So Are You With Me?

01/02/2016

We are together for day two of this adventure if you are reading this right now. That is exciting because I want you to follow along. More than that I hope you will also take action on your own. I would like you to take a few minutes each day to write. Maybe it would just be a simple recounting of your day, or you could write a poem, story, memory, anything you want really. Just be creative. You have so much to share with the world, which only you can communicate. You are so unique and we need your voice. It adds so much to our communities, please get busy.

Once upon a time I wrote an entry on this blog every day for a year and a half. I cannot promise I will do that again. If you look at the past entries here, you will see that I have taken quite a while off. I think I am going to do things a bit differently this time. I want to do the entries on my tablet or my computer instead of handwritten journal pages. This may change, but it is my current modus operandi. Look at that, I actually used Latin, ha ha.

I stayed up all night. I seem to do this quite often recently. I enjoy the peace and quiet of the hours when Mom is sleeping. I am also able to keep watch over her. I need time to myself, I steal it in the darkness. I seem more creative in the wee hours of the night. Sometimes I write what I consider very good statuses and poems on Facebook overnight. If you follow me here, you might like to friend me on there. Send me a message and I will answer your request.

I have managed to keep my weight to 135 pounds for over a year now, down from over 200 pounds on December 6, 2013. I believe having a Samsung Galaxy Gear and the MyFitnessPal app have helped a great deal. Walking miles each day has been instrumental too. Here is a picture to illustrate the difference in my appearance…

The second photo is me today. Not the best lighting for taking a good picture. I am not great at selfies. Cannot ever seem to get that right. I try, but it seems an impossibility for me.

I am going to add a gratitude list today. I hope you will join me in taking a few moments to note your blessings. It seems to help me stay more positive and you may find it works for you too.

I Am Grateful:

1) Christmas is over.
2) The new year has begun with all its open days to fill with accomplishments.
3) I am able to read and write because of an excellent public education overseen by some outstanding teachers.
4) I have begun working on Otherwise Entertained again.
5) Mom has finally started moving around a bit more after almost two months of mostly inactivity.
6) I have some wonderful tools to employ in creative activity.
7) My dog, Hope, who is nine and a half years old is doing well. She is a joy in my life.
8) I have been listening to more music lately.
9) The weather is cooling off after unseasonable warmth and I am able to wear long sleeves.
10) God is good all the time and in all ways.

Now I am going to ask you to do a few things. First, if you enjoyed reading this, please follow my blog and leave a comment if you have time. Secondly, get your own self busy and do something creative today. You have all the talent you need for it. I have faith in your ability and you should too. Share your ideas and creations with the world. The world needs everyone’s input. You will change lives, including your own.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Continues To Visit

Today seems to be one of those days I am given a multitude of words. I hope you will read this blog entry and the one before it. They might have a positive effect on you and that would be exactly what I wanted…

First, I want to ask you to do me a huge favor, click on the following link and like Hope’s picture on Facebook: Douglas Oaks Animal Hospital  Costume Contest Hope. We are trying to win an annual exam worth $115 from Hope’s vet. This would help me a great deal because it is always a struggle to afford this expense. You do not have to be my friend on Facebook to help, just like Hope’s photo by following the link. I would be so grateful for your help.

This is a copy of the picture you should like on Facebook. Hope really wants to win…

Live Life Fully Alive

Things come at you
So very fast,
Do not overlook
The ones meaning
The most to you.

Discard the weeds
Which would tangle up
Your purposes and
Weigh you heavy down,
You have no need of them.

Devote your moments
To those things you love,
The ones that feed
The creativity of your mind
Giving you sustaining strength.

Make plenty of time
For the people who
Support your dreams
And encourage your heart,
They are precious treasure.

There is no time to waste
On meaningless negativity
Or most hurtful hate,
Make yourself positive,
Live life fully alive.

Forgive others, for peace
Within your heart will
Only then reside,
Be kind, helpful, generous
And reap bountiful returns.

