Peace in the Middle East

CTPS meets once a month from September thru May. This month of April our Saturday meeting is a Plein Air outing. Next month, May, is our last meeting of the season, and is a member brunch. If you missed the pastel painting demonstrations, the on-site painting sessions, gallery exhibits, etc. from this past year, please stay signed up here, and all meetings will be announced here, starting in September 2026. Or, visit our website! **https://www.centexpastel.com**

Join us over food and drinks to discuss the book, “The Origin of Empire: Rome from the Republic to Hadrian.” Description of book: Beginning with the Roman army’s first foray beyond its borders and concluding with the death of Hadrian in 138 CE, this panoramic history of the early Roman Empire recounts the wars, leaders, and social transformations that lay the foundations of imperial success. Between 264 BCE, when the Roman army crossed into Sicily, and the death of Hadrian nearly three hundred years later, Rome became one of the most successful multicultural empires in history. In this vivid guide to a fascinating period, David Potter explores the transformations that occurred along the way, as Rome went from republic to mercenary state to bureaucratic empire, from that initial step across the Straits of Messina to the peak of territorial expansion. Rome was shaped by endless political and diplomatic jockeying. As other Italian city-states relinquished sovereignty in exchange for an ironclad guarantee of protection, Rome did not simply dominate its potential rivals―it absorbed them by selectively offering citizenship and constructing a tiered membership scheme that allowed Roman citizens to maintain political control without excluding noncitizens from the state’s success. Potter attributes the empire’s ethnic harmony to its relative openness. This imperial policy adapted and persisted over centuries of internal discord. The fall of the republican aristocracy led to the growth of mercenary armies and to the creation of a privatized and militarized state that reached full expression under Julius Caesar. Subsequently, Augustus built a mighty bureaucracy, which went on to manage an empire ruled by a series of inattentive, intemperate, and bullying chief executives. As contemporary parallels become hard to ignore, The Origin of Empire makes clear that the Romans still have much to teach us about power, governance, and leadership. Look for the group with lights and a sign.

Hello, and thank you for checking out our Meetup group for Blood on the Clocktower! We play every other Saturday. Please join our Discord for more information and to make communication easier: https://discord.gg/RmkjXbWhNH Discord is where I will be posting reminders, helpful links, notifications if seats open up, and I'm usually available there if any questions come up. If it is your first time playing the game, please watch at least one of these videos to get an idea of what it's like. We do play with multiple editions of the game, but we always start with a warm-up round featuring the Trouble Brewing base-set of characters. It's not difficult to learn, and it helps to understand the basic game loop before attending so we can get right into the action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVzZms1FTr4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TlW06GVF8I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sfa8_kNxsQ Thank you and we're looking forward to seeing you there! **Meetup Fees & Venmo** Please consider helping us cover our $300 annual Meetup subscription costs by donating a few $ to our group's [Venmo](https://i.imgur.com/k6rCdr7.png). Thank you!

