365 Creativity Project-Day 179

Journal entry:

Journal 7-6-20120001

The prompt for today’s poem comes from Carry On Tuesday. I am getting to this a bit late this week, but I have been otherwise inspired. I hope you will visit that site should you need a prompt.

I Listen To The Silence…

After midnight hours
The house is quiet, resting,
Retired from action,
I listen to the silence…
As you do also, alone.

The daylight demons
Of many harried moments
Find peace in darkness,
I can drift on soft currents
Of my sweet envisioned dreams.

I accomplish much
While the world is slumbering,
There is no racing
From one anxious notion to
Others, for struggle eases.

I communicate
With my innermost spirit
Finding harmony,
Tranquility, often in
The soothing ebony night.

All conflict ceases,
I listen to the silence…
As you do also,
I gather all my forces
To complete my deep desires.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, July 6, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0205

Mom painted this lemon plaque…

DSC_0206

Mom painted this pepper plaque…

DSC_0207

Mom painted this peach plaque…

I am thankful:

1.   I finally got up after the alarm had gone off for thirty minutes.
2.   We got the estimate on the air conditioner and it was not as bad as I expected.
3.   I reached Sam’s Club just in time to pick up Mom’s medicine before the pharmacy closed for lunch.
4.   We ate Whoppers for lunch.
5.   I finished reading The Age Of Miracles by Marianne Williamson.

If you are approaching or have reached midlife, I highly recommend you read The Age Of Miracles by Marianne Williamson. This is an inspiring book with much wisdom about later years.

I hope your Friday has been rewarding. Mine was very busy and I am now sitting with a fan blowing on me because I overheated again. I hope you will take my advice to heart and engage yourself in working creatively. You can do something wonderful if you work at it.

The prompt I have for you today is to write about your creative challenges. Tell us what keeps you from working and what you can do to overcome the blockage. Assert your ability to accomplish your aspirations. If you use this prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope something here has touched you, if so, please tell me about it by leaving a comment. I appreciate your reading my blog.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 175

Journal entry:

Journal 7-2-20120001

Good Intentions

You may ask, “What’s wrong?”
Of anyone, anytime
And the answer may
Fill your heart and soul with woe
For trouble dogs everyone.

If you will venture
To inquire about someone’s
Dreams you will inspire
A ramble into pleasant
Conversation filled with hope.

Dreams are currency
Spent with happiness among
Smiling friends who love
To share the many triumphs
Dear bought by honest effort.

Our days are surely
Meant for celebration of
The accomplishments
We have made fulfilling dreams
Once believed impossible.

Therefore let questions
Conspire to reveal the best
Of circumstances
Asking about people’s dreams
And sharing in their fond hopes.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, July 2, 2012

Poster:

Dream Big!0001

Photographs:

DSC_0181

DSC_0183

Hope in an odd position…

DSC_0184

Hope…

DSC_0185

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early from my bad dream.
2.   It is not quite as hot today.
3.   I found some of my calligraphy markers and they still work.
4.   We went to the country store and bought tomatoes.
5.   My bologna, cheese, and tomato sandwich was delicious.

I hope this Monday as started your week well. To add to your happiness, do something creative. Write a poem, story, or journal entry, draw a picture or make a poster, take a photograph, whatever suits your fancy. Just make sure you do something to mark this days passage in a creative way.

It is Summer, so for today’s prompt I want you to write about your favorite summertime pleasure. This could be something you do, somewhere you visit, a food you eat, anything really that makes you happy when the temperatures are soaring. I would love to read your work if you use this prompt, so please leave a link in the comments.

If you enjoyed this blog entry, or if you have a suggestion for something I can do differently, please leave a comment. I read every one and I reply. Thank you for visiting Chronicles and sharing your day with me.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 168

Journal entry:

Journal 6-25-20120001

I created the following poem using the words from Rosemary Mint. The prompt words are in italics. You might visit that site and see what the words suggest to you.

Give Me Shelter

It is natural
To feel some serenity
Listening to rain
Drum on the roof overhead
In the midst of thunderstorms.

A sweet mixed serum,
Patchouli and sandalwood,
Delights the noses
Of café patrons drinking
Espresso, cozy and dry.

A rose in a vase
Alone adorns a table
Where a young hippie
Sips raspberry herbal tea
In a bright tie-dye sundress.

Where once opium
Was brought to market now stand
Karaoke bars
And gyms where yoga is used
To sculpt bodies lean and hard.

Times have really changed
In many parts of our town,
Now safer by far
For citizens seeking some
Shelter from a pop up storm.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 25, 2012

Artwork:

I Love You Canvas0001

A simple painted piece I did for my Mom…

Photographs:

DSC_0130

DSC_0133

DSC_0134

I am grateful:

1.   Other creative people make their ideas available on the internet.
2.   We had gasoline to give Jeremy when he came down yesterday.
3.   There was hot water for my shower.
4.   Air conditioning makes these sweltering days bearable.
5.   June is bringing pizza for supper.

I hope your Monday has been good. You can make it a better day by doing something creative. When you use your gifts it can make you much happier.

If you need a prompt today, write about your favorite color. Color adds so much to our lives, it should not be hard for you to create something about your favorite. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

If you have suggestions, or enjoyed today’s blog, please leave a comment below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 161

Journal entry:

Journal 6-18-20120001

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:

DSC_0088

Lamb…

DSC_0089

Close up of lamb…

DSC_0090

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 154

Journal entry:

Journal 6-11-20120001

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:

DSC_0069

Hope…

DSC_0070

Ko-Ko…

DSC_0071

Penny…

DSC_0062

A pin I made from wooden craft supplies…

DSC_0063

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

365 Creativity Project-Day 152

Journal entry:

Journal 6-9-20120001

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:

Inspirational Heart 6-8-20120001

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

Vase & Flowers0001

I had time to do something extra yesterday. This is on a 9×12 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 131

Journal entry:

Journal 5-19-20120001

Autobiographical Poems:

#1

I Am…

I am a verbose poet and amateur photographer
I wonder if my work will ever see wide distribution
I hear the cries of countless adoring fans
I see myself rewarded as poet laureate
I want to see my photographs published
I am a verbose poet and amateur photographer.

