Category Archives: Happiness

Metaphor #4 – Happiness

Did you notice I didn’t post a napkin yesterday?  It’s because I was busy doing last minute prep work for a presentation I gave at the first ever Social Media Tulsa Conference yesterday afternoon.  I did however draw a ‘guest napkin’ while I was there and will post it and my reflections on the day tomorrow.
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But as for today, it’s the last day of Metaphor Week!
I have been living in Oklahoma almost 17 years now and I have seen a LOT of video footage of tornadoes.  I have even seen in person any number of storms that were threatening to become one.  Luckily I haven’t seen an actual tornado.  The most amazing thing about them is how tall and thin they are.  They have virtually no substance to them at all and they usually don’t last very long.

Happiness is much the same way.  Much like a tornado, happiness can effect much beyond it’s immediate borders even if it is only in existence for a few moments.  What a person is rubs off on others. If you are happy AND express it, then others see it, feel it, and might be pulled in by it to move towards ‘happy’ as well.

Be a happiness tornado for a moment or two today. See who you can pull in.
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Drawing by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily

Quote by Robert Frost, 1874-1963, American poet
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One year ago today at the NDD – A Conclusion is a Place
Two years ago today – Life is a Shipwreck
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Charm is a Product of the Unexpected

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I went to a post on ‘The Happiness Project’ blog today and unexpectedly found a wonderful story about finding the unexpected.


The author, Gretchen Rubin, wrote about her intense happiness in finding unexpected art in public places.  It got me thinking about both topics, happiness and art, and my response is exactly the same. I love art in museums, but I LOVE unexpectedly coming across art in non-art spaces.




This is what I wrote as a comment on her blog:

What makes me extremely happy is coming across an unexpected piece of art, in the middle of a non-art world. While on a long run in a park in Waco, Texas I came upon a giant art installation being made; a grouping of anthropomorphic, whimsical huts made out of branches, with doors and windows for all to go in and out of. It was just being finished, the artist was there, as was the city official in charge of the grand opening, which was taking place in just a few minutes. I stopped my run 4 miles short, chills up and down my spine, to stop and be happy in the presence of unexpected and beautiful art. I went to the artist, Patrick Daugherty, and made sure he knew at least one person was very, very happy to see his ‘River Vessels’ installation.



I went looking for quotes on ‘unexpected’ and came across this one.  It really does get to the heart of what makes something or someone charming.  I know I will see art in a museum, but I am delighted and charmed, often to the point of giddiness, by seeing art where I don’t expect it.


My illustration took a turn towards another example of charm, the type associated with romance.  It’s not the flowers that make it charming, it’s the unexpected charm of having a frog be the one who gives them.


So, be on the lookout for what makes you happy. I bet you’ll find in part it’s connected to having a joyfully unexpected event happen in your life.  Better yet, why don’t YOU help make that wonderfully unexpected event for someone else!  If you are a frog, not a prince, get flowers. If you are neither, be on the lookout for the charming frog as much as the charming prince!
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Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily


Quote by Jose Marti, 1853-1895, Cuban writer
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One year ago today at The Napkin Dad Daily – Eavesdropping



>Vintage Saturday – The World is Nothing But a Great Desire to Live

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Drawn for my daughter and put in her lunch to be eaten at school.  The lunch that is, not the napkin.  
Ever notice how most everyone doesn’t want to die?  Ever notice how a good portion of those same people are pissed off about some or all of their lives?  Heraclitus noticed it over 2,600 years ago so it’s not a new phenomenon.  I doubt it is going away throughout humanity. But I certainly think individuals can get rid of it in their lives if they so desire.
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Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily

Quote by Heraclitus, 535 BCE – 475 BCE, Greek philosopher from Ephesus.


>They Say It Is Better

>Is there such a thing as moderately rich? Doesn’t rich mean you aren’t in the moderate category in the first place? Oh well, I don’t expect to find out soon!


Would you ever be moody if you were moderately rich? Would you be ever be miserable if you were REALLY rich? Do those things really have much to do with money and possessions?

I would be moody if I rang the lunch bell and the servant brought a cold tuna melt. That would make me moody.

Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily

Quote by Lady Diana Spencer, 1961-1997, Princess of Wales

>Love Is The Condition

>Yes, this is a blatantly Valentine’s Day napkin.

Compatibility matters. Mutual interests matter. Attraction matters.
But nothing matters like working for your partner’s happiness. Nothing brings
about joy like realizing that what brings your partner happiness is something
within your grasp to give.

That’s a blissful moment of love.

Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily

Quote by Robert Heinlein, 1907-1988, American author
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