The Hard Journey Home

Okay everyone, The above photo is self explanatory. I won the writing contest because I figured out how I would be able to make changes for the better while I was in prison. Then I learned about Resilience Multimedia. I submitted a story just to get myself published, but then publisher Shiela Rule had a contest and my story was entered into it.

Now the book is being released, and I have the opportunity to raise some money to further the book's cause. The Think Outside the Cell Series is designed to show prisoners that life isn't over once the sentence begins and that they can be better people than they were when they were arrested. More importantly, in my opinion, is that society can learn that not all prisoners are the same and that many deserve a second chance. If that second chance is not provided, many excons will be forced into criminal activity in order to survive.

The latter I know from experience. My first few months in society after my release were actually harder than surviving prison. The following link will take you to the blog post wherein I shared my 1st Prize winning story and an epilogue describing my struggles when I first reentered society. http://supamansays.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-you-asked-for.html

I offer prepublication ordering of autographed copies of this book on my new web site:
supamanscribes.com

The cover price is 14.95. I ask for 19.95 to cover the cost of having the books shipped to me and so that I can use portions of proceeds to support activism that will hopefully change the criminal justice system into one that actually reduces crime.

We know it isn't doing that now.


I will have a booksigning on December 4th, 2010 at the Collinsville Library from 2-8pm as well, along with many other great authors.

I'm quite proud that I have participated in this series because, after writing the story for selfish reasons, I discovered I was taking part in something that would make a difference in many people's lives. This project was the catalyst for my change from selfish to conpassionate.

 Prison can turn one into a very selfish and coldhearted person. 

I'm still getting over some of the effects of incarceration and I've been in society for nearly a year. 

One more reason why the system needs to be changed.

I'm sure you will enjoy my story if you have any interest in the criminal justice system. I hope that you will purchase the book and thereby enable us activists to make the system better for all of us because crime effects everyone--not just the culprit and victim.

You should also know that this book is a precurser to many I have written and will self publish in attempts raise money to support advocacy. There is much in the world that needs to be changed. I'm simply trying to do my part by fighting the battles I'm best suited for.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Money for Causes and Groups

Today, I posted on Facebook that I created a website wherefrom I will be selling the new release from the Think Outside the Cell Series "The Hard Journey Home."

I created the Coalition of Advocates for Prisoners Facebook Page in July because I wanted to encourage the many Facebook groups and causes to work together in order to find a way to make greater achievements in our struggle to change the penal legislation that creates more crime than it deters.

Responses were lackluster. But, the few that were received were good. I learned a lot about who was interested in forming an organized community of activists.

Well, I've done my part. The first book will be available for prepublication autographed copies possibly by the end of the week. Currently, I'm waiting for PayPal to verify my banking arrangements. A portion of the proceeds from sales on my site will be donated to the causes that are interested in working with others to insure more support for petitions and activism projects.

Lets get it together my friends. I've talked the talk and now  I'm walking the walk. Who cares to walk with me?

I ask none of you for anything more than willingness to work with others to achieve the goals we all profess to share.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

A Cute Face

I've seen a face that forced warmth to consume me against it's will. The warmth resists because it knows it will have a treacherous battle to fight with the coldness.

Coldness that seeped into my marrow during ten years of of hell constructed from concrete, steel, hate, and greed.

Satan's demons were redneck, tobacco chewing, good old boys who only respected me because I knew how to feign insanity.

But ooh! Your face makes me better. A reminder of all that is good in this world. Delight like that which people pray to find in Heaven.

I stare just so I can witness the optical illusions that occur when the shadows are graced with the chance to inspire bliss each time your head moves and the elegant contures dance in the light.

I could lose myself in you. I mean really lose myself. Life a shipwrecked parapalegic with no arms in the middle of the ocean with no sense of direction.

You smile when you catch me just to see my reaction. I lust for you, but I don't want sex. At least not right now. Each glimpse I get of you beholds it's own gratification. You are stimulation. Instant rejuvination. Possible hyperventilation.

I'm so lost in you I sound like Jessie Jackson. Mick Jagger can shut up now. I found satisfaction.

You make me as hard as a femer. I'm burning with fever. I didn't know a face could do so much, but now I'm a believer.

If I should die...  before I wake... I pray that I will not forget your face.

A Writer's Responsibilty

If we writers don't do everything we can to insure the success of all of us amongst the more popular forms of entertainment and information media, our progeny may be left with nothing but alternatives like video games and infomercials.

