In
 The Writing Life,
Annie Dillard wrote,
I have been looking into schedules. Even when we read physics, we inquire of each least particle, What then shall I do this morning? How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is a scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time.
On the first of each month, a guest writer shares how he or she spends the day.
November 1, 2012: Darrelyn Saloom
On book tour in Ireland
(Patrick Kavanagh and Deirdre Gogarty on the left)
Darrelyn has been a faithful reader and commenter since July 22, 2009! (I looked it up.) And now her first book is published! My Call to the Ring is the memoir of  Deirdre Gogarty, a girl who wanted to box and then who wanted to be the first Irish woman to become world champion. And My Call to the Ring is more than just a book about a girl who wants to box; it’s the story of how to make your dreams come true. Here’s an excerpt:
Never take your eyes off your opponent is a golden rule of boxing, and my sparring partner has just broken it. So with a sharp twist of my hips, I strike his nose with a left hook. Blood splatters across the teenager’s face, and a drop of blood lands in my mouth. I batter his damaged nose with left hooks and right hands. Then I fire a right uppercut, which he falls into, his expression twisted.
Near the end of three rounds, Pentony bends at the waist, so I club his ribs with left and right roundhouses. At the sound of the bell, I am intoxicated with the new shift of power between us. My sparring partner storms out of the ring. I lean on the ropes and watch him shove toilet paper up his nose.
Come back on November 1st to read how Darrelyn Saloom spends her days.
The next writer in the series is announced on the 8th of each month so you can read ahead!
Ooooh, thanks for the excerpt. I look forward to the post and to reading the memoir.
Can’t wait! Darrelyn always has beautiful gems to share. How nice for you, Cynthia, that she’s been such a prolific commentor for over 3 years. Kudos to you both!
Thanks, Jodi and Debra! I’m looking forward to Darrelyn’s day too.
Good morning from the farm. I flew in from Ireland late yesterday and missed the post. For three years I’ve faithfully read this blog, and I missed your announcement for my guest post.
I’m delighted you are having me, Cynthia. When I first discovered Catching Days it was love at first sight, so I’m thrilled to be featured here. Thank you Jodi and Debra for coming along.
You didn’t miss it-you’re here! Glad you’re back. And I’m thrilled to feature you : )
Can’t wait for Darrelyn’s post! I’m sure (as always) she’ll make us feel like we were there, experiencing that day with her.
Thank you, Ayse Su. Hope you can come back in November.
Look forward to your day, Darrelyn. So glad you are back safely from old Eire and nestling back into life at the farm. 🙂
Jet lag kicked in today. But it’s so good to be home. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Talk to you soon.
I can still taste that blood in my mouth, ugh!
Such a vivid scene! Thanks for your comment, Deirdre.