A Journal Entry, Photographs, and Poetry…

That felt a bit strange, like my pen was rusty. I guess it has every right to be since I have taken a couple of months off. I would like to think I could come back as regular and strong as before, but my heart is not entirely in it. There seems too much going on to pick up where I quit.

Traveling Onward

I had suicide
On my mind
Once upon a time,
But those days are
Long gone in the past.

I am looking forward
Into a future filled
With pleasures I have
Yet to imagine,
Understand, or taste.

Therefore, I will aptly
Leave all these visions
Of death spun rudely
Out behind me and
Chase after happiness.

As I see it now,
God is still in
His Heaven and we
Left here below may
Someday obtain Paradise.

Yes, I did once have
Suicide on my mind,
But I have outlived
Such selfish urges,
Life remains to treasure.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Birth Song

The sun in freedom
Streams across the skies
Lending warmth and light
To us here on Earth,
Keeping our hope alive.

The wind it whispers
With untold stories
Through the leafy trees,
Scattering our dreams
With its easy breeze.

The water washes
Unending against
The soft yielding shore,
Wetting thirsty land
Causing growth galore.

The land allows us
To find shelter in
Places it affords,
Where we can sometime
Live and make abode.

We humans are but
Strangers lodging here,
Only passing quick,
Children wandering
Beneath passing stars.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 17, 2013

In Simplicity

There is this much
And I know its truth
That I am imperfect,
But worthy of care.

God sees my flaws
Knows my defects
And yet He loves me,
In Him is my perfection.

I long for someone
Who will love me true,
But I know it is hard
To find such affection.

Someday, perhaps
I will meet the man
Who will hold my heart,
And abstain from rejection.

Thank God for family
And friends who help
Me keep heart and soul
Knit tightly together.

There is this much
And I know its truth
That I am imperfect,
But worthy of care.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, July 20, 2013

A thought I shared elsewhere, but find very true: Only writers and artists give away the secrets of their hearts and souls to strangers they are likely never to meet...

I am grateful:

1)   I have this place in which to share my thoughts with you out there.
2)   Creativity has not abandoned me though I have chosen to take time off.
3)   Good behavior has its own rewards.
4)   Books can impart truths even when they are written fictionally.
5)   We are not abandoned here without love, for even when we are most alone we are caressed by the divine.

I sincerely hope you will find your way back here again. If you have not visited elsewhere on this blog I suggest you go to the about page and the archives to find information about me and enjoy more of the work contained here.

You are a wonderfully creative person who embodies dreams that you can share with the world. Do something creative and let your light shine. Maybe you could write a poem, journal entry, or list detailing something wonderful that has happened in your life recently. Small miracles occur for all of us every day.

I will be back… Until we meet again…

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 149

Journal entry:

The Thirty by Thirty Challenge prompt from Our Lost Jungle for today helped inspire my poem…

Cordial

I am not bitter,
For I have seen things you meant
To bring me great harm
Turn into blessings beyond
Measure of expectation.

I loved you without
Reservation giving my
Whole heart into your
Hands, but you did not respect
My trustworthy devotion.

They are bittersweet,
These years I spend without you,
But I know there is
A good reason we have gone
Our very separate ways.

I have found the strength
To stop my needless crying,
Moving on with life,
Finding happiness in things
And people besides yourself.

I am not bitter,
For I pursue great reward
In honest living,
Giving of myself to those
Who appreciate my love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, June 6, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up earlier than I intended to, and so had more day to enjoy.
2.   I finished the book I was reading.
3.   I played Tetris on my tablet.
4.   My shower was refreshing.
5.   I went outside, took some photographs, and later sat on the trampoline reading on my tablet.

This Thursday was an enjoyable day. I hope you also found pleasure in it. Now, I encourage you to make an effort and create something wonderful to share with others. You have a unique vision that the world will welcome. Each of us is endowed with imagination, which can make a grand impression on people. Do not hide your creativity, but let it shine forth.

As a prompt, write about a book you have recently read, or movie you saw. You might pick out a theme from it, or a character, or write a general review. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I greatly appreciate your visit to my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email. Your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism are very valuable to me, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 147

Journal entry:

Consecration

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
I turn my heart toward You,
But that is not fit for my King;
There should be so much more.

