All Photos Courtesy of Conqueto’s Page

First off, please understand, we prison inmates are notorious (among other things of course) for being big time readers. And because we read anything and everything we can get our hands on, we sometimes tend to be critics of the written word. So, when I recently received an envelope containing bits and pieces of another writer’s work, I immediately became skeptical. Even knowing this parti­cular author was a good guy, a reader of my blogs, and someone deeply admired by all of the other myspace readers, I still wanted to analyze his stuff before I up and said, “Hey! This guy is good!” Know what I’m saying? Anyway … I did read. And I did enjoy. I can honestly say, Samuel Solomon, aka “Coqueto”, is more than just good. He’s the absolute bomb! It’s not every day I come across someone with this kind of talent and charisma. No doubtedly my friends, this guy’s written some of the very stories the $200 billion dollar plus publishing industry is looking for! And that, as we say is, “keeping it real”. Using my old ways of thinking, this guy can hit a lick, the legal way, putting just as much blood, sweat, and tears in it that I did the wrong way with his pure talent.

STREETLIGHTS was the first I pursued. Oh what feeling Coqueto puts in his writing! The way he described slowly getting over the girl reminded me of myself, my past, and a past love, long lost. Such emotion struggling with his feelings for a previous lover and the sudden way the story changed when his new lover’s real time boy­friend came barging in the bar after her. Realistic! Very realistic! Something that I think we can all relate too a little bit, and put down on paper so we can almost feel it happening again. Then, the way he ran into Nikki at just the right, or wrong, opportune time. Smitten with her, the emotion, the raw gut feeling, the anger, the confusion. The love, the lust, his heart held prisoner! He had no control! And, the timely way he referred back to his street corner girl at just the right time in the story. The pang that hit him when he realized he loved the new girl Lisa. Then Nikki, the typical vain bitch who suddenly reappeared knowing she’d be accepted. (With total disregard for his new lover I might add). Finally he came to realize what he’d known from the very beginning, what he knew all along! Nikki couldn’t be kept! He put her in her place. But in the end, he lost them both. Yes, STREETLIGHTS. I identified with it well.

GOD AS A SPARE TIRE. When I read that, I knew Coqueto had been right where I’m at now. And, THE WALKING WOUNDED. I know about wise counsel. But for me to be able to, as he wrote, “drop the charges against those that hurt me, set myself free from them.” Well, let’s just say … I’m still working on that. Since I have began my writing on here, I don’t know if it’s been more for you readers or for myself. Chains holding me down get lighter with every past story of regret, remorse, every pain, my “glory days” I suppose. In a way writing is setting me free and getting me closer to the person I’ve always wanted to be but was always just two feet away from reaching. What I got from THE SWIMMING RAT? Yes, doing time does in fact age a person. Lots of inmates commit suicide in prison. As a matter of fact, a man just hung himself in the hole here at FCI Big Spring this past week. But rest assured everyone. I “like” me. And I’ll never, ever off myself while doing time behind bars. Dying in the joint for me is like saying they won. I will never stop fighting, some days I don’t know what I’m even fighting for. The right to be treated like a human. The right to understand exactly why I was sentenced this long. The fight to keep a small seed of hope alive that I will again walk the streets in the free world and not be a fuck up. THE TRUMPET AND THE TACO brought tears to my eyes. All the stories I received were well thought out, well written, good reads and all with a lesson to learn. In a way, Coqueto strikes me as somewhat of a minister. But then again, I know that’s not the way he means to come across at all. He’s simply a man of the world who’s been there/done that and chooses to pass some of his insight and worldly knowledge along to those who need to hear. I too hope that someday my writing will share the same sort of meaning his does. For the time being, I just write out past adventures, past memories, past events. I’m still holding on to the past I guess, and learning my own lessons from it all.

All in all, some very inspiring stuff, these writings of my friend Coqueto. Made me think. Made me feel better. Made me take a good hard look at what I have going on here. Those in my life who love me, care about me and who are pulling for me on the outside. Made me know I have to TOUGH IT OUT just like in the story of the same, and persevere. My sincere thanks goes out to Coqueto for sharing his writings with me. The care he put into packaging it, and even watermarked pages. It meant a lot that he was kind enough to send them. Really it did. It made me feel as if I was important and again proved to me that Myspace has been my saving grace. Not only do I have a voice now, but I have friends. Good people out there who have taken a moment to get to know me and to give a damn. I shake my head in awe sometimes and wonder how I was so lucky. I’m just another convict locked away in a prison, a world within a world, waiting for my day to come home. Nobody special, nobody famous, nobody that recognition should be given to. Still, you guys do give me recognition, you are real friends, and that is worth more than I can even put a value on.

