365 Creativity Project-Day 306

Journal entry:

Journal 11-10-20120001

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I encourage you to visit that site and join the PAD Challenge.

Bons Mots Avec Mon Amis

When there is trouble,
When I am feeling undone,
Good words with my friends
Can set me back on the path
Of true joy and happiness.

My friends are treasure
Given me by gracious God
To inspire and lift
Me from the desolate depths
Of deepest darkest despair.

We may be distant,
Not knowing each other well,
But we bridge the space
With loving kindness, friendship,
That suits our needs very well.

I can often share
Bons mots avec mon amis
About anything
I choose and they will answer
Giving their good opinions,

Jesus has been good
Enough to grace my life with
People who mean so
Much to me in every way,
Bons mots avec mon amis.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, November 10, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   Hope woke me by barking and growling.
2.   Leigh was able to come help us.
3.   Mom did not break any bones.
4.   Mom has eaten fairly well at lunch and supper.
5.   Hope and I walked a bit this evening.

I have had a busy day, and were God not with us it could have been tragic. I hope your Saturday was much better than mine. I have taken time to work creatively despite the problems of the day. Please engage your creativity now and make something that will brighten our world. I know you have the ability, just apply yourself.

As a prompt, write about something you could not handle alone. You can write a poem, story, or journal entry that will enlighten others and celebrate your triumph over struggle… If you use this prompt, please leave the link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am so glad you took time to read my entry today. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I hope you enjoyed your visit here, if so, you might want to follow Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 285

Journal entry:

Journal 10-20-20120001

Little Five Points

Never
Have I ever
Seen so many people
Freely interacting without
Any structured supervision being
So kindly toward each other
And behaving so well
As those at this
Parade

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, October 20, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I woke up an hour before my alarm was set to go off.
2.   I read our Bible study before lunch.
3.   I had a Halloween shirt to wear.
4.   Richard and Norma were so kind as to let me ride to Atlanta with them, otherwise I would not have gotten to go to the parade.
5.   I had a fabulous day.

I hope your Saturday was as filled with pleasant surprises as was mine. I hope you will take the time to create something now. No time will be so opportune as this present moment. You have the talent, the creativity, all you have to do is make the effort.

As a prompt, write about something that has surprised you recently. This could be an event, a blessing, a person, or anything that happened unexpectedly. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I appreciate your input more than you can know. Following Chronicles is easy and gives you daily updates, you might like to do that now.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 283

Journal entry:

Journal 10-18-20120001

Overwhelming Love

Trouble may rattle
Me for a moment or two
But calm reasserts
Its power over me when
I lean on my Lord Jesus.

I know the storms will
Fade away in God’s presence
Which brightens my days,
My life blossoms in the light
Of His tremendous glory.

I will not be swept
Away by grave disaster,
But will find Christ’s grace
Sufficient to meet my needs
In every situation.

My many worries
Pale in significance when
Bathed in God’s great grace,
His mercy compensates for
My numerous shortcomings.

The Lord Jesus Christ
Fights my various battles
With His tremendous
Strength that overcomes problems
Bringing me His complete peace.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, October 18, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early this morning and felt great.
2.   Richard called and we discussed the turning of the leaves in the mountains.
3.   Wal-Mart had my cases of Diet Sam’s Cola so I did not have to buy the more expensive Diet Coke.
4.   I bought The Twelve by Justin Cronin at Sam’s Club.
5.   Discover agreed to give me a credit for most of the warranty that Wolf defaulted on because I was persistent.
6.   I was able to talk to my best friend, Reba, this evening.
7.   The mass on Reba’s daughter, Vicki’s liver was not cancerous.
8.   My toe is doing somewhat better.
9.   There is a fresh gallon of milk in the refrigerator.
10.  I have Oreo cookies and Nilla wafers a plenty.

I hope you had a pleasant Thursday. Most of my day turned out well. I had to be a firm and persistent negotiator, but I did not settle for defeat. You should not settle for less than creative productivity. You can make something that positively influences the world. So dedicate yourself to creation. Write, draw, paint, or take a photograph… You have the ability. I believe in your talent.

