365 Creativity Project-Day 167

Journal entry:

The prompt for today’s poem came from The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics were given on that site. If you want a challenge, visit the site and create something the words suggest.

Overcoming

Haunted by demons
Who appear at the sunset
Invading domain
Through the wide open window
Of deeply flawed tortured soul.

The whistle echoes
Off the ample granite walls
Where only a scrap
Of the montage continues
To remain so fully trapped.

The days scented by
Jasmine that wafts through the air
Encourage freedom
Allowing feelings to rise
Above the gravest of fears.

Capabilities
Reach beyond limitation
Begetting success
That lasts much longer than just
This one fast fleeting moment.

The angels surround
Interior of the heart
Whispering kindness
That raises every being
Into spiritual triumph.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 24, 2012

Photographs:

Penny…

Ko-Ko…

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   The love of our dogs encourages me to be more loving.
2.   I set out beef ribs last night to cook for supper today.
3.   I am inspired by my Mom’s positive spirit in spite of her infirmities.
4.   All prayers are answered in God’s will and timeframe.
5.   My folder of poems is growing thicker.

I hope your Sunday has provided rest and relaxation. I urge you to devote some time to creating something. It can be anything you desire, but do not let the day pass by without nurturing your creativity. You have much to contribute to the world if you will only do it.

My prompt for today is to write about a treasured pet. You may also draw, photograph, or collage using their image. Perhaps you only have memories of a pet, or dreams of owning one, you can write from these. If you use the prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments.

If you have suggestions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 165

Journal entry:

Writer’s Debate

I often wonder,
Do words obey my command
As they march across
The page, or am I only
A recruit in their service?

It is hard to say
Who exerts the upper hand,
For the force of words
Appears from out of nowhere,
So should I really claim them?

Could someone other
Than myself not better lead,
Giving direction?
Are these words rightly mine or
Are they only here on loan?

Is there a bank where
I have some lines on account
From which I sometime
May withdraw until surely
Resources are exhausted?

Creativity
Is inherited from God,
But the words themselves,
Am I truly their master
Or am I only their slave?

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, June 22, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   The drive to town went safely.
2.   I have the opportunity to talk to Mom about family history.
3.   I am making a record of my days.
4.   I wrote my poem and journal entry before going to town.
5.   My eyes allow me to see the world and interact with it.

Another week is almost ended and it is Friday again. I hope the day has been rewarding for you. It would be excellent if you took some time to do something creative. Write a journal entry, a poem, a story, or an essay, take a photograph, draw a picture, just do something that exercises your creativity.

If you need a prompt to prime your imagination, write about happiness. You could detail your happiest moment, or why you feel happiness is elusive, or approach it from any angle you desire. Mostly I want you to enjoy the writing and hopefully entice yourself to feel positive. If you use this prompt, please leave a comment with a link to your work so myself and others can share it.

I hope you found something edifying here. If so, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 164

Journal entry:

The prompt that encouraged today’s poem can be found at Trifecta. You might visit that site if you need a topic to inspire you.

Genuine Freedom

I am not now blue,
Melancholy does not cling
Tight upon my breast,
Though I have every excuse
To visit deep depression.

No, I made a choice
To make the best of these days,
Picking happiness
Over darker blue feelings;
I am not so much lonely.

I have found my own
Company very pleasant,
Little argument
Happens between me, myself,
And I; there is blissful peace.

Low spirits do not
Dog me, dragging me down to
Roll around in waste;
I have overcome sadness
And risen above the muck.

These days may not be
Perfect, but neither are they
The worst I have seen,
So I continually
Rejoice in my liberty.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, June 21, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I have friends who encourage me.
2.   My Mom believes in me.
3.   I have a wonderful companion in my dog, Hope.
4.   Success is more than just what the world sees in me.
5.   God is in control, and it is not all left up to me.

I hope your Thursday has gone exceedingly well. Did you do something that nourished your soul and exercised your creativity yet? If not, I urge you to do it now. The hours are slipping away and you can never retrieve them. Make something to commemorate this day of your life, for your life is a great treasure. You are a gift that has never before and will never again grace the Earth. God created you for greatness, if only in the lives of those who are close to you. You are significant.

If you need a prompt today, write about your fears. This subject can shake up your life and make you aware of areas in which you need improvement. It can be a revelation if you bury your fear deeply. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments so I and others may visit your work.

I hope something in this entry touched you. If so, please leave me a comment.

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 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

A Brief Break From Regularly Scheduled Programming-Animal Poems

I thought I would share these few older poems. One of my new friends is a Cat Blogger and made me think of these…

T.J. Does Windows – Revisited

She is not sophisticated
In her manipulative use,
Still it is her desired program.
She arrives by invitation
Of the sheer openness to lounge
Gazing out at the spacious world,
No blinds to obscure her vision.
She slumbers utterly content
Upon the eggshell windowsill,
Her sable nose twitching softly
As she seizes some slight fragrance.
She leaps sudden, down gracefully,
Slinking lithe ebony and white
Elsewhere to dream or spry engage
In her coddled cat wonderland.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
March 11, 2000

My Darling, Hope

Darling of my heart
Always dear, dependable,
Loyal without question.

Companion who walks with me
With quiet joy
And overwhelming happiness.

Partner in my bed
Who snuggles up warmly
Against me in the night.

I never knew
A puppy dog
Could be such a friend.

My Master and Me

The world is a huge place
I take up so little space.

My master is strong
I do as she says and come along.

Every day is an adventure
My thoughts are sweet and pure.

I am a puppy dog
I like it when we jog.

My master is the leader
I try hard to delight her.

I have great love and joy
I am better than any toy.

My master is adorable
I please her when I am able.

Photograph:

Hope…

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 146

Journal entry:

Today’s poetry prompt comes from The Sunday Whirl. I went in a very unexpected direction after looking at the words given, but I hope you will like the poem.

Depths and Heights

They beat Him until
His back split open under
The lash’s harsh edge
They made His skin darkly bruise,
He did not crumple or crouch.

They all burst into
Laughter at His suffering
And tried to draw Him
Into answering with guilt,
But there was none within Him.

On Golgotha’s hill
The nails pierce His tender skin,
They chisel a hole
And drop His cross with a crash
Hanging Him under Heaven.

The sun’s glow sudden
Hides from such an awful scene
Where the Son of God
Deserted to horrible
Torture surrenders to death.

The story does not
In such tragedy then end
For Christ rose from death,
He now reigns with the Father
And He is coming again.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 3, 2012

Photographs:

My sweet baby girl, Hope…

14 year old, Penny…

What a face… Ko-Ko…

Another shot of my Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to sleep in.
2.   Our dogs are so sweet and companionable.
3.   I paid my insurance this morning.
4.   I have a powerful computer.
5.   Mom feels well today.

I hope you have enjoyed a relaxing Sunday. If you would like, follow the link to The Sunday Whirl and use those words to write your own poem or short story. If that does not appeal, write a five item thankful list and build a poem around it. Of course, anything else you want to do that is creative would be good.

Leave a comment if something touched your heart or mind or if you have advice for me.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 143

Journal entry:

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:

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

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

Penny cooperating with the camera…

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

365 Creativity Project-Day 139

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is derived from The Sunday Whirl. I hope maybe you will take time to create something from this wordle.

The Reunion

I scrape off the rough barnacles
That cocoon my flinty tongue,
The words brittle like old chalk
Blur in the austere presence
Of those drenched in the cold hate
Splattered upon me by their slander
Which burnished my youthful days,
And yet I speak soft syllables
Of generous friendliness
Accepting them without regret
Moving beyond the fallen tears.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, May 27, 2012

Photographs:

A few books for inspiration…

Hope…

Mom’s plant I gave her for Mother’s Day…

Mom, Hope and Ko-Ko…

I am grateful:

1.   Laura and Alex had some time to spend together before his deployment to Afghanistan.
2.   I can rely on God to make life worthwhile.
3.   The internet allows me to stay connected to others for whom I care.
4.   Tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches made us a good supper.
5.   Writing is an honest joy.

I hope you are enjoying this Memorial Day weekend, and that you remember why we celebrate. I believe creativity honors our time here, so do something creative today.

If you enjoyed this entry, or have suggestions for improvement, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

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