Most every work day for more than 11 years, I wrote a love note, poem or other inspirational thought, on a napkin – and tucked it in my husband, Marshal’s, lunch – a ritual of the heart. At the beginning of 2009, Marshal started typing them up. It became OUR ritual of the heart to share the Daily Napkin as a blog. Then, in October 2015, Marshal retired, so the whole dynamic changed. I took several months to re-evaluate and decide what I was going to do. The poetry of the napkin is now joined with my art and/or photography images. May you enjoy them. May they feed your spirit.
Pond of Forgiveness
Bathing in the pond of forgivenessnear the meadowout beyond right and wrongThere is no other peacelike immersing selfin those still watersBirds chirping overheadwarmth of the loving sunready to enfold melike a babe in armsSoft fertile Earthready to fosterand nurture...
Golden Hot Seat
Golden ruffleson the edges of his personalityOutward expressionsof the thick vein withinThe shadow of his profilefor purpose of contrastdescribe a thin manwhile his golden aurashines bright and trueThe rich man rests for a moment onlyon the hot throne of gold and...
Other Side of Summer
Remember in deep summerwhen the bees buzzedand the heat held you pillowedin the teeming meadowand the lavender labyrinth?This crisp chilland watered sunlightwith staccato litanyof crunchy stepsand lonesome bird callsis the other side of thatNow is the opportunityto...
Spicy Spark
Intense imaginationssandwiched between tepidactions of roteNeutral in chargeyet forward in movementThe spicy sparkfuel from the soulpowers every stepeach movementToward building solid foundations'neath the castles of our dreams
Stepping Into Alive
The choice arises new each daybetween the busy and sleepy eyesamid sullied plans of yesterdayand expectant visions of tomorrowNestled softly among decisions plentydisguised as a subtle choice with no facethe either/or of it lost to better mindsso it is oftimes...
Hide and Seek
One grey daywhen even the shadowswere dull and listlessHe noticed a suspicious sparkleout the side of his perceptionsHe discovered the prismaticrainbow colorslurking on the peripheryPlaying hide and seekwith his consciousness“Come out, come out,wherever you are!”
Doorway into Home
A hidden spot, a verdant gladewith singing birdsdragonflies, butterfliesand tinkling stream‘Neath a canopy of dancing leavesand stately needles and cedarsA treasure for the senseshidden in plain viewamidst the busy-nesstucked within the cityA doorway into Home
Mystery Blessing
No matter the namewhispered on softened breathor shouted through winds of changeWhatever the preceptsconcepts, laws and practicesBeyond comprehensionof human mindsThe One, a great mysteryblesses us with lifeI am grateful for the gift of lifeGrateful for this day…
Heartstrings
The strongest, most resilient cordsHeartstringsThe binding of lovethe gateway to freedomto be our authentic selvesThrough the years the heartwith tethered memories soarsthen comes home to roostWe are all connectedby threads of Love
Treasured Blessings
Through the filter of her lensbeauty and grace sparklein every bend and foldyoung and old inspiringEnticing depths of understandingwrinkles of conundrumawakening awarenessThe myriad facetsa multi-dimensional jewelHumanity, family, natureearth, sun,...
Unfettered Wings
Ever mindful of promises madethe way was strewn with items keptlike offal on the tides of emotionThe counters stack themcategorized and labeledas if they have valuein the scheme of thingsAs if traces were real threadsin the tapestry of our livesmeaning and purpose are...
All Hallows
Calling in our ancestorsawakening the connectionAsking for their blessingas we honor themwith ceremony, celebrationand food from last harvest====================The veil is thin as we praybetwixt only faintly disguisedLet us put out soul cakesas we pray for all...