Leaving 1203

An october 9th note from marietta

I’m sending Leaving 1203: Emptying a Home, Filling the Heart into the world. It’s exhilarating for an author to realize that her creation doesn’t need her vigilant, constant oversight anymore—Leaving 1203 is all grown up and can travel on its own. Smooth sailing, dearest book.

Today I recall with pleasure the moment I wrote the first sentence of the book: “The story of home is one that everyone knows, and it waits, with its memories and lessons, to come alive again.” I love imagining all the storytelling that will be shared by readers of Leaving 1203—as you come home with me in the book, each one of you can return home as well. The old photographs that introduce each chapter serve as your invitation to look back, and forward, too.

It’s quite a delight for me to receive emails from book club members preparing to read the book together, and to learn about potential readers who will use Leaving 1203 as a way to reconnect with old pals. Oh Yes! all the parties whose hosts are serving up 1203 food for a tasty book discussion, backed by a soundtrack handpicked from the book. Such creative theme gatherings you’re planning: a Sunday afternoon to play the old backyard games, grills fired up on patios, picnic baskets packed.

While looking forward to the public events scheduled so far, I’m also anticipating those yet to come.

Most of all today, gratitude washes over me. “Home emptier was the best paying, most rewarding job of my life.” Thank you, one and all, forever and ever.