Come to our premiere gathering spot in early May. Bookstore owner Mary Katharine and her longtime accomplice Marietta welcome you to Stone Soup Books for a bit of book talk and big creative adventure. Leaving 1203 offers a look back at forever lessons the author relearned while emptying her beloved-by-four-generations childhood home—and a clear blueprint for our brighter futures. Let’s bask in sunshine and toast relationship, gratitude, humor, humility, generosity, simple pleasures. Bring a significant object, one that especially touches you, as well as your choice of pen, pencil, iPad—art supplies, old notebook, stationery for writing a letter. What speaks to your heart about that hat or glove, this thimble or photograph? Marietta offers up a dilapidated tennis ball and its herstory. You’re encouraged to bring food or drinks, a favorite savored by those close to your hearts, and share the recipe. Toss a trusty lawn chair in your trunk, if you like, as we’ll sit quite near a peaceful children’s garden. The cost of $25.00 includes Mary Katharine’s tasty 1203 tidbits and a signed, happily personalized, copy of Leaving 1203. Our rain date is May 13 but the forecast is always blue skies. To register, or with any questions, email Mary Katharine at mary@stonesoupbooks.net or call 540-943-0084. (Mary Katharine has additional copies of the book available for purchase and mailing.)