Above average,
Indubitably you are,
Rivaling the best;
Or maybe I should declare
You are best at being you.
Category: Artwork
A Weekly To Do List
I created this today and thought some of you might find it useful. If you like it and want to, print it for your own use.

I have to work a bit more on the small calendar in the lower right-hand corner, but otherwise, I like it well enough.
Always,
Jo Ann
If We Were Aware
10/2/2016
Often we do not see what is happening around and within us until after the time has passed. Our awareness is not tuned into the present. Much of the time we are ruminating over the past or fantasizing about the future. This is not an ideal way to live. Throughout time many of our most respected leaders have recommended we become more in touch with the now.
If we wish to contribute to our times in ways that are important, we must engage in every moment. Creativity is not something for which we can delve into our past to enact, nor project into the far future. The reality is now is where creation occurs. We work with the materials and details of today. We take a scene we see, a conversation overheard, an article or book read, and we turn them into something that influences others. Our ability as creators is attached to the present. We may reach people in the future, but our work does not originate there.
We must commit ourselves to paying attention, being mindful, becoming involved in each moment of every day we live. Time is a precious commodity, and we should never waste it in a daze of careless inattention. We invent our lives and thereby touch others. This is a task we should take up with determination. We cannot change the world in the past because there is no way to return there. We cannot make a difference by stepping into the future because it is not here yet. Only now, only today, in this present can we impact events. We are instruments uniquely equipped to use our creativity to contribute positively to our lives and those of others with whom we interact.
When we face life with a positive attitude, sharing our smiles and encouragement, we can do lasting good. No matter what may have happened in our past, today we can give the world something that will help make it a better place. Every human being has talents, gifts, creative energy to share.
I urge you to become more intimately involved in your life. Notice what is around you, pay attention to your thoughts, ideas, emotions, begin to employ your gifts, talents, abilities more effectively. You are unique, an individual with the power to assist others in becoming the best version of themselves, as you also achieve this yourself.
I suggest you take a few moments to examine and detail the things for which you are grateful. Gratitude has a way of improving mood and bringing happiness. Here is a short list of mine.
I am grateful:
-
I learned how to use a new app that will improve my work.
-
Magazines are available electronically from the library.
-
Conversation with my Mom is a gift I still enjoy.
-
Reading on my tablet is fun.
-
My current computer arrangement is excellent.
In this house of peace
I will have no argument,
No disagreement;
It is quiet, no one crying,
Tenderness is spoken here.

Engage your creativity with the following prompt: Express some ways or reasons why you and others can or should engage yourself in the present.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found it edifying. If you enjoyed the time you spent here, please come again. You may also subscribe to receive updates by email.
There are many unhappy things in our world. My wish for you is happiness, prosperity, and a multitude of blessings. Be at peace and do well.
Always,
Jo Ann
Tears Flow By
Why? Why kill? Why?
People, all people,
Every individual,
Each person,
Here and everywhere,
Is precious, priceless.
Human beings are
Repositories of
Creativity, goodness,
Kindness, generosity,
Faith, and hope.
When one of us
Is destroyed,
Cut down,
A bit of light,
Of happiness,
Of glory departs
The world forever;
An emptiness
Overwhelms me.
My heart aches,
Salty tears flow from
My burning eyes,
Over pale cheeks!
Is there no love
Left among us?
Why? I cry! Why?
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Some Textual Photos I Created Today
I hope you enjoyed these creations from my photos. I hope you have an awesome day. I encourage you to create something today. You are capable of making whatever you desire and it will enrich your life. The world needs more of us to share our originality.
I am grateful today:
1. I was accepted for a Creative Writing Specialization with Wesleyan University on financial aid.
2. I have the technological devices I need to do creative work.
3. I have access to multitudes of books through my local library.
4. I had my eyes examined and have new contacts and glasses that make the world clear for me.
5. We have plenty of food to sustain us.
6. I have some beautiful clothing.
7. Our home is temperate and comfortable.
8. Some of my creative work was published in the Chapel Hill News & Views.
9. We have had our Explorer a year, and it is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven.
10. I have some wonderful, supportive friends around the world.
Now it is your turn. Make a list of at least five things for which you are grateful today. This will have a positive effect on you even, and especially, if you are going through a difficult time. Life looks better when you count your blessings. It makes you appreciate what you have, in spite of what you may lack.
Here is a picture I took a while back that I call, “Meet Me Here.” Your creative challenge is to write a story that might happen here, or one about this photo. Have fun, and do not allow your inner critic to stymie your work. You have the ability to create something wonderful.
Finally, if you enjoyed what you have seen here, please subscribe to my blog. I would love for you to share this blog with your friends if you feel it would add quality to their lives.
All the work found here is originally created by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan and is covered by copyright. Should you wish to share please credit the work.
All the best to each of you,
God Bless,
Always,
Jo Ann
Otherwise Entertained (7)
Morgan and Tony gathered their books, dice, drinks, chips, and character sheets together before driving over to Ramsey’s house. The date had been set at their previous session and no phone calls had come in to change the time. Ramsey’s mother generously allowed the bunch of them to set up in her rather large and very comfortable den a few times each week.
They were the last ones to arrive. Ramsey was already set up behind his Dungeon Master’s screen and Morgan had no doubt he had a harrowing array of events in mind for the evening. Kelvin, Wagner, Cade, and Max were already sitting scattered around the den. Sawyer did not play the game, but as Ramsey’s older brother, he sometimes made brief appearances, especially when the noise levels were high.
