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.
Bull doggin’
Bull doggin' lifeand chewing on the gristleWith a tenacity and focuson ingesting every juicy bitWith the huff'n pufferyonly the outward appearanceHis heart beat strongand kind...
Ivy
He grew like ivywild and tenaciousEver seeking the wayover or aroundthe fences of his lifeEver popping up anewin barren spotsand even those occupied by othersWith fresh new tendrilsof growth and creativity
Lopsided dreams
Lopsided dreamson tippy toe thoughtsRiding the wavesof mingled presencesOnce believedto have built skyscraperson hillsides greenUnder purple dawn skieshiding fluffy whites-----------------------Let it flow today...
Once more
Once moreonce againone more timeHe centered in Spiritand moved on..
Peaches
Let's eat peaches ripein the sunshine brightSweet juice down the chinmanna for the tastebudsFlavor curls aroundthe tongue and cheeksDown to the rough pitand bits clinging to itSticky faces raisedto warmth and lightGive thanks from every cellevery part of us
One Simple Moment
Under the sea of feelingsinto the cavern of the soulI swam with peacein my heartThere the lightwas so very brilliantIn the centerof pregnant darknessThere lifetimes passedin one simple moment
Circle Dance
We all join handsin the circle dancecalled Life Interlaced and interfacedeach playing our part------------------------------------------ Here, Now, let us recognizewe need each other ---each part of the One creation-----------------------------------------I honor you,...
Seasons Turn
circle of life ever turningseasons turnmy heart ever yearningseeking truthin beauty and balanceon the cusp of the wheelgratitude fills me upoverflowing with abundancethe bounty of harvestthe gift of life
An Old Friend
An old friend from long agoyou just showed up on my doorstepWith a smile and a hugand all the spunk and verveyou always hadAs it it were just yesterdaythat I saw you lastMy heart didn't know the differencethough my eyes perceived the truthof a lifetime spent living...
The Fence
There is a fence'tween ours and theirsbuilt long ago by humansAnd each side has grownin its own wayas if separateIn fact, we liveon common groundand sky above is OneNo matter how we perceive thingsor build fencesin our minds
Waiting for Dawn
Near the oak on the hillsideon the bench I found up thereI sit to watch the sunriseas breezes curl my hairThe darkest before dawnand stillness touched by stepsas I journeyed up the hillNow the birds and I waita lifetime in anticipationDeep blue to purple, pink to pale...
Friends on our Journey
Side by side adventuresWe embark upon each dayNew challenges and pathwaysYou ascend the mountainI traverse the valeand all the whileWe share support and carePartners, cohorts, buddiesCompanions on the journey