365 Creativity Project-Day 316

Journal entry:

Journal 11-20-20120001

Today’s poem answers the prompts from Poetic Asides and Carry On Tuesday. Either of these sites might give you writing fodder, or you could combine the two as I did.

Imagine Gathering More

Imagine there was
A gathering of the saints
Who have gone before
To advise you in daily
Endeavors and teach kindness.

Imagine you were
To allow your wayward heart
To open wide and
Facilitate gathering
Help for those less fortunate.

Imagine you set
Aside your own selfish goals
To be a blessing
To a bigger gathering
Of friends and acquaintances.

Imagine going
Out of your way to reach more
Of the gathering
Poor who need benevolence
From you and many others.

Imagine God and
His angels are gathering
Round urging you to
Be so much more than ever
You have dreamed or imagined.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0002

DSC_0004

DSC_0006

I am grateful:

1.   I still have time to pay the bills this month.
2.   Jeremy invited us to Thanksgiving dinner.
3.   Sam’s Club Pharmacy exchanged a $214.00 prescription for a $98.00 one.
4.   I was able to get a pecan pie and lemon meringue pie.
5.   I wrote a poem despite being unable to think of anything to write upon first seeing the prompt.

Tuesday is a good day to try to get affairs in order when there is a holiday later in the week. I hope your day was rewarding. Now that you are relaxing, it is time you turn your hand to creating something. I know you may feel you cannot do it, but I have faith in your ability. Just make the effort and you may surprise yourself.

As a prompt, write about your Thanksgiving plans. You might do a journal entry as I did, or you might be inspired to write a story or poem that describes what you will be doing. Just write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you visited my blog, please come back again. If you would like updates in your inbox, follow Chronicles. Your input is valuable so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 315

Journal entry:

Journal 11-19-20120001

Today’s poem was prompted by Poetic Asides. Join me in writing by visiting that site.

Revolutions

Wheels turn unending
From the beginning of time
To this present day,
The universe cycles through
Season after season on.

God owns everything
From the tiniest flower
To human beings,
He keep the stars spinning and
Delivers pure happiness.

Nothing overcomes
The sovereignty of God
Who controls all things,
Turning day into night and
Setting His great love in flight.

We may attempt to
Accomplish our many goals,
But the wheels of our
Destiny are set moving
By the Lord’s omnipotence.

We are kept alive
And have our existence in
The circle of God’s
Kindness and ultimate care,
And the wheels keep on turning.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, November 19, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_1001

DSC_1002

DSC_1003

I am grateful:

1.   I caught up on some sleep today.
2.   I talked to my good friend Dana on the phone last night.
3.   Alex’s father, Richard, and I had a good conversation.
4.   Mom’s best friend, June, brought us plates from the Thanksgiving dinner at church.
5.   God gave me one of the best mothers in the world.

I hope you had a good Monday. If you have the time devote yourself to creating something wonderful now. I know you can do it, because you are gifted and talented. If I can do this project for 315 days, I know you can make an inspiring contribution to the world. You just have to try.

As a prompt, write about your experience of bullies. Maybe you are fortunate enough to never have experienced that type of abuse, but surely you have seen it. No doubt you have an opinion about bullying. Write… Make your voice heard. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to visit my blog. I hope you will share your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism with me in the comments section. Follow Chronicles if you are interested in daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 314

Excuse me while I vent:

Journal 11-18-20120001

The following poem answers the prompt at Poetic Asides. The words in italics were given in the wordle there. You will notice my mood continues. If you need inspiration visit Brenda’s site and perhaps you can make your own masterpiece.

Not Backing Down

I am so sorry
That they think I have done wrong,
I am not a pawn
They can bust because of pride
There is too much fire inside.

I am not afraid
To tell them to their faces,
Not being
silent
They will find unless life knocks
Me out, I will do my best.

The beauty of it
Is I only belong to
Design the pages
To publicize the club, not
To feed enormous egos.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, November 18, 2012

Photographs:

201211sccWinners_TisTheSeason_Proof1

The page I worked so hard to make…

DSC_0996

DSC_1000

I am grateful:

1.   I am still able to stay up all night when I need to do so.
2.   Mom watched me work and gave valuable input.
3.   Richard and Norma are supportive, even if there is dissent from others.
4.   I had salad as a snack and enjoyed it.
5.   I am able to do as I please here on my blog.
6.   I finished the page and got it sent to the Chapel Hill News & Views, so I will not have to work on it during Thanksgiving.

I accomplished a lot in the last twenty-four hours. I hope you have enjoyed your Sunday. Take time to use your creativity now. There is so much you have to offer the world. Do not let anyone tell you your efforts are lacking. Anything your imagination designs enriches civilization.

As a prompt, vent about something that gets on your last nerve. You can do as I did and write a journal entry and/or poem, or you might write an entrancing story. Just let your words flow unfettered. A link to your work in the comments would be appreciated if you use this prompt.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please forgive me for letting loose with my venting. Usually my posts are not filled with such vitriolic outbursts. Let me know what you think in the comments. If you are not too disappointed, you might want to follow Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 312

Journal entry:

Journal 11-16-20120001

The following poem answers the prompt at Poetic Asides. I recommend you visit that site should you need inspiration.

Unmerited Kindness

Overwhelmed by His mercy,
I stand strong against the winds
Of change trying to
Take me down with cruelty,
God’s grace uplifts me.

I am cherished, beloved,
Understanding is lavished
On me every day,
Jesus manifests blessing
And benevolence.

Overwhelmed by His mercy,
I raise my heart to praise Him,
I am fortunate,
I am loved unstintingly
By the Creator.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 16, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0987

DSC_0988

DSC_0983

I am grateful:

1.   Mom was well enough to stay home alone.
2.   I remembered the check before I got all the way to town.
3.   My milkshake was delicious.
4.   I had the charger for my BlackBerry.
5.   I got the truck unloaded without any assistance.

I hope you had a wonderful Friday, mine was a bit mixed up, but I got through it. I am so glad I am able to spend some time exercising my creativity. Will you do the same? I am sure it will enrich your day.

My prompt for you is to write about a challenge you faced during your day and how you overcame it. You might want to write a poem, story, or journal entry. Whatever you write, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found your time here enjoyable. Perhaps you would like to follow Chronicles and/or leave me a comment. I really appreciate your input.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 311

Journal entry:

Journal 11-15-20120001

The following poem is prompted by Poetic Asides. You might want to go visit that site for a bit of inspiration.

Tradeoffs

I do not have much,
I have given up a lot,
My disease hurts me,
But I am very well blessed
Because I am still serving.

I have given up
Many opportunities
Over time’s passage,
But I have gained as many
In the life that is left me.

Life is perfected
On an ongoing basis
Even though I lack
Some ability because
Of my own mental illness.

I could have been great
If not stricken with disease,
But I have learned that
Hardship brings many prospects
And occasions for triumph.

I am fortunate –
God chose me to be special,
Touched by His wonder,
A vessel filled with His grace,
Overwhelmed by His mercy.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, November 15, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0982

DSC_0984

DSC_0985

I am grateful:

1.   I have wonderful books to read.
2.   I was able to call the AARP Nurse-line and get some advice.
3.   Mom felt well enough to get a bath this afternoon.
4.   I am a little less sore.
5.   I have read twenty-eight books so far this year.

It has been a good Thursday for me and I hope it was for you as well. I know the day can be challenging, but I encourage you to take time to engage your imagination and use your creativity. You will accomplish great things if you simply make the effort.

As a prompt, use some or all of the following words in a poem, story, journal entry, or other creative writing: reading, investment, time, factual, fascinate, intense, condition, immediately, helped, strong, appointment, and primary. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so grateful you took time to visit my blog. I hope your time here has been pleasant. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. If you would like, please follow Chronicles for daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 310

Journal entry:

Journal 11-14-20120001

The following poem is in response to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I hope you will visit that site if you need inspiring today.

Moot Point

I surely do not
Have the proper words to write
Another poem,
The syllables are stuck in
The labyrinth of my mind.

Imagination
Dwells in silence not speaking
Its sentences to
Me, I am left with nothing
From which to spin worthy lines.

Language’s magic
Does not open itself to
My wondering brain
I am stuck, stuck, stuck, without
Any verses to share with you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0978

DSC_0979

DSC_0980

I am grateful:

1.   There are antibiotics.
2.   Pain does not last forever.
3.   I have an active imagination.
4.   There are books to read.
5.   Technology advances.

It has been a quiet day here. I hope your Wednesday has also been low stress. Now you should apply yourself to doing creative work. Making something beautiful to share with the world. I believe you have all the talent and ability you need to accomplish each of your dreams. Get busy…

As a prompt, use the words: reminder, excellent, fascinating, history, masterfully, and recovery, in a poem, story, or journal entry. You should have no problem with this if you just engage your creativity. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend some time exploring my blog. I hope you will share any comments you may have with me. If you enjoyed your visit, please consider subscribing to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 308

Journal entry:

Journal 11-12-20120001

The following poem is in answer to today’s prompt at Poetic Asides. Please visit that site if you need a shot of inspiration.

Perfect Helper

Being a writer,
I need a device that will
Write down what I say
While I am driving, walking,
Or thinking in the shower.

A device that can
Correct my grammar from speech,
That makes great copy
Which is perfect even though
I may make many mistakes.

A device that is
A competent editor
Keeping my meaning,
But fixing my syntax while
Writing my composition.

I need a device
That can go anywhere with
Me and listen to
Ideas with rapt attention,
That is my writerly dream.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, November 12, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0014

DSC_0026

DSC_0027

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to get an appointment for Mom today.
2.   I did not break anything when I fell.
3.   Linda went to the appointment with us.
4.   We had Peppermint Chocolate shakes from Chick-Fil-A.
5.   Mom is feeling slightly better this evening.

This was a difficult Monday, but it worked out well. I hope your day was good. Take time to do something creative before you retire this evening.

As a prompt, write about something that hurt you. This might be a physical experience or something verbal… Just write freely and see where it leads you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I am so glad you shared your time with me. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. Maybe you would like to follow Chronicles, and get it in your inbox each day.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 307

Journal entry:

Journal 11-11-20120001

My poem today is in answer to the prompts at Poetic Asides and The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics come from the wordle. All errors are my own. If you would like inspiration I suggest you visit these wonderful sites.

Veteran Warrior

The days are rocky
Although he can never brook
The evil brought on
By the phantom beliefs held
In hearts on the other side.

Life is sometimes dry
And hollow beyond these walls
Where leaping into
New foxholes is not allowed
And birds sing sweet in the wood.

The bombs do not drop
Round him anymore, but he
Screams at the sound of
A basketball dribbled when
He is in a fitful sleep.

He tries to fit in,
But his family knows it
Is not happiness
Always even though they try
To make him comfortable.

He is at peace now,
Or he is supposed to be,
But the war does not
End just because the battle
Is finally over there.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, November 11, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0624

DSC_0625

DSC_0627

I am grateful:

1.   Our veterans and currently active military chose to serve.
2.   Mom ate a bit better today.
3.   My Aunt Betty called.
4.   My nephew, Jeremy, came by briefly.
5.   Mom slept well last night.

I woke up at a few minutes after 6:00 this morning. My alarm was set for 8:30, but I decided to get up anyway. The day has been rewarding. I hope your Sunday has brought you much needed rest and relaxation. Now I urge you to rally yourself and use your creativity to make something that will positively influence the world. You have the seeds of greatness within you, just allow them to flower in imaginative creation.

As a prompt, write about what veterans mean to you. Surely you have some opinion, express it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visit to my blog. If you enjoyed what you found here, please consider following Chronicles. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

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:

DSC_0972

DSC_0973

DSC_0975

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 305

Journal entry:

Journal 11-9-20120001

The following poem is in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. I recommend you visit that site should you need inspiration.

Because He Is Gone

Things are not the same
When he’s gone, but we knew that
Before we lost him.
No one could have prepared for
All the changes his death brought.

He told us not to
Worry, that everything would
Be okay despite
His continuing absence,
But I do not think he knew.

The homestead is not
The same without his efforts
To fight overgrowth,
I am not as good as he
At keeping up our acreage.

I need his advice
From time to time, but there is
No one to answer
My many questions with such
Sharpness and asperity.

He was my brother,
He was my greatest hero,
He should still be here…
I need his truth and guidance
But cannot have it, he’s gone.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 9, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0967

DSC_0968

DSC_0970

I am grateful:

1.   I won honorable mention with one of my photos last night.
2.   I was able to complete the contest winners posting today.
3.   This was a very good week.
4.   My friends are supportive in prayer when I have a need.
5.   Life is rewarding.

This Friday has been a rough day for my Mom, but I have accomplished a lot. I hope you had a wonderful day. Take time to exercise your creative impulse now. I know you can create something great if you only attempt it.

As a prompt, write about how technology influences your life. I know this should give you plenty of material. You might write a poem, story, or journal entry, whatever lights your imagination. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I recommend you follow Chronicles should you be interested in daily updates.

I am beginning to think of what I should do at the end of my 365 Creativity Project. This has been a great experience, but I am unsure how to continue… Maybe I should let you, my readers, help me decide. So please consider giving some feedback about what I should do in the future.

Always,
Jo Ann