Creativity Project Year Two-Day 145

Journal entry:

Hoke took this picture of the group at the meeting today with my camera. I am on the right. I don’t do pictures well… Probably should hide away from photographers…

Not A Stranger

You do not know me
Like I wish you knew me or
You would understand,
I have too much going on
To convince you to love me.

My heart is laid out
Bare upon the page for you
To make your own choice,
If you only take the time
To read a few of my lines.

I am not hiding
Myself away from you or
Anyone else who
Wishes to learn about me,
I am highly visible.

Make yourself at home
Inside my virtual world,
Explore what you like,
Maybe you will then decide
I am someone worth knowing.

I beg you only
Do not judge me without you
Take time to know me,
I am more than my surface
Can fully convey to you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 2, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I chose to get some sleep last night.
2.   Mom bought me some beautiful clothes that make me presentable to go to meetings.
3.   I did not have to drive to the conference today.
4.   I got home before too late and fixed Mom’s supper.
5.   Mom is always interested in my endeavors.

This is an artistically rendered photo of me taken and processed by my mentor, Richard Nichols.

I enjoyed my Sunday a great deal. I hope your day was equally pleasant. I encourage you to spend a few minutes exercising your creativity. There is much in your experience worth sharing with the world. Your imagination, your vision, can contribute so much to the perceptions of others. I am convinced you are uniquely talented in amazing ways. Believe in your ability to make a difference.

As a prompt, write about how others perceive you. You can share a link to your poem, story, or journal entry in the comments below. The exercise could be very revealing to you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will return to visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for updates by email. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me know how to better reach you and others.

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 28

Journal entry:

Vagaries Of Time

Fear not for the future
For it is in the hands
Of our Almighty God
And He will without doubt
Take care of us within it.

Weep not for the past
For there is not a single
Thing about it you can
Alter now since it is gone,
Be content with what is.

Make the best of the present
Fulfilling the awesome promise
Held inside your gentle heart,
For neither past nor future
Are open to you in the now.

Everything happens just now,
You can change the path
Of your future through present
Actions and you can also
Redeem your past experiences.

Time is always yours to use
If you will only remember:
Fear not for the future,
Weep not for the past,
Make the best of the present.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom was able to spend some time with June today.
2.   The magazines were at the mall.
3.   I ordered some memory cards last night.
4.   Our prescriptions were ready at Sam’s pharmacy.
5.   The class this evening was very good.

My day was very busy, so I am getting this done late. I hope your Tuesday was rewarding. If you have not engaged your imagination to accomplish something creative already, I suggest you do it now. The talent lies within you, just let it flow forth.

As a prompt, write about the past, present, and future. You might want to do it philosophically, or perhaps more with realistic detail. Whatever you do, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very grateful you took time to visit my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment. I would love for you to find your way here often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email, that is available above.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 12

Journal entry:

Nearly, Dearly

Maybe
I do not know
Or deeply understand,
But I am led deeper into
Relationship with Christ the Savior by
The Holy Spirit who lives in
My heart always wooing
Me, bringing me
Closer

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, January 20, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I spent over an hour thoroughly cleaning my bathroom during the night.
2.   I decided to stay up all night so that I would not miss going to church.
3.   I had a hot shower.
4.   I decided to stay for Worship Service, and it was much better than last week.
5.   Mom went to town with me this afternoon.
6.   Mom shopped with me at Sam’s Club.
7.   I have thought of a way to replace Mom’s Ensure if needed.
8.   I can make fruit smoothies that will be a good substitute.
9.   I got two nice shirts and two more devotionals for very good prices at Sam’s Club.
10. This blog challenges me to do more than I believe possible.

My Sunday has been fabulous. I hope you have enjoyed your day as well. Make time to nourish the creative part of yourself by making something wonderful to share with the world. You are talented enough to excel if you apply your efforts diligently.

