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 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 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

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 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 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

365 Creativity Project-Day 149

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt on Poetic Asides. I think you will find it inspirational, so go there and see what it suggests you create.

No Idle Time

Thin sharpened branches
Or sometimes long welding rods
Held hot dog wieners
Over the dancing bright flames
On cricket song breezy nights.

The reflected sun
Rippled across the water
While thundering boats
Cascaded over rough waves
Rattling our teeth on board.

Rain pattered softly
On green and yellow canvas
Lulling us to sleep
And waking we felt brand new
To begin vacation days.

Camping was childhood
Delight that never faded
In my memory
Especially my skiing
Behind our maroon Scat Craft.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Photographs:

The notebook I finished yesterday…

The new journal I started today…

My darling Hope…

Maybe my literary dog will become my muse…

I am grateful:

1.   I slept in a while.
2.   Mom is here with me.
3.   We have air conditioning.
4.   I have wonderful memories of camping as a child.
5.   Hope is such an adorable and lovable dog.

Can you believe it is Wednesday again? Time seems to speed by like a starship in warp drive. I hope your day has been enjoyable. Take time to create something that will commemorate the passage of your day. Make sure you date your creation so you can reference it in coming days.

I hope you will leave a comment letting me know your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 148

Journal entry:

Today’s poetry prompt comes from Carry On Tuesday. I hope you will visit there if you need a bit of inspiration.

Not Only In Our Dreams

Our abilities,
Are hidden from outside sight
Most buried beneath
Competent layers, allowed
Free reign only in our dreams.

We strive to present
Such a pleasant appearance,
But we know ourselves
Less organized than surface
Characteristics portray.

Creativity
Runs deep within our life blood,
Nourishing our hearts,
Enlivening our busy
Moments with great excitement.

We are the writers,
The unknown starving artists,
Who work behind scenes
Little recognized beyond
Our own small circle of friends.

We can accomplish
Outstanding feats of daring
If we earnest try
To utilize our talents
More than only in our dreams.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Photographs:

Purple beauties…

Bud…

Bloom…

Dandelion…

Wisteria…

Weed…

Day Lily…

I am grateful:

1.   I stayed up after a junk phone call woke me up.
2.   I was able to ease my mind about my annual review.
3.   Pizza was good for lunch.
4.   I finished my notebook.
5.   My printer has lasted longer than I expected.

I hope your Tuesday has gone well. There is plenty of time for you to create something beautiful. Write, draw, photograph, paint, carve, craft, or cook, just make a wonderful contribution to the world today.

Please leave a comment so I will know your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 147

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is prompted by The Monday Melting on Rosemary Mint. The words from the prompt are in italics.

A Piece Of Work

I am feminine,
But also a warrior
With a great hunger
To accomplish much through work
Not only by simple chance.

I may dress in tulle
And paint my bright eyes with kohl,
But tenacity
Is an iconic feature
Of my personality.

I write by edict
Of my own eponymous
Lines these many poems
That fall like dew from my mind
And flow forth in thick gel ink.

A flick of my wrist
Affixes my signature
With a grand flourish
To each of my endeavors
Which may finally be read.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 4, 2012

Photographs:

One among many…

Orange Lily…

Bright…

I am grateful:

1.   The power came back on after only about an hour.
2.   Mom rode to town with me.
3.   I have a little money left for the month.
4.   The pizza was very good at supper.
5.   I did not have to go to the hospital though it appears I had anaphylactic shock due to Hope’s new flea and tick collar.

I hope your Monday was a good day. If you feel up to it, do something creative before the day is over.

I would much appreciate your comments.

Smiles,
Jo Ann

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