Due to the Holiday Season the blog will not be updated until after the New Year. Please check back after the first of the year to receive updates on Jim.
Jim would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult holiday season.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
JAILHOUSE JOBS - PART I
When I first came to jail, a number of the guards told me they would get me a “jail job” right away. They told me I could have my choice of jail jobs, just tell them what I wanted.
There are inside jobs and outside jobs I could have. The outside jobs are: garbage dump (helping people unload their trash bags in a dumpster), litter crew(picking up trash throughout the county (no leg shackles-jobs for misdemeanor only), chain gang(moving belongings out of eviction residences and picking up trash- must wear leg shackles- inmates with felonies),dog pound, (self-explanatory), and maintenance crew (various and sundry repairs, grass cutting, leaf raking, at various county government buildings-This crew has much more freedom of movement than any other job-they even drive-thru a McDonald’s occasionally if the supervisor feels good.)
The inside jobs are: kitchen crew (4-5 men), “rock man”(2 men) Laundry man (1 man who also doubles as the “rock man”(Rock man will be explained in future blog) and dorm cleaner(each dorm has 1 man that cleans dorm daily).
The outside jobs last from about 8:30-3:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. The kitchen crew works 7 days per week about 6 hours a day, but divided up as; 2 hours breakfast, 1 hour lunch, and 3 hours dinner. The rock men also serve as “gofers” and are pretty much on duty all day long and through the evening. The dorm cleaning job is done in about 45 minutes, and then the worker is finished.
The benefits of working: 1) It helps pass the time to those who don’t desire cerebral activities. 2) Smokers (there are many) desire outside jobs because they are allowed to smoke. 3) A second sandwich is given at lunch. 4) The “biggie” benefit is”2for1” Two days credited for 1 day served and worked. EXCEPTION: (Big Exception) For those charged with DUI or Child support/Alimony.
So, I don’t qualify for “2 for1”(future blog on this topic! Those charged with burglary, assaults, or writing bad checks can get it, but a working divorced husband/dad wanting to help his family all he can, living very meagerly himself, is found in contempt. Therefore, he must serve his complete sentence.)
The guards got me a job soon after my arrival. I also gave it up after 2-3 weeks. On Sunday, Dec 4th, I accepted another job. I will tell you the story in Part-II and Part-III to come in sequence. Don’t change that dial! Stay tuned!
Still seeking and praying for a positive outcome for all involved, for my persecutors, as well as for me. Descent and respectful communication outside the courtroom would open the door for this. Can it be? Absolutely! Love conquers all! Don’t doubt! Be positive and do what you can to bring positive good for all.
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Sq.
Ashland City, TN 37015
There are inside jobs and outside jobs I could have. The outside jobs are: garbage dump (helping people unload their trash bags in a dumpster), litter crew(picking up trash throughout the county (no leg shackles-jobs for misdemeanor only), chain gang(moving belongings out of eviction residences and picking up trash- must wear leg shackles- inmates with felonies),dog pound, (self-explanatory), and maintenance crew (various and sundry repairs, grass cutting, leaf raking, at various county government buildings-This crew has much more freedom of movement than any other job-they even drive-thru a McDonald’s occasionally if the supervisor feels good.)
The inside jobs are: kitchen crew (4-5 men), “rock man”(2 men) Laundry man (1 man who also doubles as the “rock man”(Rock man will be explained in future blog) and dorm cleaner(each dorm has 1 man that cleans dorm daily).
The outside jobs last from about 8:30-3:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. The kitchen crew works 7 days per week about 6 hours a day, but divided up as; 2 hours breakfast, 1 hour lunch, and 3 hours dinner. The rock men also serve as “gofers” and are pretty much on duty all day long and through the evening. The dorm cleaning job is done in about 45 minutes, and then the worker is finished.
The benefits of working: 1) It helps pass the time to those who don’t desire cerebral activities. 2) Smokers (there are many) desire outside jobs because they are allowed to smoke. 3) A second sandwich is given at lunch. 4) The “biggie” benefit is”2for1” Two days credited for 1 day served and worked. EXCEPTION: (Big Exception) For those charged with DUI or Child support/Alimony.
So, I don’t qualify for “2 for1”(future blog on this topic! Those charged with burglary, assaults, or writing bad checks can get it, but a working divorced husband/dad wanting to help his family all he can, living very meagerly himself, is found in contempt. Therefore, he must serve his complete sentence.)
The guards got me a job soon after my arrival. I also gave it up after 2-3 weeks. On Sunday, Dec 4th, I accepted another job. I will tell you the story in Part-II and Part-III to come in sequence. Don’t change that dial! Stay tuned!
Still seeking and praying for a positive outcome for all involved, for my persecutors, as well as for me. Descent and respectful communication outside the courtroom would open the door for this. Can it be? Absolutely! Love conquers all! Don’t doubt! Be positive and do what you can to bring positive good for all.
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Sq.
Ashland City, TN 37015
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
RING THE DOORBELL! COME ON IN! (CONTINUED)
The infamous “voice” speaks from on high! As if spoken through heaven’s golden microphone, but heard through the intercom squawk-box’s speaker,” visitation for James Hannaford now. Go to the visitation room!” Up you go from your hallway chair a short distance to the right, a quick zig-zag, and you have entered the visitation room.
The room is really a dead end corridor with 5 booths and 5 chairs. These compartments are divided by sheet metal baffles about head-high, if you’re standing. There is a sheet metal countertop about a foot in depth to lay things on or rest your arms. You face a solid, thick pane glass and another booth on the opposite side just like yours. There is a phone handset mounted to one of the baffles which you will use to communicate……and you wait for your particular inmate: in this case, the “D” dorm, cell #10 resident.
Meanwhile, back in the “D” dorm a different heavenly voice make a squawk-box proclamation, “James Hannaford, put your orange on and go to visitation!”(In other words, I can’t go down in my long johns, which is the normal dorm apparel.) With orange jail suit on, I leave the dorm, once the guard electronically unlocks the door. I, then, have two more corridor doors that guards viewing me on camera must release, before I reach the visitation room. I search one of the 5 booths for my visitor.
I always warn my visitors in advance to be emotionally prepared to see me in an orange jail suit when I walk in. I don’t need any emotional break downs; this is not helpful to me. I need upbeat, positive, ”lemonade out of lemons “ visit. All of my visits have been that way! Especially due to a couple of faithful friends, I have had a visitation every week since my incarceration. I am truly blessed.
The most heart-wrenching time is when I walk into the booth. I always place my hand on the glass (like a high five) and visitors respond likewise, but it is that instant moment when both parties realize that there is no human touch. This is heart wrenching.
Humans need physical touch. I speculate that many of the volatile personalities I experience in jail are partly because they haven’t experienced enough human, tender touch. Thereby, animal instincts become dominant because humanity is lacking.(future blog on jailhouse personalities)
Inmates are allowed 1 hour visitation per week on either Sat. or Sun. from 9a.m.-12noon and 1p.m.-3p.m. The visitation must be used in one hour continuous block of time. Multiple visitors are allowed, but they must share the time as only 1 visitor at a time allowed.
I would love to have any of you visit, but it can’t be spontaneous or a “surprise visit”. There are others already making a trip to Ashland City (about a 45 min. drive from Nashville.) to visit, please, I deeply want to visit with you. A variety and diversity of visitations are great for me. I understand it is a great sacrifice, I would be most appreciative to share conversation, joy, and love with you. Please write me and schedule as you are led to do! Let’s have some laughs!
Coming soon to a blog near you…….exciting… invigorating … informative…maybe even inspirational!
Stay tuned! Don’t change that dial…..or that email address!
Keep those cards and letters pourin’ in!
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Sq.
Ashland City, TN 37015
The room is really a dead end corridor with 5 booths and 5 chairs. These compartments are divided by sheet metal baffles about head-high, if you’re standing. There is a sheet metal countertop about a foot in depth to lay things on or rest your arms. You face a solid, thick pane glass and another booth on the opposite side just like yours. There is a phone handset mounted to one of the baffles which you will use to communicate……and you wait for your particular inmate: in this case, the “D” dorm, cell #10 resident.
Meanwhile, back in the “D” dorm a different heavenly voice make a squawk-box proclamation, “James Hannaford, put your orange on and go to visitation!”(In other words, I can’t go down in my long johns, which is the normal dorm apparel.) With orange jail suit on, I leave the dorm, once the guard electronically unlocks the door. I, then, have two more corridor doors that guards viewing me on camera must release, before I reach the visitation room. I search one of the 5 booths for my visitor.
I always warn my visitors in advance to be emotionally prepared to see me in an orange jail suit when I walk in. I don’t need any emotional break downs; this is not helpful to me. I need upbeat, positive, ”lemonade out of lemons “ visit. All of my visits have been that way! Especially due to a couple of faithful friends, I have had a visitation every week since my incarceration. I am truly blessed.
The most heart-wrenching time is when I walk into the booth. I always place my hand on the glass (like a high five) and visitors respond likewise, but it is that instant moment when both parties realize that there is no human touch. This is heart wrenching.
Humans need physical touch. I speculate that many of the volatile personalities I experience in jail are partly because they haven’t experienced enough human, tender touch. Thereby, animal instincts become dominant because humanity is lacking.(future blog on jailhouse personalities)
Inmates are allowed 1 hour visitation per week on either Sat. or Sun. from 9a.m.-12noon and 1p.m.-3p.m. The visitation must be used in one hour continuous block of time. Multiple visitors are allowed, but they must share the time as only 1 visitor at a time allowed.
I would love to have any of you visit, but it can’t be spontaneous or a “surprise visit”. There are others already making a trip to Ashland City (about a 45 min. drive from Nashville.) to visit, please, I deeply want to visit with you. A variety and diversity of visitations are great for me. I understand it is a great sacrifice, I would be most appreciative to share conversation, joy, and love with you. Please write me and schedule as you are led to do! Let’s have some laughs!
Coming soon to a blog near you…….exciting… invigorating … informative…maybe even inspirational!
Stay tuned! Don’t change that dial…..or that email address!
Keep those cards and letters pourin’ in!
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Sq.
Ashland City, TN 37015
Monday, December 6, 2010
RING THE DOORBELL! COME ON IN!
JUST PUSH THE BUTTON! The intercom guard barks at you.” Whatta you want?”
Not you, I’m sure, but for some they are intimidated and speak timidly,” I’m here to visit Jim Hannaford.”
“WHO”, the question is barked? (Barked depending on who is actually in the booking office on a given day. Some will be polite and speak in kind tones. Others are gruff and abrasive.)
“Jim Hannaford” softly answered.
“Oh, you mean James Hannaford. Give me your I.D.” Out comes a security drawer from within the wall beside you. It seems the drawer silently moving at crotch height is a claw ready to grope the nearest convenient object. That would be your crotch!
So, in lieu of your crotch, you feed the claw beast your I.D. the groping beast is temporarily satisfied. Your I.D., assuming you have been on your best behavior, will be regurgitated later.
“Take a seat!” We’ll let you know when it is your turn,” a voice behind a big security window barks. The voice can see you through the window, but you cannot see the voice unless the overhead lights are on in the office. They are usually not on!
There you sit in a public corridor, in a metal folding chair with others who are in the same circumstance. Only they got there before you did, therefore they are ahead of you in line.
While waiting you will hear about the latest jail scuttlebutt. You will hear about underfeeding of inmates, about how many are sleeping on a concrete floor. They sleep on a 1” pad that is no longer 1’’ because the stuffing is so tightly compressed, or else it has been ripped and stolen in order to supplement the thief’s mat. You might also hear of this 1.5 million dollar lawsuit that has been filed against the jail and certain guards. It seems an arriving and booked inmate in the midst of an overdose was not given medical attention, despite his mom calling to tell them his condition. The inmate succumbed in jail. Stuff like that you will hear while awaiting a visitation with the resident of cell #10 “D” (Delta) Dorm.
………………………………….To be continued……………………………
Future Post:
Continuation
Interior Decor
Toothpaste Stolen
Always thinking love to all! I want no vengeance or revenge! Just a change in attitude and approach would bring great benefits for all. This I state resolutely! This I whole heartedly believe!
Not you, I’m sure, but for some they are intimidated and speak timidly,” I’m here to visit Jim Hannaford.”
“WHO”, the question is barked? (Barked depending on who is actually in the booking office on a given day. Some will be polite and speak in kind tones. Others are gruff and abrasive.)
“Jim Hannaford” softly answered.
“Oh, you mean James Hannaford. Give me your I.D.” Out comes a security drawer from within the wall beside you. It seems the drawer silently moving at crotch height is a claw ready to grope the nearest convenient object. That would be your crotch!
So, in lieu of your crotch, you feed the claw beast your I.D. the groping beast is temporarily satisfied. Your I.D., assuming you have been on your best behavior, will be regurgitated later.
“Take a seat!” We’ll let you know when it is your turn,” a voice behind a big security window barks. The voice can see you through the window, but you cannot see the voice unless the overhead lights are on in the office. They are usually not on!
There you sit in a public corridor, in a metal folding chair with others who are in the same circumstance. Only they got there before you did, therefore they are ahead of you in line.
While waiting you will hear about the latest jail scuttlebutt. You will hear about underfeeding of inmates, about how many are sleeping on a concrete floor. They sleep on a 1” pad that is no longer 1’’ because the stuffing is so tightly compressed, or else it has been ripped and stolen in order to supplement the thief’s mat. You might also hear of this 1.5 million dollar lawsuit that has been filed against the jail and certain guards. It seems an arriving and booked inmate in the midst of an overdose was not given medical attention, despite his mom calling to tell them his condition. The inmate succumbed in jail. Stuff like that you will hear while awaiting a visitation with the resident of cell #10 “D” (Delta) Dorm.
………………………………….To be continued……………………………
Future Post:
Continuation
Interior Decor
Toothpaste Stolen
Always thinking love to all! I want no vengeance or revenge! Just a change in attitude and approach would bring great benefits for all. This I state resolutely! This I whole heartedly believe!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
JAILHOUSE PHONE CALLS
“LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE WALKING” is an outdated advertising phrase for yellow pages. That’s what I have to do at CCJ!
You can’t call me! But, I can call you…. Or at least try. My call to you will be a “collect call”. Therefore, you would have to accept the call.
The jail contracts with a telecommunications company, Evercom, and I’m sure receives a percentage of revenue generated.
Each dorm has a phone mounted on a wall. The guards have control of turning the phones on/off. They, also, have the ability to listen in and /or record conversations. The phone is available for use from 8am to 11pm each day.(When there is misbehavior in the dorm, the phone is enabled for a day or two. Only one or two may be the culprits, but the whole dorm receives the punishment brunt! Ugh!!)
If I were to call you, a recorded voice would speak when you answer, “You have a collect call from ‘Jim’ (when putting through the call I am ask my name and it is recorded) at the Cheatham County Jail. To accept the call press ‘0’. Once you press “0”, the announcer says, “Thank you for calling Evercom.”Then you will be able to hear my voice. I’ve already been able to hear yours.
We can then talk! Often times the announcers voice is delayed (automation computer generation is out of sync). Just give him time to crank up! Also, you can press “0” too early. Wait until asked, then press “0”!
The calls I make to Nashville to a “landline” (not a cell phone) cost $1.50 for a 15 minute call. The call is automatically disconnected at 15 minutes. (2 warnings are given however at 1 min. and a 30 sec.) I’m sure calls to other cities would be a little more expensive because of the long distance charges but, I don’t know how much!
Many folks don’t have a landline, or else their line is a cable company line. I can’t call those! I can call cell phones but it is more complicated and more expensive .A cell phone account must be set-up in advance and pre-paid with Evercom. However, three phone numbers can be used on one account.
For example: My brother only has a cell phone. My sister has a landline, but it is a cable co. line. They have established and account with Evercom with both their cell numbers, plus my mom’s cell number .It is expensive, though! To call them (bro or sis )there is $3.95 connection fee, plus .89 per minute. To call mom in Nashville it is $1.00 connection charge and .49 per min. Unfortunately, my phone calls to my family are limited: about 1 every two weeks alternating between bro. and sis..(My mom now has an att&t landline. So I will be able to call her for $1.50/15 min. call.)
If you ever would like to receive a call from a “wild and wooly, crazy and crazed, bald-headed (but with a halo) jailbird then, send me a letter with your number (landline) and best time to call. (I wouldn’t want anyone to go to the expense and trouble for a cell phone) “Ask and ye shall receive!” Then, I will let my fingers do the walking! I will call and say, “Hello! Stat CHU?”
FUTURE BLOGS:
Visitation
INTERIOR DECOR OF CELL
TOOTHPASTE AND DOLLAR STOLEN
“Don’t retreat, just, reload and shoot” Is the message in Jesus’s parable of the pesistentent widow in Luke 18. That’s what I am trying to do, especially to my oppressors. I’m shooting love shells, shotgun shells, not single bullets, where shot will be splattered over a broad area. Perhaps a heart shall be penetrated! Maybe everyone can celebrate.
You can’t call me! But, I can call you…. Or at least try. My call to you will be a “collect call”. Therefore, you would have to accept the call.
The jail contracts with a telecommunications company, Evercom, and I’m sure receives a percentage of revenue generated.
Each dorm has a phone mounted on a wall. The guards have control of turning the phones on/off. They, also, have the ability to listen in and /or record conversations. The phone is available for use from 8am to 11pm each day.(When there is misbehavior in the dorm, the phone is enabled for a day or two. Only one or two may be the culprits, but the whole dorm receives the punishment brunt! Ugh!!)
If I were to call you, a recorded voice would speak when you answer, “You have a collect call from ‘Jim’ (when putting through the call I am ask my name and it is recorded) at the Cheatham County Jail. To accept the call press ‘0’. Once you press “0”, the announcer says, “Thank you for calling Evercom.”Then you will be able to hear my voice. I’ve already been able to hear yours.
We can then talk! Often times the announcers voice is delayed (automation computer generation is out of sync). Just give him time to crank up! Also, you can press “0” too early. Wait until asked, then press “0”!
The calls I make to Nashville to a “landline” (not a cell phone) cost $1.50 for a 15 minute call. The call is automatically disconnected at 15 minutes. (2 warnings are given however at 1 min. and a 30 sec.) I’m sure calls to other cities would be a little more expensive because of the long distance charges but, I don’t know how much!
Many folks don’t have a landline, or else their line is a cable company line. I can’t call those! I can call cell phones but it is more complicated and more expensive .A cell phone account must be set-up in advance and pre-paid with Evercom. However, three phone numbers can be used on one account.
For example: My brother only has a cell phone. My sister has a landline, but it is a cable co. line. They have established and account with Evercom with both their cell numbers, plus my mom’s cell number .It is expensive, though! To call them (bro or sis )there is $3.95 connection fee, plus .89 per minute. To call mom in Nashville it is $1.00 connection charge and .49 per min. Unfortunately, my phone calls to my family are limited: about 1 every two weeks alternating between bro. and sis..(My mom now has an att&t landline. So I will be able to call her for $1.50/15 min. call.)
If you ever would like to receive a call from a “wild and wooly, crazy and crazed, bald-headed (but with a halo) jailbird then, send me a letter with your number (landline) and best time to call. (I wouldn’t want anyone to go to the expense and trouble for a cell phone) “Ask and ye shall receive!” Then, I will let my fingers do the walking! I will call and say, “Hello! Stat CHU?”
FUTURE BLOGS:
Visitation
INTERIOR DECOR OF CELL
TOOTHPASTE AND DOLLAR STOLEN
“Don’t retreat, just, reload and shoot” Is the message in Jesus’s parable of the pesistentent widow in Luke 18. That’s what I am trying to do, especially to my oppressors. I’m shooting love shells, shotgun shells, not single bullets, where shot will be splattered over a broad area. Perhaps a heart shall be penetrated! Maybe everyone can celebrate.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
ACTUAL EXCERPTS DAILY PERSONAL JOURNAL
Happy Thanksgiving! I called David and Jan (at Jan’s) [Dave, my brother, Jan my sister] late morning. They were cooking and preparing Thanksgiving lunch/dinner! They’re expecting to have 10 people at the table! Wish I could be #11!
I learned from David that he had found a place to move [he is retired] closer to dear friends and to Jan. [He has lived in Baltimore, MD for over 40 years] He has found an ideal place in Calabash, N.C. [geographically convenient] [of course, on a golf course]……I’m so happy for him! I think it is a good move! [He is approaching his 70’s]
Nothing changed for lunch today! It was still a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of kool-aid…except…there was a football game on. I watched some football, off and on, but also wrote 4 letters…[This is an extremely productive day! Usually three letters is about all the handwriting I can do. More tiring than one would think]
The jail-to their credit-provide a nice Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes,[real]green beans, and corn, plus a couple of cookies. The portions were heavier than normal.[the food was tasty too-no complaints] I finished the meal quite filled.
I read more of the book about Perry March. Book has me captivated! Really enjoying it. [“An Unfinished Canvas” By Michael Glasgow and Phyllis Gobbell]
A guy-one of the loud bullies-got released at 5am. I’ve learned by his example of rage. He is filled with it! Therefore, hereafter, any rage from me will be more suppressed and infrequent. This has been one positive thing to come out of jail for me. I am thankful for this! [ more in-depth blog on this topic in the future]
I am truly blessed, regardless!
I learned from David that he had found a place to move [he is retired] closer to dear friends and to Jan. [He has lived in Baltimore, MD for over 40 years] He has found an ideal place in Calabash, N.C. [geographically convenient] [of course, on a golf course]……I’m so happy for him! I think it is a good move! [He is approaching his 70’s]
Nothing changed for lunch today! It was still a peanut butter sandwich and a glass of kool-aid…except…there was a football game on. I watched some football, off and on, but also wrote 4 letters…[This is an extremely productive day! Usually three letters is about all the handwriting I can do. More tiring than one would think]
The jail-to their credit-provide a nice Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes,[real]green beans, and corn, plus a couple of cookies. The portions were heavier than normal.[the food was tasty too-no complaints] I finished the meal quite filled.
I read more of the book about Perry March. Book has me captivated! Really enjoying it. [“An Unfinished Canvas” By Michael Glasgow and Phyllis Gobbell]
A guy-one of the loud bullies-got released at 5am. I’ve learned by his example of rage. He is filled with it! Therefore, hereafter, any rage from me will be more suppressed and infrequent. This has been one positive thing to come out of jail for me. I am thankful for this! [ more in-depth blog on this topic in the future]
I am truly blessed, regardless!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
BIOLOGY AND BATHROOMS
Believe it or not, even in jail one finds the need to relieve oneself. The biological and body functions don’t suspend. Therefore, facilities are a necessity. I have a high school class mate who spent some time in a Moroccan jail back in the 70’s. The Moroccan jail was a floor hole in the center of the room. There was no toilet paper holder; in fact there was no toilet paper!
In comparison, I’m residing in 4-star luxury. However, I’m sure, you would consider it the economy version compared to your own facilities you use at home. In the back corner of each cell, there is a stainless steel toilet/sink combo.
The sink is directly behind the toilet bowl, where you are accustomed to having the tank and its lid. In fact, the waste water from the sink actually drains into the toilet bowl, and then is manually flushed. In order to use the sink,one must either straddle the bowl, or stand to its side. When brushing your teeth, you have the choice of leaning over spitting in the sink or spitting in the toilet bowl. It all will have to be eventually flushed anyway.
There are 3 push buttons on the back panel of the sink. 2-buttons are the hot and cold controls. The 3rd push button push button flushes the toilet. The hot and cold buttons must be held in to get a stream. They’re not easily pushed, either, as they require a little strength, so, one has to use one or the other, hot or cold, since one hand has to be used for whatever function the water is needed. That is not an issue, however.
To get continuous running water one is educated in jailhouse ingenuity, learned from other inmates, I can take an empty 20 oz. plastic coke bottle, fill it with water to give it mass and strength, and use a washcloth folded up as much as it can be folded. Using both items the bottom of the bottle is placed on the water button; the folded washcloth is placed on the inside front edge of the sink; then the coke top/lid is horizontally wedged against the washcloth, thereby pushing the button in and holding it. Voila! Continuous stream of water! Two hands free! Coke can be enjoyed in more ways than one. “AHH! The pause that refreshes!”
There is no toilet seat! The bowl flanges are wider than your household toilet. Therefore, you won’t feel that you’re falling when you sit. But it is chilly, though. The metal quickly warms by body heat until you flush, the water flowing underneath the flanges chills the metal again. There is no toilet paper holder per se. But there is a round cavity in the side panel of the sink that holds a roll of toilet paper. Yes, we are supplied with TP, but I guarantee you , it ain’t Charmin!
There are no privacy petitions or even curtains. Each cell is open to the rest of the room and to the guard tower. At times there are female guards in the tower, too. At least the toilet is in the back of a cell, where a certain degree of privacy can be obtained. (In the dorm, “Inside Rec,” one big room with bunks around the perimeter, the toilets (2) are in the room exposed, no privacy at all.) Everyone understands it is one of the encumbrances of jail life. That it is!
Future Blog Post:
Interior Decorating and Customization
Toothpaste Stolen and Dollar Stolen
Shower Description
Thank you for walking (and reading) down this path with me. Your mail is so important! Want to hear from you! Thanks!
In comparison, I’m residing in 4-star luxury. However, I’m sure, you would consider it the economy version compared to your own facilities you use at home. In the back corner of each cell, there is a stainless steel toilet/sink combo.
The sink is directly behind the toilet bowl, where you are accustomed to having the tank and its lid. In fact, the waste water from the sink actually drains into the toilet bowl, and then is manually flushed. In order to use the sink,one must either straddle the bowl, or stand to its side. When brushing your teeth, you have the choice of leaning over spitting in the sink or spitting in the toilet bowl. It all will have to be eventually flushed anyway.
There are 3 push buttons on the back panel of the sink. 2-buttons are the hot and cold controls. The 3rd push button push button flushes the toilet. The hot and cold buttons must be held in to get a stream. They’re not easily pushed, either, as they require a little strength, so, one has to use one or the other, hot or cold, since one hand has to be used for whatever function the water is needed. That is not an issue, however.
To get continuous running water one is educated in jailhouse ingenuity, learned from other inmates, I can take an empty 20 oz. plastic coke bottle, fill it with water to give it mass and strength, and use a washcloth folded up as much as it can be folded. Using both items the bottom of the bottle is placed on the water button; the folded washcloth is placed on the inside front edge of the sink; then the coke top/lid is horizontally wedged against the washcloth, thereby pushing the button in and holding it. Voila! Continuous stream of water! Two hands free! Coke can be enjoyed in more ways than one. “AHH! The pause that refreshes!”
There is no toilet seat! The bowl flanges are wider than your household toilet. Therefore, you won’t feel that you’re falling when you sit. But it is chilly, though. The metal quickly warms by body heat until you flush, the water flowing underneath the flanges chills the metal again. There is no toilet paper holder per se. But there is a round cavity in the side panel of the sink that holds a roll of toilet paper. Yes, we are supplied with TP, but I guarantee you , it ain’t Charmin!
There are no privacy petitions or even curtains. Each cell is open to the rest of the room and to the guard tower. At times there are female guards in the tower, too. At least the toilet is in the back of a cell, where a certain degree of privacy can be obtained. (In the dorm, “Inside Rec,” one big room with bunks around the perimeter, the toilets (2) are in the room exposed, no privacy at all.) Everyone understands it is one of the encumbrances of jail life. That it is!
Future Blog Post:
Interior Decorating and Customization
Toothpaste Stolen and Dollar Stolen
Shower Description
Thank you for walking (and reading) down this path with me. Your mail is so important! Want to hear from you! Thanks!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS
I am filled with gratitude in so many ways! More to the point in this context, I am grateful that you are walking down this path with me by faithfully reading this blog and responding with encouragement in various ways. I give thanks and more thanks!
This is a test and protest for me. It could be that it is the same for you,and not just a curiosity for I believe it is a cause, and not just a self- aggrandizement. Perhaps, in your own life you are being tested, unfairly tested, and it is time for you to raise a respectful, non-violent protest. Perhaps, the protest is for your value as an individual. Perhaps it is for your family, maybe, you need to protest because something reflects badly on your faith or institutions of your faith. It could be all of the above. I encourage you to stand up, seek remedy to satisfy all, respect and give human value, if not in love,to opposing parties, no matter the circumstance.
Wherever you are this Thanksgiving Holiday Season, may there be abundance, abundance of food, of family and fellowship, of laughter and joy, and most of all....abundance of thanks. We are truly a blessed people. We are also not people without hope!
There will be no more blog post this week, perhaps you can find some time to catch up during the holiday weekend on posts not yet read. Blog will continue next week.
Future Blog Post:
Phone Calls
Visitation
Interior Decorating
Happy Thanksgiving! Let's conquer tyranny and persecution in the world however large or small!
You have to take action, though, and not simply wish for it!