FCI Big Spring…The Road into Another World

THE VIOLET COLLAR is a literary work of genius and most definitely destined to become number one on the best sellers list. I’m sure of it! And hey, one more thing. I can see why all the women love and adore him. Romance is his niche. His area of expertise. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still versatile in other genres in subject matter and style. A jack of all trades if you will. But if I were him, I’d stick to the romance because that’s what’s going to get him all the girls. (Hey Sam, send em’ this way! Heh Heh) In closing, never considered myself a professional writer because I’m not. What I am is, a critic. And yeah everyone, Coqueto is good. No, like I said before. He’s more than just good. Coqueto is the bomb! Please read the stories men­tioned above if you get the chance and give a shout out to my new friend! Tell him Tripper sent ya! As I remain … the one and only Tripper! Better Days!

Please everybody, click the link below and read “Calling You Out”. We have about a week and a half left, and 2 cards have come in thus far!! I know the holidays are tough, but I ask you with all my heart check it out, share some love, and pay it forward!!  ~Tripper’s Rep

Calling You Out

I have to tell you, I had the most pleasant surprise on my birthday this year! Totally unexpected and out of the blue, a complete and total surprise, I received 12 large brown envelopes full of birthday cards! I couldn’t believe it! Oh how it made me feel so very good! I had no idea I’d made so many friends, both male and female, that cared enough to take time out of their lives and busy schedules to send me love and well wishes in the form of a birthday card! The feeling I got was indescribable! A wave of happiness came over me that was out of this world! And true to the saying, People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” I will never forget how each and every one of you, my forever friends, made me feel! To all of my myspace friends and readers, you made me feel wanted, happy and alive and I love you all! Thanks so much for the birthday surprise. And a special thanks to my personal representative Nic for making all this possible. Turning the Big 5-0 didn’t turn out to be so bad after all!

Thanks to Vicki from Heath Ohio who I think is totally adorable. To Mickey from Texas, a friend and reader from the onset of my blogging career for the card and “Vampire Kiss!” I love you Christine from the high desert in Lancaster, California. Cliff my old buddy, TjE, Diana my homegirl, Amanda K of TXT fame and a real good looking young lady! Special thanks to Crazy Rachel because she not only sent me cake, she sent me ice cream too! And a kickass calendar! Love ya Rachel! Thanks to my special friend Little Debbie and homegirl from Oklahoma. Now if only I could talk her into those panty shots. Heh! Heh! Debbie with the Crown who sent me a really cool, happy doggy birthday card. My friend Catwoman, aka Trisha from England - loved the cat! Meow! Barbara, her hubby Robin and son Dolan - you are truly great people! And thanks to Albi and her twisted sense of humor. Say, was that the pop star Pink when she got old? Just wondering! Ha! Ha!

Love you Bethy. My friend here “Whisper” enjoys your letters and thinks you’re the bomb too! Sativa, you’re a doll. Would love to have been able to patronized you during your days as a dancer. Hot everyone, HOT! To Shadowgrrl, loved the Harley. Me and you for real! Verla, who I just saw a real picture of! Wow! Beautiful lady. Thanks for the birthday card Verla! Darlene, my special lady friend from Dallas and the Harley stuff! She knows how I love motorcycles and biker babes! Love you Pepper and your words, “The older you get, the younger you feel!” You’re so right Pep! Thanks to Claire Denise who I know Nic is very fond of. Road Trip Junkie, the picture was AWESOME! Man would I loved to have known you out there! Wow! The Wise Sloth had the right idea. A naked chick! Well, as close as he could get to sending me one anyway. Thanks Travis! Love you Ms. Kitty, Roxanne and Jade. Smile You Won’t Feel The Pain Till Morning, you’re a doll! Thanks for the card and personal message.

