365 Creativity Project-Day 221

Journal entry:

Journal 8-17-20120001

You may have noticed the words: beat, pressure, and substance in the above journal entry. They are also in the poem below and I found them at Three Word Wednesday. You might use the prompt at that site as well.

Artistic Contemplation

Give yourself a few
Moments to consider full
Implications of
All creative work you do,
Is it worth your energy?

Ponder the substance
Of the items you create,
Are they worth your time,
Or do you beat yourself up
For wasting days on vain things?

Do you melt under
Overwhelming pressure to
Succeed and excel?
Do you accept the challenge,
Simply do your very best?

You must give yourself
Permission to follow your
Heart, creating art,
Fulfilling your need without
Worrying to please others.

Do not cause yourself
Grief over what everyone
May think or believe,
Creativity transcends
And brings its own ecstasy.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 17, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0368

Hope…

DSC_0369

Ko-Ko…

DSC_0367

Penny…

I am grateful:

1.   I had Oreo cookies and fresh milk for breakfast.
2.   We have clean running water.
3.   I have comfortable shoes.
4.   The dishwasher keeps our dishes clean.
5.   Our dogs are great companions.

I hope you have enjoyed your Friday. It has been a very good day for me. You can make your day better by doing something creative now. You have the imagination and the creativity to produce a work of artistry.

For a prompt, write about success. Perhaps what it means to you, or how you approach it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

It is an honor to have you visit my blog. If you have thoughts or suggestions you would like to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 213

Journal entry:

Journal 8-9-20120001

Flights of Fancy

Imagination
Takes flight into the unknown,
Creativity
Brings your vision so alive
Others can participate.

Every day is yours
To experience and mold
Into beautiful
Creations completely new,
Totally original.

Your ability
To engage everyone else,
Mind and heart, is great
If you will commit yourself
To working creatively.

Allow miracles
To flow through your hands onto
Paper or canvas,
Bringing dreams into the world
Where people can share in them.

Creativity
Brings your vision full alive,
Imagination
Takes flight into the unknown
Conquering the universe.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, August 9, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   Mom and I sat and talked for a couple of hours this morning.
2.   Oreo cookies and milk made a tasty breakfast.
3.   I called Jeremy and he said he will come out Saturday.
4.   I picked up Penny’s medicine at Sam’s Pharmacy.
5.   Hope seems calmer with the Thunder Shirt on.

This was a busy Thursday for me and I hope you accomplished a lot during your day. If you have not already exercised your creativity today, do it now. You impact the world with the things you choose to create. People are poorer when you leave your talents unused.

The prompt for today is to write about something you are not sure how you should handle. Maybe it is a relationship, a work situation, or even how to approach a project. See if your writing suggests a solution to your quandary. If you use this prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I had a hard time creating this entry. I was not in the least inspired, but I hope something in it was worthwhile. If you have suggestions or a comment, I would love to read your input.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 212

Journal entry:

Journal 8-8-20120001

I used the words suggested at Poetic Asides in the following poem. Should you need a little creative push visit that web site.

My Encouragement

Write a poem today,
You have all the perfect words
Within your great mind;
Use your imagination,
It is not so difficult.

You might ably change
The outlook of another’s
Day, bringing gladness
Or giving hope to someone
Who is suffering despair.

Wrap your lines sweetly,
Opening the bottle of
Your intense longing
Soul, making a bargain with
You own deeply hidden poet.

Change the world with words
You have been holding within
Your generous heart
Awaiting the right moment
To share your truth with others.

Bear the large burden
Of your creativity
And use it to weave
Sentences that can bring peace
Freeing others through your poem.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I got a little extra sleep.
2.   I have Diet Sam’s Colas to enjoy since I could not afford Diet Cokes.
3.   I am still reading the Bible aloud to Mom every day and am on schedule to finish the whole book by the end of the year.
4.   I cooked Ramen noodles and stir fry vegetables for supper. We enjoyed the meal.
5.   I have kept up with my email today so I will not have a lot to do later as I usually do.