Things come at you
So very fast,
Do not overlook
The ones meaning
The most to you.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The littlest things can make a big difference. You never know when the smile you share will lighten someone's heavy heart. The kind word you say could heal a wound. Everything you do matters, so make sure you spread love abroad in this world. The soul you touch could later touch your own.

Let all you do be done prayerfully, ever mindful of God's presence with you and in the world. You are never forgotten by the Creator of the Universe. He has His eyes upon you continually and He lavishes you in His unconditional love. Not a moment passes without His notice of you needs, your desires, your dreams. Christ holds you in His hands always. Let His great peace surround you and be kind wherever you may travel.

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes and you are apt to get blisters... Walk a mile beside someone and you are apt to understand what troubles them and how to help them... Be a friend, not just a spectator to another's life... God will amply bless you for your generosity... No good deed goes without reward!

Embrace Your Gifts

You may not think so,
But you are a being
Blessed with creativity.
You were meant to
Live fully well and
Achieve your fondest dreams.
You are gifted with
So much talent,
You must firmly believe.
No one can make you
Do what you need to
Accomplish besides yourself.
You are a wonder
Filled with great passion
Able to do creative magic.
Just apply yourself,
Make a conscious effort,
You bring beauty to life.
Do not hide the fire
Burning within your soul,
Set it free, it will make you whole.
Give your heart a chance
To reach out to the world
Creating things of lasting value.
You may not think so,
But you are a being
Blessed with creativity.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, October 22, 2013

I hope you will create something to share with the world today. You have unique gifts to contribute to other people’s lives. Anyone can engage their creativity if they only make an effort. You have the talent and ability.

This post is a little different than some, because I have already blogged today. Please visit the previous post.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 153

Journal entry:

Constant Pursuit

Green is the freshness
Of love newly discovered,
It brings you awake
From half contented slumber,
Thrusting you into living.

Green is ultimate
Fulfillment in loving arms
Of the one you have
Dreamed of, waited on, searched for
Throughout each day of your life.

Green is the pleasure
Of seeing your reflection
Mirrored in eyes which
Overflow with unending
Adoration uncontained.

Green is the moment
You break free of the prison
Of hope long deferred
And find yourself wide open
To miraculous passion.

Green is the sweet taste
Of luscious kisses shared with
The person you have
Known within the depths of your
Questing soul forevermore.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 10, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had a very productive day.
2.   I have a heart for encouraging other people and so lift myself from depression.
3.   Beauty surrounds me in all aspects of my life.
4.   I have much more than I deserve.
5.   Love begets more love.

Hope, my inspiration, my companion, my sweetheart…

This was a wonderful Monday because I accomplished more than I expected. I hope your day was also blessed. You have witnessed how I let my mind carry me to new insights through the creative process. I invite you to engage your imagination in a similar way. You can make your dreams come true if you only make a concerted effort. Do not put off your fulfillment… Do your work now.

As a prompt, write some affirmations that lift your heart and might encourage others. Even if you are feeling downtrodden, I know there are many blessings in your life, because there are in mine. Write them in a poem, story, or journal entry, and share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will come back often and explore the many entries here. You might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email so that you do not miss my updates. Your comments are always welcome, so do not hesitate to leave your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 119

Journal entry:

Cuteness cannot be avoided sometimes, so here is Hope in all her grandeur.

Detained

We are
Prisoners of
The many beliefs we
Hold dear and characters we have
Developed throughout our years of living,
They hold us willing captives just
As surely as cold steel
Holds convicts in
Their cells.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 7, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Although I woke up in pain, it subsided so the day was not unbearable.
2.   Wal-Mart has begun carrying Cream of Asparagus soup, my favorite.
3.   The pound cake I bought at Sam’s Club yesterday is very good.
4.   I took my complete camera kit to my class tonight.
5.   Penny is still here.

