365 Creativity Project-Day 235

When you try to think of something about which to write and some lines occur to you out of the blue, there is nothing to do, but write the song that has come to you.

The first poem I wrote today was a bit harder to create:

Historic Legacy

Even you may think
I am like a dinosaur
Because I hang on
To the social niceties
Of the many storied past.

There is, however,
A reason I cling to these
Simplistic actions;
They tend to make my days go
Smoother than without their use.

Being kind may be
Out of fashion, but I find
It helps me deal with
The problems that do arise
With less troubled contention.

I respect others
Because I was raised that way,
And I want respect;
This may seem an obsolete
Attitude, but it serves me.

I do not really
Mind being a dinosaur;
There are many parts
Of the past which are well worth
Emulating in our time.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 31, 2012

I went on an excursion around the property to find photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up fairly early.
2.   I did not have to go to town.
3.   I have a scanner and can use my handwritten entries on this blog.
4.   I have completed five months of writing a poem each day.
5.   This creativity project has enriched my life in ways I never imagined.

I hope your Friday has been rewarding. I want you to devote some time to your creativity. You can definitely write, draw, or photograph something wonderful if you will only make an effort. I am convinced that you are gifted in ways you may not even realize. You must dedicate yourself to creating and you will accomplish great things.

For a prompt, write about something that is present, but may be hidden. Let your imagination guide you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you took the time to visit my blog. I know your time is precious. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment. I value your input.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 234

I did something a little different today, instead of a normal journal entry, I used the prompt from Poets United. I think you might find some inspiration there as well, so visit the site.

The following poem uses the words: affair, expectation, and free, which I found at Three Word Wednesday. I occasionally visit that site when I need a creative spark. You might find it useful too.

Stirrings Of The Heart

I am totally
Free of expectation for
The ongoing days,
But I would be quite happy
To engage in an affair.

I would love being
Part of a joyous couple
Exploring limits
Of our creativity
In nourishing each other.

We could devise new
Methods of bringing pleasure
Through a simple touch
And share delightful kisses
Making us reel like drunkards.

I open myself
To the possibility
That you will arrive
Enlivening my moments
With your gentle caresses.

Yes, I am quite free
Of any expectation
For the coming days,
But I would so happily
Engage in a love affair.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, August 30, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I slept peacefully and woke feeling rested.
2.   Alex was able to get new glasses.
3.   There are colors to brighten our lives.
4.   I am able to share my thoughts and talents through this blog.
5.   I chose to do this creativity project and it has helped me develop my skills.

Thursday again, how the time flies. I hope your day has been productive and filled with pleasurable moments. Take a little time now to create a poem, story, journal entry, picture, or whatever pleases you. If I can do this, surely you have the ability to accomplish much.

As a prompt, write about what you believe it takes to obtain happiness. I am sure our thoughts will differ, but I would love to see your ideas, so if you use this prompt leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend some time with me. I hope you enjoyed your stay. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please leave a comment. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 233

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. You might want to visit the site for inspiration.

Special Meeting

My appointment is
Overdue to meet with you,
But I wait patient
Knowing a perfect moment
Will bring you into my life.

I occupy hours
With many worthwhile pursuits,
Keeping so busy
I do not much resent your
Absence from my every day.

Love must never be
Rushed, it must come in its own
Perfect season to
Catch me unaware and bring
Brightness to each part of life.

My days are often
Spent in dreaming, but love will
Surprise and excite
With its sudden appearance,
Clearing all my doubts away.

Our appointment is
Set at precisely the time
To most astonish
And delight both you and I
With the love we have to share.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   No phone calls disturbed my sleep.
2.   I am content in my life.
3.   God has blessed me with a comfortable home.
4.   I can write.
5.   I can see.

Today was a peaceful day for me. I hope your Wednesday went well. If you have not already created today, you should take time to do so now. It will make your day more memorable and calm your nerves.