I pretend it does not bother me that I have no lover
I feel unicorns should never be ridden
I touch the heart of the universe
I worry that I will never be good enough
I cry over the loss of my childhood innocence
I am a verbose poet and amateur photographer.

I understand that I can never have everything that I want
I say that my fondest dreams can come true
I dream I am successful in all my endeavors
I try to always do my best
I hope to make my family proud of me
I am a verbose poet and amateur photographer.

#2

Jo Ann
Loving, generous, talented, joyous
Daughter of Joyce and George
Lover of poetry and puppy dogs
Who feels inadequate to accomplish much
Who needs forgiveness for grievous faults
Who gives from the heart
Who fears ultimate failure
Who would like to see overwhelming success
Resident of Whitesburg
Jordan.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0946

A framed poem…

DSC_0947

Votive candle holder…

DSC_0948

Mug…

DSC_0949

Mug…

I am grateful:

1.   I found writing courses in my email folders last night.
2.   I cut the whole yard today.
3.   There is warm water for showers.
4.   I have my dog, Hope, to snuggle with.
5.   There was something easy to prepare available for supper tonight.

I hope your Saturday was enjoyable. Please take a few moments to do something creative.

Let me know what you think or leave suggestions in the comments.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 113

Journal entry:

Journal 5-1-20120001

Beginner’s Earning

Working summers made
Money for things I could not
Afford otherwise.
My first job was not easy
Helping my Dad mechanic.

I learned to drive trucks,
Backhoes, earth movers, loaders,
And to weld a line.
Not a girl’s occupation,
But I loved the huge challenge.

I was so happy,
The responsibility
Helped fulfill my needs.
Muscles and mind together
Were schooled to accomplish much.

The sun cooked me
To a well-seasoned deep tan
Bleaching my hair gold.
The dirt and grease clung to me
Making bathwater run brown.

In my later years
I greatly appreciate
The many hours I spent
Learning to work with my hands;
Helping my Dad mechanic.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0749

The 2012 Poet’s Market… it is not just for seeking places to publish work. There are many informative features and a large section of prompts. It is an asset for anyone who writes poetry.

DSC_0750

Watercolor Teddy Bear…

DSC_0751

Colored pencil Rose…

I am grateful:

1.   I found prompts to help me write poems during May.
2.   I am finishing my blog entry incredibly early.
3.   I have fond memories of the summers of my youth.
4.   I have learned that forgiving someone helps me live more productively.
5.   I have overcome much adversity to become the person I am today.

I hope your Tuesday has brought you many smiles. I wrote a poem, and you can surely do something creative if you will just begin it. I have absolute faith in your ability, because I know God endowed you as well as me.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found something you enjoyed. If so, please leave me a comment and follow Chronicles. Your comments let me know what is succeeding and what I can improve.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 110

Journal entry:

Journal 4-28-20120001

April Poem A Day Challenge, poem twenty-eight:

Perishing Vision

The American Dream
Is constantly assaulted
And under duress
Because of great economic
Schisms between rich and poor.

The realization
Of the common person’s hopes,
Near impossible,
Because wages keep decreasing
And costs continually rise.

Many without work
Do not have adequate funds
To maintain their homes
Because the jobs disappear
And few new are created.

The politicians
Bicker in their high places,
Electorate drowns,
Because no solutions come
In time to launch a rescue.

Representation
Must be restored to people,
With equality,
Because the American Dream
Is nigh unachievable.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, April 28, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0737

Ceramic decorative container…

DSC_0738

Unicorn paperweight…

DSC_0739

Mug…

I am grateful:

1.   I slept in today.
2.   Wendell visited Mom.
3.   My niece, Carrie Leigh, visited.
4.   My daughter-in-law, Laura, came to get Alex’s iPod Touch and visited a while.
5.   My best friend, Reba, called.

I hope your Saturday has brought you many smiles. The PAD Challenge was to write a problem poem. I know you can think of a problem to write about, because no matter how good your life, there are problems. If that does not appeal by all means do something that showcases your talents creatively.

Let me know what you thought of this blog post by leaving a comment, and please visit again.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 106

Journal entry:

Journal 4-24-20120001

April Poem A Day Challenge, poem twenty-four:

More Wasted Words

I know I should not
Write about you once again
Because you are gone,
But when I think of loving
You always come to my mind.

I do not love you
In the way of fresh lovers,
But my heart remains
Entangled in the idea
Of you, though you are absent.

I sincerely wish
There were someone else brand new
Filling emptiness
You left in my heart and life,
But no one appears to start.

Perhaps the fault is
All mine for so vividly
Remembering us.
Maybe I need to excise
The thought of you from my mind.

So once again you
Captured my full attention
Even though I know
You will never read my lines;
Get behind me, you bastard.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0715

Amaryllis…

DSC_0717

Amaryllis…

DSC_0718

Yucca with new shoot which will bloom…

DSC_0722

Clover…

I am grateful:

1.   I took a shower and it helped me wake up.
2.   I went to town and back safely.
3.   I use the BlackBerry to keep my shopping list.
4.   I like the poem I wrote today.
5.   I have a few ideas for new creations.

Tuesday has been a very full day for me. I hope you accomplished what you wanted to get done. Take some time to create something. The PAD Challenge for today was a love poem or anti-love poem. I am sure you can write one of those.

Always,
Jo Ann