Excerpt
I pondered the issue of employees for the sports bar once again. In this day of political correctness, I wanted the women who worked for me to be pleasant and attractive, yet have slightly thick skin. I wanted them to be able to handle the clientele with finesse and humor, not scream, Sexual Harassment, every time some clown patted them on the bottom. I wanted employees who were sassy, but not rude. Most of all I wanted employees who enjoyed their jobs and wanted to be at work.
I considered the women in prison, with whom Id shared several months of correspondence. Time and again, theyd made it clear they wanted a second chance and hoped theyd be able to find employment when they got out.
Letters from Prison is a compilation of the responses I received from the women I contacted, who were in correctional facilities in various parts of the country.
April 18, 2001
Dear Ed,
Hello again! Hows your day today? Mine has been fair. Kind of stressful though. I just found out that NDOP is garnishing my inmate account for court fines & fees. They took all of my money off of my account. So now I dont have anything left. I know its a lot to ask, but if it is possible, do you think you could help me out. Any amount would be very helpful. I enclosed a deposit coupon all you have to do is send it to the circled address w/ a money order. I thought I could pay these fines when I was released, but I guess I learned the hard way. The prison already takes 10% of all our money and now they are going to take 50% of all my deposits for fines. So that only leaves me 40% to buy necessities.
Other than that, things are going well. I have a class tonight at 6pm w/ John Ross. Have you heard of him? He is a motivational speaker. Hes great. Well Id better get ready for class.
Love, Alison
PS. When is your Birthday?
Authors Note:
In the research I did, prior to contacting the inmates listed on the JailBabes website, one of the consistent warnings was the women were often looking for pen pals who would supplement whatever money they might have. While I knew that many of those incarcerated were short of funds, unless they had a wealthy family to provide assistance, Id hoped to be something more than a lending institution. Here was the first indication that Alison, at least, had her own agenda and priorities.
May 28, 2001
Dear Ed,
Hi there! How are you? Im doing good. Sorry it has taken me so long to write you back. I know that you dont normally write people who have as little time as me, but I am very glad that you did because I think of you as a great friend. The fact that we are both from Eugene is so weird. Maybe we were meant to cross paths ?
I think your ideas that you have for the sports bar are great! I know what you mean by the over-sensitive girl! As you already know, I used to be a dancer and even when girls worked there, they used to complain about guys hitting on them!! Hello! Thats what they are there for. I think the idea is great and if it takes shape, Id love to work there. I could definatly recommend some people for you. No sissies! ?
So how has work been going lately? Are you covering a lot of ground? I hope your not dying in the heat. Its been miserable here. I wish it would rain for just one day! I really miss the weather in Oregon. But not too long and Ill be back. Probably getting mad because its raining too much!!
Im enclosing the deposit coupon for next time. Thanks again for all your help and support Ed. More people need to have someone like you on their side.
Write back soon!
Love, Alison
Authors Note:
As you can see, I shared with her my intentions of opening a sports bar and restaurant. I also told her she would be a candidate to work there. She seemed excited, but almost in the same breath asked, Hey, you got any money to send me? The enclosed deposit coupon was less than subtle. My skepticism about Alison began to grow.
July 10, 2001
Dear Ed,
It was nice to get your letter today. Im glad to hear you had a nice trip. Im really sorry that you had such horrible news waiting for you when you got back.
I really hope you get things straightened out so you can get your plans for your club on their way. I think your club will be a big success!
I cant wait to meet you. I hope youll be able to drop in soon. Its okay for you to wear Black wranglers, just not blue ones.
Not much is going on around here. The same stuff, just a different day! The weather here is miserable. I miss the warm summers in Eugene. Here it is hotter than hot. I hate it. I cant wait to be back in Eugene. I just want to see some rain!
I hope you had a nice 4th of July. We had a BBQ - the food was actually good! But no fireworks!! Oh well! Write back soon. Be safe & I hope to see you soon.
Love, Alison
Authors Note:
As you can see, I shared with Alison the news about the sports bar being postponed, until I could straighten out my difficulties with the IRS. In my response to this letter, I explained I could no longer send her money and the sports bar was on hold indefinitely. I never got another letter.
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