Notes From The Inside
by Scott

3.28.01

Hey there...Thanks so much for the book. I love Poppy Z. Brite! I've read alot of her work.

Stress sux! When I'm stressed out I try and meditate. I know some Buddhist mantras. One that works for me is Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Pronounced Nam-yo-ho- reigngay-key-o. It means: Nam- devotion, Myoho- universal mystic law, Renge- cause and effect, and Kyo- harmony. Repeat over and over in a relaxed, comfortable position with your eyes closed. Try it. It works for me and I feel alot better...

I do yoga and calisthenics. I also found a new game I love. You know that Italian game 'bocce'? There's not much to it, but the competition is good...

No we're not allowed cds or tapes. I have a radio though and I'm close enought to Philly so I can get some good stations. I like all kinds of music. But mostly old school punk and hardcore. the Misfits, Bad Brains, etc. I also love the Smiths, Skinny Puppy, Ministry. I like Irish Folk music, Jazz, Blues, and big band music. I play the saxophone and a couple of other instruments...

What else do I do all day here? Well let me tell you about today. I went to work at 7:30am to the paint shop. The paint shop is in a building call facilities. All the facilities are there- carpentry, electrical,etc. I was looking at the work orders to do when someone lit the bathroom on fire so we all had to leave. I got back to my housing block and waited to hear what was going to happen. Lockdown, investigation? So when this blew over I went to lunch at noon. I ate a black bean burger and onion rings. So then work was closed for the day. Then I went to the library to hang out. I watched nature videos. So then I had to get back to my block for the 4:00pm count. When I got back I find out one of my friends is beefing with another guy. So 'our crew' went to chow at 5:15pm. We ate, then went to the rec yard to get this settled. They ended up fighting one on one. My friend won. Boom. No hard feelings, it's over. I hope. So anyway I got back to the block. Was surprised and excited at my mail. Read everything and started this letter to you. It's now 8:15pm.

Yes I get paid for being in the paint shop. Only 16$ a month. Here in the Federal Prison System they have big industry. They can make anywhere from 16$ to 300$ a month. They do everything. Make all the stuff for the military, the prisons, and all Federal Services. Even stuff for NASA! Here they make cable for air force planes. I'm on the list to get in but it takes about a year. All our stuff- clothes, beds, blankets are made in Federal Prisons...

No we don't get to pick the movies, All the movies are edited here. No nudity or cussing...

I entered a poetry contest for women's history month. The whole Federal Prison System is involved. First prize is 50$ cash, 25$ towards books, and a certificate. I will mail you a copy of mine.

One of my cellies is going home next month. He's been in 13 years for bank robbery. I'm happy for him. He's a good guy.

Oh I almost forgot. I wanted to tell you what I saw today- hundreds of canadian geese migrating back north. It was beautiful. V formation and all.

Alright thanks again for the letter...Take Care, Peace.

Scott