I must devote every fiber
Of my existence to You,
Oh my Lord, but You give
Everything to me who am
Completely unworthy of favor.

The life You give me is fit
For highest royalty, but I have
Nothing with which to repay
Your ultimate kindness and
Totally magnanimous love.

My devotion is all I can offer
To You my mighty King,
You hold my life in Your palms
And I am blessed beyond measure
Because of Your sacrifice for me.

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
Jesus, my heart, my whole being,
Is yours to employ however
It is you may decide, my King.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I enjoyed staying up all night.
2.   I made progress with installing applications on my tablet.
3.   I only have about 100 pages left to read in The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates.
4.   God graciously allowed my test results to come back without further irregularities.
5.   Life is rewarding though packed with challenges.

My day went much better than I expected, because I was very afraid. I hope your day went beyond your expectations as well. Now, while you have a few moments, I encourage you to engage your mind in creative exercise. You are full of talent and gifts that you have hardly explored can bring dreams to fruition. So get busy.

As a prompt, use this line as from the Bible for your inspiration: Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee. Any part of it, or all of it, can be used in your creation. 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 often. If you are interested in receiving email updates from Chronicles, please subscribe. Any comment you may have to share would be appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 134

Journal entry:

Never Tardy

Being late is not
Something I do well at all,
It is inbred in
Me to always be on time,
I honor Mom in that way.

I am a little
Overzealous with attempts
To do things early,
Sometimes it creates problems
For other people I know.

I am most likely
To turn projects in before
Associates start
Work on preliminary
Outlines of what they’re planning.

It is not too hard
On me because I was raised
With expectations
I would not be late unless
Providentially hindered.

Almost no one thinks
This way anymore, but it
Is my normal mode
Of operation to be
Never late, always on time.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got a little sleep.
2.   The library allows me to read books I could not otherwise afford.
3.   Penny ate well today.
4.   Mom was able to go out and enjoy being with June.
5.   I have new clothes that will look better than my blue jeans and tee-shirts.
6.   Life is a magnificent adventure if only taken one moment at a time.
7.   Pain can be overcome by service to others.
8.   God is merciful.
9.   Love can overcome all adversity.
10. Hope survives in the hearts of those who attempt to succeed.

I have enjoyed my Wednesday tremendously. I hope your day was filled with smiles and joy. You have the opportunity to exercise your imagination and create something that enriches our world. Never underestimate your ability to make a wonderful contribution. Your talent is amazing, as are you. I believe you can achieve whatever you desire. Just set yourself a goal, and go after it. You can succeed.

As a prompt, make a list of ten things for which you are grateful. Pick one of those and write a poem, story, or journal entry built around it. You might want to make a habit of the gratitude list. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope it has been inspirational. One of my goals for this Creativity Project is to encourage others to explore their creativity. If you would like to receive email updates, please subscribe to Chronicles. I would love to read your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 133

Journal entry:

Living In Color

Life drenches me in
Color every moment of
Every single day.

There is the green of
All living things surrounding
Me with abundance.

There is the blue of
Water, sky, and loneliness
Arching over me.

There is the red of
Love, passion, anger, and clothes
Enveloping me.

There is the yellow
Of sunshine lighting my world
Revealing color.

There is the purple
Of friendship and loyalty
Adding happiness.

There is the orange of
Sunrise and sunset glowing
With such sweet romance.

There is the white of
Pages accepting my words
Or bringing others.

There is the black of
Pain that I cannot combat
And nighttime I love.

Life drenches me in
Rainbows of color, which bring
Much richness to life.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well and awoke energized.
2.   I found great new books at the library.
3.   I am rich despite not being financially wealthy.
4.   Mom liked the tee-shirts I picked up for her.
5.   Life is rewarding, despite my limitations.

I enjoyed my Tuesday and accomplished more than I expected. I hope your day was good. Now, while you have a few moments, I encourage you to put your imagination to work and do something creative. There is no time like the present to engage in activity. In fact, this is the only time you can achieve your potential. The past is gone and unchangeable, and the future is always ahead of you. Use this moment to your advantage.

As a prompt, write about color. You could pick one color for your poem, story, or journal entry, or you could use a variety as I did. 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. I appreciate the time you spent here so much. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email. Any comments you have are welcome.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 116

Journal entry:

Reading

When you
Enter the world
Created by the work
Of a writer between covers
Of a book, you experience a great
Adventure designed to take you
Deep within your vivid
Fantasies, so…
Please read.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, May 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I am here to help Mom when she needs me.
2.   There is purpose to my life.
3.   We have the ability to keep the house at a comfortable temperature.
4.   I finished reading The Legend Of Broken by Caleb Carr.
5.   I watched the Kentucky Derby.

Mom has been in a great deal of pain, so my Saturday has been touched with sadness. I hope your day was better. While you have the opportunity, I encourage you to engage your creativity. You never know what delights you can bring to life until you delve into your imagination. If you believe it impossible, read what I wrote today again. I was totally without inspiration, but I managed to write. You can do meaningful work if you only make an effort.

As a prompt, write about reading. This is something magical that we do, and you no doubt have a poem, story, or journal entry about it within you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope you will continue to visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles. If you have anything to share with me, please leave a comment.

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

365 Creativity Project-Day 364

Journal entry:

Declaration Of Intent

No, no,
Do not tell me
I cannot do all things
I set my mind and heart upon
Because I will without doubt prove you wrong
Nothing at all will prevent me
From doing everything
I aspire to do
In time

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, January 7, 2013

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up well rested.
2.   Richard, my mentor, called and remotely added some mailing lists to my computer.
3.   Mom rode to town with me.
4.   I was able to get CHN&V magazines to take to the club meeting on Thursday.
5.   Mom and I bought some wonderful Bibles at Family Christian Store.

This was a very productive Monday for me. I hope you accomplished all you set out to do today. Now I challenge you to set aside time to engage your creativity. You have a wonderful imagination and you should use it. You have many talents worth exploring, so get busy.

As a prompt, write about books. Being a writer, artist, or reader, I know you have a relationship with the printed word. Write a poem, story, journal entry, or note involving books. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks for reading my blog. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. If you enjoyed your visit here you might like to subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 355

Journal entry:

Enraptured

A thousand angels leaning
Down to Earth, watching over
Your shoulder, whisper softly,
“Grow and prosper well my child.”

As you plan each of your days
Heaven’s hosts wait anxiously,
Hoping you will remember
To seek the Lord’s sure guidance.

The universe in all its
Bright array, with expectant
Wonder, wishes you the best,
Most blessed of accomplishments.

Whatever you set your heart
Upon, all the good spirits
And pleasant souls endeavor
To nurture into being.

So do not ever believe
Yourself alone in your trials
For you are surrounded by
A great cloud of well-wishers.

These saintly presences may
Not interfere, but they add
Their positive energy
To help you in every plight.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, December 29, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Mom is here with me, so that I am not alone.
2.   There are many books that encourage me.
3.   Because of this creativity project I have accomplished much more than I expected.
4.   I am able to offer a little authentic advice.
5.   I have put my computer to good use over the course of this year.

This Saturday has been very quiet. I hope your day has been relaxing. Now, before you put yourself to bed, I recommend you engage your creativity. Use your precious imagination to dream up something never seen before. Share your discovery with the world.

As a prompt, write about someone or something that encourages you. This might be your guardian angel, your mother, a significant other, an author, or nature, whomever or whatever helps you face your days. Write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found something positive here. Perhaps you would enjoy subscribing to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 336

Journal entry:

Why Read?

Reading
Opens windows
Throws wide closed doors to each
Who ventures within the covers
Of every book which is presented with
Much avid curiosity
Allowing them to gain
Understanding
Reading

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

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I called the doctor’s office and found out they had moved my appointment up thirty minutes without informing me.
2.   I was on time to my appointment.
3.   I was approved to have an x-ray at the office.
4.   There are many books to read.
5.   My Droid worked well in town today.

My Monday was taken up with trying to get better. I hope you had a wonderful day. Take time to use your imagination and creativity to make something great to share with the world. I know you have the ability and talent to accomplish whatever you set your mind on doing.

As a prompt, write about reading… I am sure you have much to share on this subject. Make sure you share the link to your work in the comments should you use this prompt.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have suggestions, thoughts, or criticism, please leave a comment. You might like to follow Chronicles for daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 323

Journal entry:

My poem today answers the prompts at Poetic Asides. I hope you will visit that site for inspiration.

Shooting Stars

There is light and dark
In everyone, but some are
More to an extreme
Being who we deem heroes
And villains, the best or worst.

We aspire to be
Heroes to our friends and kin,
But it is so rare
We achieve those lofty heights
In their true estimation.

Villains, we do not
Want to be cast as at all,
But sometimes we play
The role without intention
And no way can avoid it.

We best perhaps can
Only hope our lives are bright
Less left in shadow,
Living life courageously,
Whether heroes or villains.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Penny is doing well.
2.   Mom is feeling somewhat better.
3.   I have an internet connection here at home.
4.   There are wonderful programs I can use on my computer.
5.   I have a computer, which opens up the world of creativity to me.

Tuesday passes by and I hope you enjoyed it. I tried to take it easy today and recuperate. I devoted some time to my creativity and I urge you to do the same. I know it is not always easy to engage the imagination, but if I can do it, so can you.

As a prompt, write about an impossible dream. Maybe you have one, maybe you have conquered one, if so write about it. You have nothing to lose by putting your words into permanent form, and perhaps much to gain. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for reading my blog. I would love your input, so please leave a comment. It is easy to follow Chronicles, and then you can get daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 311

Journal entry:

The following poem is prompted by Poetic Asides. You might want to go visit that site for a bit of inspiration.

Tradeoffs

I do not have much,
I have given up a lot,
My disease hurts me,
But I am very well blessed
Because I am still serving.

I have given up
Many opportunities
Over time’s passage,
But I have gained as many
In the life that is left me.

Life is perfected
On an ongoing basis
Even though I lack
Some ability because
Of my own mental illness.

I could have been great
If not stricken with disease,
But I have learned that
Hardship brings many prospects
And occasions for triumph.

I am fortunate -
God chose me to be special,
Touched by His wonder,
A vessel filled with His grace,
Overwhelmed by His mercy.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, November 15, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I have wonderful books to read.
2.   I was able to call the AARP Nurse-line and get some advice.
3.   Mom felt well enough to get a bath this afternoon.
4.   I am a little less sore.
5.   I have read twenty-eight books so far this year.

It has been a good Thursday for me and I hope it was for you as well. I know the day can be challenging, but I encourage you to take time to engage your imagination and use your creativity. You will accomplish great things if you simply make the effort.

As a prompt, use some or all of the following words in a poem, story, journal entry, or other creative writing: reading, investment, time, factual, fascinate, intense, condition, immediately, helped, strong, appointment, and primary. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so grateful you took time to visit my blog. I hope your time here has been pleasant. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. If you would like, please follow Chronicles for daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 310

Journal entry:

The following poem is in response to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I hope you will visit that site if you need inspiring today.

Moot Point

I surely do not
Have the proper words to write
Another poem,
The syllables are stuck in
The labyrinth of my mind.

Imagination
Dwells in silence not speaking
Its sentences to
Me, I am left with nothing
From which to spin worthy lines.

Language’s magic
Does not open itself to
My wondering brain
I am stuck, stuck, stuck, without
Any verses to share with you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   There are antibiotics.
2.   Pain does not last forever.
3.   I have an active imagination.
4.   There are books to read.
5.   Technology advances.

It has been a quiet day here. I hope your Wednesday has also been low stress. Now you should apply yourself to doing creative work. Making something beautiful to share with the world. I believe you have all the talent and ability you need to accomplish each of your dreams. Get busy…

As a prompt, use the words: reminder, excellent, fascinating, history, masterfully, and recovery, in a poem, story, or journal entry. You should have no problem with this if you just engage your creativity. 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 time exploring my blog. I hope you will share any comments you may have with me. If you enjoyed your visit, please consider subscribing to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann