Johnny E. Mahaffey
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August 25, 2018

The Novelist Portent

[drawing of five humans, all wearing black shorts, within the outline of a sunburst shape, doing yoga-like exercises; the largest human has a yin yang for a head; the largest human has a yellow starburst around its body, and there are three yellow lightning bolts between the humans; behind the humans is a horizon line, and above them is a blue sky]

FREE AT LAST!
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This building that I am in, the "Character-Based Unit, CBU", is now off of lock-down. The other buildings--"units" or "dorms"--are, however, still confined to their cells.
Why us?
Because we're the ones that DON'T go around stabbing one another, or the guards. In fact, guards consider themselves very lucky to be assigned to the CBU for a shift, because we make this such a safe place to be in--in comparison to the other buildings (where prisoners are still chasing each other around with makeshift swords and axes.)
The CBU is NOT perfect by any means ... it is still a work in progress. Now that we're off of the lock-down status, it opens up times for our classes. I'll be starting some of mine back up in full force:

1. Science, A Candle in the Dark: Astrophysics

2. CBU Scribe: Creative Writing

3. CWI Novel Writers' Workshop

Usually, I'd have eight (or so) to teach, but I've cut back due to my job at the sign plant, screenprinting; and, because I want to have enough time to finish my own writing projects in the hopes that I can better help my family. Especially now....
I'm determined to succeed.
On another note, with the lock-down lifted--I was able to go outside today and soak up some sun. Actually getting to take a walk while listening to my Sony Walkman (No LOL, it's all we get access to). Luckily I have some sunscreen (SPF-35 and some SPF-45), that I have to use until I fully reacclimate to being in the sun after being confined to my cell since April 14th.
This has been the busiest month of my entire incarceration! But, I'm not complaining--it's like Flynn tells Quorra in "Tron: Legacy": "Chaos. Good news."
There are new pieces on the board--and I'm springing into action. It's said we don't always get what we WANT; but, we get what we NEED. And right now, a lot of things seem to be falling into place, so much so that it's a little eerie ... but eerie good. My help is needed, and it's at a time that I actually CAN help, and I will help, gladly.

M