365 Creativity Project-Day 204

Journal entry:

I used the prompt at Carry On Tuesday to help me create this poem. If you need a bit of inspiration you should visit there.

Relics Of Our Lives

When we are standing
At the crossroads of the past,
Present, and future
We, at times, have some trouble
Knowing the way we should go.

There are so many
Choices to make every day
And each one opens
A path never before tread,
Closing another behind.

Days are exactly
Whatever we make of them,
Bringing many gifts,
Blessing us abundantly
If our hearts are receptive.

These present hours are
Captured between the future
And the deepest past,
We have only this time to
Influence our lives outcomes.

We must go forward
When standing at the crossroads
Making each moment
A treasure we can carry
Into our lives remainders.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Photographs:

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up rather early.
2.   Mom cooked bacon for sandwiches at supper.
3.   I enjoyed my shower.
4.   My computer is working well.
5.   Mom is enjoying her computer.

I hope you have had a good Tuesday. Take time to do something creative before your day closes. You can write a poem, story, journal entry, or whatever suits you. If you feel inclined to do something visual instead, take a photograph or draw a picture.

For a prompt today write about your favorite five minutes of the day. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you will leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 203

Journal entry:

I visited Trifecta for inspiration to create a poem today. It was a bit a challenge, but you should see if a visit to that site would help you make something.

Abnormality

I am not strictly
Normal, as in a standard
Interpretation
Of the word, but it is fine
To deviate a little.

Normal is easy,
Being unique is really
A bit challenging,
It takes special skill to stand
Out beyond the usual.

You want a normal,
Look for another person,
Because I do not
Belong to the class, I am
One who lives outside the norm.

Normal is a game
I rarely have any wish
To join in or play,
I am happy with myself
Doing everything my way.

Insanity does
Not conform to the normal,
But are we not all
Just a little bit crazy
In our own particulars?

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, July 30, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I lay back down this morning and took a nap.
2.   I have completed reading more than half the Bible aloud to my Mom this year.
3.   I am enjoying reading Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.
4.   Our ballots were already mailed for the election tomorrow.
5.   Mom and I enjoyed the supper I cooked this evening.

This Monday has been a quiet day for me. I hope your day has been good. Now you should take a little time to do something creative. Every day is an opportunity for you to exercise your talents. Do not waste your chance.

If you need a prompt, write about the beauty that surrounds you in the world at all times. No matter where you may be or what you are doing there is undoubtedly some beauty. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

I thank you for visiting my blog. Your comments would be much appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 202

I wrote a poem instead of a journal entry… I hope no one will mind. Sometimes poems are easier than writing longer discourse.

The following poem was prompted by The Sunday Whirl. The words taken from there are in italics. You may notice I used them all twice, a bit of a departure from my regular practice.

Sublime Motivation

Life is like a ball
In a frenzy falling through
A strange channel made
With sublime attention to
All the rough ready details.

Our paths are guided
In much the same way, robust
We settle in to
Avoid the wayward attack
Made by ordinary hours.

We live with frenzy
Until the sublime moment
When we overcome
The strange outer pull upon
Our own inner way of life.

We suddenly come
To fathom we are falling
In love with the rough
Adventure offered us by
Our wayward aspirations.

We channel all our
Resources to then attack
The robust ball of
Rebellious circumstances
And settle it to our will.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, July 29, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Laura called today.
2.   Mom cooked eggs, bacon, and toast for my supper.
3.   Though I was not inspired with a journal entry, I wrote a passable poem.
4.   Writing is an end, and does not have to be perfect.
5.   Life is full of happy moments.

I hope your Sunday has been relaxing. If you have not already done it today, please do something creative now. Surely you can create, if only you try.

My prompt for you today is: You cannot buy love… Write a poem, story, journal entry, or whatever suits you. You can argue with my prompt or give your support. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you did not mind my giving two poems. I did not have the energy to write a journal entry today. If you have something to share please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 201

Journal entry:

Sometimes It Works Out

Sometimes I need words
Of encouragement so much,
But there is no one
Around to fulfill my need,
So I must write to myself.

