A stitch in time..
Here's how it works.
Once I had violated my probation for the third time,I knew that I would be out of circulation for awhile.
My lawyer had lunch with the District Attorney,they marvelled together at the stupidity of some miscreants,me in particular,and decided I would get four years in Community Corrections.
I knew this two weeks before the court date that would cast that deal in bronze.
Yeah,they let you run around loose with the sure and certain knowledge that years will pass before you can call your life your own..Go figure.
Anyfelon,I was done with all the stress and anxiety that comes from all the clandestine machinations that come with dealing drugs.I mean,face it,on your very best day,your customers are drug addicts.
Now all I had to do was give them everything I owned,all the money I had,and submit to each and every one of their commandments for the next three years.
You see,you get ten days a month good time,so a four year sentence is actually served in three.
..I can do that.
I told you that story,so I could tell you this one.
Suzy(her real name) was a friend of my brother's.She liked motorcycles,she liked life in general,and she liked me.
Suzy: Your brother told me your gettin' four years.
Sling: Yeah,I go to court in two weeks,and then I'm off to Alamosa.
Suzy: So,what are you doing for the next two weeks?
Sling: You know,organizin' my shit,saying my goodbyes..This is actually a good thing.
I'm really too old for this shit.
Suzy: Wanna go for a ride?
..For the next two weeks,Suzy and I spent every moment together,except for the day I was sentenced.That was as far as it would go.
Now,..Here's the deal.
"You can't do the outside,from the inside".
Her words.
I knew exactly what she meant.
I knew that I'd have to concentrate on the here and now.
I knew I wouldn't be one of those guys,constantly on the telephone,plaintively begging some chick,"Where were you last night when I called?"..THAT'S hard time.
She took two weeks out of her life to help me,in no small way,reconcile myself to the fruits of my misdeeds.
This song reminds me of her.
"Follow Me"
Labels: This is all you get, Uncle Kracker
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22 Bootleggers
22 Comments:
That was a cool story. Did you ever find her again? And one more serious question, Do you have a Suzy tattoo? And don't show me that pussy tattoo again it made me eyes puke. Oh I love your stories. We could sit for hours and you can tell me stories and I can tell you about light bulbs.
Damn -- seriously? You seriously gonna be putting on the orange suit and shave your head (and gasp, your moustache?)?
Having a cool friend like that is a lifelong dream... be happy that you know you got one. How was the motorcyle ride?
Sage- I never found her again,because there was no need to look.
..and aren't tattoos just visible on the exterior,when you think about it?
Princess Banter- You know,at one time,I had my own orange jumpsuit with my name embroidered on it.
But,this was written in the past perfect tense..
Been there,.done that..years ago.
you've come along way baby...
thank goddess for suzy...
Damn Sling I'm bowled over by this one. You constantly amaze me with your honesty and wit. And you right good too!
I never know when you're talking in the present or past tense. That's a superior gift you have, you know. There's some Indian proverb thing or another that a friend of mine had hanging in her house growing up... it was something about people blowing into your life for a time and what you take from them is what they leave behind. It also had something to do with a crop of wheat, I think. HA! Too cool!
Love,
Julie
suzy's turning me religious, she's got to be an angel for sure.
good thing you never cut the heads off parking meters.
You should write a book. Your life story written with your humor and wit would be a best seller.
I love Suzie.
I'm starting my own Hall of Fame and sticking this one in the first hand-made display case. Can not tell you how precious this one is to me right now, today. And even more so, because it's obviously one of those stories that finds a vibration with everyone. Just in case we ever forget, and think our stories are just our own ...
Yellowdog G.- I took the scenic route getting here.
Suzy was a Goddesssend..(my spellcheck just had a seizure!)
Willym- This is why we blog!..Thanks buddy.
Julie-" I never know when you're talking in the present or past tense".
..Sometimes,neither do I.
billy P.- Oh,there are always Angels!
As for the chopping the heads off parking meters thing,I really can't comment on that 'till the Statute of Limitations runs out. :O
mom- I've thought about writing a book,but those pesky editors and proof readers want it to be,you know,..good.
Suzy keeps a nice and cozy home in my heart.
booda baby- You just made my day!
Bekesus..you scared me, I thought this was really happening..what a great story, and glad you are still around!
Your story forced me to actually listen to the lyrics in this song for the first time. I get it. I so get it. She represents good women/friends everywhere. Hope I can be that person for someone someday. Well, not because they are prison bound but, you know - the one that makes the here and now the best it can be.
"We cannot be present in our moment and suffer our fate at the same time."
That was a kindness on her part, and what a nice way to spend the last bit of freedom you'd have for a while. But I'm glad that's over and done with for you.
Anonymous- This was just a memory my friend.Thanks for dropping by!
Hat- I think it's a good thing to look for opportunities to pay it forward.
Outstanding quote btw. :)
CS- Suzy was wise beyond her years,and left me thinking in the right frame of mind.I began the experience knowing that,in time,my circumstances would change for the better.
Wonderful story. It would really make a great film, but then who could they cast that would personify you in all your slingy glory? See, it just wouldn't work since Steve McQueen is gone.
I guess I came into your blog life too late to know the "story." You have alluded to your past several times tho. Sling I don't know what else those 2 weeks or the 3 years did for you, but you have one of the best outlooks on life of anyone I have ever met (or not actually met). Suzy saw you not what you had done. I have a 24 yr old grandson that was on the streets for about 8 years. He is wise and old way beyond that 24 number. He amazes me every day....you do too.
"You can't do the outside,from the inside"...words to live by, buddy. Think I'll embroider that on a pillow for my teenagers. Oh hell, who am I kidding? I don't know how to embroider. But if I did....
Do the prisoners do the jumpsuit embroidery or is that an outside job?
my goal in life is to be a Suzy to my friends. good story good friend good of you to share.
I'm glad you made it out.
kimberly ann- Paul Newman is still around,right?..just sayin'
rosemary- I'll tell you a secret.
2 weeks here,3 years there,..no matter.
It's a firm belief that God puts me where I'm best able to serve out my purpose,that keeps me goin'..it's like that.
Kari- I thought about those words nearly every day!
I gotta tell ya,the guys that tried to do both,were the ones that suffered the most.
Apos- The whole "embroidered jumpsuit" thing was a joke I had going with the guards in County Jail,where I was a regular guest...Oddly,I got along great with all of them!..they were sad to see me go.
citymouse- There's no doubt in my mind that you are,and have been,that kind of friend.
You may never know.
allan- I'm glad you made it out too my friend.
Its nice Sling. I know you both had a good time...sweet memories and all that and thats oksy... lifes good while we've got
it I reckon
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