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 142

A somewhat biographical story start:

Today’s poem was inspired by the prompt on Poetic Asides which is a Writer’s Digest Editor blog.

Common Pleasures

It is the small things
That enliven every day
Bringing happiness:
The curve of a smile gracing
The face of someone you love,

The gentlest touch
Comforting in its kindness,
The encouraging
Words that move you to action
That you thought impossible,

The furry embrace
Of a beloved pet who
Crawls into your lap,
And the sight of something you
Consider so beautiful.

These and the many
Other things that touch your life
With their plain sweetness
Make daily living worthwhile,
Enriching like a treasure.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Photographs:

A very good book I am dipping into along the way…

This is a very interesting volume…

I love this mug… it is Mom’s.

Common barnyard fowl make great decoration…

I am grateful:

1.   Our mammogram results were good.
2.   The air conditioner helps keep us cool.
3.   The thunderstorms last night caused no damage.
4.   Electricity makes life more enjoyable.
5.   Photographs capture moments in time.

Wednesday is the middle of the week, hopefully your day was rewarding. There is no reason you cannot do something creative. You have the talent within you. The tools can be as simple as a pen and paper. Make no excuses, just do it, and expand your happiness.

I would love to have your comments, please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 141

I did not want to expound on my day, so I instead played with words:

The prompt for today’s poem came from Carry On Tuesday. You might like to visit the site and try your hand at creating a poem of your own.

The Long and Winding Road…

Life is a journey
That runs from birth to the grave,
Along the way we learn
Many lessons that carry
Us toward our completion.

At times our road leads
Us in winding directions,
Back and forth along
The path we choose to follow
With companions on our way.

We long to finish
All the tasks we are given
With our best effort,
Using capabilities
That we have developed strong.

Disappointments may
Come into our lives, but we
Keep our spirits high
By continuing forward
And accomplishing our goals.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Photographs:

Wisteria reaching out to pine tree…

Wisteria climbing pine tree…

The damage wind did…

I am…

The novel I am currently reading, along with others…

I am grateful:

1.   I can have Oreo cookies for breakfast.
2.   Penny’s prescription was written and ready.
3.   Even though the doctor was not in and the office had our phone number wrong, our trip was not wasted because the nurse drew Mom’s blood.
4.   I mailed a small package to one of my friends.
5.   We had Subway sandwiches for supper.

I hope your Tuesday has been pleasant. Try your hand at something creative before the day is over.

Leave me a comment if you have the time.

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

365 Creativity Project-Day 138

A retrospective story start:

The prompt that inspired the above and the poem below was found at Poetry Jam. I have much material on the subject of bullies. Unfortunately, those memories of being victimized have never faded.

Inhumanity

They want to be friends
Now so many years after
The damage was done,
I suppose they believe it
Easy to forgive meanness.

The scars I carry
Are deeper than the surface
Of my tender skin,
The cruel words still remain
Echoing loud inside my mind.

I am a victim
Of their youthful savagery
Even in this time,
The atrocity keeps me
Bound by their brutality.

Maybe they forgot,
But my memory is fresh,
I face it each time
I look into a mirror
And am bedeviled anew.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, May 26, 2012

Photographs:

Ko-Ko…

Hope…

Penny…

I am grateful:

1.   I got up early.
2.   Sherry, our groomer, came and sheared our dogs.
3.   I finished reading The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, which was a very entertaining novel.
4.   The green beans we bought recently were surprisingly good.
5.   Hope allowed Sherry to clear out her ears better than usual.

I hope your Saturday has been filled with happiness. Make some time to get creative. You can produce something wonderful if you only make the effort.

Your comments are as always welcome and appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 136

A few more story starts that I may explore in depth in the future:

The prompt for today’s poem came from The Sunday Whirl. I am going back to earlier prompts on this site because they are so engaging. You might enjoy giving some of them a try.

Uncertain Deity

Even a goddess is hounded
By demons who visit sacred
Rituals without intention
Of adding real significance.

They string along her followers
Distracting from indigenous
Culture elaborated in
Text that defines divinity.

She communicates her desires
From the summit of her mountain
Where graceful flags fly quite untamed
Tousled by vicious winds of change.

A goddess doubts significance
When sacred rituals are viewed
As useless despite intention
To celebrate true devotion.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 24, 2012

Photographs:

Day Lilies…

Yucca blooms…

Can crusher…

What If? is an inspiring book chock full of writing exercises that will have you creating material of which you have never dreamed. I purchased it from Amazon.com What If?.

Writing Magic is a book for younger writers, but you might find the exercises spark ideas as well. I purchased it from Amazon.com Writing Magic. It is a very quick read and can be passed on to inspire a youngster in your life.

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early.
2.   The UPS driver delivered my package in a timely manner.
3.   I was able to order Iverhart for Penny since Interceptor was not available.
4.   Jeremy says he will try to come out and clean the gutters this weekend.
5.   I may be able to have a vacation next year.

I hope your Thursday has been a good day. Take time to do something creative before your day is over.

If you have thoughts to share please leave me a comment. I greatly appreciate your input.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 130

Journal entry:

One Last Thought

You have not crossed my
Mind today, but early yet,
I will try to leave
The day in grace without you
Intruding upon my thought.

I muddle through hours
Where I would be better left
To my own devices,
Still times spent with you beckon
From the past, bright memories.

Be gone you pale ghost
Who haunts my days like passing
Of a morning dew
Leaving no discernible
Trace to nourish wayward dreams.

I seek my comfort
In other things and people
For better or worse
You are no longer a part
Of my world, fully divorced.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, May 18, 2012

Photographs:

Hope…

Ko-Ko…

I am grateful:

1.   My Buick ran well when I went to check the mail.
2.   Mom felt better today.
3.   There were ribs in the freezer that we can have for supper tomorrow.
4.   The thunderstorms last night did not cause the power to go out.
5.   This weekend is supposed to be beautiful.

I hope you have enjoyed your Friday. If you have some time take some pictures, draw something, write a poem, story, or journal entry. Do something creative to nourish your soul.

Please leave me a comment or suggestion.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 116

Journal entry:

Original Anxiety

It is unknown to
My heart what may be achieved.
I am filled with fear
That my activities might
Produce nothing valuable.

My creative work
Must be handled with great care
To bring awareness
To those it is meant to reach
Generating happiness.

I always worry
Over every word and image
Hoping they are just right,
Touching imaginations,
Enlightening other minds.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, May 4, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   My contacts allow me to see.
2.   I have plenty of books to read.
3.   I cooked a supper Mom enjoyed very much.
4.   My new Kindle covers came yesterday and are gorgeous.
5.   I have read fifteen books this year so I am on track to meet my goal of thirty-six.

Happy Friday to each of you. I hope you enjoyed your day. Make it your goal to do something creative before this weekend is over.

Please leave me a comment, if you are so inclined.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 113

Journal entry:

Beginner’s Earning

Working summers made
Money for things I could not
Afford otherwise.
My first job was not easy
Helping my Dad mechanic.

I learned to drive trucks,
Backhoes, earth movers, loaders,
And to weld a line.
Not a girl’s occupation,
But I loved the huge challenge.

I was so happy,
The responsibility
Helped fulfill my needs.
Muscles and mind together
Were schooled to accomplish much.

The sun cooked me
To a well-seasoned deep tan
Bleaching my hair gold.
The dirt and grease clung to me
Making bathwater run brown.

In my later years
I greatly appreciate
The many hours I spent
Learning to work with my hands;
Helping my Dad mechanic.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Photographs:

The 2012 Poet’s Market… it is not just for seeking places to publish work. There are many informative features and a large section of prompts. It is an asset for anyone who writes poetry.

Watercolor Teddy Bear…

Colored pencil Rose…

I am grateful:

1.   I found prompts to help me write poems during May.
2.   I am finishing my blog entry incredibly early.
3.   I have fond memories of the summers of my youth.
4.   I have learned that forgiving someone helps me live more productively.
5.   I have overcome much adversity to become the person I am today.

I hope your Tuesday has brought you many smiles. I wrote a poem, and you can surely do something creative if you will just begin it. I have absolute faith in your ability, because I know God endowed you as well as me.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you found something you enjoyed. If so, please leave me a comment and follow Chronicles. Your comments let me know what is succeeding and what I can improve.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 112

Journal entry:

April Poem A Day Challenge, poem thirty:

Common Plight

Our days slip softly
By, making little lasting
Mark upon the world.
We are not mighty, famous,
Our steps leave no impression.

Our voices whisper
On the passing wind currents
Pushed toward silence.
Few hear our exclamations
Or heed our well-meant advice.

Our lives are vapor
Rising up from the soil for
Only a short while.
We go into the darkness
Of oblivion far too fast.

Our hope is in God
For He redeems existence
Making it worthwhile;
Without His enormous help
We quietly fade away.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 30, 2012

Photographs:

Next Word, Better Word…

The Dead Path… an extremely entertaining horror novel. I recommend this one.

I am grateful:

1.   I did not have to go out today.
2.   I completed the PAD Challenge and have thirty new poems.
3.   Mom is coughing very little.
4.   I am considering starting a page on Facebook for my writing and artwork.
5.   My blog has gained a few followers.

Monday, Monday, not my favorite day, but I hope yours has been productive. I know I say it every day, and yet the message should not get old. You need to do something creative to feed your soul.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of today’s entry. Your feedback helps me immensely.

Always,
Jo Ann

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