Sometimes my best notes,
Inspiring many others,
Are simply musings
Written to move me beyond
A block I must overcome.

Sometimes you might try
Something similar when you
Believe you cannot
Write another meaningful
Line without extreme effort.

Sometimes little tricks
Are the most wonderful things
We can use to keep
Us creating every day,
Just when we feel we cannot.

Sometimes our dreams are
A bit beyond our outstretched
Reach, but we must try
To grasp their truth any way
We can with some good results.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, July 28, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Mom was able to go to her Sunday school class meeting with June.
2.   I slept in a while this morning.
3.   Mom brought me lunch, and it was very good.
4.   Mom took a nap this afternoon.
5.   I have a Bose SoundDock to play music through.

I hope your Saturday has been relaxing and enjoyable. Take some time now to try your hand at creating something. I know you have the ability to accomplish much if you will make an effort. Do not make excuses, just do what you must.

My prompt for you today is: write something that encourages you to work creatively. Notes to yourself, a poem, a story, any of these could be helpful. I want you to see that even when you feel uninspired you can write something. If you use this prompt, please leave a link in the comments so others can be inspired by you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would appreciate your comments or suggestion, so please leave them below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 200

Journal entry:

Continued Enthusiasm

It is not easy
To produce work every day,
But the practice is
Worth each moment of effort
That is made to carry on.

Imagination
Is harnessed and put to use
In solid service
Of personal loyalty
To creative artistry.

There is commitment
To making something happen
That might never be
Without a full devotion
To great creativity.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, July 27, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to postpone going to town because I felt ill.
2.   Wendell visited Mom this afternoon.
3.   There was bread at the little country store.
4.   Carrie Leigh called and is coming for our trash.
5.   I managed to get an entry done though I feel very weak.

I hope this has been a good Friday for you. Take time to expend some effort doing something creative. Never think you have nothing to contribute, even when you feel uninspired you have something to give.

For a prompt today, write about something you want to accomplish, but are unsure you can do. Maybe as you write you will discover a plan to make your dream come true. I know you can do anything you set your mind and heart upon. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments here.

I apologize for being a bit off my game today, but I hope you enjoyed your visit here anyway. If you have a comment you would like to share, please leave it below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 199

Journal entry:

Embrace Your Self

Life should open you
Up through experiences
In daily living;
You might attempt accepting
The person you are become.

When you grow beyond
The narrowness of belief;
Expand and embrace
The reality of who
You have developed to be.

Your destiny is
Before you and endlessly
Unfolding into
The marvelously gifted
Person you are meant to be.

Do not waste time or
Energy on mindless hate;
You are much bigger
A person, more enlightened,
Be at peace with your own heart.

God placed great beauty,
Unspeakable joy and love,
Within your own heart;
These graces He meant you to
Share easily with the world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, July 26, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I made a new friend who is an author.
2.   I reconnected with a friend with whom I had lost contact.
3.   This was a peaceful day.
4.   Mom and I had some good conversations.
5.   The lasagna we had for supper was very good.

This is the 199th day of my creativity project. If I can maintain this practice that long, I know you can produce something creative today. Just make an effort. It will make your Thursday better if you do.

For a prompt, write about how you make a difference in the world. If you don’t feel you make a difference, write about someone you believe does. I believe each of us makes a meaningful contribution to the universe, and would encourage you to give credit to yourself. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments so I and others can read your creation.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here. I would love to know any thoughts or suggestions you care to make, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 198

Journal entry:

Today’s poem was in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. If you need encouragement you might find it there.

Urgent Plea

I need all your help,
Maybe not everyone’s, but
At least somebody’s,
Because I am at a loss
As to what I should now do…

I keep keeping on,
And wondering if I am
Really progressing
In a direction that will
Open opportunities.

Do you enjoy these
Things I continually
Do creatively?
Is there something I should add?
I really have need to know…

This project takes time,
I want to know it is well
Spent, not just wasted;
Am I adding some value
To the passing of these days?

