365 Creativity Project–Day Six

This has been a productive day. I have drawn and painted a picture, created a song, taken some photographs, and written a journal entry. I have also finished up the week’s Bible study with my Mom.

First, the picture I finished early this morning before going to bed:

The song I created while walking with Hope and my handwritten journal entry for today:

The photographs I took today:

A different angle on the Radio Flyer. This image haunts me.

Hope sniffing…

Hope hurrying toward me with her tongue licking her nose.

Wood and rocks with Radio Flyer in the background.

Hope in profile.

Hope relaxing after our walk.

As I work toward doing something creative every day it seems to get easier and feel more rewarding. I encourage anyone who is contemplating doing one of these projects to go for it. It stretches your abilities and gives you practice to help you move forward with your artistic pursuits. My only regret is that I did not begin earlier.

I hope you are following along and will continue with me on this adventure. Your input is priceless to me. If something touches you, or amuses you, please let me know. Even if you have a negative comment I am interested in hearing what you have to say. This is a journey on which I hope to improve my skills, so all opinions are welcome.

I hope you are having a wonderful day and that you are inspired to do something creative.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creative Project–Day Five

Today was a beautiful day and although I got a late start I enjoyed it heartily. Before I went to bed at 4:00 this morning, I drew and painted a picture on the Wacom tablet. It follows:

My journal entry for the day:

Here are the pictures from our walk:

This shot intrigues me because it shows the road fading away and the sky at the horizon, yet the plants in the foreground are prominent.

Gates interest me.

Even in Winter there is green.

The birds will come again.

Cedar trees…

Hawthorn bush…

Old trailer with hose and tarp.

Side of our barn constructed of scrap wood by my father.

The camper where I spent idyllic days during my childhood, many a year ago.

Abandoned Radio Flyer… faded memory of days gone by.

Wood…

Large pinecone…

I changed my font today. I will consider using it in future postings. Let me know what you think of the change.

I hope each of you has a blessed day filled with creative energy.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creative Project–Day Four

With reading less I am accomplishing a lot creatively. However, I am still doing a decent amount of reading daily. I am glad to have lessened the pressure on myself to complete so many books.

My hand written journal entry for the day:

This morning Penny, Mom’s fourteen year old dog, was sleeping in a unique place:

These are some pictures from our walk:

There is something fascinating to me about equipment sitting out waiting for use. I think it is the sense of stored power.

Boat, dock, and pond.

The field growing back toward forest, because my brother, James, is no longer here to fight the trees.

Big rocks…

Vegetation…

Swing and picnic table, abandoned for Winter.

Cane Mill…

No drawing today, because I have been rather busy.

I do have some thoughts about grief. When someone leaves the world, or even exits your life, it leaves a empty space that you always feel should be filled by your loved one. There are marks left not only on your heart, but in the outer world, by the absence. Things change because the work they did is left undone. Often I have heard no one is indispensible, but I tend to disagree. Our loved ones are forever missed where they once smiled, laughed, and walked in our lives.

I hope your day is full of joy and creativity. Make something, no matter how small or to your mind insignificant, and impact the history of the world.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creative Project–Day Three

Firstly, it is Thursday, thankful list day.

I am thankful:

1.   I have some awesome books to inspire me.
2.   Mom brought me lunch from Applebee’s today and it was very good.
3.   I am excited about working creatively this year.
4.   I have not had to go to town this week.
5.   Jeremy, my nephew, has a treadmill that Mom and I can try out here to see if we really want one.
6.   I still have an Amazon gift card from Christmas to use for books.
7.   I was able to set my old laptop up for Mom’s use and she is spending time playing games.
8.   My new coat is very warm and comfortable.
9.   Reba may be able to buy a house.
10. I was able to get our watch warranties extended to five years as advertised.

My journal entry:

The picture of a unicorn that I created on the Wacom tablet:

The photographs I took while walking a mile with Hope this evening:

I thought some of these shots turned out extremely well. I am so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

Be creative and enjoy your wonderful life.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Project–Day 2

I am very excited about this project and so far that is providing motivation to continue. I only hope that I can sustain the willingness to do the work over time. I want to share a picture of my work area with you all. That way you will know where at least a portion of the work I do is accomplished.

Not the most organized space, but it works for me. The computer you see to left has now primarily become for my Mom to use to play games and enjoy. We share the space very well and she likes having me near her.

I wrote the following poem in the wee hours of this morning. It is an unedited first draft:

I have to share a picture of my puppy dog, Hope. She is my sweet companion and loving friend.

Here is a little whimsy I came up with today in response to one of my friend’s works:
Life is just the story we tell ourselves. Truth is the perception we retain of what goes on around and within us. The observer, so they have proven in science, has an effect on the outcome of any situation by virtue of simple presence. So we are creative actors in all we witness.

I thought that quite clever, like some of my 140 character postings to Twitter. What astonishes me is how one person’s creative work can provoke creativity in another person. My contact with others through the internet helps inspire me. It is so wonderful that those of us who would otherwise live quietly isolated lives can communicate with people worldwide by simply using connected devices. I am so glad that I have this ability.

I usually do my creative work during the late hours of the night into the early morning, but am hoping to accomplish some of this project during daytime.

That is all I have currently. I wish all of you a fantastic day filled with productivity.

Always,
Jo Ann

Beginning A Project For 2012

I am hoping to accomplish something creative every day forward for the year. Much of this will entail writing, but there will be some artwork, photography, crafts, and whatever else I come up with.

For today I took a picture of the books I am reading daily:

The two at the bottom I am reading aloud with my Mom as a Bible study. Our church is doing Read The Bible For Life this year, and although I do not attend, we are participating in the study. The other five I chose to read this year for personal edification.

The following is a scan of the hand written journal entry I made this evening:

I mentioned my new Invicta watch and I guess I should show you what it looks like:

I chatted with Alex a bit today and learned he is enjoying Hawaii. He has begun writing again, which I think is marvelous because Alex is very talented.

I am running out of time so this will be my creation for today. Stay tuned for more as the days go by.

Always,
Jo Ann

First Blog Entry of 2012

I am thankful:

1.   I made it through 2011, and accomplished much in the year.
2.   Mom is doing fairly well.
3.   I was able to get a new laptop, Wacom tablet, some artistic programs, and Office Professional 2010 for Christmas.
4.   I have designated my old laptop for Mom’s use and she is learning to use it for playing games she enjoys.
5.   I have lowered my reading goal for 2012 to encourage more creative pursuits.
6.   I chose to do the Read The Bible For Life study with my Mom this year and she is enjoying it so far. I read all the material aloud to her and elaborate on the answers to the questions asked in the study.
7.   I was able to pay my cell phone bill for this month and my car insurance.
8.   We do not have any appointments in the coming week and our shopping is done for a few days. Maybe it will not be necessary to go to town until late in the week.
9.   Winter has been mild and I have not even had to put on a heavy coat this year.
10. We were able to help Laura, my daughter-in-law, by giving her the mattress set from Alex’s room.
11. My dog, Hope, is a wonderful companion and very sweet.
12. The gift cards I was given for Christmas helped me survive December.
13. Jana gave me a Kindle gift card that I have not used yet.
14. Our Christmas and New Year meals were delicious.
15. I took all the library books back and am now reading books I own.
16. I have found some excellent resources on the internet for writing, art, and free eBooks.
17. I have adequate shelter, clothing, transportation, and nutrition.
18. God blessed me with intelligence and talent.
19. I have experienced love in my life.
20. I have survived the ravages of pain and hate.

I am enjoying my new computer a great deal and am so glad I can share the older one with my Mom. It gives her something that challenges her mind and keeps her entertained. I am hoping to use my new equipment to further my artistic endeavors this year as well as my writing. Cutting back on my reading goal should give me more time to use creatively. The only thing I lack now is inspiration and I am hoping that will be in ample supply. I have some books that should help with it.

I like doing the Bible study with my Mom. Her attention motivates me to do the daily readings. I probably would not do the study without her involvement. Making her happy makes me feel I am a success.

I have been watching the Republican debates and though I am not happy with everything President Obama has done, I do not see where any of these candidates would be a superior choice. I am afraid there is still a long process before our economy will recover and I do not think one man has the power to do all that is necessary to accomplish effective change. The people of our country can not make things better when they are so divided in their resolve. Working together is the only effective way to improve our nation’s problems.

If anyone is lonely and sad I highly recommend acquiring a puppy dog to provide companionship and lift the spirits. My sweet Shih Tzu, Hope, is a wonderful addition to my life. I do not think I would be nearly as happy without her presence.

I hope everyone has a wonderful year full of blessings and happiness. I encourage each one to take time to be thankful. Gratitude adds satisfaction to life.

Always,
Jo Ann

Thankful List: Friday, December 2, 2011

I am thankful:

1.   Mom and I did not go out during the craziness of Black Friday.
2.   We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at home.
3.   I took all the library books back to the library and am going to read some of my own books for a while.
4.   Alex is going to continue paying my Boost bill so I can keep my BlackBerry.
5.   Carrie Leigh and Jesse will visit this weekend.
6.   Laura and I are getting along well.
7.   Mom’s thyroid levels are back to normal.
8.   I am learning to use Windows 7 and the new Internet Explorer.
9.   My Mom is so good to me.
10. I am feeling somewhat better. My stomach still is not normal, but it is not churning quite so bad.
11. I was able to give Edith Leigh a few of my clothes that she liked.
12. I used Shop Your Way Rewards to buy Carrie Leigh a jacket.
13. I found some good online deals during Black Friday week and on Cyber Monday.
14. Even though I am not going to meet my reading goal this year, I have read many books.
15. My puppy dog, Hope is a constant joy to me.
16. Mom is going out with June today, so I will have the house to myself.
17. My nephew, Jeremy, no longer has responsibility for his nieces.
18. Mom and I went to the courthouse and placed our votes early.
19. I have some cute Christmas outfits for Hope.
20. I was able to make this list.

A Tribute to My Mom

God Knew I Needed Her

When God created my mother
He must have spent some extra time,
Knowing she would grow up without
A mother to guide her in womanly ways.

He must have placed great compassion
Within her tender heart knowing
Her family would need special care,
Especially preparing her for a child like me.

God must have heaped her full
Of patience so she would be able
To cope with the many difficulties
That have beset her later years.

He must have made her particularly
Strong so her heart would not break
With the hardship of losing many of
Those who were dearest to her.

God must have prepared her
With great goodness, kindness, and
Love to be the one person who
I can always depend upon.

He must have known being
My mother would be a trial,
And so blessed her with the
Ability to be the very best.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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