There are things in my life, which at the time struck me as a nuisance or annoyance, but in hindsight, cause me a great deal of joy and laughter. Like this morning, for example. I usually wake up at six thirty and take our dog out to do […]
It’s funny how quick we are to laugh at other people’s pain, but you have to admit that it’s always funny…that is, until it happens to you. For example, my celly has long hair and one of his methods for drying it while he’s drying off from the […]
Another year brings new ideas and opportunities to an open minded person. To me another year brings an annual review where a group of counselors and a unit supervisor decide my fate for the next year. The hallmark statement that is always made is “maintain & retain”. They […]
Yesterday I graduated from a 14 week class called Bridges to Life. What is Bridges to Life? It’s a class that’s stated purpose is to restore peace in the lifes of both crime victims and convicted criminals. It deals with responsibility, repentance, accountability, confession, reconciliation and restitution. For […]
Up in the morning, early as usual, and out to let my pup (Maddie) out to use the bathroom. All of the sleepiness left me as I felt the freezing november rain on my head. I love the crisp air and the northwest rain, even at 6:30 in […]
Today I had the priviledge of being the table topics master at this weeks Toasmasters International meeting. We are a small group here at MCC-TRU called Twin Speaks. What’s amazing about our club is that participants help pay the $100. annual fee per member through donating their artwork […]
Fall Is Back
Fall is back, and I’m reminded that it’s one of my four favorite seasons. I really do love them all. Seasons bring change and the constant birth, death and rebirth of life and ways of life. The winds blow their gentle orchestra through the fall leaves and I’m […]
80 degrees in April!
What’s going on with the weather? We’re breaking records here in Washington and I’d be lying if I said I’m not enjoying the sunshine. But I can’t help but wonder, is this because of global warming? The scientist have proven without any doubt that, yes, our planet is […]
Can something wild and free live in captivity?
Is it possible that within all creatures held captive, that something wild and free still lives within and not just the longing and memories of freedom? I was spiritually moved today standing in the yard asking myself those questions as I watched two mallard ducks in our outside […]
Why should education matter to prisoners?
Well, not only is it a positive outlet that allows a guy some meaning and purpose to all of this, but it is the holy grail for reducing recidivism. Why should the public care if inmates get a college degree? Aren’t they in prison to be punnished? The […]
Success After Struggle
If you’ve never heard of Toastmasters, look it up. I have the privilege of being a member of Twin Speeks Toastmasters club at MCC_TRU (Monroe). It is by far the best program offered at this facility, giving us priceless communications skills, while learning to think on our toes […]
Winning!
When I reflect upon the paths I have walked, the previous unknowns around every corner, and the hurdles and obstacles I’ve had to overcome, I’m able to measure the constant progression I’ve made towards earning back my freedom. Difficult moments are what define you as a person. We […]
blessing in disguise
Uncertain what lies around the next corner, I feel my way through this dark room that we know as the prison system. Uprooted and disoriented, there isn’t any chance of growing comfortble or complacent. One one can liken the recent turn of events in my life to being […]
Pray for paris
I feel for the families of those who lost their lives, and also those who were wounded in the terrorist attacks in Paris. It’s hard to believe that people would intentionally carry out such terrible actions on the innocent. I can empathize with the pain of losing a […]
Looking Forward:
Its funny how the memory can bring back–in vivid detail–sights, sounds, and smells that make them cherished and favored. I could feel the crisp bite of foggy air this morning as I walked down to grab some breakfast. The fall colors, the first frost, and the geese flying […]
Forward Looking:
A friend of mine recently asked me “If you could spend five years living in three different states within this country, what would they be?” Being that I have never lived in any other state than washington, I based my choices off of what I have heard from […]
Randy’s Random Rants:
Born and raised in the northwest, I have always rooted for my home team. “Seahawks baby!” It is attractive to tke pride in where you are from, however, my hawks are making it hard for me to let my inner fan out this year. With two wins and […]
Forward looking
Prior to starting a lengthy prison sentence, I was under the impression that prison consisted of tiers, bars, razor wire, toilets next to your bunk in your cell, and a recreation yard where the big dogs eat the little dogs. I imagine that many of you share the […]
Randy’s Random Rants:
Squeezing my eyes shut, I tried to force myself to sleep for at least tweny more minutes before srtarting another mundane day in prison; a task which I found nearly impossible as I fought against the sounds of industrial sized toilets flushing 10 gallons of water per shot, […]
success upon my release from prison
There is such a familiar ease and natural flow to the conversation of those who are free from the confines of prison. It was an honor to share two hours of conversation with company representatives from the Home Depot, Goodwill Industries, South Seattle Community College, and the North […]
Positivity In Prison
Hi, Randy here. Yesterday was a day to remember all of those loved ones who have been lost to cancer, I beleive that we all have someone close to us, or at least know someone who has been diagnosed with, or died from cancer. My mother is a […]
“So Here I Am”
1984, born to a mexican / indian mother and a white father whose love for me was so strong that to this day I haven’t lost it, all of their love was for their children, but for one another, their love was toxic. So here I am. An […]
Inmate Blogger 