Creativity Project Year Two-Day 115

Journal entry:

Better Left Unsaid

It is
Absolutely
Useless to complain, but
Sometimes a word or even two
Escapes your lips without your permission
And you immediately think,
‘No, I should have never
Let that thought get
Outside.’

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, May 3, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have a comfortable bed in which to sleep.
2.   I have clean water to drink.
3.   I have plenty of food to eat.
4.   There are people who love me in the world.
5.   I have a computer with which to communicate.

This was a very busy Friday, but it went fairly well. I hope your day was good. I encourage you to make an effort to complete some creative work. I know this can seem difficult, but it is worth your time. It will add contentment to your day.

As a prompt, write about something better left unsaid. Maybe you want to come at this from the perspective of what happens afterwards, maybe you want to write about what to avoid. Do it your way. Leave a link to your poem, story, journal entry, or other writing in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you will make coming here a habit, but you might also like to enter your email address in the space above to receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 114

Journal entry:

Advice to Someone Who Is Blocked in Their Writing

You have to be willing to write just, “I cannot think of anything to write, I have nothing to say. I don’t understand why I feel this way, but I do…” and just go on, even repeating yourself, until something comes to you. I have been doing my Creativity Project every day for over a year now. Often I have nothing to write, but I begin and just talk to myself on the page, and it usually leads to something. Do not stare at the blank page… write… even if it is the same sentence over again… eventually you will break through. The mind will begin to create. I truly believe it works because I do it. I was severely blocked before I began my Creativity Project, but now I write every day: A journal entry and poem a day, plus a gratitude list, some encouragement, and a prompt. I know it works. You can do it, I have. You have to want it and not be afraid to fail… if you call not writing beautifully every day a fail.

Perfectionism is very hard on creativity. You have to banish the harsh internal editor and write, even badly. You do not have to share what you write with the world, though I do, but you have to write. You have to give yourself permission to do the work without expectation of perfection. Realizing that nothing is actually perfect may help you. No matter how well we do a thing there is always room for improvement, so nothing is perfect. You do not have to be so hard on yourself. Write for yourself, amuse yourself, you might surprise yourself and find you want others to share your discovery. Loosen up and allow the making of mistakes. Some of the most fortunate things I have done were mistakes that led to something wonderful. Learn from your efforts. There is always the chance to edit what you write and improve it, after it is written.

I know this works, because I have made the journey from being unable to put down a sentence, to writing each day. It is not an easy journey, but it begins with desire and a willingness to start. The effort is most assuredly worthwhile. Had someone told me I could write every day for over a year when I began my Creativity Project, I would have told that person it was impossible. I have done it. It worked for me. It is possible. I am no one special. It can, with dedication and willingness to accept whatever work you do, also work for you.

Make the effort and you will find it gets easier with time. I still have days on which I have nothing to write, but I begin there and keep going. Eventually the words begin to flow. They may not be beautiful words, but they are mine, and being original in my creation is one of my goals, as is getting words on the page. You and I do not have to be perfect, that is not reality. We just have to be willing to do the best of our ability in the moment. It is good enough and it will fill pages… Try it and see…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ideally

It is not ever
All about you, it is not
All about me, but
It is about who we can
Become relying on God.

We are only parts
Of the wonderful plans made
By the Creator,
Fulfilling His purposes
Through our actions in the world.

Jesus uses us
To accomplish whatever
Needs to be done in
The places where we are put,
In the times we come forward.

We will never be
Called upon to give more than
We are made able,
We are holy instruments
In the hands of awesome God.

It is not ever
All about you, it is not
All about me, but
It is about who we can
Become relying on God.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 2, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom slept through the night without waking up in pain.
2.   I read over 100 pages in The Legend Of Broken by Caleb Carr, which puts me a little closer to finishing the book.
3.   I carried on conversations with a few people overnight.
4.   I started my Facebook page.
5.   We travelled to and from Mom’s appointment safely.

My Thursday has gone reasonably well. I hope your day was very pleasant. I encourage you to engage your imagination in doing something creative. I am convinced you can accomplish anything you are willing to commit to doing. You have the talent to make a wonderful contribution to our world.

As a prompt, write about your strategy for overcoming creative block. You may want to write a poem, story, or journal entry that explores this issue. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope it has encouraged you. Please visit often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space provided above to subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 113

Journal entry:

I actually wrote the following poem on Monday and had already posted my blog, then I forgot to post it yesterday. So I hope you enjoy it.

Unsung Heroes

They’re the ones who stand
Backstage, out of the spotlight,
With quiet support
For every flamboyant act
Performed before the rapt crowd.

They’re the ones who say
Constant prayers for those who brave
Terrible dangers,
A hot line to God’s power
Is kept open by their pleas.

They’re the ones seldom
Wanting any credit for
The sacrifice they
Ever so willingly make
To keep everyone else safe.

They’re the ones who will
Never mention quitting in
The face of defeat,
They have hope and faith to keep
On fighting despite the odds.

They’re the ones who don’t
Voice their doubts in the hearing
Of others who might
Then lose heart, they continue
Believing to the finish.

They’re the ones who make
Other lives worth living with
Their dedication
To lifting up their fellows
Helping them their tasks complete.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 29, 2013

Today’s poem, which is actually a rap song, follows:

Nonsensical Rhythm

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
That’s how it goes
When I am trying
To think of a song
To make into a poem
To write for me and you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
I got the music
In me and want to
Get the music inside
Of you too, so I keep
Writing until I do.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
It does not make a lot
Of sense, but it is not
Necessary that it does,
It just has to reach out
And grab ahold of you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
Get yourself up,
Jump, shout, and move,
Sing out the song
I’m sharing with you,
Making it a part of you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
That’s how it goes
When I am trying
To think of a song
To make into a poem
To write for me and you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, May 1, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   It was only cloudy and did not rain.
2.   I was able to get the x-rays from Doctor Desai’s office.
3.   I was able to get an appointment with Doctor Patel’s office.
4.   Mom saw Doctor Bueno and he helped her some.
5.   Carrie Leigh cut the grass in our little yard.

I had a stressful Wednesday, but it turned out alright. I hope you had a blissfully happy day. Now do as I have done and let your creativity loose to make something that can enrich your life and those of your readers. I know that you can do wonderful things if you only make an effort.

As a prompt, write a rap that begins with some nonsensical words in rhythm. I had never done this before today, but I quite enjoyed it and suspect you will too. Should you use this prompt, leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found encouragement in it. Come back often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 111

Journal entry:

Trust In The Lord

Life is not always kind,
But God always cares.
Life is not always fair,
But God is always just.
Life is not always pleasant,
But God is always good.

Don’t depend on life
To fulfill your needs,
But put your faith in
The Maker of your life,
For He can make something
Beautiful of all you go through.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 29, 2013

Safety In The Storm

Make God the captain
Of your ship, and though
You may be tossed about,
You will surely make
It through the storm.

Harm may come,
But you will see your
Way to a better day,
God will never forsake you
Or leave you to survive alone.

Jesus will guide you
Through all difficulties
If you will only place
Your trust in His great
And providing hands.

Have faith in Him
Who owns your destiny,
For He will surely
Lead you through this
And every other day.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 29, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have some wonderful creative friends who encourage me.
2.   I stayed up all night and accomplished a lot.
3.   I was able to take care of some necessary business this morning.
4.   I am finishing this very early.
5.   I will be able to watch WWE Monday Night RAW without distraction tonight.

I am having a wonderful Monday. I hope your day goes exactly as you expect. I encourage you to invest some time exploring your creativity. I know you have the talent required to accomplish great things in your life. Every time you exercise your imagination you enrich the world.

As a prompt, write about a difficult crossing in your life. You may wish to center your poem, story, or journal entry on how you overcame the obstacle or on its significance. Just write… If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed your time here and that you will visit again often. You might wish to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. I would love for you to leave a comment should you have any thoughts to share with me.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 107

Journal entry:

I do not usually use a lot of rhyme, but I tried to fulfill the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. One of those was to write a ballad. I tried…

Everyone Wants Competence

Almost every day I find it
Lacking in those on whom
I am forced to depend for it,
So I must face my doom.

Yes, everyone wants competence,
Least to most important,
Really it would make much more sense
To be less discordant.

People just do not seem to care
About doing things well,
So some of us are left to swear
And finally to yell.

You have to be ever watchful,
Keeping wits about you
Because many are not thoughtful,
The competent seem few.

Make yourself an honest effort
To do your very best
So that yours is a good report
Despite that of the rest.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, April 25, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had pleasant dreams.
2.   I was able to get an appointment for Mom tomorrow.
3.   I checked the delivery status on our package this afternoon.
4.   I posted on Facebook about the lost package.
5.   A friend suggested checking with neighbors, I did, and found the package.

This Thursday eventually worked out well. I hope your day was a good one. Take time to create something you can share with others. What you do may have a major impact on someone’s life. You may never know what positive effect you have, but you will have enriched the world.

As a prompt, write a rhyming poem. This could be any sort of poem you choose, but just use rhyme. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed your visit and that you will return often. You might also want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 103

Journal entry:

Five Senryu

I.
I did not even
Know his name, but I could see
He did not like me.

II.
She loves me so much
I can hardly understand,
But am glad of it.

III.
Your words may never
Seem very important, but
Poems can change lives.

IV.
Go beyond comfort
Sharing goodness with others,
Reap many blessings.

V.
I am not so blue
That I cannot share a smile
With those around me.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, April 21, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   The sun comes up without my help.
2.   The night here is usually peaceful.
3.   I can rest knowing I am safe.
4.   My dog, Hope, guards me through the night.
5.   My friends believe in me enough to encourage me.

This was a wonderfully relaxing Sunday. I hope your day was one of ease as well. Now, while you have a few moments, I suggest you busy yourself working creatively. No matter how you express yourself, there are people in the world who need to share your makings.

As a prompt, write about a friend who is dear to you. Perhaps you want to help them, or maybe you wish to encourage them, write out your thoughts. Afterward, you may want to share with them. However, should you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I much appreciate you taking time to visit my blog. Please come back often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space provided above and subscribe to Chronicles. I am always open to your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 102

Journal entry:

Poetic Gift

The writer does not
Pick the poem all alone,
The poem chooses
The poet to bring it to
Life and proper conclusion.

The words come upon
The poet in fits and starts,
Not at all at once,
Giving ample chances for
Developing lines that sing.

The practice becomes
Fertile ground for works of art
That visit poets
With greater frequency when
The lines are written daily.

Almost every man,
Woman, or child can receive
The infinite gift
Of poetry, but only
Some accept that destiny.

No, the writer does
Not pick the poem alone,
But is chosen by
The poem that wishes to
Be born to the waiting world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, April 20, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   New opportunities arrive as needed.
2.   Friends support my efforts and inspire me.
3.   Life is rich, though I am not financially wealthy.
4.   Penny still seems to enjoy living despite her frailty.
5.   I got some extra rest today.

It was a quiet Saturday here. I hope your day brought you happiness. Did you take time to work creatively already? If not, I encourage you to get busy and expend some imaginative energy. You have so much to share with the world if you will only make an effort.

As a prompt, write about how you feel technology could be used to solve the problems with which society wrestles. Perhaps you have the idea that could help us all locked inside you. Free write, or write a poem, story, or journal entry and share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by entering your email address in the space provided above. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 101

Journal entry:

Wipe Their Tears Away

Go, go into the world
Teach it how to smile,
Teach it not to cry.

Teach the people peace,
Go beyond your ease
Give more than they expect.

Give glory unto Christ
For everything is His,
Teach His love to all.

Teach them to believe
In the goodness of our God,
Give them reason to go on.

Give your love away
For everyone to share,
Teach freedom to all men.

Teach the people well,
Go wipe their tears away,
Give hope to every life.

Go, go into the world
Teach it how to smile,
Teach it not to cry.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, April 19, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I was not in great pain when I woke up.
2.   I had Oreos for breakfast.
3.   Inspiration struck while driving the truck.
4.   Doctor Bueno believes my back is about to line up right.
5.   Mom enjoyed the Strawberry Lemonade Chiller I brought her.

I had a very pleasant Friday, although the weather was a bit dreary. I really don’t mind the rain. I hope your day was enjoyable. Now, while you have the chance, engage your imagination and create something wonderful to share with our world. Your creativity will enrich not only your life, but the lives of others who encounter your work.

As a prompt, start with the word “Go” and see where it leads you. It could take you places, send others away, or whatever suits your fancy. Just write a poem, story, or journal entry and leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I sincerely hope you will come back often, but I also encourage you to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles for updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 100

Journal entry:

This is an edit on a song I have had with me since high school over thirty years ago… every so often I write it down and try to perfect it… Maybe one day it will be sung by someone other than me.

Anthem For Today

Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday,
Somewhere in the past
We don’t remember,
Somewhere not of Earth
Far away,
Somewhere there are songs
We were singing,
Somewhere there are rhymes
That we made,
Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday.

Today only lasts a moment,
Time passes quickly and away,
No one can fully possess
The minutes,
No one can quite control
the hours,
We must take advantage
Of opportunities we’re offered
Before we are left with
Only memory,
Today only lasts a moment,
Time passes quickly and away.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
This version Thursday, April 18, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well until pain woke me up around 9:00 this morning.
2.   I was able to get out of bed.
3.   I saw Mom before she left with June this morning.
4.   The truck was ready around 1:00 this afternoon.
5.   Mom and I were able to go to town this evening.

I had a very good Thursday, despite some pain. I hope your day went tolerably well. Take time to work creatively now, if you have not already done it today. Even if you do not usually consider yourself an artist or writer I encourage you to make an effort. It will without doubt enrich your life.

As a prompt, write about something you have been avoiding expressing. Maybe you have someone you are not sharing your thoughts with and would like to, write to them, though you need not share what you write with them. Maybe there is an event you have not reacted to, write it out. Whatever you write share it here by leaving a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might like to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. Today is the 465th day I have consecutively posted here. When I began I had no idea this would become a daily tradition, and sometimes I think I can continue no longer, but somehow I do. I recommend, if you are a writer or artist of any type, that you take on the challenge of working daily. It will help you grow in ways you cannot at first imagine. Take the step to begin a blog where you share your work, it will help motivate you when you are discouraged. I can assure you that you can do it, because I have. If you have some thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 99

Journal entry:

This poem is a tribute to my very good friend Dana…

Respite

The hours of darkness
Unfurl cleanly, quietly,
Almost endlessly;
Taking me from day to day
Without any stop for sleep.

I share my thoughts with
A friend who is far away,
In another life;
Our ages, situations,
Are distant in space and time.

We discuss writing,
Wrestling, children, even love
And I find myself
Wondering, ‘Who is teacher,
Experience or sweet youth?’

My gift is knowledge
Gained over a difficult
Lifetime full of tears;
Hers is the perspective of
Endless opportunity.

I learn not to count
Myself out, despite aging;
Because her hope is
Constant and contagious for
Even one such as I am.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom made it through the day though she hardly slept at all.
2.   I made it through the day though I slept none at all.
3.   The truck did not require more extensive repairs.
4.   Mom did not go out and look at the new Explorer.
5.   My Droid kept me in touch this morning.

I had an awesome Wednesday, though it was too expensive to be born. I tend to have great days when I stay up all night. Especially when some of my best friends keep me company, as Dana did during the night. I hope your day was also great. Now I suggest you engage your imagination and create something to share with the world. Surely you, with your superior talent, can create wonders.

As a prompt, write about something unusual rodents have done in your life, or borrow my life… Write a story, poem, or journal entry and leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Beware the squirrels. They may look like nice little critters, but they have nasty teeth. Come back to visit, and if you like subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

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