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Your Place at the Table
In December (goodness, that seems like a long time ago!), my sister and I watched a Smithsonian virtual lecture on Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. We learned that while da Vinci's depiction may be the most famous, artists were interpreting The Lord's Supper more than a thousand years earlier.

Can you imagine being at this table? Would you have been confused by Jesus's words about His body and blood? When Jesus said someone there would betray Him, what would you have said or done? Consider putting yourself in this painting or another of the Last Supper today.
On the Nightstand: Becoming an Ordinary Mystic: Spirituality
for the Rest of Us
One day a few weeks back, this book by Father Albert Haase showed up at my place. I knew I hadn't ordered it, and there was no gift tag in the box. The state where I live has a law that if you get something you didn't order, it's yours. I told my Bible study group I thought it must be a gift from God. I had read the first few pages when I got a gentle note from a Chicago area friend, birthday twin, and sister in Christ and writing Letitia Suk asking if I'd received her gift! The mystery was solved. I'm looking forward to taking a deep dive into Ordinary Mystic; it will be all the sweeter knowing the giver!

Friends in Faith: Karin O'Reilly
About a year ago, I was in need of someone to do some research into Catholic bloggers, women's groups, and the like (not to mention resources to replace dead links on my web site). I whined to a friend that she'd be perfect for the work, if she wasn't already busy with her husband, two darling kiddos, her day job, and ministries. She suggested her mom, and I am not exaggerating when I say that suggestion was Heaven-sent.

Karin O'Reilly "gets" me and does a terrific job of finding exactly what I want. She also puts up with me being scattered from time to time (okay, most of the time). But Karin's servant heart isn't limited to her family and community and me. I gave her a little gift card during Advent, and she turned around and donated it... to one of her daughter's/my friend's ministries. Don't you love it when things go full circle like that?
Planting Seeds
More about this in May, but I'm going to try balcony gardening for the first time in years. I'm excited about this, as back before I moved to the DC area, gardening was a big part of my life.

I'll also be planting some other "seeds." I'll be using some of Karin O'Reilly's research to prepare marketing plans for my next book, Menopause Moments. I got a sneak peek at the cover this week, and it's awesome! If you'd be interested in hosting a virtual discussion for your prayer group or other group of women, let me know. No honorarium needed, but I'd be grateful for your prayers.

I'll be talking about the book, life changes, and trusting God on Among Women, my dear friend Pat Gohn's terrific podcast. We'll record the show on April 24, but in the meantime, do go and listen to some of her 200+ past shows.

On April 21, two friends and I will be featured on the National Council of Catholic Women's Monthly Member Call. (You're not an NCCW member? You should join!) I'll be talking about a few of the women in Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century.

Blessings on your Holy Week! Melanie