My Tuesday was a typical day, nothing extremely good or bad happened. I hope your day was what you hoped for. Now I encourage you to take a few moments to engage your creativity. This should not be difficult, because each of us is blessed with the gift of imagination. You can accomplish much if you only make an effort.

As a prompt, write about imprisonment. You may handle this in any way you choose. I have had the line “We are all just prisoners of our own device” running through my head and it seemed like I should write about it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog, please come back again. Any comments you care to share would be welcome here.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 109

Journal entry:

Reciprocity

If you were the light
Reflected upon the water,
I would be the waves
On the surface of the sea.

If you were the brightness
Carried on the breeze,
I would rise up
To meet your luminosity.

If you were the breath
Gliding on my fragile edges,
I would be the foam
Reaching up to greet you.

If you were so brief
And totally evanescent,
I would be receptive
Wanting you continually.

If you were the light
Reflected upon the water,
I would be the waves
On the surface of the sea.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, April 27, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I awoke feeling much more stable than when I went to bed last night.
2.   Leigh called and talked with me a little while.
3.   Linda agreed that I could come to her house and take pictures.
4.   I did some experimenting with ISO.
5.   I took Hope for a walk and found the words I had been searching for all day.

Other than some difficulty with words, my Saturday was wonderful… The words finally arrived, so even that was not a loss. I hope your day was all you hoped it would be. If you have not already, I encourage you to engage your creativity and make a work of artistry. I am quite sure that you are able, if you only make an effort.

As a prompt, use an image from nature to write a LOVE poem. I am certain you can do this… If you prefer a story or journal entry, by all means, do that. If you should use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you have enjoyed your time here and that you will come back often. You might also want to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to Chronicles. I appreciate any comments you may feel like sharing, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 106

Journal entry:

Fervent Prayer

Dear Lord, in the highest,
Please watch over me.
Dear Lord, be my shelter,
Keep me from agony.

Dear Lord, I’m not worthy,
That You should care for me.
Dear Lord, please have patience,
Never abandon me.

Dear Lord, oh most holy,
My shepherd always be.
Dear Lord, never leave me,
My God forever be.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well last night and did not have horrifying dreams.
2.   I had Oreos and cold milk for breakfast.
3.   I was give a poem on my drive into town.
4.   Mom suggested I pick up something for supper so we had Subway sandwiches.
5.   Scrivener was on sale for half price on Amazon, and I finally decided to give in and get it.

I had a very pleasant Wednesday. I hope your day was also enjoyable. If you have a few minutes to spare, I suggest you do something creative. It could be writing, drawing, photography, crafting, painting, whatever appeals to you. I know it will enrich your life, and it will probably ease your stress.

As a prompt, write a simple song in praise of something or someone. This does not have to be intricate, just a short exclamation. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

If you are a writer and in need of some software to help with your work, I understand Scrivener is very good. It is on sale for $20.00 which is half price. I am sharing the link to Amazon for your convenience: Scrivener on Amazon. I have not used the software yet, but I have been meaning to buy it for some time and just did not think I could afford the $40.00. At this price I snapped it up. You can visit Scrivener at Literature and Latte to read about the program.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to Chronicles. I would appreciate your comments, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 105

Journal entry:

Constant Loyalty

Love is…
The tongue lolling
Smile on my puppy dog’s
Face, the bright brown eyes that follow
My moves with constant interest always,
The warm body that snuggles up
To me when we go to
Bed together
Love is…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Leigh came and visited with me a little while last night.
2.   Her remarks moved me to get to work.
3.   Mom came to the living room and looked over the pages as I worked on them.
4.   I was able to work out the sizing and placement for the ribbons without too much hassle.
5.   I decided to work on the second page and finished all the layout work this morning.

My Tuesday has been challenging, but rewarding. I hope you also accomplished much today. Now I challenge you to engage your creativity and make something worth sharing with the world. You are so gifted and can no doubt work wonders.