As a prompt, write about one of your strong beliefs. If you are a visual artist make an image that represents belief. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Hope and I went out to walk and startled several deer who were out in front of the house. I only caught a glimpse of them, but their beauty was inspiring. I hope you have been inspired by something here. If you have thoughts to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 232

Journal entry:

My poem today was prompted by Carry On Tuesday and my conversation with Linda. If you need some inspiration you should visit that site.

Midway In Life’s Journey

I have concluded
That I cannot please others
In all things I do;
My opinions, my beliefs,
Are only mine to decide.

I must never sit
In judgment over others,
And am myself free
To make my own decisions
Living just as I so choose.

I live aspiring
To finally reach Heaven,
Assured I will go
There because Jesus saved me
Paying all price for my sin.

I can rest secure
Because no other person
Can decree my fate;
My choices are surely mine
To make, without a question.

I traverse my way
Midway in life’s journey to
The places I want
To travel with certainty
That my life is going well.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I got up fairly early.
2.   I gave Mom the papers to carry with her.
3.   I found out my shots should be covered.
4.   Mom got her license without hassle.
5.   I am confident in my salvation.

I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday. Take time to create now. You may feel less than inspired, but if you apply yourself to creation you will make something worthwhile. No creative effort is ever wasted. Even if what you make is not as you wish, you may come back to it later and find something useful.

As a prompt, write about something of which you are certain, but others question. This might be a belief, a story, an experience on which you and others differ. If you use this prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading. Please leave a comment if you have something to share.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 231

Journal entry:

Finding Thoughts

I cast about my
Mind, searching for words to string
Together making
Some semblance of real meaning,
But I am so uninspired.

Why have images
And phrases fled from my mind?
What fair sentences
Can I finally make to
Express worthwhile sentiments?

My ability
To spin delicate lines out
Has left me alone,
Deserted with no great hope,
But my creativity.

So I plot my way
From start to finish without
The grace of the muse,
Writing on my unwelcome
Lack of true inspiration.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, August 27, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   My alarm woke me this morning.
2.   I remembered to take my BlackBerry with me when we went out.
3.   Mom’s test results were very good.
4.   The paper towels were discounted at Sam’s Club.
5.   We have flush toilets.

Mondays can be awful, but I hope yours was pleasant. Take some time to do something creative with your time. Using your imagination will improve your day.

For your prompt, write about a time you were lacking inspiration and how you overcame that situation. I just sit down and write until I make something up. I think all of us go through such times if we are devoted to creation. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you took time to visit my blog. If you have suggestions or thoughts, please share them with me via comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 230

Journal entry:

The italicized words in the following poem come from The Sunday Whirl. If you are in need of a challenge you might find it there.

Resting In His Strength

God is the strong link
In the chain of essentials
That fence the empty
Gaps in my forgiven life;
He is my Operator.

Jesus rose from death;
The recipe for my full
Salvation leaving
A trace of Himself in me,
The awesome Holy Spirit.

I devote my life
From dawn to dusk to Jesus
Who can surely use
My pencil to bring glory
To His most wonderful name.

I am not alone,
I am fully surrounded
By His grace and love;
The Creator endows me
With all the talent I need.

I can accomplish
All the work He intends me
To do because each
Task is infused with His own
Ability done through me.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, August 26, 2012

Photographs:

Hope…

Ko-Ko…

I am grateful:

1.   I slept comfortably through the night.
2.   Alex is safe although a typhoon hit Okinawa.
3.   I talked to Leigh for a while.
4.   Today has been a relaxing day.
5.   I am enjoying reading Worlds Together, Worlds Apart.

Sunday is a wonderful day to rest, I hope you found it relaxing. Take a few minutes and create something to share with the rest of the world. Today I was not inspired, but I managed to write, and you can do it too. Just make a concerted effort and see what you produce.