Wednesday is midweek, with the weekend in sight. I hope you have had a good and productive day. Take a few moments to do something creative now. You can make a wonderful gift to share with the world if you attempt it.

As your prompt today write about someone you admire. If you are a visual artist, do a portrait of them or make an image that represents them. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your creation in the comments below.

I hope something here touched your heart. If you have suggestions or comments I would love to read them.

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 210

Journal entry:

Journal 8-6-20120001

True Genius

The present is ripe
With great opportunity
If you realize
Your potential every day
Of this wonderful lifetime.

You are able to
Use your creativity
To enrich the lives
Of your friends, family, and
Even the strangers you meet.

Your abilities
Are astonishing presents
To share with the world
If you are really willing
To give the gift of yourself.

Every minute is
Yours to explore and expand
Through your great talents,
Sharing imagination
With the rest of the planet.

Humanity waits
Upon your fine decision
To allocate your
Endowments in enriching
The existence of others.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, August 6, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I woke up, ate breakfast, and then took a short nap this morning.
2.   Though we left a little late we made it to Mom’s appointment on time.
3.   We did not have to wait at the appointment.
4.   There were flowers I could take pictures of in the parking lot.
5.   Mom and I made a delicious macaroni salad for supper.

I hope your Monday has been productive, mine has been quite enjoyable. After reading my journal entry and poem you should not be surprised that I want you to exercise your creativity. I urge you to do something you love.

My prompt for you today is to write about what creativity means to you. If you are a visual artist do something that symbolizes creativity to you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visit to my blog. If something has made you think, or you have suggestions, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 207

Journal entry:

Journal 8-3-20120001

Season’s Ending

Summer will soon fade
Like the setting of the sun
On a shiny day,
And Autumn will bring with it
A cooler kinder climate.

August remains with
The scorching heat that roasts us
When we venture out
Beyond the reach of filtered
Cool air-conditioned places.

The last new blossoms
Give up their awesome glory,
Leaving memories
To hold us through the waning
And the brittle days ahead.

School begins again,
The children return to their
Classes and studies,
Leaving the frolicsome hours
Of their vacation behind.

We welcome the Fall,
Quitting the sweltering heat
For days of softer
Weather where trees cast off green
Clothing for golden splendor.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 3, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0322

Ko-Ko…

DSC_0323

Penny…

DSC_0321

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I had money to pay my insurance.
2.   I was able to schedule an annual exam for Hope and Ko-Ko.
3.   Laura resolved a snafu and registered for college classes.
4.   My all-in-one works for scanning and printing each day.
5.   We had shrimp for supper and Mom enjoyed it.

I hope this has been a wonderful Friday for you. Take time to use your imagination to create something. You have the ability to bring a new vision to life.

My prompt for you today is to write about the turning of seasons. You might write a celebratory poem, a story set in changing time, or a journal entry musing on how time passes. If you are a visual artist capture something that signifies seasonal change. If you use this prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments below so we may share it.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 201

Journal entry:

Journal 7-28-20120001

Sometimes It Works Out

Sometimes I need words
Of encouragement so much,
But there is no one
Around to fulfill my need,
So I must write to myself.

Sometimes my best notes,
Inspiring many others,
Are simply musings
Written to move me beyond
A block I must overcome.

Sometimes you might try
Something similar when you
Believe you cannot
Write another meaningful
Line without extreme effort.

Sometimes little tricks
Are the most wonderful things
We can use to keep
Us creating every day,
Just when we feel we cannot.

Sometimes our dreams are
A bit beyond our outstretched
Reach, but we must try
To grasp their truth any way
We can with some good results.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, July 28, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   Mom was able to go to her Sunday school class meeting with June.
2.   I slept in a while this morning.
3.   Mom brought me lunch, and it was very good.
4.   Mom took a nap this afternoon.
5.   I have a Bose SoundDock to play music through.

I hope your Saturday has been relaxing and enjoyable. Take some time now to try your hand at creating something. I know you have the ability to accomplish much if you will make an effort. Do not make excuses, just do what you must.

My prompt for you today is: write something that encourages you to work creatively. Notes to yourself, a poem, a story, any of these could be helpful. I want you to see that even when you feel uninspired you can write something. If you use this prompt, please leave a link in the comments so others can be inspired by you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would appreciate your comments or suggestion, so please leave them below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 200

Journal entry:

Journal 7-27-20120001

Continued Enthusiasm

It is not easy
To produce work every day,
But the practice is
Worth each moment of effort
That is made to carry on.

Imagination
Is harnessed and put to use
In solid service
Of personal loyalty
To creative artistry.

There is commitment
To making something happen
That might never be
Without a full devotion
To great creativity.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, July 27, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I was able to postpone going to town because I felt ill.
2.   Wendell visited Mom this afternoon.
3.   There was bread at the little country store.
4.   Carrie Leigh called and is coming for our trash.
5.   I managed to get an entry done though I feel very weak.

I hope this has been a good Friday for you. Take time to expend some effort doing something creative. Never think you have nothing to contribute, even when you feel uninspired you have something to give.

For a prompt today, write about something you want to accomplish, but are unsure you can do. Maybe as you write you will discover a plan to make your dream come true. I know you can do anything you set your mind and heart upon. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments here.

I apologize for being a bit off my game today, but I hope you enjoyed your visit here anyway. If you have a comment you would like to share, please leave it below.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 199

Journal entry:

Journal 7-26-20120001

Embrace Your Self

Life should open you
Up through experiences
In daily living;
You might attempt accepting
The person you are become.

When you grow beyond
The narrowness of belief;
Expand and embrace
The reality of who
You have developed to be.

Your destiny is
Before you and endlessly
Unfolding into
The marvelously gifted
Person you are meant to be.

Do not waste time or
Energy on mindless hate;
You are much bigger
A person, more enlightened,
Be at peace with your own heart.

God placed great beauty,
Unspeakable joy and love,
Within your own heart;
These graces He meant you to
Share easily with the world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, July 26, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I made a new friend who is an author.
2.   I reconnected with a friend with whom I had lost contact.
3.   This was a peaceful day.
4.   Mom and I had some good conversations.
5.   The lasagna we had for supper was very good.

This is the 199th day of my creativity project. If I can maintain this practice that long, I know you can produce something creative today. Just make an effort. It will make your Thursday better if you do.

For a prompt, write about how you make a difference in the world. If you don’t feel you make a difference, write about someone you believe does. I believe each of us makes a meaningful contribution to the universe, and would encourage you to give credit to yourself. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments so I and others can read your creation.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here. I would love to know any thoughts or suggestions you care to make, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 198

Journal entry:

Journal 7-25-20120001

Today’s poem was in answer to the prompt at Poetic Asides. If you need encouragement you might find it there.

Urgent Plea

I need all your help,
Maybe not everyone’s, but
At least somebody’s,
Because I am at a loss
As to what I should now do…

I keep keeping on,
And wondering if I am
Really progressing
In a direction that will
Open opportunities.

Do you enjoy these
Things I continually
Do creatively?
Is there something I should add?
I really have need to know…

This project takes time,
I want to know it is well
Spent, not just wasted;
Am I adding some value
To the passing of these days?

I am asking you
Because I am sure you know
And your answer will
Help guide me along in this
Creativity project.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Photographs:

DSC_0288

DSC_0289

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I am grateful:

1.   Mom was able to go out with her best friend, June.
2.   I slept a little late, waking at 10:30 this morning.
3.   My book order arrived this afternoon.
4.   I did a little organizing.
5.   We have electricity which makes life much easier.

I have enjoyed my Wednesday and hope you have done the same. I encourage you to devote some time to your creativity. There is much to be done if you only set your will to doing it. We live in an age of virtually unlimited opportunity, so you should take advantage of yours.

Today’s prompt is: write about what your life would look like if you were a “smashing success” in your field of endeavor. After you have written it down, perhaps you can begin to make it real. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope your visit to my blog has been pleasant. If you have thoughts to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann