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.
Song Flower
Roots deep in the rich mucksing out beautyInfusing your spirit to the flowering of yoursong of loveOne petalone moment at a time...
Mental Crossroads
Strolling along past scenesand dreams of consciousnessHe arrived at a crossroadsin his mind"I choose Joy!" he declaredas he tookthe right path for himself
Sacred Meadowlark
Meadowlark singshis wispy lighthearted tuneAnd all the world around himbends to hear his melodyleans to know his songThe "V" of victory expandsas he breathes in Life's essenceAnd the vibrating yellow of sunshineexpresses his Life Songon the breezeTrill bird, song...
Too Many Possums
Opossum plays deadat the least little frightHe even smells dead!Can you imaginespending your lifepretending not to be fully alive and present?Lots of possums 'round here...
Light of Night
Courageous Serenity
Examples aplentyin Nature can be foundfor serenity and couragemost naturally aboundBear, for example, is easyserenely walking the woodsyet with courage faces obstaclesAnd how 'bout squirrelwith all his chatteringstops to ponder for a momentshows serenity in actionand...
Cloud Faces
Have you ever noticed the ants and bugsleading their busy lives,just below the grass?Or, the way the clouds adjusttheir faces above, ad infinitum...while playful breezes wigglethe little hairs on your head?----------------------------------------------It takes time...
Surrender
I surrender my stubbornessIn doubt, I take it backI give up my attachmentsIn nostalgia, I re-attachI forgive those trespassersIn resentment, I chew some moreI release the need to controlFear wells up with rulesI surrender my will over and over Then in denial or...
The Pond of Life’s Stillness
Near the meadowby the pondthere's a large rock I lay onWhen the sun sneaksthrough the treesto warm the rock and my bonesMosses bright and tinkling springturtle warms herself, tooAnd deer, when I am still,stops to drink it inThe serenity of this placegraces my quiet...
Tricky Coyote
Coyote gets a bad rap...He's just excited about everythingThe only one he really tricksis himselfThen when he falls he gets up againdusts himself offand takes off againLike Don Quixoteor dandelions or cockroaches...
Ephemeral Presents
Cellophane passageswritten in brightFill up the daytimecarve through the nightIt isn't for me to knownor ever to beIt wasn't forevernor ours to keepEphemeral presentscontinually newPatchwork consciousnesswoven intently for you
Little White Birds
Even little white birdscatch the rhythm of lifein their bonesEvery part of creationdances Spirit throughA unique part of all creationYahoo! Let's Samba!!!