2022 Creativity Project – Day 9

We should talk about “They” and “Them.” These characters are often evoked to accentuate some point of debate. If their opinions meet with disagreement, many people have no idea who the characters are.

Some live lives of desperation, attempting to live up to their standards, and others chase their approval. It seems some find life incomplete without including the drama of us and them.

I am trying to divorce myself from caring about the thoughts and opinions of they and them. I suggest this may be worthwhile for you, too.

An indication this might be a healthful exercise is that you, as I did, find yourself frequently checking social media. I found myself feeling great when likes existed, less so when there were none. I checked many times a day and spent hours online. I do less of both now.

They may have specific thoughts or beliefs and believe you should do the same, but if these do not match who you are, you can defy them.

You are an individual, made in God’s image. You are a creator. Do your things, be your person. If someone speaks the truth to you and it fits your head game and real-life, good, follow that, as long as you dare. When it is time to let go, stop hitching that wagon, find a rocket to the stars.

They and Them, if existing, have lives of whatever description. Try not to think about either. Be you, do it unashamedly gloriously, your way, without fear, with love, creativity, and kindness. The world needs so much compassion. Worry less about “Them and They,” and make your life and those of others better when and where you are able.

Believe me; this advice is for me, too.

Prompt
If you have an opportunity, do an act of kindness to “pay it forward.” Create some work that evokes the feelings your generosity brings. Let your audience feel the reality.

Gratitude List
I am thankful:
1. My screen protectors came.
2. Reading is an educational affair.

Thank you for spending time here. I hope you found something you may use. Please come back or follow Haphazard Creative, the 365 will continue through 2022. Your likes are much appreciated.

All material is © Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

2022 Creativity Project – Day 8

Dig deep,
Hold the trenches.
You know
The last line.
Your mission
Is to develop
The concept from
The first.
Do your best
Be tenacious,
Keep the smile
Let it grow.
Invest your
Heart to each,
Every part,
Let love show.

I wrote down a few lines in the wee hours. They grew, changed, and became.

PROMPT
Do you ever make a jotting or sketch on a notepad, scrap paper, or in your journal and put it aside? I challenge you to look through these thoughtfully and find something from which you can create.

This little bear that was Mom’s fascinates me, and he seems to have such an attitude. Sometimes I look at him and think that he has set to sea for an adventure, but he maybe has the thought, “Should I go back?”

We are often like that when we begin something that overwhelms us. There will be many similar days in 2022. We must remember our dreams and toss the confusion in a heap to the side. Twists and turns will come, but turning back is not an option. The past does not hold its doors open for us.

A song by Styx called, “Come Sail Away,” tells the story of a captain who sets sail on seas unknown and encounters memories reflected in the waves. He is propositioned by angels singing, “Come sail away.” The angels climb aboard their starship and fly away into the skies, to his surprise. You may ascertain Styx is one of my favorite groups.

I mention this song because we often set a course and are diverted by what we see as “angels,” which will not bring us to what we intend to create if we allow them space or follow them. Surprises are pleasant, but be judicious. You are the captain of your life.

Today, I read John 10. The main heading was The Good Shepherd; Jesus is our Shepherd and the Door for us. Studying the BE Commentary, I learned something. Did you know that the pens or folds that held the sheep were built of stone? The folds had no doors or gates. Did you know that the good shepherd lay in the gap at night to ward the sheep? If anything happened to the flock, He was right there. Such a beautiful picture of Jesus.

I encourage you to study the Word of God and find the many treasures it offers.

Gratitude List

I am thankful:
1. Somehow, I came up with a few things to share.
2. I called AT&T because my Broadband 1 light had been flashing red for about a week. They were sending someone to do whatever was required for repairs tomorrow, but later they fixed the line somehow and are not coming. WIN, WIN, WIN!
3. The heat works, since we have Winter, at the moment.

Thank you for your time; I hope you have found something to encourage or inspire you while visiting Haphazard Creative. Please follow the site or come back often; I intend to continue this 365 for all of 2022. Likes are always smile-makers and much appreciated. Be well, be blessed, share your love with all you meet – it is needed.

2022 Creativity Project – Day 7

I do not know what
I should write, I have words, but
They will not line up
To lend me a voice, to which
Some will pause, gladly listen.

Today, I read John 9, which centers on Jesus healing a man blind from birth. I read the Amplified Version on the Olive Tree Bible Study app, which is an excellent tool for learning. After reading the scripture, I used the BE Commentary to go deeper.

John is all about Jesus being the Son of God, and therefore, God. This chapter is very revealing, and the story, with its situations, is also beautiful.

I have been reading through the Bible again. I started with Psalms, and have read through the Gospels, currently in John. I am not using a plan but reading as I can. Some days it is filled with such grace, precisely suitable for where I am.

I am again at a loss for words, and I do not have a photo either.

Prompt

When you are confused about creating, write about being stumped. If you are a visual artist, begin by not knowing.

Gratitude List
I am thankful:
1. Alex called.
2. My study took me to exactly what I needed.
3. I did not stay in bed all day.
4. I managed to get this done.
5. Life is, and it goes on.

Found a subject to photograph. I got this from Zip’s Pens on Amazon. It is handmade.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative; please follow or come back to the site as you can. Likes and comments are always appreciated. May you find joy in each day and solve any problems you encounter. Be blessed.

2022 Creativity Project – Day 6

Open the door on a new-fangled year. Somehow it seems unclear who is going on. Will a pose be stuck to endear, or are all acts sheared away.

Maybe everything is unformed as the void was before the Word gave life. Words are the tools to sculpt the way, whatever means each day.

1
I
Light the
Chalice
With a
Headstrong
Libation
From
Somewhere
Distinct
In memory
And moment,
Motion
To see
You
Again.

2
The work
Never stops,
The war to
Keep together
What battles
Left me;
Meaning confused
By voices,
Whether his or
Mine,
Unknown.

3
I sing
Like,
Maybe,
Someone
Would
Take
Interest,
Still,
As usual
I am plagued
By fear
And doubt –
The both
Block
My
Music
Out.

4
Sleep,
Soft ones,
So dear –
Life is
A balmy
Evening,
Where ravens
Appear.

One through three are tanka; four is a haiku. I gave them unconventional line breaks to add emphasis.

PROMPT
Consider something you have created; take it to another medium or form. Please do not presume to know what you make until you take directions you did not first use.

Appreciation
1. Even when I fall, I find the way.
2. What no one knows.
3. Still learning.

Thank you for your time. Follow or come back if you want to do so. Your likes and recommendations are appreciated.

Fiber Lives

This is us
You and me
Spirits riding
The wires.
Participants
In Global
Society
To the
Ninth
Degree.
We are hung
Between
Earth and Sky,
Becoming
Detached
From what
Some call
Reality.
Still, it is
In these
Hours
Many find
Strength
To endure,
In interaction
With temporal
Strangers,
Who are
Cyber friends.
The lines
Wired,
Screens,
Love or
Hate,
Friends
And Foes,
There are
Few ways
To let go
The life
Within
This realm
Digital,
Technology
Wins the hour
Abides,
Attenable.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

Prompt

Photography has become ubiquitous. Take a photo, create something projected from your image. Words may be best in this instance.