Then there’s that beautiful, hot, little chick Brandi Shae! Thanks for the well wishes and the picture of you and Eddie’s Girl, the winner of my first annual Lipstick Kiss Contest! Both of you girls are drop-dead, knock-out gorgeous! Suzette in Seattle, yes Libras do rule! And if I could move to the west coast and kick it with you, I would! You’re both sweet and beautiful and I admire you in every way. Thanks to Siobhan and Scooter the Squirrel. He can keep his left nut by the way. Wouldn’t want any nutless forest creatures running around. Micah, you’re a good dude. And I appreciate your friendship. Ladies, the cake! Just wish you could feed it to me like in a marriage reception or some­thing. You’re a very pretty lady too by the way! To John, aka LiveLoveLife, thank man! Strangers, aka Marlon, you’re one cool mfer too! Oops! Please excuse my language ladies! But you know how I am! (Smile). And thanks to Ms. K, aka Karen, who I wish wasn’t married! You’re a super cool chick and good lookin’ to boot. Lucky hubby, please tell him I said hello! And I want a picture of his Harley with you in a pose like the ones in “Easy Rider” or “Outlaw Biker!” (Wink) Okay?

Thanks to George Jung, my compadrae and his girlfriend Alura. Hope you’re doing okay George! Better Days are comin’ man, just hang in there! Love you Shelly, aka Pink Panties from OKC. Thanks for the phone sex card! To John, Tarina, Katie and Little Heather - my family from Guthrie! I love you guys! Thanks Katie for find­ing me on myspace. Rotten Rob! What’s up dude! Rob sent a handmade birthday card everybody! Special, just trying to figure out if he did the watercoloring or maybe one of his kids. Ha! Ha! Feathers in Kentucky, love ya! Jamie, thanks for the “boo-bees”. You have a great sense of humor! Can I get some real boo-bee shots, or at least cleavage? (Ducking here!) Sunshine Daydream, you are a truly special gal! Peace and Love to you too doll! Thanks to Nicole’s mom Chris who I’ve loved and adored for years! You know how crazy I am about your daughter. She’s the bomb and much of the reason I’ve been so successful as a blogger here on the net. Love you Sour Girl and Kat and thanks Mikey Crocker too!

Sue, aka gypsyadair, you truly rock! Loved the picture of you! But then again, you already KNOW that! Women with long, beautiful hair instantly steal my heart! Olga, you are “My Obsession” just as in the blog of the same name. A true blue beautiful fair haired maiden everyone! Olga is gorgeous and much appreciated as a friend and pen pal! Love you Jane, Lisa King (another knock-out blonde) and Rhianna. Thanks for the beer girlfriend and welcome to “Tales From The Cells!” She’s a new reader yall! And Jackie from the Austin Texas area, you KNOW I love you too girlfriend and you too have been with me from the beginning. If ever there was a totally cool, righteous, sweet lady on earth it’s you - FOR REAL! Love ya Moms! To Ms. Muppet and her sister Black Wolf, you two ladies are very sweet for send­ing cards and well wishes. Black Wolf, you’re hot too by the way now that I got to lay an eyeball on ya! And thanks to Lacey! I love and appreciate you all like you’ll never know! I had a WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!

And if I missed anybody, please, please forgive me! To tell you the truth, my mind is still a bit befuddled by all the excitement! But believe me, you’re all like family to me and you truly give me a reason to live, thrive and persevere! This year on Tales From The Cells is going to be even bigger and better than the first! And too, again, I appreciate all of you nice men and women out there that acknowledge the goodness in the heart of Nicole who takes care of me on all this. Without her, none of this would be possible. If ever I get rich yall, I’ll throw a BIG party and you’ll all be invited! I’ll never, ever, from this day forward forget how each and every one of you made me “feel!” God bless your hearts! As I remain your loyal forever friend … and one crazy ass, sick and twisted, deranged and demented, womanizing sex maniac, been there/ done that BLOGGER FROM HELL! Tripper! Better Days to All!

Something hit me like a ton of bricks today. And that something is … I’ve suddenly gotten old. October the 18th, 2008, is my birthday. I just hit “The Big 5-0″. Don’t really “feel” fifty. If the truth were to be told, I still “feel” 18. I would loved to have been able to celebrate with a full catered affair. You know, a big ass party, strippers from Baby Doll’s and lots and lots of booze.Instead, I’ll just lie here on my cold steel bunk, reminiscing and day­dreaming of better days passed.

I was born before the age of color TV, compact discs and certainly before the invent of PC’s and the Internet. All we had was black and white, record players and one of those old fashioned dial telephones to communicate with friends from across the United States. With all the new technology in the world today, I guess I really do feel a little bit old. Bunnies were small rabbits Grandpa had out back in a pen, not the Playboy variety. Grass was mowed, not smoked and gas for daddy’s lawnmower wasn’t an issue. Because it was one of those kind you pushed by hand.

