there walking uphill from the commuter rail, through oak trees and a footbridge over the river and across the main road. The annex had high narrow windows and echoing … Continue reading →

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11/22: Bell for the Feast-Day (Праздничный колокол)

Posted on November 10, 2012 by maryangelis

When it comes to spiritual things, there are two popular views. 1. Life is working out the way I want. Therefore, God (karma, The Secret, fill in the blank) really likes me! 2. Life is harsh, and people behave badly. … Continue reading →

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10/14: Thanksgiving. Winthrop Beach, MA

Posted on October 14, 2012 by maryangelis

Thanksgiving Day, 2004. “There’s just the one bus for today,” frets the driver. “Goes around both the routes.” “Both scenic routes for the same low fare?” I tell her. “What’s not to like!” Her troubled look brightens right up. “You … Continue reading →

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