This thought came to me while speaking with a fellow author about the upcoming December 4th Author's Fair. It took us both a moment to recognize it's profundity. Now that this truth plagues my conscience, I'm forced to encourage all my fellow scribes to dedicate yourselves as much as you can to market our works. I know we all have lives to lead outside of our work. Yet, there are many simple ways in which we came promote ourselves for the sake of literature's future.

I'm not trying to sell anything here. I'm only trying to prolong the life of my passion. I will not deny that many authors probably know more about marketing than myself. I only want to encourage. I am available to give advice, but I do not assume that any of you need it. It is here for the asking, just the same.

So far, there are 15 authors who have registered with me to participate in the above mentioned fair. Jeff Wavruneck, the Adult Services Coordinator and The Collinsville Memorial Library Center informed me that he has nearly a dozen others. I have spoken with the district manager of Domino's Pizza about blanketing the towns of Edwardsville, Collinsville, Maryville and Troy, Illinois with fliers advertising the event on top of pizza boxes. I will also see to it that additional fliers will be distributed throughout the community. Jeff has informed me that the library will be posting posters all over town to promote this event as well.

I feel we each should do what we can to promote our futures and the future of our business. It really is our business. Without authors, publishers have no purpose right?

The upcoming Authors Fair will be my first time meeting any of you and I would like for it to be a very successful one for all of us. We want to sell books, make new friends and fans, and maybe even learn a little from one another. I wish to encourage all of you to expend whatever energies and resources at your disposal to make this event, and any others, great. Besides, a writer's ability to market themselves is a major determining factor in the amount of advances and royalties we are paid.

I don't know about the rest of you, but writing is not my job. It is who, and what, I am. I love what I do because I must do it. I might as well make a good living from it. I want the same for all of us and I believe I'm backing that up.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Metaphor

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=280SUGOH

The Link above will take you to an episode of "Boondocks." I know some of you are busy, so I will summarize the episode. By way of disclaimer I state, for the record, I am not affiliated with the site the above link will take you too. I'm not an advertiser. I don't even know who hosts the site.

The grandfather of two children (voiced by John Witherspoon)  is asked to go into business with a property owner. The businessman encourages Grandpa to serve soul food that is as addictive as it is destructive to the body. As the deal is made, the business man explains he owns all the property in the area except for the park across the street from the restaurant, for which the state was asking a price he refused to pay.

In a matter of months the middle class community is turned into a ghetto where the emergency response personnel don't respond to 911 calls. The property value has been driven down drastically.

The restaurant is closed after a once, and now again, attractive woman  begins recovery from morbid obesity and addiction to soul food, and sues the businessman. The narrator explains that several lawsuits are filed. The businessman is surprisingly nonchalant about the legalities.

You figure out why just before the last scene. The businesses across the street from the park are boarded closed. The business man stands before the closed restaurant smiling as he looks across the street at the construction going on in what had been the park.

It amazes me that so intelligent a show was even shown on Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim." Where I first saw the show via DVR. The cartoon depicted regentrification--the practice of driving down property value down then buying all the property--not a dictionary definition but an underlying truth in America. 

Think a little deeper and comment on what you come up with.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Reesy Floyd Thompson

Yesterday I asserted my opinion on a conflict between two women. Many who have read this accuse me of slandering Mrs Floyd Thompson.

I don't understand how I slandered anyone by quoting things that were stated by the parties involved. I don't understand how illuminating the middle ground between two opposing points of view makes me a bad person.

I must assume those who were angered by my point of view are not aware of The United Coalition of Advocates for Prisoners. They can't know that I work almost around the clock to build an organization that will provide funding for people like Mrs Thompson to make the most of her opportunities as a woman who tries to do much for victims of the criminal justice system and for those persons who love them..

And yes, as far as I'm concerned, the women who are victimized by the con men in prison that have not been provided the opportunity to rehabilitate are also victims of this system. Yet, this doesn't mean that every woman who loves an incarcerated man is a victim.

I stated this already.

I have to take some responsibility for my being misunderstood. I had no stake in the controversy other than being an objective observer who wanted to point out important truths that were being ignored by the parties I quoted. I could have done a better job of making that point.

Mrs Thompson and I discussed this matter today. She shared details that were not stated by Tempest Bourke. I thought they were interesting and should be put before the same audience that has witnessed the rest of the drama on the web. She did not respond to that suggestion however. Since I have not seen where she has posted them publicly, I'm not going to share them without her consent.

I thank you all for your honest comments regarding yesterday's post. They were all posted. You all deserve that much respect.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Prison Wives Controversy

I found an interesting situation that was posted by Tempest Bourke on Facebook. She was elaborating on exchanges with Reesy Floyd-Thompson. The controversy is apparently over Mrs Thompson's video at http://www.reesyfloyd-thompson.com/mrsge6309-time/2010/10/9/prison-wives-different-yet-the-same.html

Mrs Thompson used to be an enemy of the wives of prisoners and has converted to embrace them as she is now one of them. Like Paul of Christianity.

Mrs Bourke commented:  "I tried to give an honest response to this that we are not all the same. I was deleted. This woman is a hypocrite. When this show came out she was the biggest critic of these so called prison wives. These woman could not get a real man if their life depended on it ! They are welfare low lives with no values or common sense. It's laughable."

As an advocate for prisoners and all victims of our criminal justice system, I'm compelled to interject my thoughts on this controversy.

• First of all, all women are different. Only a fool would not acknowledge that.
• All inmates are different too although statistics show they generally have a lot in common and the majority of them are almost hopeless because they enjoy their criminal lifestyles due to lack of understanding.

The interesting thing here is that Mrs Bourke shared a link which sheds light on the lifestyle of one of the husbands of a women featured in the video: http://corrections.oregonafscme.com/locals/EOCINews/EOCINews05.htm

She proves a point this man is being allowed to co-parent although he is in prison for murder and has attempted to committ murder while in prison.

What intrigues me about the whole thing, as an ex-con, is that I've seen a lot of this first hand. It is commonly understood that most prisoner have embraced the criminal institution I described in the post: http://supamansays.blogspot.com/2010/03/facts-of-institutioalization.html  These types will exploit anyone they can and have nothing but time to think of ways to do this. Sadly, most often their victims are women who are for whatever reasons vulnerable and are exposed to these skilled con men.

I would venture as far as to say that most prison relationships are games. The majority of prison wives are likely victims of there husbands. I do not say this to condemn all prison marriages. In fact, I will be featured in "The Think Outside the Cell Series" soon to be released by Resilience Multimedia. One of the books in the series focuses on prison marriage and relationships.  There are many good men in prison who deserve to be loved and supported. The chances that they will be found by women capable of loving them accordingly are slim however.

The good men are vastly outnumbered by those who aggressively prey on lonely naive women who have self-esteem issues and who are looking for completion in the love of a man. These types of women are usually added to a list of other victims and are kept in the dark about the other women, and, even when this is not the case, they are kept in the dark about the prisoner's true character.

I support prison wives because not all of them are the same. Not all of them are naive and are being conned. I admire them for their strength and willingness to stand by their lovers through such difficult times.

Even so, I can not stand by and let the victims continue to be victims if I can help it.

Always real;
 Supaman Tion Terrell

Concert & Open Mic Night

Many of you have seen this flier before. I attached it to a previous post: http://supamansays.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-biggest-day-yet.html

Tonight I must inform you that Friday is the night of the much anticipated event.  This is a free event put on by the sponsors named on the flier.

Teens/youth will have the opportunity to perform any family friendly acts of there choice. Judges will be on hand to select the best acts and offer those acts the opportunity to participate in the First Annual Uptown Talent Show in April. The talent show proceeds will benefit CAMA's Helping Hands Ministries which distributes tens of thousands of dollars of food and emergency financial relief each month to the needy persons of Collinsville. In addition to the entertaining open mic performances, a three part concert is also scheduled. Food and drinks will be available thanks to Domino's Pizza.

Seating may be limited so it would be wise to arrive early.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Take Care of Family

A long time ago I wrote about friends in the post: http://supamansays.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-your-friends-arent-friends.html

Today I will be focusing on family. A person's family does not have to be biological. Mine isn't. My regular readers know that my biological family left me in prison to rot for over 9 years. You also know that I formed some close bonds at the first church I found. I learned as time passed that everyone I thought I was close to wasn't really who I thought they were. And, I have to admit I betrayed some of their trusts too. That will happen to all of us unfortunately.

Nobody is perfect.

However, at 8 months out, I have people in my life whom I can depend on to do their absolute best to see to my best interest. They do this even if we have to disagree, argue, and get angry with one another. This is my family. To be honest, I don't always like them all. Fortunately some us get along much better than others.