Some of my earliest memories as a young boy was my mother teaching me to tie my shoes, buying sodas at the barber shop for a dime and watching JFK’s funeral on TV. Oh how everyone in the Mansell family cried the day President Kennedy was assassinated. I’d just barely turned 5 years old. At age 6, the Beatles came to the U.S. and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. At 7 there was a huge anti-Vietnam war march On Washington D.C. and a couple of months before I turned 11, an astronaut named Neil Armstrong set foot on the face of the moon. And yeah, I’m old enough that I remember it all.

At 12 I got my first pair of bell bottom jeans, I discovered the Edgar Winter group on 8-track and I french kissed my first girl. It was 1970 and I was starting to realize my body was changing; I was definitely well on my way to becoming a man. Even though I loved my family, I remember thinking to myself … man I can’t wait to grow up so I can get a job and move out on my own! I made good grades in school, I loved my country and I dreamed of buying my very first motorcycle. Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider” was my idol and I had a crush on Sally Struthers after sneaking into the movie theater to see “Five Easy Pieces,” rated R.

Yeah, I miss being a little kid. What’s the big attraction in being a grown up anyway? When I was young, I wanted to be an adult. And now that I’m an adult, all I want to do is be a kid again. Another thing, I used to wonder why all old guys chased young girls. Hell, when I was young, I always wanted an older woman. But now that I’m old, I see why old men want young girls for mates because they make them “feel” young again. I just wish I could go back to age 12, knowing what I know now, and start all over again. I guarantee you one thing. I would not be where I am today. I’d be free, have a job and be happily married for real!

As it stands today, my knees are starting to buckle and my pants won’t zip. I’m set in my ways and “good morning” is an oxymoron. My eyesight is going, my hearing sucks and a rocking chair is starting to look pretty darn good. Where women are concerned, well I just hope I’ll still remember how to have sex when I get out. Because I have exactly six more birthdays to serve in federal prison before they let me leave. All I can say is … thank God for industrial strength Viagra and women who like to ride reverse cowgirl! And surely the girls will still want me. Right? Who the hell knows!

Wish I’d never started drinking, smoking weed and doing drugs. All which led to my present situation of course. My kidneys have suffered and so have my lungs, and even my back from doing all that time in the state joint hoeing in the fields. Should have stayed in school, studied hard and went to college instead of choosing to attend the school of hard knocks. I should have listened to my grandma and pursued a career in music or became a doctor, lawyer or joined the military. Well, maybe not a lawyer. All those guys are crooked as hell. After age 12, shit just seemed to go downhill. Know what I mean?

Despite all my shortcomings however, I really don’t feel too bad about the way I lived my life. Sure, there are some regrets. But all in all, I had a hell of a lot of fun. I did stuff a lot of people will never get to do and I’ve met people I might never have met hadn’t I lived the lifestyle I chose to live.Like you for instance. All my friends and readers here on MySpace. With tears in my eyes I can honestly say to you all … turning the big 5-0 hasn’t been that bad after all, thanks to real friends! That is one thing I’m just fully understanding in life now, and I’m the big 5-0. I’m Tripper! Better Days and upcoming birthdays to all!

So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It’s always the last day of summer and I’ve been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I’ll grant you I’ve had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they’re making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there’s almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door..

George Jung

** Wanted to let you all know I talked with Tripper on the phone early this evening. He was utterly floored with all the cards. He got 45 cards on Friday. There are another 15 on the way from a few late stragglers. He said he is going to get a sweatshirt and stock his locker with food and hygiene, and get that new pair of reading glasses he’s been needing for so long. None of it possible without ALL of you. This turned out absolutely fantastic. I’m so proud of all of you readers and friends who took the time out of your day to send a card, a gift, a better days. Tripper very emotionally told me that this was the best birthday he’s ever had, and asked me to thank all of you that send cards. He will be doing a thank you blog very soon he says. He spent all day yesterday from mail call until he fell asleep looking through the cards, and then today re-reading them all. You did good guys, you really really did! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has meant a lot to me as well that you would all come together like this. Incredible!!

One more thing to ask of you. Tripper has never had a blog hit the number one spot in the life category (or any other category for that matter). Please pass this around, read it twice, tell your friends, let’s get this to number 1!! We have a hard act to beat with Miss Stephanie; she is usually always number 1. Thanks guys, thank you all! Be Good and Be Well………Tripper’s Rep, Nic