365 Creativity Project-Day 309

Today I wrote two poems. The first was prompted by Poetic Asides. The second combines the prompts from Poetic Asides and Carry On Tuesday. I hope you will visit these sites for inspiration.

Success Formula

A recipe for
Happiness is doing things
For others in need,
When you help someone else you
Open yourself to blessing.

Even a letter
Sent to one of your sick friends
Can make you feel good,
Whatever you do share your
Love with others around you.

The universe moves
To facilitate sharing
Generously with
Those who are very much in
Need of your kind assistance.

Where there is love there
Is life to live in wonder,
You can share yourself
And you gain greater rewards
Than you ever imagined.

Encourage others
And lift yourself from despair,
Never forget your
Words and actions can change lives,
You might even save your own.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   John Cena beat CM Punk last night.
2.   I slept late this morning.
3.   Mom was able to manage on her own until I got up.
4.   My medication helps me live a good life.
5.   June brought us a pot pie for supper.

I have had a very good day. I hope you enjoyed your Tuesday. I chose to spend some of my time working creatively and I recommend that you do the same. If I can accomplish what I have, you can do so much more. Get busy and make it happen.

As a prompt, write about the distance your words bridge. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment for me. While you are here you might want to subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 308

Journal entry:

The following poem is in answer to today’s prompt at Poetic Asides. Please visit that site if you need a shot of inspiration.

Perfect Helper

Being a writer,
I need a device that will
Write down what I say
While I am driving, walking,
Or thinking in the shower.

A device that can
Correct my grammar from speech,
That makes great copy
Which is perfect even though
I may make many mistakes.

A device that is
A competent editor
Keeping my meaning,
But fixing my syntax while
Writing my composition.

I need a device
That can go anywhere with
Me and listen to
Ideas with rapt attention,
That is my writerly dream.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, November 12, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to get an appointment for Mom today.
2.   I did not break anything when I fell.
3.   Linda went to the appointment with us.
4.   We had Peppermint Chocolate shakes from Chick-Fil-A.
5.   Mom is feeling slightly better this evening.

This was a difficult Monday, but it worked out well. I hope your day was good. Take time to do something creative before you retire this evening.

As a prompt, write about something that hurt you. This might be a physical experience or something verbal… Just write freely and see where it leads you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I am so glad you shared your time with me. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. Maybe you would like to follow Chronicles, and get it in your inbox each day.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 307

Journal entry:

My poem today is in answer to the prompts at Poetic Asides and The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics come from the wordle. All errors are my own. If you would like inspiration I suggest you visit these wonderful sites.

Veteran Warrior

The days are rocky
Although he can never brook
The evil brought on
By the phantom beliefs held
In hearts on the other side.

Life is sometimes dry
And hollow beyond these walls
Where leaping into
New foxholes is not allowed
And birds sing sweet in the wood.

The bombs do not drop
Round him anymore, but he
Screams at the sound of
A basketball dribbled when
He is in a fitful sleep.

He tries to fit in,
But his family knows it
Is not happiness
Always even though they try
To make him comfortable.

He is at peace now,
Or he is supposed to be,
But the war does not
End just because the battle
Is finally over there.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, November 11, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Our veterans and currently active military chose to serve.
2.   Mom ate a bit better today.
3.   My Aunt Betty called.
4.   My nephew, Jeremy, came by briefly.
5.   Mom slept well last night.

I woke up at a few minutes after 6:00 this morning. My alarm was set for 8:30, but I decided to get up anyway. The day has been rewarding. I hope your Sunday has brought you much needed rest and relaxation. Now I urge you to rally yourself and use your creativity to make something that will positively influence the world. You have the seeds of greatness within you, just allow them to flower in imaginative creation.

As a prompt, write about what veterans mean to you. Surely you have some opinion, express it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visit to my blog. If you enjoyed what you found here, please consider following Chronicles. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 306

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I encourage you to visit that site and join the PAD Challenge.

Bons Mots Avec Mon Amis

When there is trouble,
When I am feeling undone,
Good words with my friends
Can set me back on the path
Of true joy and happiness.

My friends are treasure
Given me by gracious God
To inspire and lift
Me from the desolate depths
Of deepest darkest despair.

We may be distant,
Not knowing each other well,
But we bridge the space
With loving kindness, friendship,
That suits our needs very well.

I can often share
Bons mots avec mon amis
About anything
I choose and they will answer
Giving their good opinions,

Jesus has been good
Enough to grace my life with
People who mean so
Much to me in every way,
Bons mots avec mon amis.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, November 10, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Hope woke me by barking and growling.
2.   Leigh was able to come help us.
3.   Mom did not break any bones.
4.   Mom has eaten fairly well at lunch and supper.
5.   Hope and I walked a bit this evening.

I have had a busy day, and were God not with us it could have been tragic. I hope your Saturday was much better than mine. I have taken time to work creatively despite the problems of the day. Please engage your creativity now and make something that will brighten our world. I know you have the ability, just apply yourself.

As a prompt, write about something you could not handle alone. You can write a poem, story, or journal entry that will enlighten others and celebrate your triumph over struggle... If you use this prompt, please leave the link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am so glad you took time to read my entry today. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I hope you enjoyed your visit here, if so, you might want to follow Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 305

Journal entry:

The following poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I recommend you visit that site should you need inspiration.

Because He Is Gone

Things are not the same
When he’s gone, but we knew that
Before we lost him.
No one could have prepared for
All the changes his death brought.

He told us not to
Worry, that everything would
Be okay despite
His continuing absence,
But I do not think he knew.

The homestead is not
The same without his efforts
To fight overgrowth,
I am not as good as he
At keeping up our acreage.

I need his advice
From time to time, but there is
No one to answer
My many questions with such
Sharpness and asperity.

He was my brother,
He was my greatest hero,
He should still be here…
I need his truth and guidance
But cannot have it, he’s gone.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 9, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I won honorable mention with one of my photos last night.
2.   I was able to complete the contest winners posting today.
3.   This was a very good week.
4.   My friends are supportive in prayer when I have a need.
5.   Life is rewarding.

This Friday has been a rough day for my Mom, but I have accomplished a lot. I hope you had a wonderful day. Take time to exercise your creative impulse now. I know you can create something great if you only attempt it.

As a prompt, write about how technology influences your life. I know this should give you plenty of material. You might write a poem, story, or journal entry, whatever lights your imagination. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I recommend you follow Chronicles should you be interested in daily updates.

I am beginning to think of what I should do at the end of my 365 Creativity Project. This has been a great experience, but I am unsure how to continue… Maybe I should let you, my readers, help me decide. So please consider giving some feedback about what I should do in the future.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 304

I wrote two poems today, the first is a late answer to the prompt at Carry On Tuesday. You would do well to visit Keith’s site for inspiration.

This second poem is the first I wrote and answers the prompt at Poetic Asides. If you are not already, you should think of participating in the November PAD Chapbook Challenge.

To Rumi

Which is worth more, a crowd of thousands,
or your own genuine solitude?
Freedom, or power over an entire nation?

I have never once
Held the attention of more
Than a few kind souls,
But I suspect the thousands
Would unnerve me even more.

My solitude is
Precious, I contemplate great
And beautiful things
When I linger in quiet
With just my own company.

I treasure freedom
And shudder at the thought of
Power over an
Entire nation… I could not
Bear responsibility.

The limelight beguiles
Me, fame entices effort,
But the refuge of
Tranquil silence also brings
Its very discreet rewards.

I am a simple
Person relying on God,
Grandeur is too much
For me to worthy carry,
I am better off unsung.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, November 8, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I had chocolate doughnuts for breakfast.
2.   There was clean hot water for my shower.
3.   The day was beautiful.
4.   The Sweetwater Camera Club meeting was well attended.
5.   I had enough money for a Sweetwater Camera Club tee-shirt.

My day was a bit harried, but turned out well. I hope your Thursday was a decent day. Whenever you are reading this, please consider taking time to do some creative work. You have so much to offer the world through your imagination.

As a prompt, write about humility. You could write a poem, story, or journal entry where being humble plays a role. Let your mind lead wherever it will. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very sorry to get this done so late, but thank you for taking time to read my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. Do not forget to follow Chronicles if you would like daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 303

Journal entry:

The following poem was prompted by the PAD Challenge at Poetic Asides. If you are in need of inspiration, visit that site.

Continuing Spiral

It is a circle
Moving round and round again
Ever expanding
To include new opinions
Of what democracy is.

There are some constants,
The constitution and rule
Of law continue,
But we the people control
The country ever changing.

We honor the vote
That allows us to express
Our thoughts that circle
Around the center of all
That makes up our government.

Elections hard fought
Show we are diverse people
Circling each other
With different attitudes
Deserving of our respect.

We work together
To make a better future
For everyone who
Lives within our great nation
Now and in the years to come.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well.
2.   I was able to pick up Mom’s prescriptions.
3.   I got a new Sonicare toothbrush, because after ten years mine was worn out.
4.   Hope is much better and has her bark back.
5.   I have faith in God and know he cares for me.

I was busy today, but enjoyed my Wednesday. I hope you had a wonderful day. Take time to work creatively now. You have the ability to make something of lasting beauty. I know you must have much to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about how you feel since the elections are over. You could incorporate this into a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend some of your precious time reading my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment. I hope you enjoyed your visit, if so please consider following Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 302

Journal entry:

The following poem was prompted by Poetic Asides. I recommend you visit that site if you are in need of a bit of inspiration.

The Right Path

I believe I am
Right with Jesus standing on
His sure promises,
My salvation is certain
Because I trust Him by heart.

One fine day He will
Tell me to stand on His right
With the ransomed sheep
He will send the evil goats
To the left into Hades.

I am so happy
My soul has been made right with
My sweet Savior’s blood
So that eternal Heaven
Is my final destiny.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I felt rested although I had very little sleep.
2.   Today was Founder’s Day at Callaway Gardens so our admission was free.
3.   Despite the pouring rain we had a safe trip.
4.   The rain stopped when we got to the park and did not begin again until we were leaving.
5.   Callaway Gardens was not crowded today, so it was very enjoyable.

I had an awesome Tuesday, and hope you had a great day too. I voted early, but I hope you voted today if you had not already. Now it is time for you to engage your creativity. Surely with all your talent you can make something wonderful. The world becomes richer if you share your creative gifts.

As a prompt, write a poem, story, or journal entry that includes the weather conditions where you are today. The climate you experience can give you a backdrop for whatever you create. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very grateful for your visit to my blog today. I hope you will subscribe to Chronicles if you would like daily updates. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me. If so, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 301

Journal entry:

The following poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. If you would like, visit that site for inspiration.

Final Conversation

Hi there!
hi
How are you?
fine
What’s up?
i was thinking
Yeah, what?
You there?
yes
And?
i don’t think it’s working
What do you mean?
us
Us?
i don’t love you anymore
You can’t mean that…
i do
Can we talk about this?
we are
I mean in person.
i don’t want to see you
You are breaking up with me, this way?
yes
I cannot believe this…
you better
Why?
because
That isn’t an answer…
it is what it is
I don’t understand.
i don’t care
it’s over

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, November 5, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I can pay my bills online and by phone.
2.   I had Hostess doughnuts for breakfast.
3.   We have a washer and dryer.
4.   We have clean water.
5.   I have a refrigerator to keep my food fresh and drinks cold.

I have accomplished a lot today. I hope your Monday was productive as well. Take time to engage your creativity now. There is no moment like the present to make something that could positively change your world.

As a prompt, write about the ending of a relationship. You might write about leaving a job, leaving a love relationship, leaving a friendship, or something completely different. I am sure you have plenty of experience with endings. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed your visit, please consider following Chronicles. I would love to read your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 300

Journal entry:

The following poem is in answer to the prompts at Poetic Asides and The Sunday Whirl. I combined the prompts so I would not have to write two poems. The words in italics are from the wordle at The Sunday Whirl. You might want to visit both sites if you are up to a real challenge.

Just Beneath Your Charm

I scramble into
The tumultuous depths out
Beyond the safe shore
Where waves are swelling with wrath,
Not like your upbeat surface.

Your core is rotten,
Others enable your acts,
But sanity flees
Before your unquenchable
Anger brought to bear on me.

My patience is key
Allowing me some freedom
To avoid the cost
Of the destruction you bring
Into my calm existence.