Morgan’s character died on the last adventure so everyone waited while she rolled a new character with her favorite green dice. Ramsey kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. He always made sure the scores were not enhanced to a player’s advantage. Her dexterity score was very high so she chose to be a thief, and because she had been reading Tolkien’s books, she chose to be a Halfling. This gave her some language advantages that would be an asset to the group. She named her character Celeste and joined the party at one of the inns in Devon.
Tony’s character was a human cleric named Cornelius. Kelvin’s character was a half-orc named Kaos, who being a chaotic fighter caused quite a bit of trouble in the game. Wagner played a human paladin with the name Marcellus. Cade was an elven magic user named Brandon. Max played a dwarf fighter named Silas.
Celeste managed to steal a few supplies they needed for their adventure before Kaos caused a fight that got the group run out of town. They found a curious hole in one of the hills several miles from town. When Silas went inside to explore, he soon returned saying it appeared to be a keep. They followed him into the darkness where their torches threw eerie shadows on the walls. They entered a large chamber and found several chests strewn around the room. Celeste attempted to pick one of the locks and succeeded. Inside the chest were some scrolls, which Brandon quickly claimed, a dagger, which she took for herself, and a few gold pieces, over which the others began to squabble. The noise rose and suddenly several orcs with weapons appeared. Celeste moved behind the stronger characters and took out her sling. Watching for an opportunity, she shot at their opponents in the melee. Ramsey told her each missile had a chance to hit the others in the group. He did rolls to determine if she hit her companions. Luckily, her shots hit her targets and she helped kill the orcs.
The guys had her try the lock on another chest, but she could not pick it. They moved on after she failed once more. Ramsey called for a break and they all went into the kitchen and devoured some snacks that each of them had contributed. Ramsey’s sister, Jane, made a rare appearance and quickly disappeared back into the private rooms of the house.
When they returned to the game, they went deeper into the dark halls of the keep. They decided to open a huge steel door, but Celeste’s lock picking skills were not up to the task. Brandon cast a spell he found on one of the scrolls obtained earlier and the portal opened. As they stepped inside the room, a group of skeletons attacked them. Cornelius and Marcellus had holy water and that was most effective against the monsters, but the whole group sustained serious damage before conquering the skeletons. When the weakened party explored the room, they found a very large chest. Celeste opened it with her tools and they found a sword, a mace, and a ring inside. There were also silver pieces, which they divided among themselves. An argument broke out over who would have the weapons and ring, Kaos began shouting as if he were berserk. Celeste, Cornelius, and Marcellus managed to quiet the others before something else could find them. They rode to another town and the game broke up for the night.
Morgan and Tony invited the others to come over to their apartment for drinks, but everyone had to be up early in the morning, so they went home alone. Tony went to bed soon after they got home. Morgan stayed up thinking about how Kelvin had acted during the game. Nothing about him, she decided, was simple.
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
This is the edited cover concept. I would love to have your opinions on which you like better.
Always,
Jo Ann
Cover Concept
Doodling
Creativity Project Year Two-Day 124
Happy Mother’s Day! Here is my journal entry:
The Mother’s Day Card I made my Mom in pages:
A short poem:
My Mom
She wipes
The tears away
And reminds me I have
Many reasons in life to smile,
She encourages me to do my best
When I feel I have not the strength
To continue in my
Pursuit of joy,
Such love.
Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Our Mother’s Day Dinner:
I am grateful:
1. I was able to make a nice card for Mom.
2. I even got my writing pretty straight without guidelines.
3. I heard from Alex, if only briefly.
4. The meal turned out better than I expected.
5. I took a refreshing nap.
My Mom, not today because her pain is so bad…
This Sunday was very special because I spent Mother’s Day with my Mom. I hope you made some beautiful memories today. I encourage you to busy yourself doing some creative work. It will enrich your day and give you something to share with others in your life.
As a prompt, write about your mother or a woman who had a significant impact on your life. Please leave a link to your work in the comments below should you use this prompt.
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed what you found here. Please come back often, and subscribe to Chronicles by email to receive future updates. I would love to know what you think, so if you care to share, leave a comment.
Always,
Jo Ann
365 Creativity Project-Day 357
Journal entry:
2012
Fortunate days, fortunate ways,
Everything falls in place
In perfect timing, comfortable space.
Blessings rain down, erasing my frown
Bringing glowing smiles
To shorten the many miles.
Jesus travels with me, within me,
Making the journey worth traveling,
Keeping my life from unraveling.
Time passes, a year, rich in good cheer,
Hours made so beautiful
By miracles always very plentiful.
Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, December 31, 2012
Artwork:
I am grateful:
1. Mom is with me to begin 2013.
2. I was able to stay awake all day after staying up all night.
3. I mailed my package this afternoon.
4. I was able to get everything on my shopping list.
5. Alex and Laura came to visit this afternoon.
I had a wonderful Monday. I hope yours was full of happiness as well. Before this year ends I encourage you to exercise your creativity. I know your imagination is filled with greatness, you must only uncover it. Unleash your creative dreams.
As a prompt, write about some of your accomplishments this year. Make it a review, and see how much positivity you can demonstrate. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.
Entering into the New Year, I hope you find energy to nurture your creativity. May inspiration richly bless each of your days. God be with every one of you.
Thank you so much for joining me here. I hope you enjoyed your visit. If so, you might want to subscribe to Chronicles. You will receive daily updates in your subscription. I value your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism, so please leave a comment.
Always,
Jo Ann