I think of all the times I've hit brick walls and I have to smile. My family wouldn't let me give up when I had to keep going. The wouldn't let me fall if they could help it. When I did fall, they raced to pick me up.

My family inspires me to work hard just because they love me and I would hate to let them down after all they've invested in me. My family makes me strong because I don't fight my battles alone. I get encouragement, assistance, and support when I need it.

I can trust my family!

We are there for each other because of mutual love and respect even though we disagree often on matters that our pivotal to our personal lives. It amazes me because I know I can be less than nice sometimes. Yet, when I look around for understanding, a shoulder to lean on, a hand up, or even a handout they are always there.

They are much better at this than I am. I'm pretty much the needy one in the group. Plus, I'm still learning to soften up after ten years of prison turned me into a callous person.

This is why I use my family as an example of how family should treat one another. 

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Supaman Speaks

On Monday October 4th, I gave a speech at Alton High School. It was an interesting experience. I focused on the socio-economic conditions that created the environments that most of the children in the alternative school program came from. I wanted the young people to understand that the way they view life was the result of experiences over which they had no control, but if they learned to see life more clearly they could take control of their lives and change their circumstances.

I told them all about my horrid past and what it took for me to make some changes. I also told them about the system that created the circumstances they have endured, and that they have fallen into the traps laid for them already. Most importantly, I tried to explain how to break the cycle in their lives.

I talked for an hour without putting anyone to sleep. I'd say that was a success. Many of the students expressed gratitude and appreciation for me coming out and talking to them.

A friend recorded the speech, but I'm having difficulties uploading the footage. I think that is because I recently had to wipe my hard drive to remove a virus and the software needed to perform such tasks must be uploaded again. I can't figure out what it is though. When I have time, I will figure it out. Then I will share the video with all of you.

It feels good to be able to guide children away from the mistakes I made. I feel it is my purpose in life. I can relate to them in many ways that others can not. My past gives me credibility that others do not have. I know that God set this path for me and I intend to walk it to the best of my ability.

Many activists follow this blog even though most of them aren't registered. Most of my Facebook friends are activists to some degree. I respect and admire all of you. We are here to lead by example. We see wrongs and we work to change them. Our path is not easy. Sometimes our worst enemies are those we fight for and/or those who claim to be fighting along side us, but we have to stay strong in the face of adversity. We have to have faith that God would not choose a path for us that we are not suited for.

I have made many mistakes since my release from prison. Some of them are due to my own arrogance. Some of them are due to my failure to be true to myself and what I must do. Still, I am who I am and I must do what I must do.

The task that has been laid before me is one that I must complete.  The same goes for all of you who feel the desire to set things aright. It is who you are. It is what makes you special. Never give up the good fight. Cherish every success no matter how small. Most importantly, be careful not to become proud or arrogant. We can all be our own worst enemy if that were to happen.

Always real;
Supaman Tion Terrell

Reprioritizing

I've been doing a lot of thinking since last night. I reached a decision this morning to slow my life down a bit. I've had a string of unfortunate and weird experiences as of late, and I've concluded that I've been trying to do so much that I can't take the time to think anymore. I turned myself into a slave to my ambition.

I decided to change this by pulling back from my job at Domino's and focusing on my contracting business, the Coalition of Advocates for Prisoners, and the writing career that will finance the Coalition's start up and operations.

I was reminded recently that I'm a stronger and wiser man when I take the time to think deeply. I don't even remember the last time I've done that. I've allowed myself to be consumed by the games I've had to play in order to get along in environments where a man with a past like mine is not welcomed.

You see, despite the changes I've made as a person, and all that I've accomplished since my release from prison, I'm seen as a threat more often than I'm seen as an asset. The sad thing is people usually don't give me a chance before they decide to distrust and/or hate me. Those who don't want me around have proven their willingness to create problems for me by lying and stooping to even greater lows. The worst part is few people will listen to my side of the story because I'm an ex-con.

None of that matters now. I will avoid the situations that will leave me at the mercies of prejudice snakes for  while, but that doesn't mean I will stop working towards the goals I have shared with you. I will keep fighting because I have no other course of action before me I can live with.

There have been many times when I considered running away, giving up the fight I was born for, or hiding from the world. The only reason I haven't done so before now is because I'm a man of my word. I made commitments to pay debts and to fight hard to make the world a better place, and to fight to make the criminal justice system a productive one.

This means I will not only be working hard at keeping promises, but I will dedicate more time to them too.

Alway's real
Supaman Tion Terrell