Ramblings Of A Sleepless Mind

You are not required to stay up all night to reap the benefits of my activity. Please just follow along…

I want to start up my business again, but I don’t have any capital to begin… I guess dreaming is the best I can do. I wish I could win the lottery, but somehow I think that is unlikely since I do not buy tickets… If wishes were horses, beggars would ride…

My dog, Hope, has expensive tastes, she likes pistachios. I can hardly afford them for myself, what am I supposed to do now that the dog begs for them whenever I get the bag out?

What’s on your mind? Funny you should ask, because I have been thinking about trying to start my magazine up online. It would be a literary and art magazine showcasing a wide variety of talent as it was when I published it in print form. I do not know if I have a wide enough network to gather submissions, and I am not sure I have the discretionary time to afford all the effort required, but I am considering it. I have the prerequisite software for it and I think I might be able to secure web hosting… Am I ready to take the reins as editor and publisher again? It is not an easy job, for writers are sometimes troublesome, but I like a challenge… I wonder if I am too old to begin doing it again. It is a huge task and requires diligence… So that is what is on my mind…

Have you ever noticed that as a usual thing every other version Microsoft releases is great? Take Windows 98, great; Windows Millennium, not so good; Windows XP, great; Windows Vista, not so good; Windows 7, great; Windows 8, not so good; Windows 8.1, decent… Why do we beta test for them on every other release? Seems like their software engineers would get it together every time. Maybe they need to quit rushing out versions and wait until they have a solid release…

I just realized it was after 2:00AM… I am wide awake and feeling creative. Why is it that nighttime seems to be the time of ideas for me? I want to be a morning person, but it just does not work for me. I am a hopeless night owl. The daytime world just does not have the appeal of after dark… Is something wrong with me? I wake up when the sun goes down… not the greatest attribute.

I should have known coffee in the afternoon was a mistake, but did that stop me? Not in the least did it dissuade me… Sometimes I disregard the better part of my judgment. So I am up and feeling full of energy halfway through the night…

Why am I still in this place when I really want to move forward? Maybe fear is stopping me, but what is that about? I fear failure, because it is very hard for creatives to succeed. I fear success, because it would overturn all sorts of things in my life. I want to perfect things before I bring them out before others, and that keeps me in a stalled state, because really I can do nothing perfectly.
I am determined to get past these barriers to achieving the life I want, but it is hard… One step I can take is being positive, another step is to gather the material for what I want to accomplish. These are easy things and I should be able to do them, one small step at a time.
I am capable and I believe that my dreams can become a reality, so as I advise others, I must make the effort and continue going forward…

Going With The Flow

Rolling, that is what happens
When you allow time to wash
Over you without resistance,
You roll forward creeping into
Places you never realized you
Were really meant to go.
Time overtakes you and takes
You over the rough spaces
Where intention would not
Allow you to succeed without
A great deal of extra effort
You might unwillingly expend.
Your perfectionism cannot
Hinder you because the momentum
Comes from beyond yourself,
You drift on currents that lift
Your fragile spirits up higher
Than you ever imagined going.
You roll, a creative force,
Unstoppable, moving through
Both time and space with only
One idea to carry you onward,
A positive declaration that you
Will finally accomplish your dreams.

Adjusted the settings on my mouse… Now this clunky mouse works like the best I have ever had. Who knew tweaking the software could make such improvements? Now I think I love the Logitech M705. It is like having a whole new mouse.

Just fixed a cup of coffee because I have decided I want to stay up all day… Should be no problem, the night is nearly over and daylight will soon arrive. Now if only the coffee cup cools down enough that I can drink from it…

Mom gave me some pens she has not used. Ink pens! Gel pens! I love free pens… My Mom is the greatest! Happy, happy, happy!

If you wish to achieve, you must first believe! You can exceed any goal you have decreed! Just continue forward and your effort will manifest what you are working toward!

Coffee! In a seasonal cup, coffee, what more can you ask for?

Fulfilling A Need

What do we want?
Poems!
Where do we get them?
We make them!
How do we do that?
We engage our creativity!
Who benefits?
The people of the world!
Why does it matter?
It wakes people to happiness!
When can we do it?
Now, because time is slipping by!
What do we want?
Poems!

Invitation Only

Come! Whispered on the air,
Inviting you to join
Others already there…
Come! Such gentle care
Exhibited for all,
Do you want to share?
Come! Do you dare
Accept the invitation,
So very fair?
Come! Do not delay
Make your choice right away
While you have the chance today!
Come! Christ beckons,
The Spirit encourages,
Come as your heart reckons!
Come! While time makes way
Because the moments flee quickly
Hearken now for seconds slip away.
Come! Your choice cannot wait,
Be fast to answer the quiet call
For it urgently decides your fate.
Come! Whispered on the air,
Inviting you to join
Others already there…

These are the nighttime, early morning, ramblings of a restless mind. You should join me at Jo Ann J. A. Jordan on Facebook if you would like to follow my adventures there… Lots of things make it there that never see the blog. I only put it all here today because I thought you might like to experience the process.

I am grateful:

1)   I have equipment that helps me reach my creative potential.
2)   I am old enough to choose my bedtime, most of the time anyway.
3)   People still visit my blog, even though I am no longer doing the Creativity Project.
4)   Life is a gift we can enjoy in the moment.
5)   People are a precious blessing when they touch my life.

As a prompt, write a how, what, when, where, who, why poem. If you need an example, reread the one I did above. If you are a visual artist, instead of poet, picture something that explore at least one of the aspects. I know you can do this, and I bet you will enjoy it. Your creativity is at least as bountiful as mine.

Thank you so much for visiting Chronicles and reading this post. You might find it enjoyable to browse the archives. There is much material contained there. If you like what you found here you can subscribe for email updates by entering your address in the space provided.

I hope your day meets your expectations. Generally you get out of the hours in direct proportion to what you invest, so make each moment special.

Always,
Jo Ann

I Am Still Here, Are You?

Things have been interesting, but I am sure you know that within your own life. Tonight I wrote a journal entry and thought I would share it with you all.

As I said I have been writing poetry…

Another Blessed Day

The sun has risen…
It is just another day…
Another day that
I am alive and able
To give my own smile away.

There is happiness
To share with those encountered
Along life’s bright way…
There is goodness in moments
That make up another day.

God travels with me
As I walk the paths given
Through another day…
I must share His love freely
With each one who comes my way.

Friends, family, and
Even strangers cross my path
All without knowing…
How much they really mean to
Me on this another day.

The sun has risen…
It is just another day…
Another day that
I am alive and able
To give my own smile away.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 16, 2013

Today has been a reasonably good day. I hope yours was enjoyable. Now take a few moments to engage your mind in creative tasks. You are definitely able to achieve anything you desire if you put your heart into the task. No one can keep you from making things happen unless you allow them.

I am grateful:

1)   I was able to go out for a pleasant time last evening.
2)   When people want information they often rely on me.
3)   Writing is something that comes naturally to me.
4)   God gifted me with an abundance of creativity.
5)   Even though I am growing older, I still enjoy the simple pleasure of reading.

As a prompt, write about something that made this day a gift to you. Recognize the blessing granted you and write a poem, story, journal entry, or simple note that celebrates the uniqueness of this day. I have no doubt you can create something wonderful.

I am very grateful you took the time to read this blog entry. You might find you enjoy browsing the archives and might also want to subscribe to the blog by entering your email address in the space provided above.

Always,
Jo Ann

Some Things I Created Today

A poem in comment on current affairs:

Expression Of Exasperation

They fight endlessly,
They refuse to compromise,
They hold our nation
In a state where progress is
Held in complete abeyance.

Politicians do
No work for electorate,
They simply will not;
Every day the country falls
Further into great distress.