As a prompt, write about your understanding of the purpose of the Bible. Even if you are not a Christian you likely have encountered the most popular book in all history. If you have questions, I will attempt to answer them, or search out an answer. Should you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would love to read your thoughts, suggestions, or even criticism, so please leave a comment. If you enter your email above, you can join the mailing list for Chronicles and receive updates in your inbox.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 4

Journal entry:

Destined

Purpose
Is not always
Easily discerned, but
Each of us is given tasks to
Accomplish in our lives if we will but
Concentrate upon our efforts
And realize God has
Requirements He
Gives us

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, January 12, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had energy to make it through this day.
2.   I left early enough.
3.   I was dressed appropriately.
4.   I won the free ticket to Nikon School.
5.   Mom decided to buy a GPS and I now feel confident to go to new places.
6.   The fraudulent charge on my bank account did not go through.
7.   I will have enough money to pay my phone bills.
8.   I took the remote for my camera and learned how to use it.
9.   I had a safe trip to the Waverly and back.
10. Mom got upset with me, but we worked it out.

I had an excellent Saturday although I found a letter we received troublesome. I hope your day met your expectations. If you have not already exercised your creativity, I recommend you do it now. Maybe you could make a habit of doing one or more creative things each day. Devoting yourself to the task will enrich your life and you will be surprised how much you accomplish.

As a prompt, write about purpose. You may feel you have a grand purpose or none at all. Elaborate on your thoughts in a poem, story, journal entry, or note to expand on a later date. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very grateful you chose to visit my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. Should you desire to, please follow Chronicles for future updates. Do come back to visit again.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 270

Journal entry:

Without Warning

Sudden
How things happen
Outside expectation
Beyond my regular planning
Without any regard for preference
But I have finally become
Accustomed to such things
Unexpected
Sudden

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, October 5, 2012

Photographs:

This is the page I have been working on…

I am grateful:

1.   I spent a few hours talking to Alex during the night hours of the morning.
2.   I woke up without a problem when my alarm went off at 11:00am.
3.   I was able to complete my training with Norma and Richard.
4.   Mom did not hurt herself badly when she fell a few moments ago.
5.   I did not have to cook tonight.

It has been a very busy and challenging Friday for me. I hope your day was highly productive and that you are ready for an enjoyable weekend. Creating something will finish your day well, so I urge you to do it now.

As a prompt, write about a project you have recently completed. This is your opportunity to share something others may not realize you have done. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am grateful you choose to visit my blog. If you would like, please subscribe to Chronicles so you receive future updates. I love reader input and would enjoy reading your comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 262

Journal entry:

Making An Effort

You entice me to
Do things I normally would
Never try to do
And it gives me a chance to
Savor new experience.

I am more challenged
Than I have been in some time,
But I cannot help
Being afraid that I may
Ultimately disappoint.

I attempt my best
Hoping I do not come up
Lacking in your eyes,
I have not done things like this
In such a very long time.

Please do not give up
On me while I am trying
To accomplish all
The things you have set before
Me as well as I may do.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, September 27, 2012

Photographs:

My new Cabbage Patch Kid, Katherine Rose…

Mom’s new Cabbage Patch Kid, Jennifer Nicole…

All four of our Cabbage Patch Kids…

I am grateful:

1.   I ate lunch before going to Norma and Richard’s house.
2.   I learned a lot today (I think).
3.   I found the misplaced keys at Subway.
4.   The sandwich from Subway was delicious.
5.   I am going to finish this entry before midnight despite a very late start.

I hope your Thursday exceeded your expectations. If you have not already completed something creative during your day, I urge you to do it now. There is no time like the present to express your individuality.

As a prompt, write about a time when you were learning something new. A poem, a story, or a journal entry will do. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so happy you took the time to visit my blog. If you liked what you read, please consider following Chronicles. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 258

Journal entry:

Emily Dickinson’s poem and my essay:

I taste a liquor never brewed --
From Tankards scooped in Pearl --
Not all the Vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an Alcohol!