As a prompt, write about something you have been putting off. Perhaps you will write about how you plan to remedy the situation. Whatever you write, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you very much for reading my blog. I hope you will visit often, but you might also like to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to Chronicles. I would love to read whatever comments you care to leave.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 104

Journal entry:

Earth Day Poem

The Earth
Our fantastic
Home where aspirations
Can be made real before our eyes
And all necessities are provided
To make our lives comfortable.
We must care for the Earth
For it holds our
Future.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 22, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up from my awful dreams this morning.
2.   My sleeping dreams do not define my life.
3.   I was persistent about not wanting tests done.
4.   Doctor Manocha found I did not have to have tests unless there is a problem.
5.   I was able to reset Mom’s stimulator, although it has been years since I have done it.

My Monday started out with terrifying dreams, then reality was a bit troublesome, but I managed to get through the day. I hope your day was less stressful. While you have a few moments to nurture your creativity, take time to make something wonderful to share with the world. I have no doubt that your imagination can produce great things.

As a prompt, write about something you have nearly forgotten, but manage to do anyway. You may create a poem, story, or journal entry and share the link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will come back often, but I encourage you to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to future updates from Chronicles. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 94

Journal entry:

Dogwood here on property at dawn…

This poem was prompted by my trip down to visit an old friend, but it also answers the prompt at Poetic Asides. Go visit that site for inspiration.

The Machine

It sits discarded,
Broken, a sad dinosaur,
It outlasted those
Who knew its name, we are left
With its moldering body.

Still I remember
When it was a useable
Piece of equipment,
Even then it was old, needing
Coaxing to make it work well.

Where do old tractors
Go to die, when only ghosts
Of operators
Linger in the memories
Of those who are left behind?

Their broken bodies
Haunt the landscape of acres
Where they were once used
To mold land for their owners
Whose descendants now remain.

Caterpillar made
No junk, but I recall Dad’s
Curses over this
One he often deemed a piece
Of God forsaken rubbish.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, April 12, 2013

The Machine…

I am grateful:

1.   I stayed up all night.
2.   I finished getting the SCC Contest Winners for April posted.
3.   I walked all over the property this morning with camera in hand.
4.   I made my appointment with the chiropractor.
5.   I caught the mess at Sam’s Club before I went out the door.

The other side of The Machine…

This Friday had its ups and downs. I am not sure which won. I hope your day was rewarding and filled with blessings. Now that you have time get busy creating. You have plenty of talent with which to enlighten the world.

This reminds me of Japanese prints… Wisteria after storms…

As a prompt, write about a childhood memory that still has a presence in your life. Maybe this is physical, like The Machine, or it can be an influence. Write a poem, story, or journal entry that portrays this remembrance. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Birdcage from my childhood… then it was golden…

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed your stay and will come again often. You might want to enter your email address in the space above to receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment.

Mom, Hope, and Ko-Ko during the night…

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 91

Journal entry:

Hope… my darling puppy dog…

This poem is in answer to the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. I am not sure it is noir, but there is a bit of that spirit to it. I hope you will visit those two blogs for inspiration.

Joyous Pursuit

I stalk bargains in
Department stores as hunters
Do their lissome prey
Seeking out the very best
At prices some find unreal.

It is not in shops
Of ill repute, but classy
Places where the rich
Are most apt to frequent that
I search for cutthroat prices.

My purse will simply
Never allow me to pay
Full cost for my things
So I scramble down the aisles
Spying out the best values.

I get many things
Of great expense for little
More than was given
In days long past, or at least
Well before my own era.

I’m a skilled hunter
Pursuing loveliest game
With only my wits
To support me in forests
Of the strongest temptation.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to get up when the alarm went off.
2.   The groomer came earlier than expected.
3.   Even though Hope is difficult, Audrey grooms her.
4.   I asked Linda to look at my directions to Iron Horse Station and she made suggestions that helped me.
5.   Richard is an excellent lecturer.

My Tuesday was full of activity, and I am late finishing this once again, but I enjoyed the results of the day. I hope your day was pleasurable. Now take a few moments to engage your imagination and create something to share with others. You never know what effect your work may have until you send it out into the world. Be courageous and do your best.

As a prompt, write about a class you have participated in. Maybe you taught, maybe you were a child, whatever direction this leads, follow it and write. If you use this prompt, leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will find your way back often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 90

Journal entry:

This poem was prompted by Poetic Asides. I hope you will visit that site for inspiration.

How To Write 365

First you commit to
Accomplishing something each
Day you have not done
Before artistically
With great creativity.

You make the effort,
Do your very best writing,
Keep effectively
Working outside your limits
Until you make your success.

You continue to
Do the work despite feeling
Like skipping a day,
You dedicate yourself to
More than you think possible.

You find a few to
Support your endeavors with
Their encouragement
You build up your confidence,
You do it over again.

You do not ever
Stop until your labor is
Vindicated in
Tremendous victory that
Covers the whole of a year.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 8, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I enjoyed WrestleMania last night.
2.   I was able to get an appointment with my chiropractor today.
3.   I was able to re-check all the books I had from the Dog River Library.
4.   Mom was willing to have sandwiches for supper.
5.   Leigh is doing well in school despite having some difficult group assignments.

 

My Monday went well, despite some unrelenting pain. I hope your day was all you hoped it would be. Now I recommend you make an effort to accomplish something creatively. No day is really complete until you have produced something uniquely your own. I believe you have all the talent required, just do your best.

As a prompt, write about the last picture I posted today. That is quite a creature, and I am sure you can write a poem, story, or journal entry in which it stars. If you use this prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. It is a great honor to have your presence here. You might enjoy subscribing to Chronicles so you get email updates. Any thoughts, suggestions, or criticism you have to offer is greatly appreciated, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 81

Journal entry:

Calling For Relief

I see their faces
Projected on all my screens,
There is no hiding
From their desperate hardship,
I want to alleviate.

I am not so far
Removed from their poverty,
But God blesses me
With everything which I need
And some things I merely want.

How can I with so
Little do enough to help
Make their lives better?
Maybe someone who reads this
Will be moved to aid the poor.

I pray Lord Jesus
To send them all the help that
They need in this time
Including the Good News of
The awesome gift of His grace.

I try to remind
Those who are within my reach
To lend helping hands
To those who cross their pathways
And those who are far away.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 30, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early this morning.
2.   Though my stomach was upset I had a good day.
3.   The outfit Mom got for me fits.
4.   I am still writing daily.
5.   My computer is very useful.

My Saturday has been delightful. I hope your day was also enjoyable. I loaded fourteen CDs (162 songs) into iTunes and onto my iPods today. The music helped intoxicate my muse who came out of hiding for a little while. I recommend you engage your imagination and creativity to make something to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about an issue in society that concerns you. You might write a poem, concoct a story, or write a journal entry. Do whatever suits your mood and leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. While you are here you might want to enter your email address in the space above so you will receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 74

Journal entry:

Stormy Weather

Thunder
Rolling over
Us like they are bowling
In Heaven and my poor puppy
Dog, Hope, is frantic with apprehension.
She wants me to make room for her
In my lap, but I am
Busy just now,
Thunder…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 23, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Penny seems a little better.
2.   My computer is not broken.
3.   Best Buy had a workable power adapter.
4.   Mom rode to town with me.
5.   I am able to post tonight.

This Saturday has been a bit taxing, as always happens when my technology does not work as it should. I hope your day was relaxing and filled with happiness. Get yourself in gear and create something. You have unlimited resources of imagination at your disposal. Do not waste time in self doubt. I believe you have the talent to do marvelous things if you only apply yourself.

As a prompt, write about the weather where you are. You know we often converse about the weather in small talk, so just create a poem, story, or journal entry that explores the subject. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but I also suggest you enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles. I cannot stress enough how much your feedback means to me. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann