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

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 98

Journal entry:

Not Near Enough

It’s impossible
To be perfect, and yet my
Possibilities
At being imperfect are
Seemingly so limitless.

I can do my best
And still fall incredibly
Short of what I should
With greatest ease accomplish,
My efforts are all lacking.

I make grave errors
In judgment when I should know
So much the better,
Maybe I am so deeply
Flawed there is no remedy.

Repeatedly I
Fall short of expectations
Never fulfilling
The hopes and dreams of those who
Choose to put their faith in me.

It’s impossible
To be perfect, yet I have
Made an art form of
Missing opportunities
To fulfill my potential.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have learned to hang up on salespeople who call and wake me.
2.   Mom and I had leftover sandwich for supper.
3.   I was able to go to my class this evening.
4.   I learned a lot.
5.   I was able to talk to Richard, Norma, and Carri after the class.

I finished Tuesday in disappointment with myself, but I sincerely hope your day was rewarding. I recommend you busy yourself doing something creative. Whatever media you choose to work in, use your fertile imagination. You have great talent, which you may share with the world.

As a prompt, write about a situation in which you either exceed or fail in meeting expectations. Your poem, story, or journal entry can be shared by leaving a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. This was not the most fortuitous day, but I hope you will return. You might also want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have anything to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 97

Journal entry:

Fly Free

Let your dreams fly away
On the wings of ravens,
Let your hopes fly away
On the wings of doves.

Fly away, fly away,
Above the world,
Away up high
Over all your problems.

Let your heart sing
The songs of love,
Let your soul ring
In praise of God above.

Let your dreams fly away
On the wings of ravens,
Let your hopes fly away
On the wings of doves.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 15, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   The problem with my files for the Chapel Hill News & Views was easily solved by using Adobe Acrobat to make a PDF.
2.   I got up pretty early today.
3.   My back is somewhat better.
4.   Writing poems on my Droid is fun.
5.   I got chocolate covered Oreos which is a definite win.

I had a great Monday, after a questionable start. I hope your day was all you thought it would be. Take time to exercise your creativity, before time gets away from you. Let your imagination soar taking you in new directions to explore. I know you have it within you to do something wonderful, if you allow yourself a chance.

As a prompt, write something that seems like it belongs with music. Maybe a phrase will come to you with a tune, follow that, see where it takes you. Write your lines and leave a link to them in the comments below should you use this prompt.

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

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 96

I wrote a beginning, not a great one, but the idea holds some promise. Maybe I will come back to it sometime, but most probably not:

This poem was brought to you by the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. Granted the super-hero is implied and it is not a regular sonnet, but I think it may work in a sideways sort of way. If you care to try your luck with the prompts, visit those sites…

Super-Woman

Your common hello
Does not thrill others like his
Deep throaty bellow,
They could most certainly miss
Your much more subtle approach
Making statements clear
Marking you as very dear
With no real encroach.

Political overtones
Drip from his lips like kisses
Lavished on babies
Which he imagines atones
For boos and hisses
From the violent maybes.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, April 14, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have an imagination.
2.   We have freedom to think as we like.
3.   I have a wonderful Mom.
4.   My back was marginally better today.
5.   I stayed home and got some extra rest.

I have enjoyed a restful Sunday. I hope your day was also peaceful. If you can muster your inner resources now, I encourage you to work creatively. Use your wonderful imagination and make something delightful to share with the world. I have no doubt that you have the ability to do it, because if I can, so can anyone else.

As a prompt, write about a situation real or imagined of which you would not want your closest friend or family member to know of your involvement. Write a poem, story, or journal entry giving the details. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. I hope your experience was enjoyable. Please come back often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. Your comments are welcome and help me ascertain if I am doing this right, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 94

Journal entry:

Dogwood here on property at dawn…

This poem was prompted by my trip down to visit an old friend, but it also answers the prompt at Poetic Asides. Go visit that site for inspiration.

The Machine

It sits discarded,
Broken, a sad dinosaur,
It outlasted those
Who knew its name, we are left
With its moldering body.

Still I remember
When it was a useable
Piece of equipment,
Even then it was old, needing
Coaxing to make it work well.

Where do old tractors
Go to die, when only ghosts
Of operators
Linger in the memories
Of those who are left behind?

Their broken bodies
Haunt the landscape of acres
Where they were once used
To mold land for their owners
Whose descendants now remain.

Caterpillar made
No junk, but I recall Dad’s
Curses over this
One he often deemed a piece
Of God forsaken rubbish.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, April 12, 2013

The Machine…

I am grateful:

1.   I stayed up all night.
2.   I finished getting the SCC Contest Winners for April posted.
3.   I walked all over the property this morning with camera in hand.
4.   I made my appointment with the chiropractor.
5.   I caught the mess at Sam’s Club before I went out the door.

The other side of The Machine…

This Friday had its ups and downs. I am not sure which won. I hope your day was rewarding and filled with blessings. Now that you have time get busy creating. You have plenty of talent with which to enlighten the world.

This reminds me of Japanese prints… Wisteria after storms…

As a prompt, write about a childhood memory that still has a presence in your life. Maybe this is physical, like The Machine, or it can be an influence. Write a poem, story, or journal entry that portrays this remembrance. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Birdcage from my childhood… then it was golden…

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed your stay and will come again often. You might want to enter your email address in the space above to receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment.

Mom, Hope, and Ko-Ko during the night…

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 93

Journal entry:

I combined prompts from NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides to inspire the following poem. If you need a spark to get your muse working, check out those sites.

In Case Of Rudeness

Usually I
Will express myself fully
And do what is best,
But when people are very
Rude, I only walk away.

I do not believe
Being confrontational
Adds anything to
The resulting outcome, so
I remove myself quickly.

My leaving does not
Signify the rudeness won,
It just means I will
Not let my anger carry
Me away in their presence.

Without any doubt,
I am little prepared for
Impolite people,
Who are disrespectful of
Anyone and everyone.

Thankfully, I know
The limits of my temper
And rapidly move
Myself out of target range,
So I am not explosive.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, April 11, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Alex and I had a really good conversation this morning.
2.   I did not have anything to do outside the house until evening.
3.   Mom was sweet about my having to go to the SCC meeting.
4.   The storms were not as severe as I expected.
5.   I had the perfect inspiration for my poem this evening.

I had a pretty good Thursday, all things considered. I hope your day was very pleasant. Before you get busy with something else, engage your creativity produce a work of artistic excellence. You have the talent within you to make a wonder to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about the last time technology malfunctioned and caused turmoil in your life. If you write a poem, story, journal entry, or anything else in answer to this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I hope you will come back often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles for future updates. Your input is very valuable to me, so if you will, leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 92

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. You should visit those sites for inspiration.

Long Suffering

I have suffered much
Because I continued in
Loving you beyond
The time you were in love with
Me, but I persist no more.

I have hidden all
The pictures and there were no
Things to remind me,
Because you let scavengers
Take all my valuables.

I had to build my
Life again from nothing, and
Recovery has
Taken me a number of
Years and so many dollars.

Sometimes I wish you
Great heaping disaster, but
I know forgiveness
Frees me of the bitterness,
So I try to wish you well.

I believe there is
Eventual justice for
People such as you,
But as for me, happiness
Has come again finally.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I do not have to work outside because the pollen is awful.
2.   My chiropractor worked with me today.
3.   I stopped to find out what the Sheriff’s department was doing.
4.   I am brave enough to ask questions of authority figures nowadays.
5.   I was able to reach Jeremy this afternoon.

I have had a reasonably good Wednesday. I hope your day exceeded your expectations. If you have not already done some creative work, I encourage you to do it now. I find it makes the day complete in a way nothing else can do. You try it and see if it does not give you great satisfaction.

As a prompt, write about a product that did not preform as you thought it ought. Give an explanation of your remedy to the situation. You could do this in a poem, story, or journal entry. If you do use the prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking time to read my blog. I hope you will visit often, but you might want to enter your email in the space above to receive future updates to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

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