I am asking you
Because I am sure you know
And your answer will
Help guide me along in this
Creativity project.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Mom was able to go out with her best friend, June.
2.   I slept a little late, waking at 10:30 this morning.
3.   My book order arrived this afternoon.
4.   I did a little organizing.
5.   We have electricity which makes life much easier.

I have enjoyed my Wednesday and hope you have done the same. I encourage you to devote some time to your creativity. There is much to be done if you only set your will to doing it. We live in an age of virtually unlimited opportunity, so you should take advantage of yours.

Today’s prompt is: write about what your life would look like if you were a “smashing success” in your field of endeavor. After you have written it down, perhaps you can begin to make it real. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope your visit to my blog has been pleasant. If you have thoughts to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 197

Journal entry:

Today’s poem was inspired by the prompt at Carry On Tuesday. I suggest you go there and see what it brings to your mind. As usual, the poem was written before the journal entry, but they seem to relate… Funny how that works out, even when I don’t intend it.

Unfaltering Skill

Run when you can, it
Is the best that you can do,
Walk if you have to,
You can still make good progress
And achieve all of your goals.

Crawl if you must, it
Does not matter, long as you
Just never give up,
Because you have the talent
To ultimately succeed.

Creativity
Is planted within your soul,
It must be allowed
Ample nourishment to grow
Into great works of true art.

Devote resources
To make your aspirations
Solidly appear,
You were endowed with these gifts
For some wonderful purpose.

Run, walk, crawl, keep on
Without abandoning your
Full commitment to
The process you undertake
To accomplish all your dreams.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early, and stayed up.
2.   There are people who, without really intending to, help me accomplish my creative goals.
3.   I am able to interact with the world through this wonderful thing called the internet.
4.   My Mom helped me have tools that have reinvigorated my creative life.
5.   God gives talent without requiring payment in return.

Tuesday has been a productive day for me and I hope it has been for you. I am always amazed by the things my imagination helps me create. I think you are just as gifted as I am, or more so, and that should you apply yourself, you can make something wonderful. I know inspiration does not always grace us, I was not inspired when I woke up. I made these things today through a concentrated effort. I would not be satisfied with doing nothing, and nor should you. The seeds of greatness reside within you, tend them, and they will assuredly grow.

I do not believe anyone is using my prompts, but they have become a part of this creative habit, so I submit one to you now. Write about how you overcome creative block, or if you are presently suffering, write about what that is like. Maybe you will help someone else work through a difficult time. Encouragement is beneficial to us all, and we are meant to support each other. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below so that others might be inspired.

I hope you have found something worthwhile in this blog. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please leave a comment. I am grateful for your patronage.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 196

Journal entry:

I used the words from the prompt on Three Word Wednesday in the following poem. The words were feel, shade, and tangle. If you need a bit of inspiration, you might find it at that site, so go visit.

Prosperity

I feel the world with
Me a bit too much at times,
But I would never
Give up my sweet connection
To the onward flow of life.

I live in the shade
Of those who passed through tangle
Of life’s diverse paths
Before my own present time;
I respect their great struggles.

While I am living
I want to be so involved
I know everything
Going on in and around
Me, without any skimping.

I want to succeed
In such a wonderful way
Others will find some
Encouragement for their lives
In my active example.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, July 23, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I have read 23 books and one full book draft this year.
2.   I slept extremely well.
3.   We had no appointments or errands to run.
4.   Mom enjoyed the supper I cooked.
5.   Tonight is the 1000th RAW and I am finishing this in time to watch it.

Monday, Monday, what a challenging day that begins the working week for most. I hope yours went well. Grab your imagination and create something now. You have the talent to accomplish whatever you turn your will upon.

As a prompt today write about something that may not be quite what it seems. This should give you fertile material for stories, poems, or journal entries. It should not be too hard to depict in visual art if that is where your gifts lie. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments so that we may enjoy your creation.

I hope your visit here has been pleasant. If you like, leave a comment expressing your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 195

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt at The Sunday Whirl. If you need a jolt of inspiration you might visit there. The words in italics came from the wordle there.

Bringing Cheer

Deep melancholy
Makes rosy cheeked faces pale
As one who powders
Her nose to cover over
A soft spray of stray freckles.

No erotic fling
Among the gold grasses can
Swing such a moody
One completely from sadness
Clinging like a woolen cloak.

Yet depression is
Overcome by true love’s birth,
If one can find it
Rare as it is in days like
These we are now living in.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, July 22, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early this morning.
2.   I was able to talk to one of my new friends on the phone.
3.   My cousin, Steve, survived his heart attack and is now recovering.
4.   Hope has been my loyal companion for almost six years.
5.   I had the opportunity to talk to my daughter-in-law, Laura.

I hope your Sunday has been wonderful. Please take a little time to do something creative if you have not already done so today. You are so gifted, so talented, you should share your imagination with the world.

If you need a prompt, write about a special friend, family member, or pet who has meant a great deal in your life. If you use the prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments on this blog, so that others can read your creation.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit here. If there is any advice or comment you want to share, please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 194

Journal entry:

Kindness Of Strangers

A stranger’s goodness,
An unexpected surprise,
Such kindness, blessing,
Given to us totally
Free of any hope of gain.

After all we spent
Yesterday to have comfort
That we really need;
The gift was even more than
Kind and appreciated.

Did they know how much
It would mean to us that they
Paid for our dinners?
We are so grateful to them
And we could not say, “Thank you!”

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, July 21, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well last night.
2.   I was able to return Hope’s damaged tee-shirt.
3.   Lowe’s had the batteries we needed so we did not have to go to another store.
4.   Someone was so kind to pay for our meals.
5.   The country store had good home grown tomatoes.

I hope your Saturday has been pleasant. You should take some time to do something creative, if you have not already today. If you just think of the wonder of life you will discover you have things about which to write.

As a prompt write about how you are “crazy”. Our craziness makes us individuals and most of us are prone to some sort. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed the time we shared. If you have something to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 193

Journal entry:

Not Ordinary

Just another day,
An air conditioner to
Be brought and installed,
In an instant morning changed
Tragedy struck far away.

I saw first report,
Movie theater attacked,
Innocent people
Shot, injured, killed without thought,
Such useless waste of many.

The day continued,
We did what was needed to
Be done, but said prayers
For families, survivors,
Those suffering so greatly.

Our day was filled with
Many outstanding moments,
But a shadow lay
Over all happening here
Because of Aurora’s pain.

God be with all who
Need His wonderful comfort,
Our prayers keep going
Up for Heaven’s grace and peace
To fall upon our country.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, July 20, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I stayed up all night.
2.   Alex is out of the country.
3.   My family is safe today.
4.   We now have a new air conditioner.
5.   I am so blessed.

I hope you have had a good day, despite the tragedy that has unfolded. I urge you to take some time to do something creative. I know it may seem a bad time, but it will help you cope.

As a prompt, write a list of instructions to be included with all newborns. If you use the prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

I appreciate your taking time to read my blog. If you have something to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 192

Journal entry:

Ingenuity

To study, to write,
To experience your life
Within the pages,
Is to live so graciously
With great creativity.

Your moments unwind
Into passing hours and days
Filled with miracles, wonder,
And rich imagination,
Which never cease to amaze.

You contribute to
The fabric of daily life,
Your inspiration
Adds originality
To the awesome universe.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Photographs:

This speaks for itself… Forms are not covered by insurance and many people need them…

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early, then after eating, took a short nap.
2.   We read our Bible study this morning.
3.   The doggy tee-shirts were on sale.
4.   I bought Shadow Of Night by Deborah Harkness.
5.   The sandwiches at supper were delicious.

I hope you have had a pleasant Thursday. I am sure it was busy, but take some time now to do something creative. You have the ability and the moxie to get it done.

My prompt for you is to write about what you hope your obituary will say. I know this may sound morbid, but it also might move you to do some things you have been putting off. If you use the prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

I am very grateful for your visit. I hope you will leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann