
Happy New Year and Happy Three-Month Birthday to Leaving 1203!
It’s been a lovely ride so far with this book, from its opening in Richmond to WMRA’s Books and Brews series, from 1203-themed parties to wholesome reader responses. I’m learning so much along the way, listening to heartfelt stories of other cherished homes and hard transitions, other testimonies to close relationships and tender memories. While I expected the book’s appeal to those touched by home emptying, I’m delighted at its embrace as a guide for good living here and now. Indeed, in his compelling article writer Andrew Kaufman terms it “homemade wisdom for troubled times.” Laughter as well marks every book event, a timeout taken for fun and remembering. A shout-out to my singer-songwriter cousin Jonathan for his performance in Richmond of my mother’s lyrics, which I discovered in a kitchen drawer during home emptying. Give a listen to “Hello, Spring,” Jonathan’s bluesy take on just one of his aunt’s songs.
My 2019 book tour opens in the Jacksonville, Florida area in February and continues along the Crystal Coast in North Carolina—the ocean calls! I can’t wait to return to Richmond in April to The Virginia Home. More NPR interviews are coming up soon.
All in all, thanks to one and all.
Upcoming Events for Leaving 1203
Rona Brinlee invites Marietta to her “Independent Bookstore by the Sea,” and the ocean-loving author accepts with delight and hopefully sand in her shoes. Her talk about Leaving 1203 begins at 7. Get there early for casual conversation and stay late for more.
The Beaches Museum and History Park hosts Marietta for a “Boardwalk Talk” in the Museum Chapel. For a beachcomber, it doesn’t get any better than this.
Marietta returns to the Emerald Isle area, kicking off her events with an evening at the renovated-just-in-time Country Club of the Crystal Coast.
The phrase "Be Still, and Know" brings Marietta to Beaufort for the first time. She will be the keynote speaker at the annual gathering of regional chapter leaders of the Episcopalian lay order "Daughters of the King."
Marietta celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in New Bern with a talk on two very different things.
Back on home turf after her early 2019 book tour, Marietta anticipates a fine evening at The Greencroft Club.
Marietta joins other guest speakers participating in the Seventh Annual UVA Women’s Midlife Symposium.
Marietta returns to the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, participating in two English classes taught by Piedmont Community College Professor Ben Sloan.
During her college summers, Marietta spent time with residents at The Virginia Home where her mother, June, worked in the Occupational Therapy Room. She writes in Leaving 1203: “I received an incomparable education at The Home, where residents played the hand dealt with style, grace, and humor. Each individual won my heart as I watched one after another seize every joy possible.”
Marietta travels over Afton Mountain for dinner with Friends of the Waynesboro Public Library.
Based on McCarty's longtime and ongoing work with child philosophers, Little Big Minds serves as a guide for any adult wanting to converse with children about fifteen essential ideas. Filled with anecdotes, teaching tips, discussion questions, activities, and resources.
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What ten ideas, if better understood, would make for a good life? Those showcased in How Philosophy Can Save Your Life! Selections of prose and poetry, music and movies enhance discussion and reflection of the ten: simplicity, belonging, serenity....
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Travel around the world at home, gathered round your dinner table! Breaking bread over good conversation, dining philosophers discuss topics as they explore 12 regions.
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Joy is a heart full and a mind purified by gratitude. Joy’s tall branches are secured by deep roots; it grows in the wake of trouble and sadness in a life fully lived.
With a copy of her book in hand, Marietta will be interviewed on “First Coast Living” as prelude to her events in the Jacksonville area.