by Ray Bands, San Francisco The first time I got a hover-board, I asked my God-mom, right? I just asked just because like I really didn’t want her to get it. You dig what I’m saying? But peep this: every Christmas she gets me one thing. No matter whatever it is, she will get me it. So, I kind of knew she would get me it if I begged. I bet I wasn’t going to do all that. So, it was this one Christmas and I kind of knew she got it, so I woke up and ran to the
Continue ReadingYear: 2021
Convict Chronicles Tip #19… Pimpin’ Your Pad Find Happiness In Cell Improvement
by Leo Cardez, Dixon Correctional in Dixon, Illinois It has come to my attention that my cell sucks. Objectively, that might be too harsh of an assessment, but it certainly feels true right now. Don’t get me wrong. It has a window; working toilet and sink, albeit old and ugly; and enough space that I would describe as live-able. But the many things the cell leaves to be desired, cheap fixtures, un-openable window, uncontrollable vent, industrial off-white walls, and an ancient tile floor that never quite looks clean. It has the amazing magical power of concealing anything that is dropped
Continue ReadingSpeak Life
by Q. Paige, San Quentin State Prison, CA All have heard, “If you don’t have nothing nice to say don’t say anything at all!” I fully stand by this saying, “There is so much negativity in the world you don’t need to add to it. Be different. SPEAK LIFE! Encourage someone, inspire someone, uplift someone you could change the world one person at a time.” Have you ever told someone “Good morning,” and their whole demeanor changes? If you haven’t tried it, say “Good morning sir or ma’am. Have a wonderful day.” Then as you walk away take a peak
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Volume 26.43/44
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this issue.
Continue ReadingEd Note 26.43/44
Greetings friends! Welcome to double issue 26.43/44. As we continue to celebrate our 25th year of service, we are honored to have our colleague OT share the latest. The other night during our workshop, OT was inspired by us all to rap the following piece to the young men during a recent workshop. We encouraged him after the session, to build an editorial note around the piece and that he has. Thank you. This whole issue is amazing, as we are thrilled to showcase all the writings and art featured in this issue from our amazing workshop participants who step
Continue ReadingKeep Pushing Through The Comments
by IT, Sacramento The best advice I have gotten was when I was told that “in life there will always be ups and downs. There will always be people who doubt you and want you to fail. And there will also be people who want to see you succeed and do something positive in life. So as long as you keep pushing and stay on the right track, you will be okay.” I feel this is one of the best words of advice I have received because not many people know that no matter what people say, good or bad,
Continue ReadingForgiving Others
by Mario, Santa Cruz The only time I remember forgiving others was this time when my uncle gave me my first car. It was a Honda Civic ’03, all beat up but shhh, it was for free. I asked my mom to swap cars for a week. She had a new Honda Civic ’07, and it was hella clean. She agreed to. So I think it was a Wednesday when my mom asked me if she could get her car back. I was, like, sure, give me mine back. She was giving me the keys when she said, “But I
Continue ReadingThe Silent Treatment
by AC, Sonoma The silent treatment is something I do all the time. Especially to the staff who most annoys me because I don’t want to put myself in some situation, I’m not going to like the outcome of in the end. And also, just to keep the same relationship with staff but I’m not going to half of the time. I try this and help myself, but it ends up never working because either staff see it as me just trying to be disrespectful. I don’t answer things from them but in all reality, I’m just trying to get
Continue ReadingHow It Would Affect You
by Jose, Santa Clara Today I am goin’ to talk about how you think before you act and how it would affect you. I always think before I acted but sometimes it would get me in trouble and sometimes it would work out for me, but most of the time not. And I been thinking a lot lately and think how I should move and how to act so when I do something, I always think before I act and make my decision on how I feel and how I feel about other people. And when I do something I
Continue ReadingTrying New Things
SLATTAL, San Mateo I ain’t never read Harry Potter before, but then again, I never really read on the outs. I picked up Harry Potter last week just because. Honestly it’s a good book so far. I used to think if you read Harry Potter that you were a 100% nerd! It’s crazy how my perspective changed about this book because it’s actually really interesting. Another thing I’ve tried was the fruit on a cactus. You would be surprised how good it actually was. I can’t actually explain how it tasted but it was very good. Something I would like
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