Inebriate of Air -- am I --
And Debauchee of Dew --
Reeling -- thro endless summer days --
From inns of Molten Blue --

When "Landlords" turn the drunken Bee
Out of the Foxglove’s door--
When Butterflies -- renounce their "drams" --
I shall but drink the more!

Till Seraphs swing their snowy Hats --
And Saints -- to windows run --
To see the little Tippler
Leaning against the -- Sun --

Emily Dickinson

The Poem As Liquor

In the first stanza I believe Emily is writing about language in the poem. How it tastes new, is precious, and is uncommon. The poem is contained in a form which is not of baser materials. It cannot come from other minds, but is a distillation of the self. No one else could make such a potent use of language.

In the second stanza she relates her intoxication with the elements and how she breathes in endless warmth from the environment. This gives her the ability to write authoritatively from her own experience. She shares her self with we readers who visit from the wider world.

In the third stanza she scoffs at those who would place restrictions on her freedom to express herself. She states she will all the more enjoy herself because of those who wish to govern her use of language and form. She is breaking the rules with abandon.

In the fourth stanza she seems to be saying the heavenly hosts will rejoice with her in exuberance. Everyone will see her as outstanding in her presentations, which are shining with originality. She believes her work is life affirming and nurturing. She leans on beneficial elements supporting her and those who read her work.

The poem is so rare and fine readers can enjoy it on its surface or in a deeper reading. The language is rich and inviting. The images stand out convincingly.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, September 23, 2012

My poem was prompted by the wordle at The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics come from that site. If you are in need of inspiration you may find it there.

Preventive Measures

I remain trapped by
Bundles of words in corners
I climbed to avoid
Damp storm winds and thunder bolts
Which shook me like a corn husk.

You bring sweet relief
Through your reading what might have
Only become ash
Scattered upon the flooring
Of this lonely shut off room.

I break away from
My own limitations to
Grasp your hand across
The gulf of space and moments
Separating each of us.

You return to me
Over and again making
Some sense of my words
Bequeathed to your fine estate
Without any condition.

I know without you
I would be resigned to such
Bleak obscurity
I could never escape this
Hugely restrictive sentence.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, September 23, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I have a home.
2.   I have comfortable clothing.
3.   I have food to eat.
4.   I am well educated.
5.   I have a good computer with internet access.

I hope you have had a wonderful Sunday. Now you should take some time and exercise your creativity. I do this every day and I know absolutely that you can write something with meaning. You are so creatively gifted.

As a prompt, write about a poem you enjoy. You could pick any poem you have ever read and do a close reading, or you could simply tell what the poem means to you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit here. If so, please consider following Chronicles. I am very interested in your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 245

Journal entry:

Awakening

I rise from slumber
Blooming into these bright hours,
Like a daylily,
Facing sunshine with courage
Enough to abandon rest.

Possibility
Opens itself before me
Offering reward
If I will only embrace
This great opportunity.

I am quite convinced
My efforts will now prosper
Although I am not
Fully prepared for this dawn
Because I lack deep repose.

I write ample words,
Explain away confusion,
Give voice to my soul,
Yet I am still enslaved by
Rigors of ebony night.

If I can find peace
I will gladly share blessings
With the denizens
Of these fiercely lit moments,
I must first resurrect dreams.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, September 10, 2012

Photographs of flowers for sale at Wal-Mart:

I am grateful:

1.   I started the day early.
2.   I finally found a groomer I feel will be good.
3.   The Modern and Contemporary American Poetry class began.
4.   I have managed get this done earlier in the day.
5.   Mom is feeling good.

Monday is, as are all days, a new beginning. I hope your day has been pleasant. If you would like to, I encourage you to create something. It need not be perfect, just your honest interpretation of your imaginative gifts. Sometimes we are so wedded to the idea of perfection that we do not make an effort. This is a loss to society. What you create, the work you do, could change someone’s life. Do not be held back by fear. Use your creativity.

My prompt for you today is the word: awakening. This led me to a multifaceted poem. Let it lead you into creation. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to visit my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment. I look forward to reading your input. If you enjoyed this entry consider following Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann