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Ryn’s Creative Legacy

A Fantasy Novel

Ryn holds her book at last after it was published January 31, 2023.

Ryn has always been a daydreamer, but she does not stop there. She turns her dreams into stories– rich, allegorical fairy tales, in the spirit of Tolkein and Lewis. They reflect her faith and embody her unique journey in life.

Her first full-length novel, A Miracle in Mellýndale, has been in the works since 2009, when it began as a daydream, and then became a simple story about a wayward prince. Over fourteen years, Ryn has poured countless hours into bringing Mellýndale to life, fleshing out its colorful characters, and drawing in eternal truths. She is thrilled to finally share her story!

Available in paperback or on Kindle

Book Illustrations

While they were not included in the published version of her novel, Ryn spent countless hours over 14 years carefully illustrating scenes for her story. Not letting Ataxia-Telangiectasia keep her from creating, she utilized a mouse and computer programs to capture her art. Some examples are included here, but you’ll want to see all 68 of her illustrations for A Miracle in Mellýndale.

Collection of Memories & Thoughts About Life

In July 2020, Ryn’s older sister and parents set her up with 53 autobiographical questions, aiming to help her document her memories and thoughts. Over a period of about 18 months, Ryn worked on answering these prompts with the help of several friends and caregivers.

Questions range from “What do you want to be remembered for?” to “Everyone who knows you knows you love Star Wars. Can you tell us why you love it?”

In April, 2022, Cathryn found a way for the final collection to be available for purchase for anyone interested.

Ryn also published a couple of her answers on her blog.

Quilting With Love

Ryn has an artist’s eye and a creative soul. Starting in 2005, she began designing and sewing quilts for people in her life.

Over the years, she has sewn over 50 quilts. She has gifted almost all of them, auctioned some for fundraisers, and donated some to causes like The House of Mercy in Ensenada, Mexico.

Endless thanks goes to these friends in Ryn’s life who have helped her sew these quilts and other stitched projects:

  • Joy Pierce (the original sewing teacher!)
  • Cherine Gagnow
  • Susie Burke
  • Johanna Bartholomew
  • Diana Tatro
  • Shari Dawson
  • Bernadette Decuir
  • Stephanie Silva
  • Suzzanne Bonn
  • Penny Green
  • Annalise Williams
  • Amy Conkey