Today’s prompt is to write about how thankfulness impacts your life. There is so much for which to be grateful that it should not be difficult for you to write a poem, story, essay, or journal entry that expresses gratitude. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend a few moments here. If you have suggestions or thoughts on what you found, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 229

Journal entry:

Soul Weather

Sunshine and shadow
Fall across the earth each day,
Brightness and darkness
Meet us as we attempt to
Live our lives in victory.

Life is colored in
Soft pastels, bright neon, and
Many shades of gray;
Good choices, much happiness,
And uncertainty abound.

Sunshine and shadow
Fill the spirits of us all,
Leading through our lives
With sincere ability
To amuse and excite us.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, August 25, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to go back to sleep a while this morning.
2.   Mom rode into town with me.
3.   The returns at Wal-Mart went smoothly.
4.   The humidifier has helped us breathe easier.
5.   Mom enjoyed eating at Popeye’s.

I hope your Saturday has been relaxing. Reward yourself by doing something creative now. Anytime you exercise your imagination you expand your mind, enrich your life, and the lives of others.

As a prompt use the phrase “Sunshine and shadow” in your writing. I think you can build a poem, story, essay, or journal entry around it. I did… If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you feel inclined, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 228

Journal entry:

Life Is Short

Heaven is just a heartbeat away
And it is getting closer every day,
But I don’t plan on leaving now
I still have a lot to do and be somehow.

Life continues, I carry on
Doing my very best all along,
Trying to keep going each day
Accomplishing things in my own way

Heaven is just a heartbeat away
And it is getting closer every day,
I pray to God that he let me remain
Until my destiny is made true and plain.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 24, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to go back to sleep this morning.
2.   My doctor did not say my bronchitis was causing my breathing problems.
3.   Wal-Mart had the vegetables we needed today, even though they did not have them earlier in the week.
4.   I was able to get everything on our grocery list.
5.   My bed is comfortable.

I hope you have had an enjoyable Friday and that you have plans for a fulfilling weekend. You should take a few moments to engage your creativity. Even if you feel uninspired you can make something worthwhile.

As a prompt, you might write about the brevity of life. This could be done in a story, poem, essay, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for spending some time with me. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 227

Journal entry:

Awesome Life

I look around this world in wonder,
Thinking how great life is to me.
I thank Jesus for every moment
Praying He allows me to remain
Here just a little while longer,
There is so much left for me to do.

I can barely get through the morning
Without evening coming on hard and fast.
There is hardly time for me to savor
The day before it becomes the past.
Life is so good to me I am humbled
By the many blessings I receive.

I look around this world in wonder,
Thinking how great life is to me.
I thank Jesus for every moment
Asking He continues beside me
In everything I try to accomplish,
Because I know He will see me through.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Alex is happy with his new clothes.
2.   I get to listen to Alex’s voice with Voxer.
3.   My shower was inspiring today.
4.   I like my new shirts.
5.   Supper was very filling.

I hope you have had a wonderful Thursday. Try your hand at something creative before you retire this evening. You have all you need to make a great contribution to the universe.

As a prompt, write a list of things for which you are grateful, then pick one of them to elaborate upon. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope I have entertained you for a few minutes. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 226

Journal entry:

The poem today was prompted by Poetic Asides. If you need inspiration you might find it on that site.

New Communication

Thanks to Alex,
I discovered something new
Of which I was unaware.
I use my iPod Touch
Only very little
Because I have the Classic.
Alex is the only one
Who gets me to use
The iPod Touch’s applications.
He told me about
An application called Voxer
And I downloaded it.
Now we can converse
Like we are using old time
Walkie Talkies.
It is very nice to hear
His voice over all the
Distance between us.
Now I have a new way
Of staying in touch
With my wonderful son.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early and saw Brother Ron.
2.   I took a nap.
3.   We caught up our Bible reading.
4.   Alex’s father, Richard called and we talked a bit.
5.   Alex and I have communicated a lot this afternoon and evening.

I hope your Wednesday has been pleasant with some sweet surprises. Take a few minutes to do something creative before you close out your day. Without using our imaginations our days are not used to their full potentials.

For a prompt today, write about a recent communication. Maybe someone said something you can use in a poem or story. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you found your way here today. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 225

Journal entry:

The following poem is in answer to the prompt at Carry On Tuesday. You might want to head over to that site for a bit of inspiration.

Improved By Love

When somebody loves you
The sun shines a little brighter,
You smile a little wider,
All seems well with the world.

When somebody loves you
There is no limit to what
You can accomplish, because
You know you have support.

When somebody loves you
The universe seems to work
To your benefit in many ways
And happiness overtakes you.

When somebody loves you,
Life is comfortable, filled
With immeasurable thrills,
Bringing you great satisfaction.

Everybody needs to be loved
Because when somebody loves you
Everything in life is better,
So you best find somebody to love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early.
2.   My shower helped fully wake me up.
3.   I found gel pens for a very reasonable price.
4.   I found tee-shirts on sale.
5.   Mom feels better this evening.

I hope your Tuesday has been full of happiness. Take time to create something beautiful now. It will not take more than a few moments to add your touch to the day. The universe waits with bated breath for your creation.

As a prompt, write about a guilty pleasure you have enjoyed recently. Everyone falls into temptation from time to time, share a moment of weakness with us. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 224

Journal entry:

Paean To Writers

Wordsmiths work magic
Upon the empty pages
Bringing characters
And situations to life
For their diligent readers.

Creativity
Flows freely through each writer’s
Mind seeking to be
Expressed in tangible form
For consumption of the world.

People are bewitched
By imaginative words,
Beautiful phrases,
Made concrete by those who wield
The mighty pen with prowess.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, August 20, 2012

Photographs:

Yucca plants at end of driveway…

Hawthorne berries…

Sign leading to our house…

I am grateful:

1.   I caught up on some sleep today.
2.   There was leftover cabbage for me to eat.
3.   I am still writing a poem a day.
4.   Mom is here to share my life.
5.   Alex wrote me an email that made me laugh and realize he still appreciates what I did for him when he was younger.

I hope your Monday has not been overly taxing. Take your energy in hand and use your imagination to create work that others will enjoy. You have great ability if you apply yourself to the task.

As a prompt, write about something disturbing you see developing in society. This should not be very difficult. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed your sojourn with me. If you have thoughts or suggestions, be sure to leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 223

Instead of the usual journal entry, I wrote a story scene. I hope I might come back to it sometime and write more…

The poem today was prompted by The Sunday Whirl. The words found there are in italics. You might like to try your hand at creating something from the prompt, if so visit the site.

Making Of A Poem

Insidious waves
Nick the tinted drifts of thought
Spreading so gentle
Among the split decisions
Making preludes to poems.

Creativity
Reaches out to fix words in
Vivid arrangements,
Not appearing tinny on
Tip of a soft lisping tongue.

Every fading hour
Disengages from its limbs
Minutes filled with words
Circling about a point
Written down for the ages.

The poet creates
Lines to be long remembered,
At least by virtue
Of sentences etched on
Pages lasting forever.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, August 19, 2012

Photographs:

My great-niece, Edith Leigh…

My niece, Carrie Leigh, and great-niece, Edith Leigh…

Another shot of Edith Leigh…

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up at 8:00 this morning.
2.   My niece, Leigh, and great-niece Edith Leigh visited.
3.   They brought my books back.
4.   They took off the garbage.
5.   Mom cooked cabbage for lunch.

I hope you are relaxing this Sunday, but now is the time to create something wondrous. I know you have great things in your imagination just waiting for the opportunity to appear before the world. You are able to do whatever you set your mind to, so get busy.

As a prompt, write about a character in a difficult situation. This often leads to all sorts of ideas. See what happens when you try it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so happy you chose to read my blog. I would appreciate your thoughts or suggestions, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann