Creativity Project Year Two-Day 151

Journal entry:

This poem is in answer to the prompt at Our Lost Jungle, but it also just happens to coincide with what I did this evening…

Bravery, Behind A Lens

It takes courage to
Go out alone not knowing
If friends will be there,
Events are not quite my thing
But I took my camera…

I could stand behind
That little window into
The world without fear,
Because after all people
Always smile in photographs.

A few years ago,
I could not have attended
A function where I
Was very likely going
To be a stranger to most.

I am gaining some
Courage as time travels by,
I have learned to smile
And hide my fears underneath
A veneer of confidence.

When I am taking
Pictures, I have a purpose
To keep me busy
So others do not notice
My total uneasiness.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, June 8, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I took a nap today.
2.   I had a nice outfit to wear.
3.   I decided to go to the Pebblebrook High School Spring Fling.
4.   Mom felt like being alone while I was gone.
5.   I took my Nikon D5100 and tablet.

My Saturday was quite delightful, though I was quite nervous going out. I hope your day was full of pleasant surprises. Now, I urge you to put your creativity into action and make something to share with the world. You are definitely gifted with all the talent you need to produce art. People are awaiting your vision.

As a prompt, write about something you have overcome. Your example might encourage someone else to be courageous. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for spending some of your precious time reading my blog. I hope you will visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by leaving 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 150

Journal entry:

Tremble, And Be Real

When you kiss my lips
The earth trembles underneath
My feet, or so it
Seems to me, as I am swept
Away by deep emotion.

My mind leaves orbit,
Trembling outside usual
Spheres of influence,
I am engulfed in magic,
Driven by flaming desire.

As your heated hands
Rove wild over my body
My skin burns hotter
Than molten metal within
A blazing fiery furnace.

I tremble like a
Flower in a fierce windstorm,
My body opens
To you without one restraint,
I am yours to be taken.

I cling to you with
Hands trembling, body heaving,
Caught up in passion,
Which cannot be easily
Undone, I am your captive.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, June 7, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up fairly early, and decided to stay up.
2.   It did not rain on me, though Mom says it poured here while I was gone.
3.   I found a cover that will help protect my tablet when I transport it.
4.   Sam’s Club had capris in colors and sizes I wanted, and tee-shirts too.
5.   I made it home safely and unloaded the truck without assistance.

I had a very good Friday, even though I seem to have acquired a strained ankle and had to put on my glasses, which I dislike. I hope your day fulfilled your expectations. It would be great if you engaged your imagination and created something that will nourish you and others. You have all you need within you to accomplish wonders. I believe in your talent and so should you.

As a prompt, write passionately. You may pick any topic, just be caught up in it and bring your reader along. Maybe there is love in your life that burns brightly, maybe you are inflamed by politics, maybe there is a cause you cannot resist, or something else that engages all your senses. Write about it, and share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will return often. Please explore the archives and if you are interested in receiving updates by email, subscribe to Chronicles. Your comments help me know what is working here, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 149

Journal entry:

The Thirty by Thirty Challenge prompt from Our Lost Jungle for today helped inspire my poem…

Cordial

I am not bitter,
For I have seen things you meant
To bring me great harm
Turn into blessings beyond
Measure of expectation.

I loved you without
Reservation giving my
Whole heart into your
Hands, but you did not respect
My trustworthy devotion.

They are bittersweet,
These years I spend without you,
But I know there is
A good reason we have gone
Our very separate ways.

I have found the strength
To stop my needless crying,
Moving on with life,
Finding happiness in things
And people besides yourself.

I am not bitter,
For I pursue great reward
In honest living,
Giving of myself to those
Who appreciate my love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, June 6, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up earlier than I intended to, and so had more day to enjoy.
2.   I finished the book I was reading.
3.   I played Tetris on my tablet.
4.   My shower was refreshing.
5.   I went outside, took some photographs, and later sat on the trampoline reading on my tablet.

This Thursday was an enjoyable day. I hope you also found pleasure in it. Now, I encourage you to make an effort and create something wonderful to share with others. You have a unique vision that the world will welcome. Each of us is endowed with imagination, which can make a grand impression on people. Do not hide your creativity, but let it shine forth.

As a prompt, write about a book you have recently read, or movie you saw. You might pick out a theme from it, or a character, or write a general review. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I greatly appreciate your visit to my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email. Your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism are very valuable to me, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 148

Journal entry:

The prompt at my friend Khara’s Our Lost Jungle helped initiate this poem, as did the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson…

Avoid The Crush

Emerson wrote,
“Things are in the saddle,
And ride mankind.”
Even those many years ago,
It was realized that people
Are crushed under the weight
Of all that they possess.

We need to turn our hearts
To the finer things of spirit,
Letting go our occupation
With always acquiring more,
Our souls are forever reaching
Out to be filled with sweetness
Found in loving interaction.

We can develop our potential
By employing our creative powers
Making our dear held dreams
Become reality and leaving things
To a lesser importance within
The days we live… Then we will
Be much happier every moment.

