These drawings are *incredible*. I wish all the Internet visitors could see the originals: they are beautifully executed ink drawn on translucent cloth. These seriously blow me away - they look great on screen, but even more amazing in real life.
Thanks Diego for sending these in; they're wonderful.
I can only speak for myself, but I would say that everyone deserves the chance to connect with others in love, forgiveness and understanding. These all take work from both sides. I know that when I have a disagreement with my wife, or have hurt her feelings, it takes some thinking by me about what I've done and then effort to explain why I did what I did. Then sometimes I need to listen to her explain to me how much what I did hurt her and accept that I did hurt her, even if it makes me feel bad. Sometimes that back and forth goes on for a while before things "settle down". What I need to do, though, long term, is repair her trust in me by not hurting her and supporting her as a husband should. Eventually things even out and we're on solid ground again.
There is none of this without a chance. There is none of this with the "slamming of the door". Sometimes trust in someone is very difficult to repair depending on what hurt they've caused. There's always hope in the love, understanding and forgiveness you might find.
Hey! First of all im sorry because my english is not very good (but im trying to improve it) so i may commit some mistakes. So nice the fact that you like reading (i love it too), painting and writing poems; i also write sometimes. I imagine that it's really not easy to be locked up in there; do you have any contact with your family or friends "outside"? Well im really drowsy now so i cannot think about something better to write, im sorry. But tell me more about you, tell me anything you'd like to, i'd really like to read anything you have to say. Best regards! :)
Thanks for your honest (and conflicting) reflection on the world news. You might be surprised how many of us on the "outside" carry on conversations about these terrible events to pass the time. Many of us feel bad about the news but do little and then go back to whatever we are used to doing.
Keep blogging. I bet the conversation will continue.
I heard about this blog on the radio, and have some fear about responding. Part of that fear is creating an expectation of an ongoing conversation, and I won't promise that. I've often thought that simple incarceration is a stupid response to crime, in that there's probably not great individual support and motivating factors in prison.
I am impressed with your thoughtfulness and curiosity.
You question about whether people judge the blogger by their history. I try not to. One of the norms at the church I attend is that history is left behind. For example, occupations and incomes are not usually mentioned. A truck driver and a doctor might have a conversation on equal terms. For me, your interest in fascinating books is separate from a crime you committed.
I agree that we're all selfish is some ways. We just hide it in different ways. Recently I recognized another way I seek approval, if I can figure out how to describe it. I was in traffic court and the judge asked a two part question: "Is there anyone who a) came in late or b) whose name wasn't mentioned?" I announced that a) I was on time but b) my name wasn't mentioned. Later I realized that I didn't need to mention that I was on time, but only that my name wasn't mentioned. Since then I've seen more of that kind of behavior in myself, saying something that's irrelevant to the conversation but intended to get credit (acknowledgment, love, etc.)
I feel like i just drank three cups of coffee after reading your post, my mind feels alive and I want to read it again and probably again. I'm the writer in my circle of friend and my ex used to say he wanted to write me letters but never had enough courage because I was pretentious and intimidating. Now I feel like the tables have turned and I am in the position of feeling like my words could not even break the surface of your writing. I'm struck by your honesty and yet it's like I still didn't learn anything about you. I respect wanting to be met with honesty and trust when you get ready to share yourself. I am currently getting over my love and I hate that I can't get rid of the nauseous feeling of being robbed. I was robbed because I shared my honesty, trust and vulnerability with someone who was dishonest and untrustworthy and he took what was ultimately never his to take. I graduated with a B.A. in political science with an emphasis on constitutional politics and wish I was still in school today because I would have loved to bring your post to discussions at the University. You said, in the most poetic way, what so many people try to understand about human nature and our man made systems of justice. I admire that you say you are not "innocent" and I was not surprised when you said you were guilty. 1. When I first looked at your eyes and glanced at your writing you looked harsh and hard. However, when I read your writing I'm now at a loss to even begin to have a first impression.....I have no idea who you are, how you are like... 2. I am not innocent either. You call it sin, I call it karma which meets us everyday from past actions. I have never broken the law and I've never been in the wrong place at the wrong time but this by no means makes me innocent. Intent is everything and I know that even though society sees me as innocent it's intent of my actions that sooth or haunt my mind. The guilt that I have greets me through restless nights and silent conversations. 3. I also have no time for people who leave it at surface value. If you were to look at me you would not know until you asked that: I am: Adopted A daughter of two white women A sister with siblings from Africa to India A college graduate An active member of my community and voice for civil liberties A triathlete Now having read your post you do look like a fearless rebel and furious warrior, without a doubt you have the experience to back that up. Thank you! Thank you for letting me read your post and thank you for awakening my drowsy mind..... -Em
I'm from Brazil and I'm a graphic designer. I like your drawings, they are creative and really I believe you can further refine your style. I heard about this site and I thought it would be interesting and curious to meet people who have committed some type of crime and now they can meet other people outside the prison by net. I heard stories of people who have suffered a lot and I'd like to hear yours. That's why I'm contacting you. I'm glad that you come out of jail soon and then you'll have your freedom back. Great! Hey Sabrina, you say you're a nice person. So I'm curious to know what crime you committed? Sorry my english. Hugs.
I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope that you are able to find some support and safety, whether from inside or outside of the system. I wish that I could provide more direct help, but maybe you can find some solace knowing that people have read your words and are thinking about you.
To update on Tim's situation, following Tim's "lugging" to the hole in early November, he was given a disciplinary report that resulted in guilty findings that ultimately resulted in his transfer to MCI Shirley in early February 2010. Tim, his family and many supporters believe that all these actions against Tim were in retaliation for his whistle blowing.
Tim has filled a complaint in Superior Court on the guilty findings, loss of good time served, his housing and job at MCI Norfolk. The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) has committed to helping him with his complaint.
I'm a 56 brazilian women. I want to know more about you, your life outside and inside the prison. I will try to show you my world. Do you have curiosity about Brazil? What do you know about my country? Best regards,
RSS
Thanks Diego for sending these in; they're wonderful.
I can only speak for myself, but I would say that everyone deserves the chance to connect with others in love, forgiveness and understanding. These all take work from both sides. I know that when I have a disagreement with my wife, or have hurt her feelings, it takes some thinking by me about what I've done and then effort to explain why I did what I did. Then sometimes I need to listen to her explain to me how much what I did hurt her and accept that I did hurt her, even if it makes me feel bad. Sometimes that back and forth goes on for a while before things "settle down". What I need to do, though, long term, is repair her trust in me by not hurting her and supporting her as a husband should. Eventually things even out and we're on solid ground again.
There is none of this without a chance. There is none of this with the "slamming of the door". Sometimes trust in someone is very difficult to repair depending on what hurt they've caused. There's always hope in the love, understanding and forgiveness you might find.
--PaulInMH
So nice the fact that you like reading (i love it too), painting and writing poems; i also write sometimes.
I imagine that it's really not easy to be locked up in there; do you have any contact with your family or friends "outside"?
Well im really drowsy now so i cannot think about something better to write, im sorry. But tell me more about you, tell me anything you'd like to, i'd really like to read anything you have to say.
Best regards! :)
Thanks for your honest (and conflicting) reflection on the world news. You might be surprised how many of us on the "outside" carry on conversations about these terrible events to pass the time. Many of us feel bad about the news but do little and then go back to whatever we are used to doing.
Keep blogging. I bet the conversation will continue.
--Paul
I am impressed with your thoughtfulness and curiosity.
You question about whether people judge the blogger by their history. I try not to. One of the norms at the church I attend is that history is left behind. For example, occupations and incomes are not usually mentioned. A truck driver and a doctor might have a conversation on equal terms. For me, your interest in fascinating books is separate from a crime you committed.
I agree that we're all selfish is some ways. We just hide it in different ways. Recently I recognized another way I seek approval, if I can figure out how to describe it. I was in traffic court and the judge asked a two part question: "Is there anyone who a) came in late or b) whose name wasn't mentioned?" I announced that a) I was on time but b) my name wasn't mentioned. Later I realized that I didn't need to mention that I was on time, but only that my name wasn't mentioned. Since then I've seen more of that kind of behavior in myself, saying something that's irrelevant to the conversation but intended to get credit (acknowledgment, love, etc.)
I graduated with a B.A. in political science with an emphasis on constitutional politics and wish I was still in school today because I would have loved to bring your post to discussions at the University. You said, in the most poetic way, what so many people try to understand about human nature and our man made systems of justice. I admire that you say you are not "innocent" and I was not surprised when you said you were guilty.
1. When I first looked at your eyes and glanced at your writing you looked harsh and hard. However, when I read your writing I'm now at a loss to even begin to have a first impression.....I have no idea who you are, how you are like...
2. I am not innocent either. You call it sin, I call it karma which meets us everyday from past actions. I have never broken the law and I've never been in the wrong place at the wrong time but this by no means makes me innocent. Intent is everything and I know that even though society sees me as innocent it's intent of my actions that sooth or haunt my mind. The guilt that I have greets me through restless nights and silent conversations.
3. I also have no time for people who leave it at surface value. If you were to look at me you would not know until you asked that:
I am:
Adopted
A daughter of two white women
A sister with siblings from Africa to India
A college graduate
An active member of my community and voice for civil liberties
A triathlete
Now having read your post you do look like a fearless rebel and furious warrior, without a doubt you have the experience to back that up.
Thank you! Thank you for letting me read your post and thank you for awakening my drowsy mind.....
-Em
I'm from Brazil and I'm a graphic designer. I like your drawings, they are creative and really I believe you can further refine your style. I heard about this site and I thought it would be interesting and curious to meet people who have committed some type of crime and now they can meet other people outside the prison by net. I heard stories of people who have suffered a lot and I'd like to hear yours. That's why I'm contacting you. I'm glad that you come out of jail soon and then you'll have your freedom back. Great! Hey Sabrina, you say you're a nice person. So I'm curious to know what crime you committed? Sorry my english. Hugs.
VitorMazzeo
Best wishes for you and your friend.
Tim has filled a complaint in Superior Court on the guilty findings, loss of good time served, his housing and job at MCI Norfolk. The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) has committed to helping him with his complaint.
I'm a 56 brazilian women.
I want to know more about you, your life outside and inside the prison.
I will try to show you my world.
Do you have curiosity about Brazil?
What do you know about my country?
Best regards,
Lula Franco