Can we the people
Continue so quietly
While disaster falls
Upon those who sacrifice
Life and limb for our freedom?

Is freedom truly
Manifest in lofty halls
Where reasonable
Voices are not allowed to
Debate or even discuss.

I fear we have let
The very few work toward
Destruction of all
Created by patriots
Who wanted better for us.

When rulers cease to
Serve the interests of those
Who raised them up to
Prominence the time comes to
Cast them out of their places.

Come now citizens,
Rise, throw off the iron shackles
Of a government
Gone willfully against us,
Vote wisdom into power.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, October 12, 2013

An older photograph and a poem created today:

A photograph taken at dusk today and a thought:

I hope you are well. I encourage you to engage your creativity and make something wonderful to share with the world. I am convinced you have greater ability than you may even realize and that you can reach further than you estimate.

As a prompt, take a picture of your own, past or present, add some relevant text. Share it with others, or post it where it will encourage you.

I am grateful:

1)   No matter what happens, God will never desert me.
2)   I am blessed beyond what I deserve.
3)   My son, Alex, is on his way home.
4)   We still have a home, food to eat, and drink to quench our thirst.
5)   I am strong enough to accomplish my dreams with Christ’s help.

Be a blessing wherever you travel. Even if your belief system is different, you can brighten someone’s life with your kindness, compassion and smile.

Always,
Jo Ann

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 153

Journal entry:

Constant Pursuit

Green is the freshness
Of love newly discovered,
It brings you awake
From half contented slumber,
Thrusting you into living.

Green is ultimate
Fulfillment in loving arms
Of the one you have
Dreamed of, waited on, searched for
Throughout each day of your life.

Green is the pleasure
Of seeing your reflection
Mirrored in eyes which
Overflow with unending
Adoration uncontained.

Green is the moment
You break free of the prison
Of hope long deferred
And find yourself wide open
To miraculous passion.

Green is the sweet taste
Of luscious kisses shared with
The person you have
Known within the depths of your
Questing soul forevermore.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 10, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had a very productive day.
2.   I have a heart for encouraging other people and so lift myself from depression.
3.   Beauty surrounds me in all aspects of my life.
4.   I have much more than I deserve.
5.   Love begets more love.

Hope, my inspiration, my companion, my sweetheart…

This was a wonderful Monday because I accomplished more than I expected. I hope your day was also blessed. You have witnessed how I let my mind carry me to new insights through the creative process. I invite you to engage your imagination in a similar way. You can make your dreams come true if you only make a concerted effort. Do not put off your fulfillment… Do your work now.

As a prompt, write some affirmations that lift your heart and might encourage others. Even if you are feeling downtrodden, I know there are many blessings in your life, because there are in mine. Write them in a poem, story, or journal entry, and share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will come back often and explore the many entries here. You might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email so that you do not miss my updates. Your comments are always welcome, so do not hesitate to leave your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 86

Today I wrote a bit of story, instead of journaling:

I combined the prompts from NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides to create my poem. If you need a little nudge to get your muse in action, please visit those sites.

Hold That Jaundiced Outlook

Don’t look at me with
Envious accusing eyes,
I have just as much
A right to express myself
As do you loftier ones.

You may still believe
Your advantages will buy
You a greater share
Of everyone’s attention,
But I own a voice as well.

Keep those unfair thoughts
Within your own shuttered minds,
Without spreading your
Bitterness throughout this our
Fair social environment.

My experience
Is worthy of chronicling
Just as is your own
With great creativity
And wild imagination.

Remember freedom
Belongs to each one of us
No matter our wealth,
We are fortunate people
Who can achieve all our dreams.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, April 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up in time to go to town today.
2.   The CHN&V magazines were available at the mall.
3.   I had my Droid and was able to call Mom at home.
4.   Wal-Mart still had Easter candy and I was able to get some at half price.
5.   It did not rain on me while I was out.