**\*\*\*RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP\*\*\*** **[About the Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons)** If you're looking for a stunning outdoor adventure, Caprock Canyons State Park in the Texas Panhandle is an absolute gem! This sprawling 15,000-acre park showcases gorgeous, rugged canyons shaped over time by wind and water, creating some truly breathtaking scenery. One of the coolest features? It's home to the official Texas State Bison Herd – you will spot these majestic animals roaming the landscape! With over 90 miles of trails, there's plenty to explore whether you're into hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The park also features prairie dog towns, camping options ranging from primitive sites to convenient drive-up spots, and spectacular viewpoints like Holmes Creek Canyon. Don't miss the Folsom Historic Site, a beautiful natural bridge, and the intriguing Fern Cave – they all add to your visit! **About the Work** The park rangers would like us to do trailway bridge work along with brushing trails. **About Transportation** Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged; please contact other attendees on this trip to arrange your carpool. **About Lodging** We will be tent camping within the state park, at the South Prong area (no electrical or water). Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping equipment. **About Meals** Participants bring their own breakfasts and lunches. For evening meals, you and your cooking group (TBA) will feed the entire group one evening - this includes bringing and preparing the food, as well as dish patrol (washing pots/pans/etc.) **About Our Day Off** Sunday April 19 is our day to enjoy the park- participants can decide what they want to do during this day. There are usually hikes or other outings organized within the group. ***But wait - there’s more!*** On Saturday April 18, (after Palo Duro SP, and before Caprock Canyons SP) we get to check out a huge area nearby that is not open to the public, and won’t be for at least three years! The [Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area](https://friendsofcrossbarsrma.org) is big - 11,883 acres. It is the only BLM land in Texas. We have received special permission to have them guide us across private property to get to the preserve. They are meeting us at the gate at 10:30am on Saturday April 18. It is about an hour drive from Palo Duro. The gate’s address is 9610 Brickplant Road, Amarillo, TX. After exploring the Cross Bar, many of us will proceed to Caprock Canyons State Park (2 hour drive) for another week long service project. **TO SIGN UP FOR CAPROCK CANYONS SP SERVICE PROJECT:** 1. **RSVP on Meetup.** The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up. There is usually plenty of turnover. 2. **Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details.** Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure this trip is right for you. 3. **Contact information:** Send your name, cell number, and email address to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** 4. **Complete the Medical Form [https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021](https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021).** Scan and email the form also to **[stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com)** (preferred) or to Stan Peyton’s mailing address below. 5. **Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1** **[https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020)** 6. **Mail the forms to:** **Stan Peyton** **8408 Hanbridge Lane** **Austin, TX 78736** **VERY IMPORTANT - IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.** ***Don’t sign up unless you are serious about attending.*** **YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:** **-Food and drink for all your breakfasts, snacks, and lunches.** **-6 gallons of potable water** (park water is high in nitrates and unpotable) **-Mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils, napkin)** **-Your cooking groups’ dinner ingredients & containers for leftovers** **-Tent and tent supplies (footprint, tent, fly, mallet, stakes)** **-Implements of sleeping (sleeping bag, pillow, earplugs)** **-Work gloves, eye protection, kneeling pad, trail tools, geologist hammer** **-Day pack to carry to work sites** **-Flashlight/headlamp** **-camp chair** **-Clothes for the weather, including long shirt, long pants, & boots for trail work, and rain gear** **-Personal prescriptions** **-Water bottle** **-Personal First Aid kit (include tweezers)** **-Sunscreen, bug spray** **ASCO group cooking equipment (large pots/pans, etc.) will be brought by Trip Leaders.**

Bring a whiteboard or a laptop or a piece of paper. We will be solving 1 easy and 1 medium problem on LeetCode. We have no rules for being late or leaving early, you can be late and start from the second problem or do the first one and leave. The main idea is to work together on it, share thoughts and discuss a solution. For those who don't like the time pressure during the session, I will be posting problems in the comments for the session 1 day in advance.

Saturday In-Person Writing Session – Join Us! Join us every Saturday at 9 AM for a live writing session at Lamppost Coffee on E Main in Round Rock. Whether you're diving into your novel, working on a short story, or just looking to get some words on the page, this is a welcoming space for writers of all kinds. * Drop in anytime during the session * Get feedback, give feedback, or just write * Say hello and meet fellow local writers Interested in organizing a future write-in, attending a writing conference, or submitting to a flash fiction contest? Let us know! We’re always looking for new ways to support our writing community and sharpen our craft. **Lamppost Coffee** 201 E Main St #101, Round Rock, TX 78664 If you don't see us at the big table in the front, check in the back room! See you on Saturday!

***Free Yoga For Mental Wellbeing***. This session offers tools to bring balance to the body and mind for a holistic experience of inner wellbeing. The practices offered include: * **Nadi Shuddhi**: A yogic practice that cleanses the *nadis* – the pathways through which pranic energy flows – resulting in a balanced system and psychological wellbeing. * **Miracle of Mind Meditation**: A 7-minute guided meditation empowering you to take charge of your mental wellbeing. Daily practice brings health, dynamism, peace and well being. Benefits: * Enhances vitality, focus, memory and productivity * Stabilizes the body, mind and emotions * Reduces stress and anxiety Location:Desi District - 12301 W Parmer Ln, unit 801, Cedar Park, TX, US, 78613 Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM **-** 9:45 AM CDT Open to all ages 7 and above. Those 7-17 to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. RSVP:https://online.innerengineering.com/en/event-details/23281 Contact Details; Austin@ishausa.org 512-655-9589

[Get Details and Register Here - $25.00](https://dailyreikiaustin.com/round-rock-reiki-share/) This event is turning into one of our favorite monthly community moments! Please join us in the peaceful space that is the Mind's Eye Plants Yoga Room for a deeply powerful afternoon of Reiki and connection. This Reiki Share is open to practitioners of all levels — whether you’ve just taken your first class or you’ve been practicing for years. Even if you got your attunement MANY years ago and haven't practiced since! This event is perfect to get you back into the flow! We’ll gather in community, take turns on the table, and each receive Reiki from the group. It’s a beautiful chance to both practice your healing art and soak up some much-needed, incredibly powerful Reiki yourself, all while meeting and connecting with other practitioners. If you've never had Reiki given by multiple practitioners at once, this is a must try experience. Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot! Tea will be served.

This event is quickly turning into one of our favorite monthly community moments! Please join us in the peaceful space that is the Mind's Eye Plants Yoga Room for a deeply powerful afternoon of Reiki and connection. This Reiki Share is open to practitioners of all levels — whether you’ve just taken your first class or you’ve been practicing for years. Even if you got your attunement MANY years ago and haven't practiced since! This event is perfect to get you back into the flow! We’ll gather in community, take turns on the table, and each receive Reiki from the group. It’s a beautiful chance to both practice your healing art and soak up some much-needed, incredibly powerful Reiki yourself, all while meeting and connecting with other practitioners. If you've never had Reiki given by multiple practitioners at once, this is a must try experience. Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot! Oh yes, and tea will be served. Apr 19, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Mind's Eye Plants and Round Rock Reiki, 100 E Main St [#202](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/202/), Round Rock, TX 78664 [Reserve your space here.](https://dailyreikiaustin.com/round-rock-reiki-share/)

**Let’s build the kind of friendships that make life richer.** **Once a month we gather for a relaxed and stylish Sunday Brunch at one of North Austin’s great restaurants. Each event is a chance to connect with other amazing women, share stories, laugh over great food, and create genuine friendships.** **This group is for women in their mid-30s to mid-40s who enjoy good conversation, positive energy, and building a supportive circle of friends.** **Each month we’ll rotate restaurants so we can explore some of Austin’s best brunch spots while creating a community of women who enjoy showing up for each other.** **Come if you enjoy:** **✨ Good food & brunch cocktails** **✨ Meaningful conversation** **✨ Laughing until your cheeks hurt** **✨ Meeting intelligent, kind, fun women** **Our goal is simple: build a great group of women who enjoy life together.** **Bring your good vibes and we’ll see you at brunch.**

Okay, folks, it's the **third Saturday** and we have reserved **more than four hours** **of board gaming**! So bring your friends and let's dig in. Your host has plenty of games (we'll always have Catan, but also everything from **A**zul to ... darn, I don't have a **Z** game, but how about **W**ingspan?). You're welcome to bring your own game(s) as well. Can you teach? Great! Play an old favorite, learn a new one. NEWBIES WELCOME—we will be happy to teach you to play. We are a safe, friendly, inclusive, and diverse group. We’ll meet at the Milwood branch of the Austin Public Library, in northwest Austin, at 12500 Amherst Dr, off Parmer/MoPac. There's plenty of free parking, including four spots for EV charging at the west end of the lot. We'll start at **12:30** and play till the library closes (well, actually till **4:45**). This should give us time for two longish games, three shorter ones, or one really challenging brain-burner per table. With up to seven tables at our disposal, that means... a lot of board gaming. See you there! P.S. Please, no food at the game tables—modern board games are expensive—so be sure to grab a bite before you arrive. Beverages in spill-proof containers are okay.

Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. **Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink.** We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Hosted by Unity of Columbus \| Facilitated by Carisa Holmes\, EFT Practitioner** Join us for a powerful and uplifting workshop where you’ll be introduced to **Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping**—a simple, effective method that helps release stress, calm the mind, and restore emotional balance. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us carry tension, anxiety, and emotional blocks that impact our well-being. This interactive session will guide you through practical techniques you can use anytime to create a sense of peace and clarity.