365 Creativity Project-Day 163

Journal entry:

My poem today is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I think I may have taken it in a totally different direction than was intended, but I went where the words led me. If you need inspiration, please visit that site, and see where the prompt leads you.

Straight Line, Right Angle

My life is not one
Straight line engraved across time;
It wobbles and curves
Shifting with necessity
Between each destination.

My days lead me forth
From person to person on
Interesting paths;
Painting my story in bright
Colors that bloom before me.

Incidents happen
That cast me about without
Care for my being;
Like a boat caught in a storm
Which tests determination.

The days are crafted
With exquisite pieces drawn
From many places;
Abounding in such phrases
As answer many questions.

My life is not made
Of one straight line, but wanders
Like a pencil held
In the hand of an artist;
Drawing beauty from nothing.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   There is a trace of God’s great creativity in all of us.
2.   The call to write has been present throughout my life.
3.   Some believe my writing inspirational.
4.   Talent can be nurtured into greatness.
5.   I am capable of learning and growing in skill.

Wednesday has come again, I hope it has found you well. If you have not already created something, do it now. The moment will escape you if you fail to capture it some way.

My prompt for you today is to write about your process of writing: The what, when, how, why, and where of your writing. Approach it any way that ignites your imagination. I think you will find an endless supply of words on the subject. If you use this prompt leave a link to your work in the comments so I and others can read what you created.

I love comments, they help me know what I am doing right and where I need improvement. Please leave yours below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 162

Journal entry:

The prompt for my poem today came from Carry On Tuesday. I encourage you to visit that site if you are in need of a bit of inspiration.

Question Of Worth

I wonder sometimes,
Is there anybody there?
Are you listening?
Do you have any reason
To pay attention, and care?

My errant words go
Out into the atmosphere
Seeking hearts to move,
Lives to touch with gentleness
Bringing some new awareness.

Yet I never know,
Is there anybody there?
I could be speaking
Only to shadows who have
No souls to be soft caressed.

I write tempting fate
To bury significance
Under layers of
Deepest darkest ignorance,
Lost to almost everyone.

It often makes me
Feel I must work much harder
To make some meaning,
And still I wonder sometimes,
Is there anybody there?

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Photographs:

One minute to midnight, or noon if you rather…

Finished books with prompts I created on each page…

Title and invocation page for my prompt books…

I am grateful:

1.   I slept in a bit, after a very late night.
2.   The writing came easily today.
3.   We stayed home.
4.   My life has meaning, although there are problems.
5.   I pursue writing even though it seems unreasonable at times.

I hope your Tuesday has brought you many smiling moments. Use a few of them to create something that is meaningful to you. When you bring yourself to the page or canvas you legitimize your presence in the world. You may motivate others to excel in their struggles.

As a prompt today, I would like you to write a letter or poem of encouragement to someone you do not really know, someone who mostly goes unnoticed and receives little appreciation for the contributions he or she makes to your life. Maybe your postal person, your hair stylist, a wait person at a restaurant, a cashier at a store you frequent, or anyone who is really behind the scenes of making your life more pleasant. Post your work and leave a link in the comments here so I and those who visit can read your creation, then give it to the person you had in mind to inspire them.

I hope today’s entry made an impression on you, if so, or if you have any suggestions… please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 161

Journal entry:

Capturing Imagination

Creation does wait
For the opportune moment
To fully burst forth
From busy occupied brains
That hasten into more work.

Creation chooses
Those who aspire to the craft
Making sure plenty
Of grandest inspiration
To produce glorious art.

Creation lapses
From blind leading ambition
Wanting rather those
Who over intervening
Years cast a net of desire.

Creation muses
On those who dedicate time
To following steps
That rise into the heavens
Reaching to touch twinkling stars.

Creation blesses
Those who spend the waking hours
Chasing the shadows
Cast long inside ready hearts
Hinting at awesome rewards.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 18, 2012

Photographs:

Lamb…

Close up of lamb…

Angel figurine holding bird with broken wing, which I painted…

I am grateful:

1.   John Cena won against Big Show last night.
2.   I woke up fairly early.
3.   I had encouraging comments on the blog today.
4.   Mom taught me to read and write.
5.   Writing is a great joy.

I hope your Monday has been productive. Take time to create. You have all the talent you need, and you have the time. Make something that moves your heart and mind.

If you need a prompt for inspiration, try writing about creation. Approach it from any direction that appeals to you. You are the best judge of what you should do. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below, so that I and others can see what you made.

If you liked what you read, or if you have suggestions, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 160

Journal entry:

Today’s poem uses the wordle at The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics were suggested there. If you are in need of inspiration please visit that site.

Heart Songs

Our current paths trace
A rough draft through our spare days
And blend together
Easing the racket into
A soft and gentle refrain.

The crack of our smile
Diminishes our temper
With a winding string
Of happiness we can latch
Onto every single day.

We strike out anew
Each morning with a full chest
Accomplishing all
Our imagination draws
Our hearts toward finishing.

We write beautiful
Lines across the fabric of
The whole universe,
Our lives are songs woven through
The moments of passing time.

Great inspiration
Wells up within us bringing
Anticipation
That we will create pleasing
Things which stand throughout the years.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 17, 2012

Photographs:

The church we attended today…

Another view…

I am grateful:

1.   Leigh visited and carried off our trash last night.
2.   Laura invited me to church.
3.   I woke up in plenty of time to get ready this morning.
4.   I enjoyed the Catholic church services.
5.   Alex is doing well even though he is in Afghanistan.

I hope you are having a pleasant Sunday. If you have not already, take time to create something. You have the gift of creativity needed to accomplish something of great worth.

If you need a prompt today and choose not to use the wordle mentioned above, write about your relationship with your father or being a father. Should you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I would love to know what you think of today’s entry, so please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 159

Journal entry:

Growing Older

Every day closer
To the ending of my days,
My life marches on
Likely now closer to end
Than nearer its beginning.

My limbs grow weaker
Than in years so quickly passed,
My hair is stranded
With thinning threads of pure white
I do not fight to cover.

My mind once quite strong
Now fades like my memories,
Not learning new things
Nearly as fast as I like,
Gradually losing thoughts.

The child of my youth
Becomes fully an adult
So masterfully
Handling all his own affairs
Without my guiding input.

My usefulness grows
Always less valuable
Though I still attempt
To maintain my importance
In the daily scheme of things.

However, I shall
Not give in to my decline
I shall fight each day
To stay my true steadfast course
And keep my full dignity.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, June 16, 2012

Photographs:

Monte Verde pen and journal…

Another Monte Verde pen and journal…

I am grateful:

1.   I took a nap today.
2.   I have good books to read.
3.   My camera takes great pictures.
4.   I am learning more about poetry.
5.   I have internet service that connects me to the world.

Have you been busy on this marvelous Saturday? I hope you will take time to do something creative. If you need a prompt, write a reflection on the passage of time. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

Please leave me a comment expressing your thoughts about this entry.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 158

Journal entry:

In Media Rests

“Things are worse than you
Imagined, but better than
They seem,” or so they
Tell you every day when you
Turn on your picture machine.

“So many things going
Wrong at an incredible
Rate, but hang in there
An upturn is just around
The corner,” they inform you.

“The economy
Is getting better, but no
It is getting worse,”
They cannot seem to decide;
There is no one you can trust.

“The government cares
About your plight, but sorry you
Do not qualify
For any kind of extra
Help,” they tell you with a smile.

“Keep doing your best,
You will finally get rest
When others are blessed
With their full measure of your
Happiness,” they but confess.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, June 15, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Leigh, my niece, called last night.
2.   Laura, my daughter-in-law, called this afternoon.
3.   I am not a total failure.
4.   God’s love is available.
5.   Life goes on.

I hope your Friday has been enjoyable. Take time to do something that exercises your imagination and creativity. If you need a prompt try to write something that includes a play on words. It could be a saying you twist a bit or words that sound similar, but mean something different. If you use the prompt, please leave your link in the comments.

If you care to, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 157

Journal entry:

My poem today is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides, which was posted too late for me to use yesterday. You should visit Robert Lee Brewer’s blog for inspiration.

Meeting Brings Hope

When I met you there
I did not know you would change
My whole world with love
That you offered me without
Any type reservation.

When I met you there
I did not know I needed
You to bring me joy,
I believed my life was fine
Even though much I struggled.

When I met you there
I did not know happiness
Could fully engulf
My life in such wonderful
Intensity every day.

When I met you there
I did not know that I lacked
A full outpouring
Of unconditional love
Throughout all my fitful days.

When I met you there
I did not know a puppy
Would bring me such peace,
Brightening every moment
That is shared in your presence.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, June 14, 2012

Photographs:

Close up of Hope…

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I have an active imagination.
2.   I enjoy playing with words.
3.   I have the opportunity to write.
4.   I am a member of some communities that nourish my creativity.
5.   God abundantly blesses me.

I hope you have had a good Thursday. Now is the time for you to do something creative if you have not already. Don’t worry over perfection, just create. You can improve your work later.

