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.
Apple of My Eye
Apple pie,You are the apple of my eyeAn apple a day keeps the blues awayAnd I'm not talking apples and oranges------- ----------- ---------- ------------ -------For health, for joyFor love in my heart alwaysIn the...
Mind Garden
Scented slightly of fragrant tulipsThe garden of his mind flourishedwith the new blossomingof his thoughts
Winter Morning Early
Sun peeked throughivy and bare tree branchessinging a bright and cheerful noteAfter all these days of greyrose up stretchingawakening sensesWhich had been asleep,it seems, for days and daysWinter morning earlykisses my foreheadand invites me out to play
Deer Guard
In the icy fog at duskan intrepid herd of deerawait the arrival with patienceAnd stolid fortitude in silencegathered for confidencemingling by habit-----------------------------------------------Deer at the gatelay me downUnder abundant apple treesas I silently...
Wise Man
He is a visionary of peacea troubador of compassionand a warrior of loveCompelled by Spiritto dance to his own rhythmsof the music in his headAwakened poetexpanded heartWise man of the tribein stillness rechargeseach day
Surrounding Fog
Sound carries in muted fogmist surrounding allBlanketing the senseshiding the sunProviding intimate spacein wide open areas-----------------------------There are timesmy mind is foggedProviding the perfect opportunityto listenTo the muted soundof Spirit
Wildness Ways
In the wildnesswhere salamander scuttledor bathed in peaceunder rushing river watersBear would forage byshy dear would boldly visit usWith our dusty toesand eyes and hair as wildas the life we ledIn the canvas tent stakednear the crumbling foundationof the old gold...
Forever Friends
Once in the past(a moment, a day, or years ago)our eyes metI knew you thenas if I'd known you alwaysMy heart expandedaching joy and loveand I knew blissForever friendsmy dear sweet partner
Simple Song
Simple little songbirthed from the depths of complicationRises up as bubbles dolight and charmingFreckled by truth's simplicitya ditty from the soulA gift from that childwho finally stopped to play
Spinning Wheel
The Wheel...It turns and turnsspinning threads of Spiritfor the tapestry of LifeWe weave our liveswith each decisionCreate patterns with family in warp and wooffriends add color and strength----------------------------------------Spinning wheelturning meMake me a...
For This Moment
For this momentI am open to guidanceas I remember to breathe inthe energy of lifeand listen to the small, still voiceFor this momentI am grateful in every cellfor the wonderful gift of lifeand the blessings showered upon meright nowFor this momentI remember the power...
Great Deal
Considering his historyhe had plenty of evidenceTo support his beliefthat he got a raw dealUntilthat is, untilhe reconsideredLooking anew for any evidenceof what a great dealhe had gottenThat side won...