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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]