If you need a prompt, write about writing. I always find when I explore this subject that I have plenty of material. I think you will discover the same thing. Write a poem or essay, or even a story about writing. You can explore numerous possibilities with this prompt.

Please leave me a comment and share your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 156

Journal entry:

Grace

You are a bright light
In the firmament of life
Shining out over
Those you connect with during
The restless hours of your day.

Use kind words to voice
Your hearty encouragement,
Nourishing others
Who may be losing their way
In the trials of their rough days.

You have the power
To decorate other lives
With lasting beauty
Through your use of cheerful praise,
Bringing sweet inspiration.

Be reassuring,
Be a real positive force,
Lend your full support
To the people who come in
Contact with you every day.

You are commissioned
By the Creator to be
An agent of good
Bringing happiness and joy
To fellow inhabitants.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Photographs:

My counselor years ago gave me this before she left the area…

My daughter-in-law, Laura, gave this to my Mom…

I am grateful:

1.   My Mom is here with me.
2.   My dog, Hope, is a calming influence.
3.   I am able to think, write, and create.
4.   The air conditioner works.
5.   We have a well that supplies us with good water.

I hope your Wednesday has been full of pleasantness. Make time to do something creative, no matter how simple. Write down your thoughts about the day, snap a picture of something that delights you, or write a poem that expresses positive energy. You do not have to do any of these perfectly, just make an effort.

Today there was no prompt on the site where I usually get inspiration on Wednesday, so I had to write my poem on my own. In case you are floundering for a subject to write about, try a poem or story about grace. You can approach it from any number of directions. I would love to see what you create, so if you use my prompt, please leave your link in the comments so I can read your musings.

If you have comments or suggestions, leave them below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 155

Journal entry:

My poem today is in answer to the prompt at Carry On Tuesday. You might want to go there for some inspiration. I am considering starting a prompt here on Chronicles. I made three journals with a prompt on each page several years ago and think they would be worth using here. If the idea appeals to you, please let me know.

So Over You

No more illusions
The blinders are off my eyes,
I can see clearly
Now that I have decided
To move forward with my life.

You were not really
Mine for such a long, long time,
You played upon my
Emotions keeping me tied
To you after it ended.

I will surely find
Another who will tight cling
To me in sweet bliss
And you will be forgotten,
A part of my history.

I can see clearly
Now that the future will be
Greater than the past,
For this my present is full
Of glorious happiness.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Photographs:

Peace Lily…

New bud…

I am grateful:

1.   Even though I did not take a notebook I was able to write a poem in town.
2.   Mom was able to go in Wal-Mart with me and shop.
3.   I do not have to go to town tomorrow.
4.   Diet Cokes were only $5.98 a case.
5.   I rested a while before posting this blog entry.

I hope your Tuesday went well. If you have not already done so, you should create something. There is plenty you can do, so you have no excuse for leaving it undone.

I would appreciate it if you leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 154

Journal entry:

Imperfect, But Worthwhile

Our institutions
Are not perfect by virtue
Of humanity,
But they can bring much beauty
To the lives we daily live.

There is peace in our
Belonging to likeminded
Groups that have lasted
Throughout many passing years,
Despite their serious faults.

Our religions are
A comfort to our troubled
Hearts when our brief lives
Seem so far beyond our own
Ability to control.

Some shout tyranny,
But believers surely know
That their sacred paths
Are only gentle guidelines
Leading to eternity.

We thank God freedom
To serve as we deem fitting
Is well established
Within the basic fabric
Of our American lives.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 11, 2012

Photographs:

Hope…

Ko-Ko…

Penny…

A pin I made from wooden craft supplies…

Another pin I made from wooden craft supplies…

I am grateful:

1.   The commotion that woke me was only a picture frame falling, not Mom falling as I feared.
2.   I was raised to respect the rights of others.
3.   I am open-minded.
4.   My dog teaches me much about being a good human.
5.   I do not have to cook today.

I hope your day was good, despite it being Monday. You are a creative person. Embrace this part of your humanity. Use it to make something to enrich our world. I have faith in your ability create, because I am not exceptional and I do it.

If you were moved by anything here, please leave me a comment with your thoughts. I much appreciate feedback be it positive or negative. I hope to learn from you.

Always,
Jo Ann

A Brief Break From Regularly Scheduled Programming-Animal Poems

I thought I would share these few older poems. One of my new friends is a Cat Blogger and made me think of these…

T.J. Does Windows – Revisited

She is not sophisticated
In her manipulative use,
Still it is her desired program.
She arrives by invitation
Of the sheer openness to lounge 
Gazing out at the spacious world,
No blinds to obscure her vision.
She slumbers utterly content
Upon the eggshell windowsill,
Her sable nose twitching softly
As she seizes some slight fragrance.
She leaps sudden, down gracefully,
Slinking lithe ebony and white
Elsewhere to dream or spry engage
In her coddled cat wonderland.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
March 11, 2000

My Darling, Hope

Darling of my heart
Always dear, dependable,
Loyal without question.

Companion who walks with me
With quiet joy
And overwhelming happiness.

Partner in my bed
Who snuggles up warmly
Against me in the night.

I never knew
A puppy dog
Could be such a friend.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, April 17, 2010

My Master and Me

The world is a huge place
I take up so little space.

My master is strong
I do as she says and come along.

Every day is an adventure
My thoughts are sweet and pure.

I am a puppy dog
I like it when we jog.

My master is the leader
I try hard to delight her.

I have great love and joy
I am better than any toy.

My master is adorable
I please her when I am able.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Photograph:

Hope…

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 153

Journal entry:

I used the words from The Sunday Whirl to write today’s poem. The featured words are in italics. If you would like some inspiration, visit that site.

My Contribution

If I can cheer you,
Place a corona of joy,
Which wipes away stain
Of the shadows that dog you,
Upon your twice worthy head…

Perhaps it atones
For the stones and mud that brush
Your limbs as you crawl
Over bluffs where you trembled
With nail biting anxiousness…

Perhaps it will fill
The vessels that nourish you
With strength to fulfill
Your destiny and stand strong
Like the flexible willow…

Perhaps you will go
On to inspire someone else,
Influence the world,
And make a huge difference
In the course of history.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 10, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I can use my brain creatively despite my problems.
2.   I woke up fairly early even though I went to bed extremely late.
3.   I chose to do this Creativity Project and challenge myself.
4.   Mom cooked spaghetti.
5.   There is electricity to run our electronics, lights, and to keep us comfortable.

I hope your Sunday has been relaxing and full of joy. Do something creative before you retire for the night. You have the ability, just use it. I know you can do it, because I do.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you thought of this post.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 152

Journal entry:

Personal Pep Talk

Believe in yourself,
You accomplish miracles
When following dreams
That lead you to excellence
In your creative pursuits.

God gave you talents
That He meant for no other,
You must utilize
Your gifts or the world loses
Much enriching its beauty.

You are an asset
Who should not be squandered in
A meaningless way,
You have opportunity
To make a lasting impact.

Let no one tell you
That you lack any merit,
For they cannot judge
What great contributions you
Present to humanity.

Again I urge you
Believe fully in yourself,
Let your heart engage
Totally in all of life
With much creativity.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, June 9, 2012

I have some artwork to share today:

This is a doily that I bought at an after Valentine’s clearance sale thinking I would use it later…

I had time to do something extra yesterday. This is on a 9x12 sheet of art paper and the scan does not show the color as richly as it is in reality. The picture is done in colored pencil and pastels. I know it is not my best work, but I am a bit out of practice. It looks quite nice framed…

I am grateful:

1.   I did the #MNINB April Platform Challenge and have made valuable contacts through it.
2.   I had the foresight to buy some craft materials at Wal-Mart’s after Valentine’s clearance sale.
3.   I got up fairly early.
4.   I am very greatly blessed.
5.   I am slowly gaining followers on my blog.

I hope your Saturday is going well. Take some time to create today. You probably have all the material you need to make something wonderful. Writing only takes your time.

Leave me a comment if you feel you can.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 151

Journal entry:

Explanation

My mind fields do not
Lie fallow under bright light
Of close inspection,
They are planted fully well
With such acute construction.

Concepts grow strong free
Undaunted by strangling weeds
Of dark repression,
Words crop up that with great force
Contend for their expression.

My explosive thoughts
Lie buried near the surface
Where interjection
Will have the most positive
Effect without a question.

Words are my weapons
To conquer the negatives
The opposition
Presents to overcome all
My thoughts on exposition.

I fight the good fight
If only within my mind
To decommission
Everything that leads toward
Creative prohibition.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, June 8, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I got up early this morning.
2.   I wrote a poem without a prompt.
3.   Mom got up with me.
4.   There is much beauty here on our property.
5.   I enjoy exploring my creativity.

It is a beautiful Friday here. I hope your day is enjoyable. Get your camera out and take some pictures, write a poem or story, journal, draw or paint something… You get the idea, I want you to do something creative. I know you can because you are at least as gifted as I am. It does not have to be perfect, just make the effort, practice will lead to improvement. Every day gives you an opportunity to exercise your creative license.

I would love to read your comments…

Always,
Jo Ann