This is a test and protest for me. It could be that it is the same for you,and not just a curiosity for I believe it is a cause, and not just a self- aggrandizement. Perhaps, in your own life you are being tested, unfairly tested, and it is time for you to raise a respectful, non-violent protest. Perhaps, the protest is for your value as an individual. Perhaps it is for your family, maybe, you need to protest because something reflects badly on your faith or institutions of your faith. It could be all of the above. I encourage you to stand up, seek remedy to satisfy all, respect and give human value, if not in love,to opposing parties, no matter the circumstance.
Wherever you are this Thanksgiving Holiday Season, may there be abundance, abundance of food, of family and fellowship, of laughter and joy, and most of all....abundance of thanks. We are truly a blessed people. We are also not people without hope!
There will be no more blog post this week, perhaps you can find some time to catch up during the holiday weekend on posts not yet read. Blog will continue next week.
Future Blog Post:
Phone Calls
Visitation
Interior Decorating
Happy Thanksgiving! Let's conquer tyranny and persecution in the world however large or small!
You have to take action, though, and not simply wish for it!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
MY HOME RESIDENCE
If the Cheatham County Jail is my town, and the "D" Dorm (Delta) is my neighborhood, then , cell #10 is my home residence. More than anyone else in the dorm, I remain at home the vast majority of time. I am a person who enjoys solitude. Of course, that is a very relative measure,because there isn't really any solitude, as most of us would define it , in a jail dorm. I don't completely isolate myself, and will address that topic soon in a future blog. But is my own choice to stay at "home" most of the time.
Cell #10, located in a so to speak "cul du sac" at the head of the stairs, is eight , plus a half, concrete blocks long. That is 11 feet and a few inches. Its width is 5 blocks plus a half. That calculates to 7 feet and a few inches. Across the front of the cell are iron bars built in spaced horizontal thick steel framing. It is the icon of what everyone pictures as jail.
Looking in from the cell door, the left wall at roughly 7 feet turns in to the room. This narrows the room but also provides an 18 inch alcove for the bunk. The bunk is about 36 inches wide. So half the bunk sits in the alcove and the other half extends into the room. As the 18 inch wall turns around the back wall, there is a head-high, small, storage shelf with 4 hooks under it for hanging towels, long johns, orange jail suits, etc. Then, immediately fitting in the back left corner is the toilet/sink.
The right wall is a straight wall. Centered is an 18 inch square sheet metal table top, no legs, that is welded to metal plates bolted to the wall. In like construction on the far table side is one sheet metal seat. For my liking it could be an inch higher for a more comfortable use of the table top. Above the table centered in the wall is a 4 ' flourescent light sconce. This fixture shines light down the wall into the room and also emits light up the wall and onto the ceiling. At 9:30 p.m. every night this light is cut off from the guards control room. It comes back at 6:00 a.m.
On the back wall about two inches from the ceiling is a four foot long window, but is only 8 inches deep. It has plexiglass on the outside, but on the inside there is a thick wire mesh covering the window opening. No escape there! Can't see much but it does allow for ambient day light.
The cell door is locked at 11 p.m. and is electronically opened at 4:30 a.m. when the razors are delivered for shaving. The door remains open the rest of the day, but I'm comfortable in my own home most of the time.
In a future blog post I will describe the bathroom and shower facilities, as well as the bunk. Another post will tell you the customization and interior decorating I have done to make it my home.
Please stay tuned. It makes me feel like, maybe, some one out there cares, when you let me know you're reading . In that, my time moves faster and I am more productive to others- inside jail and outside. It frees my spirit.
Also, other future posts:
Visitation
Suicide Watch
Phone Calls
Please, I ask that you do all you can do to remove tyranny and persecution, not just in my life, but wherever you see it!
Cell #10, located in a so to speak "cul du sac" at the head of the stairs, is eight , plus a half, concrete blocks long. That is 11 feet and a few inches. Its width is 5 blocks plus a half. That calculates to 7 feet and a few inches. Across the front of the cell are iron bars built in spaced horizontal thick steel framing. It is the icon of what everyone pictures as jail.
Looking in from the cell door, the left wall at roughly 7 feet turns in to the room. This narrows the room but also provides an 18 inch alcove for the bunk. The bunk is about 36 inches wide. So half the bunk sits in the alcove and the other half extends into the room. As the 18 inch wall turns around the back wall, there is a head-high, small, storage shelf with 4 hooks under it for hanging towels, long johns, orange jail suits, etc. Then, immediately fitting in the back left corner is the toilet/sink.
The right wall is a straight wall. Centered is an 18 inch square sheet metal table top, no legs, that is welded to metal plates bolted to the wall. In like construction on the far table side is one sheet metal seat. For my liking it could be an inch higher for a more comfortable use of the table top. Above the table centered in the wall is a 4 ' flourescent light sconce. This fixture shines light down the wall into the room and also emits light up the wall and onto the ceiling. At 9:30 p.m. every night this light is cut off from the guards control room. It comes back at 6:00 a.m.
On the back wall about two inches from the ceiling is a four foot long window, but is only 8 inches deep. It has plexiglass on the outside, but on the inside there is a thick wire mesh covering the window opening. No escape there! Can't see much but it does allow for ambient day light.
The cell door is locked at 11 p.m. and is electronically opened at 4:30 a.m. when the razors are delivered for shaving. The door remains open the rest of the day, but I'm comfortable in my own home most of the time.
In a future blog post I will describe the bathroom and shower facilities, as well as the bunk. Another post will tell you the customization and interior decorating I have done to make it my home.
Please stay tuned. It makes me feel like, maybe, some one out there cares, when you let me know you're reading . In that, my time moves faster and I am more productive to others- inside jail and outside. It frees my spirit.
Also, other future posts:
Visitation
Suicide Watch
Phone Calls
Please, I ask that you do all you can do to remove tyranny and persecution, not just in my life, but wherever you see it!
Friday, November 19, 2010
MY DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY
Today, November 19, 2010, is the 25th birthday of my daughter , Elise. I say a prayer for her and dearly hope she is having a happy one. I wish I could be a part of her celebration, more importantly,
I wish she would want me to be a part of her celebration. But that is not the case. I haven't been in her presence since February, 2001.
For this I do not understand! I really don't! Why would a daughter, who had a good relationship with her dad prior to 2001, turn her back on a dad who loves her so much, even now after all that has happened? Why is a dad's love and value based solely what he has in his wallet, or lack there of ? Doesn't any relationship prosper because of efforts and investment two parties give to the relationship ? Shouldn't there be reciprocation when both parties are of age.
If one has a grievance with another, can't one get together with the other, express the grievance, vent it , creatively work through the issue respectfully ? "Why not," I ask? What is the best way to resolve a human conflict ? Is this unreasonable ? Why do we have to be estranged? Why can't we mend fences, and love , relate, and engage in a beautiful father - daughter relationship? This is possible, absolutely possible to those who believe!
I do not know where Elise is, I do not have any valid postal or email address. I do not have any faith
that if I were to mail a birthday greeting to her mom or maternal grandparents that it would be delivered. They have always ignored my previous loving and respectful reaching-out to them. No goodwill from them! Why?
So what is a loving dad to do? I'd give her the shirt off my back, if that would restore the relationship. But I don't think material things, regardless of the amount will restore this relationship and truly be genuine. It is a matter of the heart! Therein lies the answer to this broken relationship.
If you know where Elise is , if you have any contact with her, if you can get to her (the last I heard she was in Chicago) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell her she has a dad who loves her. He is serving a six month sentence in the Cheatham County Jail as a protest and for what he believes in. This same dad has never stopped loving his daughter. He has only remained absent from her because she has given every indication that she wanted to be left alone. He respects her space and desires, however, if she should ever have a change of heart, and would give some kind of positive sign, he would love to talk to her. He would try to correct any past issues and grievances, as best he can. He would do all he could for a future relationship to flourish. It takes two to have a relationship though. His door and heart are open....ALWAYS !
I wish she would want me to be a part of her celebration. But that is not the case. I haven't been in her presence since February, 2001.
For this I do not understand! I really don't! Why would a daughter, who had a good relationship with her dad prior to 2001, turn her back on a dad who loves her so much, even now after all that has happened? Why is a dad's love and value based solely what he has in his wallet, or lack there of ? Doesn't any relationship prosper because of efforts and investment two parties give to the relationship ? Shouldn't there be reciprocation when both parties are of age.
If one has a grievance with another, can't one get together with the other, express the grievance, vent it , creatively work through the issue respectfully ? "Why not," I ask? What is the best way to resolve a human conflict ? Is this unreasonable ? Why do we have to be estranged? Why can't we mend fences, and love , relate, and engage in a beautiful father - daughter relationship? This is possible, absolutely possible to those who believe!
I do not know where Elise is, I do not have any valid postal or email address. I do not have any faith
that if I were to mail a birthday greeting to her mom or maternal grandparents that it would be delivered. They have always ignored my previous loving and respectful reaching-out to them. No goodwill from them! Why?
So what is a loving dad to do? I'd give her the shirt off my back, if that would restore the relationship. But I don't think material things, regardless of the amount will restore this relationship and truly be genuine. It is a matter of the heart! Therein lies the answer to this broken relationship.
If you know where Elise is , if you have any contact with her, if you can get to her (the last I heard she was in Chicago) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell her she has a dad who loves her. He is serving a six month sentence in the Cheatham County Jail as a protest and for what he believes in. This same dad has never stopped loving his daughter. He has only remained absent from her because she has given every indication that she wanted to be left alone. He respects her space and desires, however, if she should ever have a change of heart, and would give some kind of positive sign, he would love to talk to her. He would try to correct any past issues and grievances, as best he can. He would do all he could for a future relationship to flourish. It takes two to have a relationship though. His door and heart are open....ALWAYS !
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Jailhouse Grammer Lesson
In most posts on this blog I'm describing jail conditions. The description below is not an exaggeration, but a very true condition. I hope it is not too profane for my readers. I've written creatively to emphatically describe the condition.
Dictionary.com has a "word of the day" that anyone can subscribe to. Around noon everyday some word that more than likely you have never heard of, or will never use, will be sent to you and you can look up the definition. In the Cheatham County Jail there is a "word of the day," but it is the same word every single day - used more often than any other word. Used almost in every sentence, in some grammatical form, one does not have to have a dictionary to understand its meaning.
The "F-Bomb" is the most prolific word used in the lexicon of the CCJ (or any jail, I'm sure). Used as a noun, it usually has the prefix "mother" and the suffix "er." As a verb, it is most likely to be in the past tense having an "ed" attached. But with the same spelling it can also be used as a predicate adjective, i.e. "I'm ....ed." If it is used as a regular adjective, "ing" is attached to the base form. Can't recall it being used as an adverb; but, I suppose the more educated here would find some way to add an "ly" and use it profoundly. Hmmm? Don't know if it can be used as a preposition, but there are creative people in jail.
If is used in a declarative sentence: "I got ___ in court today." It is often used in an interrogative sentence: "What the ___?" As an exclamatory sentence it is greatly used: "Look at that M.F'er run with that football." In an imperative sentence a command is given: "___ you."
So you see, this word form is widely used. This writer makes no judgements, for he, himself, has been wrongly judged. I'll let more Divine powers be the judge. It is my understanding that the Divine sees the heart more than anything else. We are all bi-products of our families, churches, schools and neighborhoods, etc. This writer only reports. It is a fact, this is a new cultural experience and a new language in which this reporter is routinely accustomed. It is also a fact, I would rather be around more uplifting and inspirational language.
Future Posts: (Not in any certain order)
Visitations
Setting up Housekeeping
Phone Calls
Gourmet Food
May we one day find cause to celebrate the release and removal of tyranny and persecution for "All".
Dictionary.com has a "word of the day" that anyone can subscribe to. Around noon everyday some word that more than likely you have never heard of, or will never use, will be sent to you and you can look up the definition. In the Cheatham County Jail there is a "word of the day," but it is the same word every single day - used more often than any other word. Used almost in every sentence, in some grammatical form, one does not have to have a dictionary to understand its meaning.
The "F-Bomb" is the most prolific word used in the lexicon of the CCJ (or any jail, I'm sure). Used as a noun, it usually has the prefix "mother" and the suffix "er." As a verb, it is most likely to be in the past tense having an "ed" attached. But with the same spelling it can also be used as a predicate adjective, i.e. "I'm ....ed." If it is used as a regular adjective, "ing" is attached to the base form. Can't recall it being used as an adverb; but, I suppose the more educated here would find some way to add an "ly" and use it profoundly. Hmmm? Don't know if it can be used as a preposition, but there are creative people in jail.
If is used in a declarative sentence: "I got ___ in court today." It is often used in an interrogative sentence: "What the ___?" As an exclamatory sentence it is greatly used: "Look at that M.F'er run with that football." In an imperative sentence a command is given: "___ you."
So you see, this word form is widely used. This writer makes no judgements, for he, himself, has been wrongly judged. I'll let more Divine powers be the judge. It is my understanding that the Divine sees the heart more than anything else. We are all bi-products of our families, churches, schools and neighborhoods, etc. This writer only reports. It is a fact, this is a new cultural experience and a new language in which this reporter is routinely accustomed. It is also a fact, I would rather be around more uplifting and inspirational language.
Future Posts: (Not in any certain order)
Visitations
Setting up Housekeeping
Phone Calls
Gourmet Food
May we one day find cause to celebrate the release and removal of tyranny and persecution for "All".
Monday, November 15, 2010
My Residence
All the male dorms at the Cheatham County Jail have 16 bunks. That doesn't mean that at times there isn't over-crowding. When that happens, then the concrete floor becomes a bunk. Presently there is no over-crowding, maybe even a vacant bunk or two. My residence is the "Delta" dorm, and just like the "Charlie" dorm, has bars across the front of each cell room. There are 10 cells in "C" and "D" dorm.
Looking from the Delta entrance door, cells are designated numbers orally. But no signage. Left to right downstairs 1-5, 6-10 upstairs. I have set-up housekeeping in #10, a one-man cell. (How acquired and description in a future post).
As you enter the Delta, you find yourself in a rather large, open, two-story common area containing three sheet metal tables with 4 fixed attached seats, like you would see at a McDonald's, fiberglass at McDonald's, rusted sheet metal/steel here. Old jail blankets, tattered and torn, are used as tablecloths. The cells, upper and lower, are across the back wall.
The dorm is not square or rectangular. In fact, it is an irregular pentagon. Entering: The left adjacent wall runs at 90 degrees as any normal room and meets a 90 degree back wall. The right adjacent wall as you enter runs at an obtuse angle, non-parallel to the left wall. (Mrs. Sigenbloom's High School Geometry Class comes back to me. Loved her!) The obtuse wall meets a short 90 degree back wall (runs two cell widths) that then meets at an angle with the long conventional back wall to complete the pentagon. A staircase ascends by the right obtuse wall. My #10 cell door is directly in front of the stair ending. There is a 4'-5' balcony walkway overlooking the large room to access cells 6-9.
Accoutrement's: At the bottom of the staircase is the dorm telephone (future posting about phone calls). In the opposite front corner, so as to be seen from the tables, the balcony walkway and a few cells is a TV. Mounted on a shelf about 8'-10' high, halfway between 1st and 2nd levels, is a 19" flat screen. Its a nice TV, but way too small for the room. Built out from the left wall on the ground level is a one-man shower stall. It has decent water pressure and hot enough water, but no hooks or shelves for cloths and soaps/shampoos.
Cell doors are closed each night at 11 pm, except for one "the out man." Someone is needed to get to the intercom if there was a sickness or other crisis. Doors are unlocked at 4:30 am every morning when razors arrive for shaving. They remain open the rest of the day.
Thank you for your interest and concern. Let's celebrate a positive redemption and remedy for "All" soon!
Future Posts:
Phone calls
Visitations,
Tyranny Vs Persecution
Looking from the Delta entrance door, cells are designated numbers orally. But no signage. Left to right downstairs 1-5, 6-10 upstairs. I have set-up housekeeping in #10, a one-man cell. (How acquired and description in a future post).
As you enter the Delta, you find yourself in a rather large, open, two-story common area containing three sheet metal tables with 4 fixed attached seats, like you would see at a McDonald's, fiberglass at McDonald's, rusted sheet metal/steel here. Old jail blankets, tattered and torn, are used as tablecloths. The cells, upper and lower, are across the back wall.
The dorm is not square or rectangular. In fact, it is an irregular pentagon. Entering: The left adjacent wall runs at 90 degrees as any normal room and meets a 90 degree back wall. The right adjacent wall as you enter runs at an obtuse angle, non-parallel to the left wall. (Mrs. Sigenbloom's High School Geometry Class comes back to me. Loved her!) The obtuse wall meets a short 90 degree back wall (runs two cell widths) that then meets at an angle with the long conventional back wall to complete the pentagon. A staircase ascends by the right obtuse wall. My #10 cell door is directly in front of the stair ending. There is a 4'-5' balcony walkway overlooking the large room to access cells 6-9.
Accoutrement's: At the bottom of the staircase is the dorm telephone (future posting about phone calls). In the opposite front corner, so as to be seen from the tables, the balcony walkway and a few cells is a TV. Mounted on a shelf about 8'-10' high, halfway between 1st and 2nd levels, is a 19" flat screen. Its a nice TV, but way too small for the room. Built out from the left wall on the ground level is a one-man shower stall. It has decent water pressure and hot enough water, but no hooks or shelves for cloths and soaps/shampoos.
Cell doors are closed each night at 11 pm, except for one "the out man." Someone is needed to get to the intercom if there was a sickness or other crisis. Doors are unlocked at 4:30 am every morning when razors arrive for shaving. They remain open the rest of the day.
Thank you for your interest and concern. Let's celebrate a positive redemption and remedy for "All" soon!
Future Posts:
Phone calls
Visitations,
Tyranny Vs Persecution
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Further Description Cheatham County Jail
“The Cheatham County Jail” (Perhaps a future title for a song – suggested by a friend) has 6 male, 1 female and 1 female-trustee dorms for incarceration. The male dorms are designated alphabetically A-E, plus one more – “Indoor Rec.” – formerly just what it says, but now a dorm. The guards communicating on their walkie-talkies refer to them as “Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta, Echo and Indoor Rec.”. I am a resident of “D” (Delta) dorm. All the male dorms have one entrance/exit door each. They are located off the “Sally Port,” a central vestibule where the “rock call” machines (vending/snack) are located. The female dorm is located on a hallway between the booking room and the Sally Port. Their entrance door is also between two locked steel hallway doors left and right 10’ +/- from their dorm. The female dorm door does not have a window with a solid canvas curtain covering it as the male dorms do. Wonder why? Haha!
To get inside the jail from the public side one must pass through two successive locked - electronically controlled - steel doors. Only one is unlocked at a time. This will take you into the booking room, the main control room and office of the jail. To get to the dorms you would exit the second door from which you entered, take a left and hike down a long hallway. On this hike you will pass the visitation room first, then the library and estimated 8’ x 8’ room. The library also serves as an attorney consultation room. Soon you will approach another door to be unlocked and then pass the women’s dorm on the left before reaching the Sally Port door again electronically locked. There left of the Sally Port door is a staircase leading to the guard control tower and the female trustee dorm. One passes through 4 locked doors before entering a dorm from “booking”. One is always on camera too!
The guard tower has large windows heavily tinted for one-sided viewing. It’s difficult to see into the control tower from the dorm side, but the guards have clear viewing from their side. Plus, they have banks of camera monitors. It is there that all doors, lights, TV’s, phones can be turned on or off to each individual dorm. The tower is a top the sally port and has glass cut-outs in the floor for viewing Sally Port happenings.
I’m familiar with the “T-Dorm” female trustee dorm. During my 60 conecutive weekend stays the “weekenders” many times stayed there. Having only 8 bunks, most “weekenders”, including me, had to sleep on the concrete floor. The female trustees had to move to the regular female dorm for the weekend, then move back on Sunday night after the guys were gone! Saw some good ballgames, read some good books, and got some god rest and sleep in the “T-dorm.” Ahhh the memories!
Coming Soon:
Dorm Description
Gourmet Food
Jail House Grammar/Vocabulary
Toothpaste Stolen
Phone Calls
Thank you for your mail, prayers, and right and good spirit. May one day - hopefully soon – we – ALL – can celebrate!
To get inside the jail from the public side one must pass through two successive locked - electronically controlled - steel doors. Only one is unlocked at a time. This will take you into the booking room, the main control room and office of the jail. To get to the dorms you would exit the second door from which you entered, take a left and hike down a long hallway. On this hike you will pass the visitation room first, then the library and estimated 8’ x 8’ room. The library also serves as an attorney consultation room. Soon you will approach another door to be unlocked and then pass the women’s dorm on the left before reaching the Sally Port door again electronically locked. There left of the Sally Port door is a staircase leading to the guard control tower and the female trustee dorm. One passes through 4 locked doors before entering a dorm from “booking”. One is always on camera too!
The guard tower has large windows heavily tinted for one-sided viewing. It’s difficult to see into the control tower from the dorm side, but the guards have clear viewing from their side. Plus, they have banks of camera monitors. It is there that all doors, lights, TV’s, phones can be turned on or off to each individual dorm. The tower is a top the sally port and has glass cut-outs in the floor for viewing Sally Port happenings.
I’m familiar with the “T-Dorm” female trustee dorm. During my 60 conecutive weekend stays the “weekenders” many times stayed there. Having only 8 bunks, most “weekenders”, including me, had to sleep on the concrete floor. The female trustees had to move to the regular female dorm for the weekend, then move back on Sunday night after the guys were gone! Saw some good ballgames, read some good books, and got some god rest and sleep in the “T-dorm.” Ahhh the memories!
Coming Soon:
Dorm Description
Gourmet Food
Jail House Grammar/Vocabulary
Toothpaste Stolen
Phone Calls
Thank you for your mail, prayers, and right and good spirit. May one day - hopefully soon – we – ALL – can celebrate!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Snail Mail
The Pony Express does not run at the CCJ. "Snail" mail does crank its way under the locked steel doors. Postal mail can be sent and received. Yes, sent...if the inmate has a stamp. Yes, received...but it will be opened at the front office and checked for any contra ban i.e. cigarettes/supplies/lighters; drugs-pills or other; dirty pictures; anything that could be considered a weapon, even ball point pens; etc. so, please, please, when any of you send mail, please, please don't include any of these items. If you do, please, don't put my name on the envelope! Haha (A joke, my friends would not do that.) I honestly don't think any of my mail is being read, but they can if they want to. They do open the mail and I'm sure remove it from the envelope before placing it back.
There is no email at the CCJ. We do it the old-fashioned way. I can only respond to mail by writing in pencil. No mechanical pencils, that is considered a weapon. No ink pens! Besides being a weapon it can be used for tattoos. However, it is quite acceptable for you to use a computer, type/print your communication...acceptable to the jail and acceptable to me, too! I know you will write more if you type. I'll have to hand write you back though.
You can include computer print-outs of news, sports, entertainment. Photos are allowed. I've already established a "wall gallery" and will post a future blog about it. Books can be sent, but they must be paperback. Newspapers and magazines cannot be sent. Church newsletters/programs should have no problem passing through. Printed study materials on paper should be no problem. Money can be sent - but no checks - only money orders to be used for "rock call" (future post) and to pay for medications. My close friends/family are generously supplying more than adequately, so, this is not a fund raising letter! Seasonal cards are great too! I received a couple of Halloween cards and pasted them to my wall gallery.
Any outgoing mail from me does not get out of the dorm until 10 pm. Taken to the front office, the postman gets it the next day. Nashville mail usually is received the next day; therefore, other mail to distant cities, from what I've learned takes longer than what I think. Please be patient.
I thank you so much for your mail. Mail is my lifeblood around here. Just with your effort my spirit is lifted! The more the merrier for me! I like seeing snails crawling under the door!
Future Posts:
Jailhouse Grammar
My Residence (Cell)
Toothpaste Stolen
May tyranny and persecution leave. May respect consideration and God's love replace...to each...to all!
There is no email at the CCJ. We do it the old-fashioned way. I can only respond to mail by writing in pencil. No mechanical pencils, that is considered a weapon. No ink pens! Besides being a weapon it can be used for tattoos. However, it is quite acceptable for you to use a computer, type/print your communication...acceptable to the jail and acceptable to me, too! I know you will write more if you type. I'll have to hand write you back though.
You can include computer print-outs of news, sports, entertainment. Photos are allowed. I've already established a "wall gallery" and will post a future blog about it. Books can be sent, but they must be paperback. Newspapers and magazines cannot be sent. Church newsletters/programs should have no problem passing through. Printed study materials on paper should be no problem. Money can be sent - but no checks - only money orders to be used for "rock call" (future post) and to pay for medications. My close friends/family are generously supplying more than adequately, so, this is not a fund raising letter! Seasonal cards are great too! I received a couple of Halloween cards and pasted them to my wall gallery.
Any outgoing mail from me does not get out of the dorm until 10 pm. Taken to the front office, the postman gets it the next day. Nashville mail usually is received the next day; therefore, other mail to distant cities, from what I've learned takes longer than what I think. Please be patient.
I thank you so much for your mail. Mail is my lifeblood around here. Just with your effort my spirit is lifted! The more the merrier for me! I like seeing snails crawling under the door!
Future Posts:
Jailhouse Grammar
My Residence (Cell)
Toothpaste Stolen
May tyranny and persecution leave. May respect consideration and God's love replace...to each...to all!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Cheatham County Jail
Friends: A date on this blog has been modified as it was incorrect in the original post. Sorry for the confusion.
Ashland City, TN is the county seat of Cheatham. Just as in many other small rural towns across the Southern USA, the court house occupies the "square" in the central heart of town. Attached to the main 2-story courthouse is the sheriff's department and jail. One can walk from a courtroom to the jail without leaving the building, this I know well!
On September 28, 2010, I was handcuffed in the courtroom and escorted to the jail by the bailiff. Once he and I were on the elevator alone we could talk. He, I could tell from his comments and questions, empathized with me. He was standing close by in the courtroom and had heard my testimony and appeal to the judge, as I defended myself. Even though he couldn't directly say, and had to do his job, I had a strong sense that he thought I was getting a "raw deal."
Once the elevator landed on the bottom floor and before we could round the hallway corner, a guard, apparently seeing us on a video camera, got on the intercom, "Take those handcuffs off Mr. Hannaford! He is no threat! He's not going anywhere!" So, the bailiff even before we had passed two steel and locked doors to the booking room removed my handcuffs in the public hallway. For you see, this guard knew me from my appearing for 60 consecutive Saturday mornings for weekend jail from January 2009 - March 2010. I was never late and never missed/skipped one weekend. The guard was right! I am no threat! I will not go anywhere! My spirit, though, was highly lifted by the respect and affirmation the guard and bailiff gave me. Why will others not do the same?
Future blog posts coming soon:
Further Description of Cheatham County Jail
Jail House Grammar and Vocabulary
Gourmet Food
My Toothpaste Stolen
What would you do if you were in my circumstances? You would do what I'm doing...make the best and most of the circumstances. I don't want to be here, but my conscience and beliefs dictate that I am. Therefore, I endure the persecution, hopefully with honor, good humor and right spirit.
Thanks for your mail, your prayers, and your own right and good spirit! Miracles do happen! Attitudes, hearts and actions can meld into one good and right remedy for all! Then we shall all freely - and I do mean "freely" - and I do mean "ALL" - celebrate without tyranny or persecution present!
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Ashland City, TN is the county seat of Cheatham. Just as in many other small rural towns across the Southern USA, the court house occupies the "square" in the central heart of town. Attached to the main 2-story courthouse is the sheriff's department and jail. One can walk from a courtroom to the jail without leaving the building, this I know well!
On September 28, 2010, I was handcuffed in the courtroom and escorted to the jail by the bailiff. Once he and I were on the elevator alone we could talk. He, I could tell from his comments and questions, empathized with me. He was standing close by in the courtroom and had heard my testimony and appeal to the judge, as I defended myself. Even though he couldn't directly say, and had to do his job, I had a strong sense that he thought I was getting a "raw deal."
Once the elevator landed on the bottom floor and before we could round the hallway corner, a guard, apparently seeing us on a video camera, got on the intercom, "Take those handcuffs off Mr. Hannaford! He is no threat! He's not going anywhere!" So, the bailiff even before we had passed two steel and locked doors to the booking room removed my handcuffs in the public hallway. For you see, this guard knew me from my appearing for 60 consecutive Saturday mornings for weekend jail from January 2009 - March 2010. I was never late and never missed/skipped one weekend. The guard was right! I am no threat! I will not go anywhere! My spirit, though, was highly lifted by the respect and affirmation the guard and bailiff gave me. Why will others not do the same?
Future blog posts coming soon:
Further Description of Cheatham County Jail
Jail House Grammar and Vocabulary
Gourmet Food
My Toothpaste Stolen
What would you do if you were in my circumstances? You would do what I'm doing...make the best and most of the circumstances. I don't want to be here, but my conscience and beliefs dictate that I am. Therefore, I endure the persecution, hopefully with honor, good humor and right spirit.
Thanks for your mail, your prayers, and your own right and good spirit! Miracles do happen! Attitudes, hearts and actions can meld into one good and right remedy for all! Then we shall all freely - and I do mean "freely" - and I do mean "ALL" - celebrate without tyranny or persecution present!
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Incarceration Blog 10-13-10
This is a mass email sent to friends and family alerting all of my situation. This document has also been sent to former friends/church associations who are supporters of my ex-wife, Julianne Elaine Thomas (Hannaford). This document has also been sent to Julianne and her parents via postal mail.
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Dear Friends,
It’s jail time for me again! I’m not being cavalier, but there is no pity party here. Make no mistake about it! I don’t want to be here! I don’t like the tax payers of Cheatham County or the State of TN paying for my upkeep. There are times in our lives, however, when one must stand up as one’s convictions dictate. Right now my conscience is speaking loudly and clearly. If I am wrong, then correct me with logic and goodwill. Up to now I have had no persuasion otherwise; therefore, I must move and act upon my conscience, regardless the personal discomfort and inconvenience.
Again – not being cavalier – but actually this straight time in the Cheatham County Jail is not unlike a missionary going off to a third world country or even a college student going abroad for a semester of study. It is a cultural experience as much as anything. Certainly, there is a life style adjustment but we humans are very adaptable…and I am human and not a machine.
I’m getting along well with no complaints or hardships, given the circumstances that I’m in. Through a loving network of support, my affairs outside of jail are being taken care of. Two friends of mine are routinely checking on my 92 year old mom, who resides in an assisted living facility. All of her needs are being met through the facility or my friends. Actually she is getting more time and attention than what I was capable of giving. Of course, Mom is not able to see her son right now. If she were to pass while I’m in jail it would be a sad thing. Right now, however, she is prospering well physically and mentally.
I, likewise, am prospering in jail. I’m keeping a daily journal, reading my Bible faithfully every morning, getting a lot of other reading done – fiction and non-fiction, socializing with my fellow inmates and the guards, and corresponding with friends and family. So far I am not bored. Just as elsewhere, there are rainbows to chase here…and I am chasing them in the Cheatham County Jail.
What is most disheartening and disappointing is the fact that my beautiful ex-wife, Julianne, and her family, John W. Thomas, Jr. of Cordova, TN and their advisors are persecuting me in this way. I have repeatedly and lovingly tried to reach out to them, have been totally honest, and have tried to show goodwill and good faith while asking the same of them. Never acknowledging my efforts, their heart seems to be cold and hard. I don’t understand. This only exacerbates the problem and reaps negative results for all. These are good, devout Christians, who promote and testify their faith. I honestly can’t reconcile their actions knowing the good people they are. I don’t over emphasize how good Julianne and her family are. I believe they have been misguided in a direction opposite from who they are and what they testify. This is no way to handle a human relations conflict. Besides being wrong in attitude, it is ineffective in reality. Perhaps, by your reading of my ordeal, you can learn something to apply in your own human endeavors. This is my hope! This is my cause!
Thank you for your friendship, support and concern. You are receiving this email because of past associations between us. I hope you will subscribe to my blog: http://storiesofdivorce.blogspot.com/ Through this blog, I will be sharing descriptively my conditions, lifestyle, anecdotes. And other commentary. They will be short and I think you will find them informative and entertaining. I hope you will become a regular reader. Please share with others; I am not ashamed of being in jail.
Initially, however, there may be some laborious reading, if you care to delve that much into why I’m here on this date. (Also, there will be previous posts there from last March. I was posting my situation at that time too.) This reading is necessary to get an understanding of the current situation.
What else can you do for me? Postal mail is the lifeblood of jail (typed mail is fine, even though I will respond to you with pencil handwriting.). I am news deprived. No newspapers or magazines are allowed (inmates use newsprint to make tattoos.) I’m interested in the personal comings and goings of your life. I’m interested in anything you can print out from a computer. i.e. news articles/commentary; sports news, stats, standings, schedules; humor and jokes; programs (concert, church, school, sports); printed sermons; photos of your recent activities; any books – fiction or non-fiction (have to be paperback though). I ask you to be faithful as time goes along. I’m afraid that initially I will receive a feast of mail and 3-4 months later I will be starved. Thank you now for your love and response.
With your mailing me, even though we all need empathy and sympathy, I ask that you have no pity for me personally. Rather, be a cheerleader with positive affirmations to win a just cause for EVERYBODY. I have always said I do not want to win a legal battle. Let others win all the legal battles. (For that reason I have refused to retain an attorney). I have maintained that this is not a legal battle, but a spiritual problem! We’re not talking about murder here! We’re talking about a human conflict between Christians. I tell you, this problem could go away quickly and would not need a six month review, if we would all “walk the walk” and confront our issues respectfully, creatively, and redemptively. My heart is right (and has always been). I’ll give the shirt off my back, if I am treated with respect and goodwill.
I came to court on September 28th with the same resolve and expectation I had 6 months ago, last March. My outside circumstances are different now than last March (see posted blog for explanation.) Therefore, I came to court with plastic shopping bags packed with underwear, toiletries, and other supplies. Sure enough, I was sentenced to 6 months in the Cheatham County jail. I was handcuffed in the courtroom and led out to jail. I am resigned that I shall always be persecuted by the woman I loved and gave the best years of my life, she is the mother of a daughter I dearly, and have always, loved, but to whom I am estranged. If the remedy to this human conflict is my spending the rest of my life in jail, then I accept my destiny with gratitude, but will keep proclaiming “there is a better way”.
My friends, I know who I am. I know I’m not a perfect man. But I tell you, my ex-wife could have done a whole lot worse both in marriage and in divorce. I am not the evil or criminal man I’m made out to be. This is a travesty on many levels. I ask that you continue to pray that this can be resolved in a God honoring and redemptive way for all concerned.
Thank you for walking down this path with me. Thank you for doing what you can in my support. Thank you for your prayers. If ever given an opportunity to intercede, mitigate or broker a resolution, I hope you will allow yourself to be Divinely used.
Meanwhile, know that I am fine. I am full of joy. I am full of gratitude! I am indeed, despite all, a blessed man. Much Love and Affection for You!
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Dear Friends,
It’s jail time for me again! I’m not being cavalier, but there is no pity party here. Make no mistake about it! I don’t want to be here! I don’t like the tax payers of Cheatham County or the State of TN paying for my upkeep. There are times in our lives, however, when one must stand up as one’s convictions dictate. Right now my conscience is speaking loudly and clearly. If I am wrong, then correct me with logic and goodwill. Up to now I have had no persuasion otherwise; therefore, I must move and act upon my conscience, regardless the personal discomfort and inconvenience.
Again – not being cavalier – but actually this straight time in the Cheatham County Jail is not unlike a missionary going off to a third world country or even a college student going abroad for a semester of study. It is a cultural experience as much as anything. Certainly, there is a life style adjustment but we humans are very adaptable…and I am human and not a machine.
I’m getting along well with no complaints or hardships, given the circumstances that I’m in. Through a loving network of support, my affairs outside of jail are being taken care of. Two friends of mine are routinely checking on my 92 year old mom, who resides in an assisted living facility. All of her needs are being met through the facility or my friends. Actually she is getting more time and attention than what I was capable of giving. Of course, Mom is not able to see her son right now. If she were to pass while I’m in jail it would be a sad thing. Right now, however, she is prospering well physically and mentally.
I, likewise, am prospering in jail. I’m keeping a daily journal, reading my Bible faithfully every morning, getting a lot of other reading done – fiction and non-fiction, socializing with my fellow inmates and the guards, and corresponding with friends and family. So far I am not bored. Just as elsewhere, there are rainbows to chase here…and I am chasing them in the Cheatham County Jail.
What is most disheartening and disappointing is the fact that my beautiful ex-wife, Julianne, and her family, John W. Thomas, Jr. of Cordova, TN and their advisors are persecuting me in this way. I have repeatedly and lovingly tried to reach out to them, have been totally honest, and have tried to show goodwill and good faith while asking the same of them. Never acknowledging my efforts, their heart seems to be cold and hard. I don’t understand. This only exacerbates the problem and reaps negative results for all. These are good, devout Christians, who promote and testify their faith. I honestly can’t reconcile their actions knowing the good people they are. I don’t over emphasize how good Julianne and her family are. I believe they have been misguided in a direction opposite from who they are and what they testify. This is no way to handle a human relations conflict. Besides being wrong in attitude, it is ineffective in reality. Perhaps, by your reading of my ordeal, you can learn something to apply in your own human endeavors. This is my hope! This is my cause!
Thank you for your friendship, support and concern. You are receiving this email because of past associations between us. I hope you will subscribe to my blog: http://storiesofdivorce.blogspot.com/ Through this blog, I will be sharing descriptively my conditions, lifestyle, anecdotes. And other commentary. They will be short and I think you will find them informative and entertaining. I hope you will become a regular reader. Please share with others; I am not ashamed of being in jail.
Initially, however, there may be some laborious reading, if you care to delve that much into why I’m here on this date. (Also, there will be previous posts there from last March. I was posting my situation at that time too.) This reading is necessary to get an understanding of the current situation.
What else can you do for me? Postal mail is the lifeblood of jail (typed mail is fine, even though I will respond to you with pencil handwriting.). I am news deprived. No newspapers or magazines are allowed (inmates use newsprint to make tattoos.) I’m interested in the personal comings and goings of your life. I’m interested in anything you can print out from a computer. i.e. news articles/commentary; sports news, stats, standings, schedules; humor and jokes; programs (concert, church, school, sports); printed sermons; photos of your recent activities; any books – fiction or non-fiction (have to be paperback though). I ask you to be faithful as time goes along. I’m afraid that initially I will receive a feast of mail and 3-4 months later I will be starved. Thank you now for your love and response.
With your mailing me, even though we all need empathy and sympathy, I ask that you have no pity for me personally. Rather, be a cheerleader with positive affirmations to win a just cause for EVERYBODY. I have always said I do not want to win a legal battle. Let others win all the legal battles. (For that reason I have refused to retain an attorney). I have maintained that this is not a legal battle, but a spiritual problem! We’re not talking about murder here! We’re talking about a human conflict between Christians. I tell you, this problem could go away quickly and would not need a six month review, if we would all “walk the walk” and confront our issues respectfully, creatively, and redemptively. My heart is right (and has always been). I’ll give the shirt off my back, if I am treated with respect and goodwill.
I came to court on September 28th with the same resolve and expectation I had 6 months ago, last March. My outside circumstances are different now than last March (see posted blog for explanation.) Therefore, I came to court with plastic shopping bags packed with underwear, toiletries, and other supplies. Sure enough, I was sentenced to 6 months in the Cheatham County jail. I was handcuffed in the courtroom and led out to jail. I am resigned that I shall always be persecuted by the woman I loved and gave the best years of my life, she is the mother of a daughter I dearly, and have always, loved, but to whom I am estranged. If the remedy to this human conflict is my spending the rest of my life in jail, then I accept my destiny with gratitude, but will keep proclaiming “there is a better way”.
My friends, I know who I am. I know I’m not a perfect man. But I tell you, my ex-wife could have done a whole lot worse both in marriage and in divorce. I am not the evil or criminal man I’m made out to be. This is a travesty on many levels. I ask that you continue to pray that this can be resolved in a God honoring and redemptive way for all concerned.
Thank you for walking down this path with me. Thank you for doing what you can in my support. Thank you for your prayers. If ever given an opportunity to intercede, mitigate or broker a resolution, I hope you will allow yourself to be Divinely used.
Meanwhile, know that I am fine. I am full of joy. I am full of gratitude! I am indeed, despite all, a blessed man. Much Love and Affection for You!
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
John and Delores Postal Followup
This is the text to a follow-up letter 3-4 days after the September 18, 2010 delivery to John and Delores Thomas (see previous posts below). This letter was sent via USPS overnight mail.
Monday, September 20, 2010
John and Delores!
I went to Bellvue 9:30 service yesterday and actually stayed for part of the 11:11 service.
(Just wanted to get a feel for the styles of services, etc.) I’ m 90% sure I spotted both of
you in the choir. I was sitting in the first row of the balcony and it is still a “ fer piece”
from the stage. I would need binoculars to absolutely clarify if both of you were there. I
believe I spotted you, because you were both in the same area of sitting as I used to find
you. The music was outstanding, very uplifting and glorifying. I really got a blessing
from the singing and the soloist/choir presentation.
I hope by now you have received my effort in reaching out to you. I hope a delivery was
made. In writing I spoke from my heart sincerely and in love. I hope you are chewing
on the thoughts I have presented, even though they may, at first, seem hurtful, pompous,
inaccurate, or whatever negative characteristic you would describe. Perhaps, even all of
the above! I believe if you will truly delve deep within yourselves and delve deep into
my intentions and who I am, I firmly believe you can reconcile those negatives and turn
them into positives, which really they are. But, you are going to have to make a sincere
effort. It’ s taxing, I know!
Militancy produces repression. Militancy brings diminishing returns. There was nothing
militant about Jesus. The Pharisees were militant. Jesus was love! It is love that
conquers and wins the heart! Jesus also loved the unlovable. Who do we seek to emulate
as we live our lives?
Think doomsday and doomsday will find you….in a person…in a situation! Believe in
doomsday, and doomsday will be. Love and forgive, and you will soar!
I know who you are, I know what type of loving, Christian people you are; I’ ve always
known and have defended you! I write, once again, in love and with peace. I encourage
you and lift you up. I hope you won’ t be militant, or simply be moderate, but step out
in passionate enthusiastic love and forgiveness…honestly, not for my sake, but for who
you genuinely are. Then…soar, soar, soar in the spiritual victory that lies therein for
you…and everyone! There is joy and happiness waiting; there really is, but you have to
grasp and go for the good, uplifting, positive, and loving gusto! To God be the glory!
Love,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Monday, September 20, 2010
John and Delores!
I went to Bellvue 9:30 service yesterday and actually stayed for part of the 11:11 service.
(Just wanted to get a feel for the styles of services, etc.) I’ m 90% sure I spotted both of
you in the choir. I was sitting in the first row of the balcony and it is still a “ fer piece”
from the stage. I would need binoculars to absolutely clarify if both of you were there. I
believe I spotted you, because you were both in the same area of sitting as I used to find
you. The music was outstanding, very uplifting and glorifying. I really got a blessing
from the singing and the soloist/choir presentation.
I hope by now you have received my effort in reaching out to you. I hope a delivery was
made. In writing I spoke from my heart sincerely and in love. I hope you are chewing
on the thoughts I have presented, even though they may, at first, seem hurtful, pompous,
inaccurate, or whatever negative characteristic you would describe. Perhaps, even all of
the above! I believe if you will truly delve deep within yourselves and delve deep into
my intentions and who I am, I firmly believe you can reconcile those negatives and turn
them into positives, which really they are. But, you are going to have to make a sincere
effort. It’ s taxing, I know!
Militancy produces repression. Militancy brings diminishing returns. There was nothing
militant about Jesus. The Pharisees were militant. Jesus was love! It is love that
conquers and wins the heart! Jesus also loved the unlovable. Who do we seek to emulate
as we live our lives?
Think doomsday and doomsday will find you….in a person…in a situation! Believe in
doomsday, and doomsday will be. Love and forgive, and you will soar!
I know who you are, I know what type of loving, Christian people you are; I’ ve always
known and have defended you! I write, once again, in love and with peace. I encourage
you and lift you up. I hope you won’ t be militant, or simply be moderate, but step out
in passionate enthusiastic love and forgiveness…honestly, not for my sake, but for who
you genuinely are. Then…soar, soar, soar in the spiritual victory that lies therein for
you…and everyone! There is joy and happiness waiting; there really is, but you have to
grasp and go for the good, uplifting, positive, and loving gusto! To God be the glory!
Love,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
John and Delores Cover Letter
(This is the text handwritten on an accompanying card with a peace lily and letter written to John and Delores Thomas)
John and Delores,
I approach you in peace, respect, and Christian love. I have no evil in my heart. I don’ t
possess anger at all. I do desire to better a situation for the mutual benefit and victory for
all. I am at peace with myself and am doing my best to do what is right.
Please, read the attached letter/document and accept the intended love purposes for which
it is written.
Thereafter, it would be my great desire for us to get together to share. Perhaps, after
church tomorrow for lunch, or later in the afternoon! I plan to be in Memphis until
4 PM on Sunday. I hope you will give this document and my suggestion prayerful
consideration.
With Love and Respect,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
John and Delores,
I approach you in peace, respect, and Christian love. I have no evil in my heart. I don’ t
possess anger at all. I do desire to better a situation for the mutual benefit and victory for
all. I am at peace with myself and am doing my best to do what is right.
Please, read the attached letter/document and accept the intended love purposes for which
it is written.
Thereafter, it would be my great desire for us to get together to share. Perhaps, after
church tomorrow for lunch, or later in the afternoon! I plan to be in Memphis until
4 PM on Sunday. I hope you will give this document and my suggestion prayerful
consideration.
With Love and Respect,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
To John and Delores 9-15-10
(This document was delivered on Saturday, September 18, 2010 to the residence of John and Delores Thomas along with a Peace Lily plant and a card.)
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dear John and Delores,
In the past I have copied communications to Julianne and sent them to you. Now, I write directly to you. The reason I have sent the other communications: I thought maybe, just maybe, you could scrape up—as emotionally difficult as it would be—the wisdom, maturity, and spiritual depth to broker a resolution in our matter, to become a peacemaker. After all, you, two, have been hurt as much as anyone through the years, financially and emotionally. What a testimony it would be and an example, if you could have done this!
Having said this, however, I understand. I acknowledge how humanly difficult it would be, and
after all...your first loyalty and love should be to your daughter. It would take a supernatural calling and supernatural strength to take on such a task. Your daughter would be so much better off now, though, if you could have taken this leadership. You have promoted “family” so, so much, and have presented a very positive example of what a Christian family should be with your own. As preposterous as it sounds, I thought maybe you could become peacemakers, to not only bring an amiable and workable resolution to divorce conflict in a loving, more amiable way, but to also promote and bring reconciliation between a father and a daughter?
You know, I try my best to treat people kindly and fairly. I try my best to lift people up with laughter and affirmations, and not level them. I do not want to ever use or abuse anyone. I know who I am and I know I have no intentional evil in my heart to you or to anyone else in this world.
Everyone has faults and weaknesses; everyone makes mistakes and misjudgments. But I
also firmly believe in redemption, for second, third, fourth, and however many chances it takes
(assuming no one is in immediate danger and one is trying to do right and good) to bring someone to positive reality, production, and being. Hope is always omnipresent!
I also believe anger is a gift from our Creator to address an issue, to correct wrongs, and to protect self and others. It is not necessarily always a bad thing. But when anger is used to intentionally and institutionally hurt and cause hardship on another, it becomes a carnal pleasure just as much as a sexual lust or a gluttonous buffet. The more anger is expressed in intentional personal retribution, even through legal channels, the more carnal and sinful it becomes. It is one thing to make an initial point and another of never letting go. Lingering anger evolves into bitterness. Bitterness is the poison we swallow while hoping the other person suffers. Poison kills!
Righteous pride is also a carnal pleasure. “I’m right; you’re wrong; do as I say, or else…” It
happens in all groups, but it amazes me how Christians, especially, can be so righteous in doling
out retribution, even to each other, or say, a pastor who has done wrong. I have never quite
understood that. It seems so contradictory to what they profess as believers. Certainly, issues
need to be confronted, but in a kind, loving and respectful way; not with venom and harshness. It’s like God Almighty just couldn’t get along without them and the church would fold up unless they take action. They become Pharisees picking up stones to throw.
It is human nature to say, “You’re gonna pay for what you did. I’m a-gonna see to it that you
suffer, and suffer big-time; you deserve it.” Even in today’s world the Taliban cuts off a girl’s
nose because she was unveiled too much. In their minds, she deserves it. “We’ll teach her a
lesson!” “I’m right; you’re wrong!” Unbelievable, but true! Barbaric! It’s the same righteous mindset as the Pharisees, though! After all, back in the historic day Pharisees were completely lawful in so doing, and Jesus came along and spoke, “Who among you can cast the first stone?” Then, Jesus, the Christ, told the victim to “Go and sin no more.” Jesus was teaching the need to repress the eye for an eye mentality evoking mercy and grace as He gave and sacrificed. Such love! Such redemption! But so many Christians forget that story when they feel they have been wronged, despite the grace they, themselves, have received.
The mosque in NYC, that has been so much in the news lately—from what I understand—has all
the legal standing to go forward building near ground zero. But is that right? Isn’t there a sense
of just common decency, propriety, and sensitivity that should supersede any legality? 70% of the country in polling thinks so. Is the law always the end of the end?
John and Delores, whom I love and still appreciate to this very day, I respectfully ask: can you step back and honestly view the whole picture of Julianne’s circumstance and my involvement in it? Shouldn’t there be a sense of decency, propriety, and sensitivity, and not just legality? Don’t you think there could be a totally different story and perspective than what you have been exposed? Have you thought and considered that? (When I use the word “you,” in this letter, I am mostly meaning your side of the conflict in which you support, not necessarily you personally.)
You know…”I’m not the Texas Chainsaw Murderer!” I must tell you that it has been quite hurtful that loving, unselfish sacrifices I made and did during marriage are given no consideration now. For instance, even at the time of separation I was working two jobs. I held two jobs most of our married life, but yet, such sacrifice and devotion seem to have no bearing now. It’s easy to point fingers, to criticize and judge any given individual circumstance and character flaw. We are all guilty—unfairly so—of not walking in the shoes of the fingered person. There’s plenty I can point at myself. Everyone has faults, flaws, and failures. It’s also easy—and quite unfair—not to consider the totality of one’s being. I feel this is what has happened to me. I have been cast as someone I’m not.
Please, I ask you to suppress your emotions. Please, step back and look from a logical viewpoint.
Anyone would understand “going after” someone throwing his high lifestyle in your face without
meeting responsibilities. But, John and Delores, (as described in previous letters) you have
gone after a man who barely makes ends meet from month to month, but works diligently
and responsibly. He lives in a small one-bedroom apartment. He has no savings account, no
retirement, no life insurance, no health insurance. He is not out playing golf every weekend. Any
entertainment event he attends is because tickets have been given to him or the event is free.
He has been driving all summer long in extreme heat a 1998 work van that has inoperable air
conditioning; that’s ok, but the point is: he is not living high and he has no money for repair. His
small 2003 passenger car has roaring rear wheel bearings which will go out at any moment. All
four tires on the car are bald. He has no money for repairs; he has no money to give Julianne. He
has never made a lot of money in his entire working life. Despite these facts, you still want to send him to jail. Why? Does any good come from it?
You know what! I can handle all of the above personal conditions. I can even handle jail. I am
a happy man! What I have never been able to reconcile logically, emotionally, or spiritually is the
John W Thomas’s Jr., et al, taking such actions. You’re saying, “Pay me, pay me, or else you’re
going to jail.” Please, take a look. As “followers of Jesus Christ” we have zealously proclaimed
it in our life styles. We have been up-front leadership in the church. We have been extremely
faithful to church organizations and activities. We have tried to give love in humankind via mission trips. But, in essence, money is being extorted from someone who has none. The threat—and the actual jail sentences I have served—is the same thing as a pistol being held to my temple mafia style demanding payment or “go to jail.” Granted! Technically it is not extortion by the letter of the law and the decree of the court, but ask the people on the street what it is. Do you want to be technically “right,” or do you want to address human condition productively? You are using the court as a pistol, despite repeated, sincere appeals telling you I don’t have enough money demanded, but I am willing to give you what I have. The court functions as it is supposed, just as the pistol does. It’s the person(s) holding the pistol who do the deed; they pull the trigger!
Tell me anyone who profits when you send me to jail? Tell me who profits when one continually
punishes a human being trying to do good? How can you reconcile these actions with your
Christian testimony? The philosopher, Nietzsche, says, “If you’re going to fight monsters, be careful that you don’t become a monster.”
John and Delores, I love you, I appreciate all you have done for me personally and for our
marriage, now dissolved! I love Julianne and appreciate the good life she gave me and the good
wife she was. I love my daughter, Elise, despite any perceptions to the contrary. Divorce, just like marriage, is a two-party relationship. Good faith and goodwill are needed from both sides...even in divorce. What has happened is simply wrong. It is wrong in effectiveness; it is wrong emotionally; it is wrong spiritually.
Do you really think that I don’t want to meet my responsibilities? Do you think I’m trying to avoid you? In your heart of hearts, I know that you know I would not. That is simply not who I am. On balance I am not a selfish person, which is part of the reason that I am not any better off financially. I am not insensitive and I do not forget!!! I wish so much I had the means to return every dollar and more you invested in our lives!!! I simply don’t have the money or assets.
The fact is: Julianne walked out on her own accord and then held her hand out and said, “Pay me.” Was she and is she justified? With the manner/means in which she walked out, the manner/means in which the divorce was prosecuted, and the manner/means in the aftermath—and it is not just I saying it—she has lost and continues to lose credibility with each succeeding action. Because of these manner/means, her justification becomes more and more doubtful.
If Julianne is justified in leaving, why can’t you, all, deal openly, directly, and kindly with me, rather than playing the “Gotcha” game by all sorts of legal actions? Why can’t you just simply be nice and reasonable, while being prudent? Why can’t you decently and constructively work out a solution with me that will work for all? Why is showing goodwill such a negative?
You know…a lump of sugar gets more positive results than cracking the whip. In this case no
sugar has ever been offered and cracking the whip has been the modus operandi from the get-
go of divorce. There has always been a “go for the jugular” approach. Do you think you have been well served? In all sincerity you would be blessed and rewarded far more, if you could just bring yourself to love and forgive, and then, let go and let God have HIS way. Do you not believe in the scripture, “God will supply our needs?” Why do you do this to me? Why do you do this to
yourselves?
Do you not see the pragmatism of taking a kinder, gentler approach? I’ve suggested this before
every legal action taken against me. But you are blinded! What blinds you so much? Is it carnal
anger and bitterness? Is it prideful righteousness? Why do you keep tying me up to the post and
cracking the horse whip on my back?
You say, “Well, it’s out of our hands; it’s a matter for the court.” What a way to take the easy way out, to hide from righting a wrong! If this is not an example of “washing your hands of the matter,” I don’t know what is. You would get more joy by stepping up, speaking out, and using influence to be a peacemaker, than being an agent of the status quo in which absolutely no one receives benefit. I can hear you say, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s…” Well, my friends, I have rendered unto Caesar. I have spent 60 weekends of my life, never missing one weekend (as many weekenders do) and never being late one time (as most weekenders do). As the guards have told me, I have been a positive example and poster child for an ideal inmate. They know I don’t belong there. Even the other inmates know that as well! They tell me, “You’re not the jail type!” Honestly, but not arrogantly, I know I don’t belong there! However, I have rendered unto Caesar!
Last March, 2010, actually the July, 2009, I determined I could not subscribe any more to what
I felt was extortion against me. My own personal comfort and convenience became a miniscule
matter. I sent out letters stating my convictions and once again, more or less, begged for goodwill from your side, but to no avail. I was fully prepared psychologically and spiritually to spend the rest of my life in jail. However, I ran out of time getting my Mom and myself physically prepared. In March, 2010, because of that, you got some money. A friend of mine, who knew the circumstance I was in, generously paid the money to get me out of jail.
Literally, two weeks before the March court date I did not accept any work. I had to move my Mom to an assisted living place. In jail I would not be able to take care of her. That meant physically storing her belongings in storage and moving other items into her small apartment. Plus there were all sorts of bureaucratic exercises, medical tests, and corresponding paperwork, etc. that I wasn’t expecting. Time consuming! Utilities and other business affairs had to be taken care of.
Plus, I had to do something with my stuff. There were concerns with vehicles, my own utilities, and other bills. I spent exhaustive, long days to get ready for jail, but time simply ran out! Because of pending matters, especially with my Mom’s affairs (getting her Veterans Benefits in order for her to live in assisted living), I had to allow that friend of mine to bail me out of jail. That’s how you got your money. I had to suck up my convictions for the sake of my Mom, knowing full well that your side was congratulating yourselves for achieving another “Gotcha” moment.
I’m sure it was interpreted by your side: “if we just keep the squeeze on him, we’ll get our money.” I’m sure you believe I’m just posturing. “When push comes to shove, he’ll fork up the money,” I’m sure you’re saying to yourselves. Well, believe what you will. I’ve told you the honest truth. You can continue to put on the “squeeze,” but there is not going to be any more money. My 92 yr. old Mom is taken care of now, at least, physically. Emotionally is another thing, as you can readily imagine. (I’ve already been weaning her, by not visiting her much, so she will be used to my not being present when I go to jail.) What is sad: it is likely you’ll have me in jail when she passes! But I have her taken care of now and have done all I possibly can do to meet her needs!
My soul and conscious can no longer reward actions I believe are wrong in a multiple of ways. I
shall not cooperate with extortion any more! Treat me right, treat me with respect, show goodwill toward me, and I will give you the shirt off my back. You can spank a child for only so long. Eventually that child is going to grow up. Spankings will have no positive effect and will breed rebellion.
I say this, not angrily, but intellectually. I say it with conviction and resolution. I actually say it
sweetly, but I say it firmly. Really, this is just as much about you and your essence as it is me...and everybody knows it. It’s about you and your faith. It’s about human decency. It’s about “walking the walk and not just talking the talk.” It is a cause about more than money.
Just to be honest: what do I really have to lose by going to jail? I have very little in assets. If I
lose all of my belongings, it’s not really that much. I don’t own a house. I don’t have a job that
other employees or the company is dependent on my experience. I don’t have any committed
romantic relationships in my life. I don’t have young kids and a wife at home as most of my fellow inmates do. I have very little communication with a daughter that I love, and when I do receive communication, it is vile and extremely profane in language and attitude. (Where did she learn this?) I have never been claustrophobic, as I rarely open up blinds at home. (Remember the house I first lived in when I met Julianne: all sealed up because it was a studio. I spent many hours in my bunk on the tour bus in a very confined space when I was in the music business.) I have a positive attitude and can adapt readily to various conditions.
Plus, I feel no shame, because my heart is/has been right all along. I’ve already told hundreds of
friends and past associations of the attitudes and actions directed toward me. I’ve told my local
home town church in Moss Point. I’ve told my high school class mates. I’ve told my local church
here in Nashville. I’ve told friends from previous places where I lived. I’ve told my business clients. I have sent all a copy of my goodwill appeal letter to Julianne last March. I will send this letter, too. I want everyone to know that I appeal for goodwill and a win for all. I don’t mean to sound prideful, but logical. Jail reaps no positive benefits for anyone. It doesn’t bring in any money. It doesn’t better my attitude; quite the opposite. It costs the taxpayers.
Do I want to go to jail? No, I don’t! I want to be a productive, good citizen and enjoy the freedom
of coming and going. I don’t want the taxpayers of Cheatham County and the State of Tennessee
to pay for my upkeep.
The soldiers in Afghanistan are standing up for a cause. They have it far worse than I will have in jail. They’re anxious to be home with their families and in the good ole USA. They are given orders to follow. In going to jail I consider myself a volunteer soldier, too, standing up for a cause. I firmly believe what has transpired in this divorce is wrong. To symbolize my belief, I volunte r to go to jail. I will follow orders given to me and face the consequences for this cause. It’s a shame it has to be this way. It need not be…as stated so many, many times previously! --But…it is what it is!
It doesn’t matter how many church services we have attended, how many solos and musical
productions we have sung in church, how many leadership positions we have held, how many
mission trips we have traveled, how many good deeds we have done, as good as all of these
things are, your (and my) faith has really not been manifested, tested, and testified until we can
love and forgive someone who we feel has wronged us. All the other stuff is loud clanging cymbals until love and forgiveness are truly, not just said, but lived!
I know I am the enemy, but doesn’t the Bible exhort us to love our enemies? Well, let’s do it! I
will! Will you? Intentionally taking actions to make someone hurt is not: “loving your enemies.”
Perhaps, you may say, “We’re giving ‘tough love’.” Well, that’s bull! That’s simply massaging self-righteousness!
In all honesty, the court has not done a very good job in settling this matter. Quite frankly, it has
exacerbated it more than finding remedy. It simply does not have the ability to settle our problems. Our dilemma goes way beyond the scope of the court. You, John and Delores, are in a prime position. I believe there is nobody else on earth that could be more effective than the two of you to bring peace and remedy. And the thing about it is: it would be your daughter, Julianne, who would actually benefit the most.
You can crack the whip all you want, call me whatever name you want, but really everyone is being hurt…us individually to the taxpayers and all in between. Here in the waning years of your lives, you have these actions and attitudes attached to who you are. I know, I know, you are not this kind of people. Don’t you really want to step up and admit this has been the wrong way to resolve a conflict? Then, don’t you want to use your skills and wisdom to work for a better way?
I dare not tell you what to do; I don’t even ask! But honestly, John and Delores, I suggest:
immediately after reading this letter you should be on your knees thanking God at how blessed
you are. Then, you should be on the phone, initiating positive, good actions, influencing attitudes,
setting in motion positive procedures in winning favor with supporters/advisors, your attorney,
and the Judge. To bring about the positive results you want, this case needs to be dropped and
dismissed, the attorney and the judge need to get out of the way, and then, we need to walk in
faith, walk the walk that we talk. Then, we all need to get together, not to rehash everything—
let’s “let sleeping dogs lie”—but we need to get together for a group hug, simple as that. No
apologies needed from either side. Let’s just hug and let’s talk about good will and good faith
efforts hereafter. Let’s promote loving, respectful, and routine communication, and let’s advance
reconciliation of broken parties. This has gone on too long and has consumed too much of our
lives. Until all the above takes place, nobody will be victors, nobody will have peace, and that
makes us all “losers.”
There have been too many good times with you that are too unforgettable! Way, way, way more
good times with you, with Julianne, and with Elise, than bad! Conflict, misunderstandings, and
misperceptions come in human relations, there’s no getting around it. There are no bad people
involved in this situation. There have been bad procedures and much better remedies available.
It’s time to embrace the best of the best… from the past and in the present…and let go of the bad. Then, you will see… the best of the best in the future. Then, you will find conflict suppressed into final incremental extinction. Life will be as it should be…our spirits will be free to better glorify God!
With Love and Respect,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Dear John and Delores,
In the past I have copied communications to Julianne and sent them to you. Now, I write directly to you. The reason I have sent the other communications: I thought maybe, just maybe, you could scrape up—as emotionally difficult as it would be—the wisdom, maturity, and spiritual depth to broker a resolution in our matter, to become a peacemaker. After all, you, two, have been hurt as much as anyone through the years, financially and emotionally. What a testimony it would be and an example, if you could have done this!
Having said this, however, I understand. I acknowledge how humanly difficult it would be, and
after all...your first loyalty and love should be to your daughter. It would take a supernatural calling and supernatural strength to take on such a task. Your daughter would be so much better off now, though, if you could have taken this leadership. You have promoted “family” so, so much, and have presented a very positive example of what a Christian family should be with your own. As preposterous as it sounds, I thought maybe you could become peacemakers, to not only bring an amiable and workable resolution to divorce conflict in a loving, more amiable way, but to also promote and bring reconciliation between a father and a daughter?
You know, I try my best to treat people kindly and fairly. I try my best to lift people up with laughter and affirmations, and not level them. I do not want to ever use or abuse anyone. I know who I am and I know I have no intentional evil in my heart to you or to anyone else in this world.
Everyone has faults and weaknesses; everyone makes mistakes and misjudgments. But I
also firmly believe in redemption, for second, third, fourth, and however many chances it takes
(assuming no one is in immediate danger and one is trying to do right and good) to bring someone to positive reality, production, and being. Hope is always omnipresent!
I also believe anger is a gift from our Creator to address an issue, to correct wrongs, and to protect self and others. It is not necessarily always a bad thing. But when anger is used to intentionally and institutionally hurt and cause hardship on another, it becomes a carnal pleasure just as much as a sexual lust or a gluttonous buffet. The more anger is expressed in intentional personal retribution, even through legal channels, the more carnal and sinful it becomes. It is one thing to make an initial point and another of never letting go. Lingering anger evolves into bitterness. Bitterness is the poison we swallow while hoping the other person suffers. Poison kills!
Righteous pride is also a carnal pleasure. “I’m right; you’re wrong; do as I say, or else…” It
happens in all groups, but it amazes me how Christians, especially, can be so righteous in doling
out retribution, even to each other, or say, a pastor who has done wrong. I have never quite
understood that. It seems so contradictory to what they profess as believers. Certainly, issues
need to be confronted, but in a kind, loving and respectful way; not with venom and harshness. It’s like God Almighty just couldn’t get along without them and the church would fold up unless they take action. They become Pharisees picking up stones to throw.
It is human nature to say, “You’re gonna pay for what you did. I’m a-gonna see to it that you
suffer, and suffer big-time; you deserve it.” Even in today’s world the Taliban cuts off a girl’s
nose because she was unveiled too much. In their minds, she deserves it. “We’ll teach her a
lesson!” “I’m right; you’re wrong!” Unbelievable, but true! Barbaric! It’s the same righteous mindset as the Pharisees, though! After all, back in the historic day Pharisees were completely lawful in so doing, and Jesus came along and spoke, “Who among you can cast the first stone?” Then, Jesus, the Christ, told the victim to “Go and sin no more.” Jesus was teaching the need to repress the eye for an eye mentality evoking mercy and grace as He gave and sacrificed. Such love! Such redemption! But so many Christians forget that story when they feel they have been wronged, despite the grace they, themselves, have received.
The mosque in NYC, that has been so much in the news lately—from what I understand—has all
the legal standing to go forward building near ground zero. But is that right? Isn’t there a sense
of just common decency, propriety, and sensitivity that should supersede any legality? 70% of the country in polling thinks so. Is the law always the end of the end?
John and Delores, whom I love and still appreciate to this very day, I respectfully ask: can you step back and honestly view the whole picture of Julianne’s circumstance and my involvement in it? Shouldn’t there be a sense of decency, propriety, and sensitivity, and not just legality? Don’t you think there could be a totally different story and perspective than what you have been exposed? Have you thought and considered that? (When I use the word “you,” in this letter, I am mostly meaning your side of the conflict in which you support, not necessarily you personally.)
You know…”I’m not the Texas Chainsaw Murderer!” I must tell you that it has been quite hurtful that loving, unselfish sacrifices I made and did during marriage are given no consideration now. For instance, even at the time of separation I was working two jobs. I held two jobs most of our married life, but yet, such sacrifice and devotion seem to have no bearing now. It’s easy to point fingers, to criticize and judge any given individual circumstance and character flaw. We are all guilty—unfairly so—of not walking in the shoes of the fingered person. There’s plenty I can point at myself. Everyone has faults, flaws, and failures. It’s also easy—and quite unfair—not to consider the totality of one’s being. I feel this is what has happened to me. I have been cast as someone I’m not.
Please, I ask you to suppress your emotions. Please, step back and look from a logical viewpoint.
Anyone would understand “going after” someone throwing his high lifestyle in your face without
meeting responsibilities. But, John and Delores, (as described in previous letters) you have
gone after a man who barely makes ends meet from month to month, but works diligently
and responsibly. He lives in a small one-bedroom apartment. He has no savings account, no
retirement, no life insurance, no health insurance. He is not out playing golf every weekend. Any
entertainment event he attends is because tickets have been given to him or the event is free.
He has been driving all summer long in extreme heat a 1998 work van that has inoperable air
conditioning; that’s ok, but the point is: he is not living high and he has no money for repair. His
small 2003 passenger car has roaring rear wheel bearings which will go out at any moment. All
four tires on the car are bald. He has no money for repairs; he has no money to give Julianne. He
has never made a lot of money in his entire working life. Despite these facts, you still want to send him to jail. Why? Does any good come from it?
You know what! I can handle all of the above personal conditions. I can even handle jail. I am
a happy man! What I have never been able to reconcile logically, emotionally, or spiritually is the
John W Thomas’s Jr., et al, taking such actions. You’re saying, “Pay me, pay me, or else you’re
going to jail.” Please, take a look. As “followers of Jesus Christ” we have zealously proclaimed
it in our life styles. We have been up-front leadership in the church. We have been extremely
faithful to church organizations and activities. We have tried to give love in humankind via mission trips. But, in essence, money is being extorted from someone who has none. The threat—and the actual jail sentences I have served—is the same thing as a pistol being held to my temple mafia style demanding payment or “go to jail.” Granted! Technically it is not extortion by the letter of the law and the decree of the court, but ask the people on the street what it is. Do you want to be technically “right,” or do you want to address human condition productively? You are using the court as a pistol, despite repeated, sincere appeals telling you I don’t have enough money demanded, but I am willing to give you what I have. The court functions as it is supposed, just as the pistol does. It’s the person(s) holding the pistol who do the deed; they pull the trigger!
Tell me anyone who profits when you send me to jail? Tell me who profits when one continually
punishes a human being trying to do good? How can you reconcile these actions with your
Christian testimony? The philosopher, Nietzsche, says, “If you’re going to fight monsters, be careful that you don’t become a monster.”
John and Delores, I love you, I appreciate all you have done for me personally and for our
marriage, now dissolved! I love Julianne and appreciate the good life she gave me and the good
wife she was. I love my daughter, Elise, despite any perceptions to the contrary. Divorce, just like marriage, is a two-party relationship. Good faith and goodwill are needed from both sides...even in divorce. What has happened is simply wrong. It is wrong in effectiveness; it is wrong emotionally; it is wrong spiritually.
Do you really think that I don’t want to meet my responsibilities? Do you think I’m trying to avoid you? In your heart of hearts, I know that you know I would not. That is simply not who I am. On balance I am not a selfish person, which is part of the reason that I am not any better off financially. I am not insensitive and I do not forget!!! I wish so much I had the means to return every dollar and more you invested in our lives!!! I simply don’t have the money or assets.
The fact is: Julianne walked out on her own accord and then held her hand out and said, “Pay me.” Was she and is she justified? With the manner/means in which she walked out, the manner/means in which the divorce was prosecuted, and the manner/means in the aftermath—and it is not just I saying it—she has lost and continues to lose credibility with each succeeding action. Because of these manner/means, her justification becomes more and more doubtful.
If Julianne is justified in leaving, why can’t you, all, deal openly, directly, and kindly with me, rather than playing the “Gotcha” game by all sorts of legal actions? Why can’t you just simply be nice and reasonable, while being prudent? Why can’t you decently and constructively work out a solution with me that will work for all? Why is showing goodwill such a negative?
You know…a lump of sugar gets more positive results than cracking the whip. In this case no
sugar has ever been offered and cracking the whip has been the modus operandi from the get-
go of divorce. There has always been a “go for the jugular” approach. Do you think you have been well served? In all sincerity you would be blessed and rewarded far more, if you could just bring yourself to love and forgive, and then, let go and let God have HIS way. Do you not believe in the scripture, “God will supply our needs?” Why do you do this to me? Why do you do this to
yourselves?
Do you not see the pragmatism of taking a kinder, gentler approach? I’ve suggested this before
every legal action taken against me. But you are blinded! What blinds you so much? Is it carnal
anger and bitterness? Is it prideful righteousness? Why do you keep tying me up to the post and
cracking the horse whip on my back?
You say, “Well, it’s out of our hands; it’s a matter for the court.” What a way to take the easy way out, to hide from righting a wrong! If this is not an example of “washing your hands of the matter,” I don’t know what is. You would get more joy by stepping up, speaking out, and using influence to be a peacemaker, than being an agent of the status quo in which absolutely no one receives benefit. I can hear you say, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s…” Well, my friends, I have rendered unto Caesar. I have spent 60 weekends of my life, never missing one weekend (as many weekenders do) and never being late one time (as most weekenders do). As the guards have told me, I have been a positive example and poster child for an ideal inmate. They know I don’t belong there. Even the other inmates know that as well! They tell me, “You’re not the jail type!” Honestly, but not arrogantly, I know I don’t belong there! However, I have rendered unto Caesar!
Last March, 2010, actually the July, 2009, I determined I could not subscribe any more to what
I felt was extortion against me. My own personal comfort and convenience became a miniscule
matter. I sent out letters stating my convictions and once again, more or less, begged for goodwill from your side, but to no avail. I was fully prepared psychologically and spiritually to spend the rest of my life in jail. However, I ran out of time getting my Mom and myself physically prepared. In March, 2010, because of that, you got some money. A friend of mine, who knew the circumstance I was in, generously paid the money to get me out of jail.
Literally, two weeks before the March court date I did not accept any work. I had to move my Mom to an assisted living place. In jail I would not be able to take care of her. That meant physically storing her belongings in storage and moving other items into her small apartment. Plus there were all sorts of bureaucratic exercises, medical tests, and corresponding paperwork, etc. that I wasn’t expecting. Time consuming! Utilities and other business affairs had to be taken care of.
Plus, I had to do something with my stuff. There were concerns with vehicles, my own utilities, and other bills. I spent exhaustive, long days to get ready for jail, but time simply ran out! Because of pending matters, especially with my Mom’s affairs (getting her Veterans Benefits in order for her to live in assisted living), I had to allow that friend of mine to bail me out of jail. That’s how you got your money. I had to suck up my convictions for the sake of my Mom, knowing full well that your side was congratulating yourselves for achieving another “Gotcha” moment.
I’m sure it was interpreted by your side: “if we just keep the squeeze on him, we’ll get our money.” I’m sure you believe I’m just posturing. “When push comes to shove, he’ll fork up the money,” I’m sure you’re saying to yourselves. Well, believe what you will. I’ve told you the honest truth. You can continue to put on the “squeeze,” but there is not going to be any more money. My 92 yr. old Mom is taken care of now, at least, physically. Emotionally is another thing, as you can readily imagine. (I’ve already been weaning her, by not visiting her much, so she will be used to my not being present when I go to jail.) What is sad: it is likely you’ll have me in jail when she passes! But I have her taken care of now and have done all I possibly can do to meet her needs!
My soul and conscious can no longer reward actions I believe are wrong in a multiple of ways. I
shall not cooperate with extortion any more! Treat me right, treat me with respect, show goodwill toward me, and I will give you the shirt off my back. You can spank a child for only so long. Eventually that child is going to grow up. Spankings will have no positive effect and will breed rebellion.
I say this, not angrily, but intellectually. I say it with conviction and resolution. I actually say it
sweetly, but I say it firmly. Really, this is just as much about you and your essence as it is me...and everybody knows it. It’s about you and your faith. It’s about human decency. It’s about “walking the walk and not just talking the talk.” It is a cause about more than money.
Just to be honest: what do I really have to lose by going to jail? I have very little in assets. If I
lose all of my belongings, it’s not really that much. I don’t own a house. I don’t have a job that
other employees or the company is dependent on my experience. I don’t have any committed
romantic relationships in my life. I don’t have young kids and a wife at home as most of my fellow inmates do. I have very little communication with a daughter that I love, and when I do receive communication, it is vile and extremely profane in language and attitude. (Where did she learn this?) I have never been claustrophobic, as I rarely open up blinds at home. (Remember the house I first lived in when I met Julianne: all sealed up because it was a studio. I spent many hours in my bunk on the tour bus in a very confined space when I was in the music business.) I have a positive attitude and can adapt readily to various conditions.
Plus, I feel no shame, because my heart is/has been right all along. I’ve already told hundreds of
friends and past associations of the attitudes and actions directed toward me. I’ve told my local
home town church in Moss Point. I’ve told my high school class mates. I’ve told my local church
here in Nashville. I’ve told friends from previous places where I lived. I’ve told my business clients. I have sent all a copy of my goodwill appeal letter to Julianne last March. I will send this letter, too. I want everyone to know that I appeal for goodwill and a win for all. I don’t mean to sound prideful, but logical. Jail reaps no positive benefits for anyone. It doesn’t bring in any money. It doesn’t better my attitude; quite the opposite. It costs the taxpayers.
Do I want to go to jail? No, I don’t! I want to be a productive, good citizen and enjoy the freedom
of coming and going. I don’t want the taxpayers of Cheatham County and the State of Tennessee
to pay for my upkeep.
The soldiers in Afghanistan are standing up for a cause. They have it far worse than I will have in jail. They’re anxious to be home with their families and in the good ole USA. They are given orders to follow. In going to jail I consider myself a volunteer soldier, too, standing up for a cause. I firmly believe what has transpired in this divorce is wrong. To symbolize my belief, I volunte r to go to jail. I will follow orders given to me and face the consequences for this cause. It’s a shame it has to be this way. It need not be…as stated so many, many times previously! --But…it is what it is!
It doesn’t matter how many church services we have attended, how many solos and musical
productions we have sung in church, how many leadership positions we have held, how many
mission trips we have traveled, how many good deeds we have done, as good as all of these
things are, your (and my) faith has really not been manifested, tested, and testified until we can
love and forgive someone who we feel has wronged us. All the other stuff is loud clanging cymbals until love and forgiveness are truly, not just said, but lived!
I know I am the enemy, but doesn’t the Bible exhort us to love our enemies? Well, let’s do it! I
will! Will you? Intentionally taking actions to make someone hurt is not: “loving your enemies.”
Perhaps, you may say, “We’re giving ‘tough love’.” Well, that’s bull! That’s simply massaging self-righteousness!
In all honesty, the court has not done a very good job in settling this matter. Quite frankly, it has
exacerbated it more than finding remedy. It simply does not have the ability to settle our problems. Our dilemma goes way beyond the scope of the court. You, John and Delores, are in a prime position. I believe there is nobody else on earth that could be more effective than the two of you to bring peace and remedy. And the thing about it is: it would be your daughter, Julianne, who would actually benefit the most.
You can crack the whip all you want, call me whatever name you want, but really everyone is being hurt…us individually to the taxpayers and all in between. Here in the waning years of your lives, you have these actions and attitudes attached to who you are. I know, I know, you are not this kind of people. Don’t you really want to step up and admit this has been the wrong way to resolve a conflict? Then, don’t you want to use your skills and wisdom to work for a better way?
I dare not tell you what to do; I don’t even ask! But honestly, John and Delores, I suggest:
immediately after reading this letter you should be on your knees thanking God at how blessed
you are. Then, you should be on the phone, initiating positive, good actions, influencing attitudes,
setting in motion positive procedures in winning favor with supporters/advisors, your attorney,
and the Judge. To bring about the positive results you want, this case needs to be dropped and
dismissed, the attorney and the judge need to get out of the way, and then, we need to walk in
faith, walk the walk that we talk. Then, we all need to get together, not to rehash everything—
let’s “let sleeping dogs lie”—but we need to get together for a group hug, simple as that. No
apologies needed from either side. Let’s just hug and let’s talk about good will and good faith
efforts hereafter. Let’s promote loving, respectful, and routine communication, and let’s advance
reconciliation of broken parties. This has gone on too long and has consumed too much of our
lives. Until all the above takes place, nobody will be victors, nobody will have peace, and that
makes us all “losers.”
There have been too many good times with you that are too unforgettable! Way, way, way more
good times with you, with Julianne, and with Elise, than bad! Conflict, misunderstandings, and
misperceptions come in human relations, there’s no getting around it. There are no bad people
involved in this situation. There have been bad procedures and much better remedies available.
It’s time to embrace the best of the best… from the past and in the present…and let go of the bad. Then, you will see… the best of the best in the future. Then, you will find conflict suppressed into final incremental extinction. Life will be as it should be…our spirits will be free to better glorify God!
With Love and Respect,
Jim
Jim Hannaford
200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
Friday, March 12, 2010
FREE AT LAST!!!
FREE AT LAST! GREAT GOD A-MIGHTY! FREE AT LAST!
Thirdly, it is important to make an acute stand, which I did in the public way that I did, but it is also important to demonstrate that one does not have to be totally obstinate. Neither should the other side!
Will Write To Everyone
I plan on writing to everyone of you who has responded to my emails whether I'm in jail, or out of it. This will be done via postal mail, assuming I have your address There have been many...and so, uplifting to have the encouragement that I have received. I have tried my best to transcribe each mailing address into my address book. I hope I haven't let any slip through the cracks. Please, give me grace and not be offended if I have over looked any. Love to all of you! Thank you so much for your support!
Court Results
Court proceeding results will be posted later today. Please, check in to find out what happened.
Up and Ready!
I had hoped to post other messages since the "Last Email" notice was sent. My time, extremely long days, and every waking moment has been occupied. Thanks to enormous help from friends, I now have my Mom settled and am out of my own apartment.
I have peace about everything; feel I'm doing right, and want so much that there be victory to everyone involved. This is my prayer! This is my hope! This is my belief!
Jail Address
James (Jim) Hannaford
Cheatham County Jail200 Court Square
Ashland City, TN 37015
(Please read previous posts below this one, if you have not already done so.)
Other posts concerning rules and regulations will be forthcoming in the next few days--if necessary.
Please, subscribe to this blog to receive notices of new posts.
Thanks for your support! It is needed!
Last Email
(This was an email sent to friends and supporters on Wed. March 10, at 2:41 PM)
This will be my last email to you—as a group per se! For you see, I
don’t want to shove myself down your throat-so to speak- by intruding
on your email inbox anymore than I already have. I have been so, so
uplifted and encouraged by your loving responses, but I don’t won’t to
wear out my welcome. It is better that you voluntarily participate
concerning the situation I’ve shared with you. That is why I will
communicate through the blog (as possible). You, then, can seek and
participate as you desire. The blog link is:
http://storiesofdivorce.
it and notifications can be sent alerting you to any new posts. (Not
sure how that works.) Any future emails that you receive from me, you
will know is an individual, personal communication, rather than as one
in a group.
This blog will communicate my well-being and conditions. It will have
the address of the jail. There will be jailhouse stories of
interactions I have with various people. It will give you the rules
and regulations and let you know how you can help me out by sending
books, stamps, paper, toiletries, and “spending money” for “Rock Call”
(vending machine snacks). I will also share some personal
thoughts/opinions of the past and/or of the future. You will get a
sense of my psychological condition. You will find out the results—as
soon as possible—of the court proceedings on Friday morning. There
will be a few postings between now and Friday morning, as well.
Unlike the lengthy “chapter” which you have read, the postings will be
kept at a minimum. However, there will be a time delay due to the
constraints of postal mail.
Some of you reading this have more pressure and stress on you than I.
You may have an advanced-aged parent at the very threshold of heaven’s
gate. You, yourself, may be in ill health with not encouraging
symptoms. You may be under an enormous financial crisis. Some of you
may be having relationship difficulties as we speak that are sucking
the very life out of you. I see you! I hear you! I sense you! You
matter! I care!
We fight the good fight—all of us! We give glory to the God of glory!
We love as we want to be loved!
Loving you! Grateful for you! Keeping you in my heart!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Not Behind The Back!
(This was an email to friends and supporters sent on Tue, March 9th, 2010, at 6:59 AM)
Love Y'all!
Of Sound Mind!
(This was an email sent to friends and supporters on Tue, March 9th, 2010, at 6:32 AM)
Dear Friends!
I want to assure everyone that I am of sound mind, but deeply committed. I'm not crazy, other than the crazy self that you know me to be in personality and free spirit. My emotions are stable. There is no venom in me, but there is distinct and profound resolution. Fighting narcissism--I don't want to be that way--I believe there is a principle and cause here. I am absolutely committed to the greater good for everyone involved. It's not about keeping myself out of jail!
Last weekend in jail, the 60th consecutive weekend for me (btw--the guards tell me I have the record for "weekenders;" they can't believe I've been given the punishment I've been given for the "crime" committed, when they know who passes through their doors routinely.) I finished reading David McCullough's book, "1776". You're talking about "commitment!" I know I'm not fighting for a political country, but I am making a stand for the "country of my soul." What I'm going through is nothing compared to those patriots. Our great U.S.A. is a miracle! As a microcosm of freedom from tyranny, of confronting decent, good, and right dealings in human relationships, I am committed to "crossing the Delaware" for a cause that needs to be fought for the greater good for everyone involved. Again--I don't mean to exude self-righteousness!
It's time to stand up and speak out! It's time for this to be reconciled. I'm ready to go back to church on Sundays. I'm ready to live without wondering when the next legal documents will be cowardly ambushed on me, rather than giving discourse, reason, and respect. I'm ready to do right and good within reasonable parameters of my resources.
I'm only "frayed" because of the overwhelming details of moving my Mom and her things out, of getting my own things moved into storage, and the taking care of personal affairs. Emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually I am strong and stable, firmly believing and totally resolved--come what may--that better days are ahead and a tyranny has ended.
Thanks for all of your mailing addresses! Thanks for your emails and phone calls. Don't mean to ignore you at all and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I know this is discomforting to you. No one likes to be involved in conflict; it affects all of our emotions. Thanks for the emotional and spiritual support you are so overwhelmingly giving to me. It is needed, despite my strength of resolve. Thanks for your offers of help in so many ways. I'm deeply grateful to have you in my life.
Notice will be sent out as soon as possible concerning the outcome of the court proceedings this coming Friday.
Love and Respect for You,
Acknowledgement
(This was an email sent to friends and supporters on Mon., March 8th, at 6:52 AM)
I don't want notoriety! I'm not trying to be a hero! I'm not trying to be a martyr! I'm not vengeful of the past. The past only concerns me as it provides a context for the present and a comparison for future change. Truly, I wish goodwill and peace for everyone involved. Likewise, I do not wish to better myself at the disadvantage of another one.
It's time for an end to the status quo and time for understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation of the current circumstances. Thank you for your prayers and concern for these purposes!
Respectfully,
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