Comments on: How We Spend Our Days: Helen Phillips

By: cynthia

cynthia — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 01:30:28 +0000

In reply to Lisa McGarry. Lisa, thanks so much for taking time to come back and leave a comment. I also noticed the grace with which Helen navigated between the private and public aspects of a writer's life. And I could really feel the way all the separate parts of her day added up to a lovely whole. And the planners--I save those too : )

By: Lisa McGarry

Lisa McGarry — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 10:59:09 +0000

I had always meant to leave a comment after reading this beautiful essay. I especially enjoyed reading about Helen’s thoughts on/grace with shifting between the (typically) “private” writer’s world to the more public sphere necessary for promoting a book. And I loved her parents’ advice – fitting for many situations. I also liked hearing about the evolution of Helen’s daily planners…I think a record of one’s days is worthwhile on so many levels. The columns of crossed out lines must be a lovely (and satisfying!) sight…

By: cynthia

cynthia — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:35:49 +0000

In reply to Jodi Paloni. I like this essay too, Jodi. All of its smaller parts and details seem to whirl together to create something bigger than the words on the page. Thanks for reading and for leaving such a great comment : )

By: Jodi Paloni

Jodi Paloni — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:41:51 +0000

This may be my favorite post of all on Catching Days. Can’t say why, just a feeling. Maybe it’s the noticing and the joy felt in everything, from husband to tree to shared neighborhood space to kids coming in the house from school. Great “same 3 questions” answers, too. I sense great heart in those. Love Maggie Nelson. Love the day planner story. Love the book jackets. I wonder how many writers can say they scored on 3 out of 3 book jackets,