newbie

[SugarWitch]

hello all, my name is renee, i live in iowa and have been corresponding with a pelican bay inmate for the last 3 years. initially, he too was in the SHU, and has just recently been moved to genpop. he seems to be very appreciative of his new " freedoms," seeing the daylight was quite a change for him. they had him go thru some classes and with that finished, he's working now and loving that too. this is all new to me, meaning the whole PTO thing, so let me get my feet wet a bit, then feel free to ask or enlighten me on any related topics. thanks for listening...later, R

[toi_ama]

Welcome to PTO! Glad to have you with us.

[Kaci]

Welcome!!!

[haswtch]

Welcome! So glad to hear of the daylight, the work, etc. Glad you have joined the gang

[Joanna]

Hey Renee,

Welcome to PTO, my hubby is in Pelican Bay SHU. he has been in for 10 years and we have 17 months to go!!!!!

That's great news your friend got out to general pop, I bet it feels almost like a vacation to him after being in the SHU!!!!

[dkr55]

welcome glad your here! merry christmas

[CathyFL]

Very happy you have joined us Welcome to PTO

[SugarWitch]

first, i'd like to say thank you for the welcome messages. second, i feel i should clarify some things.my friend Walter is not someone i knew before his imprisonment. i came across a website one late night several years ago, took the plunge and wrote him, and we've been buddies since. walter went to prison in 1981 on a murder charge. he was initially sent to Folsom, which he tells me is a god awful place. while there, during a fight, he stabbed another inmate. when PBSP opened, he was moved there and sent immediately to the SHU, where he remained until a few months ago. Walter spent 14 yrs in the SHU, and from things he's told me, and i've read other places, it's amazing he held onto his sanity. anyway, i just thought i should clear up the fact that Walter is not a family member, nor have i ever even laid eyes on the man, so, i know my feelings cannot come close to the depths of all yours. what i do know though, is Walter and I have formed a bond, i call him friend, and his welfare matters to me. thanks again to you that have welcomed me here

[Barbara]

Welcome to PTO, I have a son at the Bay and I know all to well how hard it is to be in isolation for long periods of time. Richard has been in there going on 12 years now with no sign of light at the end of the tunnel I only know of one Walter at the Bay would your friend be an artist? Would he be Walter F? Love Barb

[Eboniizs]

Welcome to PTO, I think Walter was blessed the day you found his ad, not many people stick around.

[SugarWitch]

to BSS, yes, he is indeed an artist, and a wonderful one at that! Walter F, or, as i like to call him, Wally Bear. he's a good guy, good heart, kind soul. i sent him photos of my dog, who i also love very much, he sent back a stunningly beautiful portrait of him, it hangs on my living room wall.

[LeaAnn]

Welcome to PTO!

[Barbara]

SugarWitch, why don't you ask him if you could post some of his art here in our Gallery? I have a lot of art here from my guys at the Bay. I seem to remember sending him a birthday card a while back he may remember. Love Barb

[Binky's Gal]

Hello SugarWitch Welcome to Pto from another Iowan!!

[SugarWitch]

thanks Barb, i know he'd love for his art to be seen by more than just me. i've posted a couple in the past, in a yahoo group i belong to, not prison related. this might be a better place for it. i'll have to wait awhile though, been having computer problems so my scanner is not connected just now. already wrote to let him know i'd signed up here, next mailing, i'll ask about your b'day card. i'm sure he'll remember, cuz he's just that kind of guy.
and to Heather, where in Iowa are you? i'm in the Cedar Rapids area