My Thursday went quite well. I hope your day was pleasurable. If you are not too busy, I recommend you engage your creativity and make something you can share with others. It can be writing, photographs, crafts, art, or anything you can imagine. The point is to use the multitude of talent that lies within you.

As a prompt, write about an unexpected meeting with someone from your past. You might want to write a poem, story, or journal entry to explore the subject. It does not have to be someone you were romantically involved with. It could be a teacher, a friend, a classmate, a business associate, anyone really. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles to receive future updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 76

Journal entry:

Be Audacious

Do not ever quit…
Be strong and be courageous,
Continue your work;
You have great ability
And much creativity.

Keep your head and hopes
Up, live your full potential,
Accomplish the things
Laid out for you from the start…
Make the best of the moment.

You can be the one…
The hero others cherish,
Just keep on making
A valiant effort to live
The dreams you hold the dearest.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, March 25, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up this morning.
2.   The day was beautiful though there was a chill in the air.
3.   I can read and write.
4.   I can balance a checkbook.
5.   I have friends who support me through prayer.

I had a great Monday and I hope you did the same. I encourage you to set aside some time to work creatively. It will enliven your hours. Anytime you engage your imagination you enrich your life and the lives of those who encounter your work.

As a prompt, write about courage. You might know someone who exhibits the quality, or it might be something from your own experience. If you write a poem, story, or journal entry using this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your taking time to read my blog. I hope you will come back often, but you might also want to enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles for future updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 75

A poem instead of a journal entry:

The following poem was prompted by The Sunday Whirl. The wordle there contained the words in italics. If you need inspiration you should visit that site.

Easy Verses

Plain speaking poems
Jar the mind fully awake,
Never forgotten
Across yesterday, today,
In a hurry, tomorrow.

The poem, a tree
Stirred, its roots linger in sand
Of the beloved
Country, wound around and round
Disguised as something special.

Plain speaking poems
Framed by minds awakened to
The English language
From time of understanding
Until thought’s smooth expression.

The poem freely tells
Story of experience
Travelling inside
Imagination’s delight
At its creativity.

Plain speaking poems
Brought to life beautifully
Spreading happiness
Throughout every existence
In past, present, and future.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, March 24, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   We remained safe through the storms last night.
2.   Mom was able to go to church with me today.
3.   Whoppers were on sale, two for $5.00.
4.   We went to Ross and shopped a while.
5.   Penny ate better this evening.

My Sunday was wonderful. I hope you also enjoyed your day. God is so kind to give us time. I urge you to engage your mind in creating something that will capture some of the precious quality of these moments. You have the talent to dazzle the world if you only apply yourself.

As a prompt, convey some of your feelings on the passage of time. If you write a poem, story, or journal entry in answer to 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 return to visit often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to future updates on Chronicles. I value your feedback, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 45

Journal entry:

Definitely

Defiantly you
Stand up against the whole world’s
Warlike resolve to
Bring you down from your lofty
Creative aspirations.

You have wherewithal
To accomplish everything
You dream of daily
If you will only hold tight
To your steadfast commitment.

Your full devotion
Sets you apart from others
Who are unwilling
To make an all-out effort,
So go forth, conquer the world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, February 22, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I finally fell asleep at around 5:00 this morning after changing from heavyweight to lighter weight pajamas.
2.   I talked to Janet and found out there is a great field trip planned.
3.   Mom seems less upset with me today.
4.   I talked Jeanine and found out she was able to connect with my doctor.
5.   My niece seems to have resolved her problems with one of her teachers.

This has been a peaceful Friday. I hope your day has been trouble free as well. Before you retire, get busy and do something creative. Engage your imagination in making a work to share with the world.

As a prompt, use the word: definitely, and create a poem, story, or journal entry around it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I certainly appreciate you taking time to visit my blog. I hope you will return often, but please also consider subscribing to Chronicles in order to receive email updates. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

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

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