I've been reading The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris.  It is a collection of stories/essays on her experiences and thoughts during a time in which she is an oblate within the Benedictine tradition.

According to the Benedictine website: http://www.osb.org/obl/ 

An Oblate is a lay or clerical, single or married, person formally associated to a particular monastery. The Oblate seeks to live a life in harmony with the spirit of Saint Benedict as revealed in the Rule of Saint Benedict and its contemporary expression.

I never knew a lay person, let alone a married woman could reside and participate in monastic living, practices, ritual.  I am fascinated and totally drawn in to her descriptions of liturgy, rhythm, monastic life.  I find it very compelling, feeling drawn into the spiritual intentionality and the practice of daily living as devotion.  I don't know if I could actually handle it, but very much want to try - when the time comes...when the girls are launched.  Until then, it fills my heart to know such an opportunity exists.  Oh, and until then, I also feel drawn to take up social dancing... A great way to prepare for those long periods of meditation and prayer.        Many paths, many teachers...

St. Frances of Rome.  Patroness of Benedictine Oblates.