Loaded down with soulless things
We are crushed and find ourselves
Unable to rise above the heaviness,
We must break free, desiring
Relationships that reward us
With the best fulfillment of
Our many human needs.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 5, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept long and soundly with no disturbing dreams.
2.   The buffalo hot wings we had for supper were as good as something at a restaurant.
3.   We have a working air conditioner.
4.   There is rain coming down outside.
5.   Using Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations is helping me write when I have so few ideas.

I caught up on some rest on this wonderful Wednesday. I hope your day was pleasurable. If you will turn your thoughts to working creatively, I am sure you can make something of worth to share with the world. You have the tools you need, the most important being your imagination. I urge you to give your talent a chance to shine.

As a prompt, use Emerson’s lines, “Things are in the saddle, And ride mankind.” in a poem, story, or journal entry. No doubt you can do something marvelous. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for updates by email. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 147

Journal entry:

Consecration

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
I turn my heart toward You,
But that is not fit for my King;
There should be so much more.

I must devote every fiber
Of my existence to You,
Oh my Lord, but You give
Everything to me who am
Completely unworthy of favor.

The life You give me is fit
For highest royalty, but I have
Nothing with which to repay
Your ultimate kindness and
Totally magnanimous love.

My devotion is all I can offer
To You my mighty King,
You hold my life in Your palms
And I am blessed beyond measure
Because of Your sacrifice for me.

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
Jesus, my heart, my whole being,
Is yours to employ however
It is you may decide, my King.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I enjoyed staying up all night.
2.   I made progress with installing applications on my tablet.
3.   I only have about 100 pages left to read in The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates.
4.   God graciously allowed my test results to come back without further irregularities.
5.   Life is rewarding though packed with challenges.

My day went much better than I expected, because I was very afraid. I hope your day went beyond your expectations as well. Now, while you have a few moments, I encourage you to engage your mind in creative exercise. You are full of talent and gifts that you have hardly explored can bring dreams to fruition. So get busy.

As a prompt, use this line as from the Bible for your inspiration: Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee. Any part of it, or all of it, can be used in your creation. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please come back often. If you are interested in receiving email updates from Chronicles, please subscribe. Any comment you may have to share would be appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 146

Journal entry:

Unbridled

Red is the passion
Of a heart unfettered by
Any real restraint,
One that is given freely,
Totally dedicated.

Scarlet are kisses
Tracking over the body
Of one who lays down
All inhibitions that hold
Burning emotions at bay.

Red is fulfillment
Of wildly raging lovers
In each other’s arms,
Carrying them beyond all
Their dearly held fantasies.

Crimson is the first
Flush of love opening souls
To one another,
The divine connection draws
Sweethearts together always.

Red is the growing
Trust between any who share
Intertwined lives for
Longer than they ever had
Reason to expect they would.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 3, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early.
2.   I had a hot shower.
3.   Mom was able to get her bath.
4.   The tablet I wanted went on sale.
5.   Best Buy did have it, even though one of the sales associates said they did not.

I had a great Monday, although Mom was in a lot of pain and I was saddened by her discomfort. I hope your day was also good. I encourage you to take time to use your imagination and create something to share with others. Even if you only work for your own pleasure it is worthwhile. However, your talent is sure to move people if you put your creations on display.

As a prompt, write about something you have delayed doing. Maybe it is buying something, or sharing news with someone you care about. Whatever it is, write it out. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am embarked on a challenge throughout June sponsored by Our Lost Jungle. I hope this will keep me motivated. Please come back to see what I am doing often. You might like to subscribe to Chronicles by email so you receive updates. You comments are always welcome, so leave one below.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 145

Journal entry:

Hoke took this picture of the group at the meeting today with my camera. I am on the right. I don’t do pictures well… Probably should hide away from photographers…

Not A Stranger

You do not know me
Like I wish you knew me or
You would understand,
I have too much going on
To convince you to love me.

My heart is laid out
Bare upon the page for you
To make your own choice,
If you only take the time
To read a few of my lines.

I am not hiding
Myself away from you or
Anyone else who
Wishes to learn about me,
I am highly visible.

Make yourself at home
Inside my virtual world,
Explore what you like,
Maybe you will then decide
I am someone worth knowing.

I beg you only
Do not judge me without you
Take time to know me,
I am more than my surface
Can fully convey to you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 2, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I chose to get some sleep last night.
2.   Mom bought me some beautiful clothes that make me presentable to go to meetings.
3.   I did not have to drive to the conference today.
4.   I got home before too late and fixed Mom’s supper.
5.   Mom is always interested in my endeavors.

This is an artistically rendered photo of me taken and processed by my mentor, Richard Nichols.

I enjoyed my Sunday a great deal. I hope your day was equally pleasant. I encourage you to spend a few minutes exercising your creativity. There is much in your experience worth sharing with the world. Your imagination, your vision, can contribute so much to the perceptions of others. I am convinced you are uniquely talented in amazing ways. Believe in your ability to make a difference.

As a prompt, write about how others perceive you. You can share a link to your poem, story, or journal entry in the comments below. The exercise could be very revealing to you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will return to visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for updates by email. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me know how to better reach you and others.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 144

Journal entry:

When Storms Threaten Us

Sometimes God allows
Things to happen we hardly
Even understand,
But have faith it is just part
Of His overriding plan.

God carries us through
Every dangerous storm with
Overwhelming love,
Caring for us as His own
Dear children, never leaving.

Jesus watches us,
Taking care situations
Are never so hard
We lose our connection to
Him, and our abiding faith.

We depend upon
The Father, Son, and Spirit
To maintain our lives
Amidst pain and suffering,
Knowing they can give relief.

We are not ever
Forsaken, though we may doubt,
God understands us
Knowing we are sometimes weak,
He strengthens us with His peace.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, June 1, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I am given words to write when I do not know what to say.
2.   I slept a good deal today.
3.   God surrounds us with beauty if we open our eyes to see.
4.   My puppy dog, Hope, keeps me company.
5.   I have learned to use some self control.

I needed this quiet Saturday at home. I hope your day was relaxing and pleasant. Take time to exercise your creativity and make something wonderful to share with others. You are blessed with the talent you need to achieve great things if you only apply some effort. I know your gifts are worthwhile, for each of us is a precious treasure.

As a prompt, write about a place you would like to vacation, or perhaps why you are not vacationing. Share a link to your poem, story, or journal entry in the comments below.

Thanks so very much for spending your time reading my blog. I hope you will find your way back here often. You might 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 a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 143

Journal entry:

Provision

Study
His ways, you will
Find God is loving, kind,
Forgiving, and a steadfast friend
In times of greatest trouble, lifting up
The hearts of those who face despair,
He never deserts those
Who will give Him
Their lives.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, May 31, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   After Mom yelled and woke me around 2:00 this morning, she did not have to call me again.
2.   I slept well, without nightmares.
3.   Mom’s appointment went well.
4.   We ate supper at Taco Bell so I did not have to cook this evening.
5.   I finally got some capris that fit Mom. Only took me three tries.

My Friday was fairly good, though quite busy. I hope your day was enjoyable. Now, while you are able, create something to share with others. You could take a picture, write a poem, make a gratitude list, draw something, whatever feeds your imagination at the moment. Do it and see how it enriches your life, then make a habit of creativity.

As a prompt, write about your creative process and how you nurture yourself. You might create a poem, story, or journal entry, whichever appeals to you. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog. I hope you will make a habit of visiting, but I also encourage you to subscribe to Chronicles by email so you miss no updates. Your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism are welcome, so please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 142

Journal entry:

I wrote the following poem in the deep darkness of the early morning hours. There is an element of crisis to it…

In Doubt

Am I so wholly
Unpleasing to God that He
Would fully desert
Those for whom I so dearly
Care, leaving them to suffer?

So it seems to me,
For I have constantly prayed
Entreating the Lord
To reach down in His mercy
And alleviate their pain,

But with no result.
I am bereft; believing,
Praying, and hoping
Has worked no good on their part,
They are in great agony.

I am now beset
With undeniable doubt,
I am not given
The strength of faith that Job had;
I am so weakling a worm.

Yet still I pray God
Even should He find it just
To forsake my cause
That He would show unceasing
Love and tenderness to them.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 30, 2013

This was a Facebook status inspired by the above picture and divided into lines to make a poem…

In Life’s Garden

People are beautiful
And delicate like Summer roses.
They need careful tending
And abundant love to
Reach their glorious potential.
No matter their appearance
People are worthy of respect.
Nurture every person
Who touches your life
And show your gratitude
For the blessings they impart.
Like the roses, people only
Bloom for a little while
And then they fade away.
You are only left with
Memories of their splendor.
So cherish your moments with
Others and share your
Feelings of love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 30, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got a little sleep, but accomplished a lot overnight.
2.   I decided to call Qwest Diagnostics, and hopefully took care of that problem.
3.   We were not late to Mom’s appointment.
4.   The new program seems to be helping Mom a little.
5.   I got some beautiful pictures today.

This was an emotional Thursday. I hope your day was more stable and enjoyable. I encourage you to engage your imagination and do some creative work. I guarantee it will enrich your life and touch others with whom you share. You may believe you have nothing to say, but if you open your mind you will find words. I believe in your talent. Believe in yourself.

As a prompt, write a crisis poem, story, or journal entry. You might want to resolve the crisis or leave it as a cliffhanger. You know what writing will nourish you. Follow your heart. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my words. I have managed another day of writing and I have a little hope that I can go on. You might want to subscribe to Chronicles for future updates. I hope you will also come back to visit. Your comments are always appreciated and they help encourage me. Sometimes I feel the writing is too personal and I should stop sharing, but you all help me go on.

Always,
Jo Ann