Regional Proverbs
Better To Wear Out Your Shoes
Another proverb for you. This one from my vintage napkin collection that I gave to my daughters in their school lunches. I was going to draw something about exercise today, but I am SO tired, I didn't have the energy. Seriously though, as the saying goes...'You can...
To Want To Forget – updated 2017
Proverb day at The Napkin Dad Daily. I know, sometimes my drawings just make no sense. But I did have a very pointed message in my reasoning for drawing this. I just forget what it was now. Drawing © Marty Coleman "To want to forget something is to think about it."...
Unless You Enter – updated 2017
The meaning is pretty obvious I think. You want something of value? You have to face danger to get it. What danger do you face? Drawing © Marty Coleman "Unless you enter the tiger's den, you cannot take the cubs." - Japanese Proverb
Whatever Is Good To Know – updated 2017
Proverbs continued... And that is why, whether it's about ratios or relationships, math or mates, your children are not likely to learn it just because you told it to them. As a matter of fact, it's likely you DID tell it to them and they didn't even hear you. One...
You Can’t Force Anyone – updated 2017
Proverb week continues. But people love money and lend love without being forced. Why is that? Drawing © Marty Coleman "You can't force anyone to love you or lend you money." - Jewish Proverb
What is Said When Drunk – updated 2017
Well, not always. But it's true enough to pay close attention to what a drunk person says, if you can understand them. Quote is a Flemish proverb. (Flemish is spoken in Flanders which is located mostly in Belgium, but also parts of the Netherlands and France. It is...
People Count Up The Faults
I am starting a proverb series today. I keep coming across quotes that have no author, and usually they are either too stupid for someone to take credit for or they are proverbs that have become connected with a particular culture. Yesterday's was the first variety,...
Inside Me Are Two – updated 2017
Day two of my thinking about dogfights due to wiggle dog and stumpy dog getting into a nasty fight a few days back. I like the idea that in the fight between good and bad we all have inside us, the winner is which one we feed. How simple is that? What do you pay...
A Good Listener – updated 2017
Day 3 of vacation. I will return July 5th. Here is another of the original napkinsI drew for my daughters between 1998 and 2004. Why do you think this is? How is one flattered by a good listener? Are you a good listener? "A good listener is a silent flatterer." -...
The Birds of Sorrow
How does the uninvited guest end up staying? By moving in while the host is asleep. Why is the host asleep? Because she is tired. Why is the host tired? Because she has spent herself chasing after the birds flying overhead, shooing them away. Why does she feel she...
When the Heart Grieves Over What It Has Lost
"When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit can still rejoice over what it has left." - Sufi Aphorism The pain of a break up or loss is about so much. If you are the breakee, then it isabout wondering why you aren't lovable, why you can't keep a...
It is bad luck to fall out of a 13th story window on a Friday
"It is bad luck to fall out of a 13th story window on a Friday." - American Proverb Happy Friday the 13th! Go break a mirror, walk under a ladder, pet a black cat walking in front of you and whatever else you want to do, then go make some good luck for yourself! What...
You Can Not Have More Bedbugs Than A Blanket-Full
"You can not have more bedbugs than a blanket-full." - Spanish proverb I like how this puts an upper limit on the woes one can collect. It is reassuring to note that many 'overwhelming' problems can be broken down to see their finite parts and thus can be managed and...
It Is A Sin Against Humanity To Open Your Doors And Shut Up Your Countenance – Thankful #2
"It is a sin against humanity to open your doors and shut up your countenance." English Proverb I always try to remember that opening your door is only the first step. One must be inviting in your heart as well. A good thing to remember during this week. Drawing ©...
Illness Tells Us What We Are
"Illness tells us what we are" - Italian Proverb Napkin © 2022 Marty Coleman | napkindad.com
God Dwells Wherever You Let Him In
"God Dwells Wherever You Let Him In." - Jewish Proverb At least that is how I felt about it then. Now I would say whatever you let in, is God. Then again....
A Man Cannot Jump Over His Own Shadow
"A Man Cannot Jump Over His Own Shadow." - Yiddish Proverb Meaning what exactly?
Knowledge Without Sense is Double Folly
"Knowledge without sense is double folly." - Baltasar Gracian What is the danger of knowledge without sense, anyway? Why is it double folly as opposed to just folly x 1? Drawing © 2022 Marty Coleman | napkindad.com
The Gem
The difference of course is that a rock doesn't complain, it just takes it and becomes whatever it becomes. A human, on the other hand, tries to avoid the trials. A diamond also can't revert back to being a rock, but humans can revert back to being 'imperfect'. How do...
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