As a prompt, I would like for you to list at least five things for which you are grateful, then see if you can develop a story, poem, or journal entry from something in the list. If you are a visual artist, create a picture of something that symbolizes gratitude, or a thing for which you are grateful. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you visited my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment. If you have not already, you might consider following Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 278

Journal entry:

Journal 10-13-20120001

The Perfectionist

All right
Every detail
Must be exactly wrought
To standards of precise order
There can be no mistakes anywhere or
I have failed to live up to my
Proper expectations
Of perfection
All right

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, October 13, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I had plenty of caffeinated sodas to help keep me awake.
2.   I enjoyed the work on the webpage and it was not difficult.
3.   I had a Hot Pocket for second breakfast.
4.   I am not overly tired although I have been up a long time.
5.   I enjoyed spending time with Mom today.

This has been a long Saturday, but thoroughly enjoyable. I hope your day has been pleasant. Take some time to create now, before this day slips away into history. You have all the power you need stored within you. You are perfectly endowed to produce something wonderful in this time.

As a prompt, use the words: wrought, precise, mistakes, expectations, and perfection, in a story or poem. These words were picked from my poem above, but I find them interesting and perhaps you will too. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I encourage you to leave a comment if you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me. I appreciate your visit to my blog and hope you will find your way back here again. Thank you for sharing your time with me. If you would like to receive updates daily, please subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 227

Journal entry:

Journal 8-23-20120001

Awesome Life

I look around this world in wonder,
Thinking how great life is to me.
I thank Jesus for every moment
Praying He allows me to remain
Here just a little while longer,
There is so much left for me to do.

I can barely get through the morning
Without evening coming on hard and fast.
There is hardly time for me to savor
The day before it becomes the past.
Life is so good to me I am humbled
By the many blessings I receive.

I look around this world in wonder,
Thinking how great life is to me.
I thank Jesus for every moment
Asking He continues beside me
In everything I try to accomplish,
Because I know He will see me through.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   Alex is happy with his new clothes.
2.   I get to listen to Alex’s voice with Voxer.
3.   My shower was inspiring today.
4.   I like my new shirts.
5.   Supper was very filling.

I hope you have had a wonderful Thursday. Try your hand at something creative before you retire this evening. You have all you need to make a great contribution to the universe.

As a prompt, write a list of things for which you are grateful, then pick one of them to elaborate upon. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope I have entertained you for a few minutes. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 211

Journal entry:

Journal 8-7-20120001

The prompt for today’s poem comes from Carry On Tuesday. It is actually a line I had been musing on for a while so it was very apt for me. If your muse needs some prodding go to that site.

With Regards To Shakespeare

All the world’s a stage,
Every creature plays a part
Making wonderful
The world we exist within
During evanescent days.

We unknowingly
Influence every other
Life on the planet,
Without premeditation
Through our casual actions.

Creativity,
At work in all our living
Shapes even nature
In benevolent fashion
To complement every need.

The entire world stands
Prepared to fulfill desires
Expressed honestly
With consideration for
The will of sovereign God.

All the world’s a stage,
True generosity plays
A very crucial
Role in making it pleasant
To live in our universe.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   We did not have to go out.
2.   I stayed up despite such an early rising.
3.   Alex and I had a great conversation.
4.   Placing an order by phone was painless and saved some money over the website.
5.   My friend, Claudia, was pleased with my small gifts and called me to thank me.
6.   Although my Mom fell last night, she was not seriously hurt, and is only sore.

This has been a day of overwhelming happiness for me, and I hope you have enjoyed many pleasurable moments. Take a little time to engage your creativity. If you are not inspired, write just a few lines, and maybe it will lead to more. Doodle if you do not feel you can paint. Snap a few shots, even if the composition seems lacking. Use your talent and you will find the energy to do a bit more next time, or perhaps a couple days from now.

Your prompt today is taken from one of my own poems: We write beautiful lines across the fabric of the whole universe. See what that brings to mind or use only parts of it. If you use the prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below, so we may share your creation.

I hope your visit here has been pleasant. If you have comments or suggestions, please share them with me. I love your input.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 205

Journal entry:

Journal 8-1-20120001

The Problem With Politics

There is a problem
For me with politicians,
I do not like them,
They are most definitely
Selfish and money loving.

The Republicans
And Democrats are equal
In their disregard
For people of similar
Circumstances to myself.

It is the money
Propelling them to action,
Not the common good,
They have fully forgotten
Our country’s true principles.

One side screams loudly,
“No new taxes,” while others
Lobby for reform,
Neither side accomplishing
Anything of lasting worth.

Oh, to finally
See some regular person
In high position
Who understands dilemmas
Faced by common citizens.

We can surely hope,
But it is unlikely we
Will ever find it
Turning out in such a way,
For money runs politics.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Photographs:

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The book Claudia sent me… It is gorgeous…

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An elephant…

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Another view of the elephant…

I am grateful:

1.   I have wonderful friends the world over who I have met through the internet.
2.   Claudia sent me such a glorious gift.
3.   God blesses me so abundantly.
4.   I have a computer with internet access.
5.   People are kinder than we sometimes imagine.

It has been a very good Wednesday for me, I hope it was the same for you. Please take a few moments of your time to do something creative. You may be thinking it is too hard, but I submit to you that I have written 123 poems since April 1st and I have done this Creativity Project for 205 days, surely you can do produce something of great worth today.

For a prompt today, write about something unexpected that has happened to you through your use of the internet. I am sure you can write a poem or story detailing your resulting adventures. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below so that others can enjoy your creation.

I am so glad you visited my blog today. If you feel inclined, leave me a comment or suggestion. Some days I have a problem thinking of subjects about which to write. Maybe you have ideas you would like to share. I would much appreciate those.

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:

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Hope…

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Ko-Ko…

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Penny…

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A pin I made from wooden craft supplies…

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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 144

Journal entry:

Journal 6-1-20120001

Misapprehension

You did not hear me
Say it, I never even
Thought about it in
Wildest imaginative
Semi-conscious daytime dreams.

I would not put you
In such a compromising
Position without
Your full cooperation
And completed approval.

I am not insane,
Well, only mildly at least,
I know fully well
That love must be a willing
Decision of one’s own heart.

So I would never
Presume to thrust commitment
Upon someone like
You who I hardly even
Know in tiniest degree.

I only wanted
To express my friendliness
By letting you know
You had touched my deepest heart
With your sweet and tender words.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, June 1, 2012

Photographs:

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Beautiful wooden covered journal that I found in storage while looking for a new journal to begin in a few days.

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Leather binding of wooden covered journal…

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Gilded page edges of wooden covered journal…

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Frontpiece of wooden covered journal…

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Pages of wooden covered journal…

I shared these pictures because I know some people love looking at the materials used in journal writing as much as I do. I doubt I will be using this gorgeous blank book any time soon, but I love it. Maybe one day I will find the courage to use these beautiful pages.

I am grateful:

1.   I did not go to town.
2.   I have plenty of blank books from which to choose a new journal.
3.   Sometimes I find pleasant surprises I have purchased in the past.
4.   Life is truly wonderful.
5.   I have a place to live.

I hope your Friday has been filled with happiness. Take some time to do something creative before you retire this evening. You only have to turn your mind to it and you will create beauty.

Please leave a comment if you will.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 143

Journal entry:

Journal 5-31-20120001

The poem today was inspired by the prompt at Trifecta. You should visit the site if you are in need of inspiration.

My Decline

I decay daily
My lined face falls into ruin,
I am diminished
My appeal fades slow away,
But I am not discouraged.

I still have great worth
Beyond the physical form,
My love increases
As the time quickly passes,
My wisdom grows more astute.

I reach out for new
Experience enriching
My ongoing life,
I build up a treasure trove
Of victory over waste.

Faith continues on
Becoming ever stronger,
Belief becomes more
Easily applied to days
Wherein I grow still older.

Even as decay
Works against my advancing,
I fight on each hour
Moving toward perfection
Furnished by my vibrant soul.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 31, 2012

Photographs:

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Mom’s Homebound Buddies, Frances and Wendell, who visit every month or so to bring literature and recordings from our church.

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Me, as I usually am… not as I imagine myself to be…

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Penny cooperating with the camera…

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Ko-Ko and Hope lounging with Mom…

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up from a laughing dream early this morning and chose to stay up.
2.   I took a shower and dressed instead of staying in pajamas.
3.   Wendell and Frances visited.
4.   My daughter-in-law, Laura, called and we had a wonderful conversation that lasted nearly an hour and a half.
5.   I completed my creative work very early.

I hope you are enjoying this last day of May. If you have been following my promptings you should have a store of creative work from this month. Reflect on it today and do something more.

There was an interesting article I read, and I want to pass along the link to you: Ode Magazine. This dealt with the health benefits of writing, and I want you to know that your creative endeavors can have a lasting positive influence on your life. I encourage you to do creative work for your well being and happiness.

I hope you will leave me a comment expressing your thoughts. Your feedback is much appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann