I'm new to the social media thing. Until 2003, when I was initially incarcerated, I simply used the internet for games, videos, music and research. So, please, bear with me as I navigate the new terrain.

If anyone has personal questions or a comment that requires a personal response; I'd appreciate you mailing me a letter or leaving me your name and address to do the same. I will be honest and open. But a lot of people are offended by the way I word myself and my openness. Remember, I'm an indigent (poor) man who is in prison without family support.

As for my crime; I killed one of my family members. It was an accident. But I'm guilty, so I pled guilty. I'm not proud of it. But my three months of experimenting with drugs and alcohol for the first time led me down a dark path. One night, at the home of the only family member who loved me, and feeling safe and secure; I just snapped.

I regret it. But I refuse to allow it to cause me to lose my sanity. I do not have nightmares or flashbacks. I simply accept that it happened, I've assessed it, I have learned from it and am moving on. I cannot change the fact that it happened. But I can prevent the circumstances surrounding it from happening again. To start with, I do not need drug or alcohol rehab. I had reality/life therapy.

I found chess to be a very fascinating game while incarcerated. I got a "fool's mate" in on a man in the co. jail; which led to him accusing me of cheating and a fight. A couple years later I ran into a man who'd win consistently and constantly against me. In prison population by then, of course, and having access to other players I still got my butt kicked.

Then a man gave me two old Chess Life magazines. I wrote and joined the PPCL, bummed a CL mag. subscription and some books. My study and hard work, along with my strong will and determination, paid off. Ten years in and I am defeating the best of the chess players now.

My ego is on my hat; it says "Chess Master Bond". And most people call me that or "The Book", which I used to hate. But now I embrace it and like it.

You see, most people do not study the books and magazines. They stay put while I excel.

I'm no longer a member of the PPCL. And my 1 yr. subscription to CL was over years ago. But I still fish in the ole' book when I can get one. I do not have money. So I get them from places that donate a couple books to prisoners approx. every 90 days. But most of them do not have chess books most of the time.

Prison policy here is all books and magazines must come from a publisher or credible dealer. Nothing can be mailed from home, a friend, or family. This policy makes it difficult to get donations because people must simply order me one and pay for it. But I do also understand the reasons behind the policy, and I do respect the reasons why.

I'll blog more later.

- Soul Survivor 79