Your smooth charm belies
The unpleasantness carried
Within your evil
Heart, which explodes in fury
When you meet me face to face.

You are a bully
And I am your unwilling
Victim fallen prey
To your brutal malicious
Cruelty hidden in charm.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, November 4, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I had an extra hour to sleep.
2.   I have prompts for poems each day this month.
3.   We had a wonderful lunch.
4.   Mom helped me shop at Wal-Mart.
5.   Today is day 300 of my creativity project.

This Sunday has been wonderful for me. I hope your day has also been great. Take time to create something now, before the day slips away from you. You are undoubtedly as gifted as I am, so you can definitely come up with work to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about a book you have read recently. Either review it, or let it suggest a story for you to work with. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am thankful for your visit to my blog. If you enjoyed what you found here you might want to follow Chronicles. I am very interested in your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 299

Journal entry:

Today’s poem answers the prompt on Poetic Asides. Please join me in the November PAD Chapbook Challenge and visit that site.

Fear Alone

Being alone scares
Me when I think long about
The bareness of it
Because I am not very
Good company by myself.

I should have learned by
Now to fully entertain
Myself on my own,
But the evenings tend to haunt
Me with their ebon darkness.

Every sound outside
Makes my heart lurch with fear, not
Knowing what lurks in
The night beyond the glowing
Illumination indoors.

I surround myself
With the little comforts of
Civilization
To keep the loneliness and
Deep fear far away from me.

Still being alone
Frightens me, but I will not
Let the fear hold me
Back from accomplishing all
The dreams I want to achieve.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, November 3, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I caught up on some sleep today.
2.   I voted early.
3.   We were not in the path of the super storm Sandy.
4.   We have electricity.
5.   My Mom is here to keep me company.

I rested today… I hope you had a recreational and relaxing Saturday. If you are not too exhausted, I urge you to do something creative before you retire for the night. I know it expends some energy and effort, but I assure you the work is worthwhile.

As a prompt, write about what words mean to you. Maybe you want to focus on a specific sentence, or you could write about words in general. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed what you found here you might consider following Chronicles. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, so please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 298

Journal entry:

I was a day behind on the November Poem-a-Day Challenge sponsored by Poetic Asides, but I caught up with two poems today. If you are interested in participating, please visit that blog.

Change

No dear…
I am afraid
That outfit does not match
The colors clash quite horribly
Please pick out something different to wear
Otherwise you will embarrass
Yourself very badly
When going out
No dear…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 2, 2012

Glorious Orb

Full moon…
Peeking through trees
Lighting up the darkness
With its pale and beautiful light
Making magic of this autumn midnight
I can see into the distance
Because of its fair face
Shining in space
Full moon…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 2, 2012

Photographs from the Yancey’s Country Home:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up when the alarm went off.
2.   The GPS led me to the Yancey’s without problem.
3.   It was a beautiful day.
4.   There was a good turn out for the field trip.
5.   I came home and relaxed.

I had a day that was close to perfection. I hope your Friday was wonderful as well. If you have not already worked creatively today, I urge you to make that effort now. You may not have the perfect tools, but you are blessed with a great imagination. You can make something that will enrich our world and gratify yourself.

As a prompt, write about the outdoors. You could write about something you have seen, done, or experienced outside. Whatever interests you, just write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am glad you found your way to my blog. I hope you enjoyed your visit here. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment. Maybe you would like to follow Chronicles…

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 297

Journal entry:

Present Marvels

Today…
Is not the time
To give up on your dreams
It is the time to reach higher
To stretch yourself toward the miracles
Waiting just past your fingertips
You have the power to
Achieve wonders
Today…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, November 1, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Mom felt good enough to go with me today.
2.   Our drive went safely.
3.   We were not delayed very long by a terrible accident on our way.
4.   I was able to encourage a woman in the waiting room.
5.   I am stable on my medication and take care of myself.

This was a long day for me, but I hope your Thursday was rewarding. Creativity does not take a vacation because of difficulties in our lives. It is available at all times. So exercise your imagination and make something wonderful to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about miracles. This could be an everyday miracle, or something that happens only once in a lifetime. Engage your creativity and write… If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope something here touched you. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment. Follow Chronicles if you would like daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann