[Black and white photo of author. She is sitting in front of a wall decorated by a Dallas Cowboys star logo, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans.]

RHONDA J. BAYS

Hello! My name is Rhonda Bays and I am 42 years old. I have been incarcerated for about 33 months right now out of a 292 month sentence (that is about 24 years). The time is going by a lot quicker than I thought it would. I just pray that the rest of the time that I have to spend in this place goes equally as fast.

A little about me...

I am not sure really where to begin. I reckon I will just start this like I would a profile on MySpace or something.

My family
I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters. My oldest daughter's name is Laura. She's 20 years old, and she is my pride. Then there is Haley. She is 15 (in March), and she is my joy! I am very fortunate to have them in my life. They live in Florida. I would give anything to see them.

I was sent here to Texas instead of Florida at Tallahassee because of my medical issues. One day I would like to get well enough to go there. That way, I am not so far away from them and the travel would not seem impossible. I think that is the hardest part about being here. Missing my family.

I also have a wonderful father named Reuben. He is always there for me, and I couldn't ask for a better emotional support. He is everything to me.

My sister's name is Rebecca. She is as sweet as she is beautiful. I miss her soooo much! Before I came to prison, she was my best friend that I ever had. I hope to one day be able to have that same type of relationship with her. I miss her more every day.

Occupation
Before coming to prison, I did restaurant and retail management for 20 years. I was also a notary. I have a sneaky suspicion that my notary seal has been revoked! LOL! I now work in the psychology department here in prison when I am able to work.

Right now, I am out for a few months until maybe my health improves. If it does not, I will be medically unassigned.

Books
I just adore horror books! I read them every chance I get. Currently my favorite authors are: Richard Layman, John Saul, and Bentley Little. Richard Layman is definitely first though. He always keeps me wanting to turn the page. My kind of author.

Aside from their books, I enjoy reading true crime, some mystery, self-help, and occasionally a Western. I cannot stand romance. I would rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon than read one. :)

Anyway, I am reading right now in my free time about twenty books a month. I think it has been a wonderful learning experience with so many books to read.

Movies
I haven't been into movies lately. Some of my most recent views have been: I am $4, The Adjustment Bureau, Insidious, The Roommate, The Devil, and Harry Potter number 1,246,697. Or at least it seems that way. :) Okay, I won't knock Harry Potter because in an odd way, I actually enjoy the series.

Now, granted, the books were MUCH better. But the movies are still a source of pleasure for me.

Hobbies
Let's see... Here I make dream catchers. That is a lot of fun for me. I also do some cross stitch and some crochet—albeit I am not very good at either. I am trying new projects with the crochet, but it is not working out exactly the way it should. Unless of course gloves are SUPPOSED to only come halfway down your hands and have six fingers. New fad maybe?

RELIGION
I am a Christian through and through. I was supposed to shoot up for the first time in my life on 05/18/09. I wound up giving my life to the Lord instead. It has been a wonderful experience for me being a child of God now, and I would not trade it for anything in the world. Ever. I believe that my only regret would be that I did not give my life to him sooner. Better late than never, huh? Now to work on my family...

DREAMS
My dream would be to go home and open up an outreach center. I've always wanted to do that, except now I would make sure that the word of God would be available to all those who came. It would have food, clothing, household items. It'd help people with some of their bills, and be a safe home for women and children.

I guess that is all that I can really think of about myself right now. I will be blogging my thoughts and such at a later date, and you can read them if you want to get to know me better. Also, I will put my address below, as I just LOVE mail and new friends.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Rhonda J. Bays
27356-018 Unit 1 South
Federal Medical Center Carswell
P.O. Box 27137
Ft. Worth, Texas 76127