Please allow me to clarify my intentions, and then share a bit about myself so that you may decide whether or not you'd like to board the proverbial ship and set sail toward that magical place Voltaire called the "delight of great souls," the "gift of Heaven."

Intention:

I am sincerely interested in corresponding with you on a meaningful level in order to see if we might be like-minded enough to develop and nurture over time, a real and lasting friendship: a relationship that is true enough to abide life's adversities, and rich enough to create, by its own chemistry and combustion, enough light to conquer not only the dark nights of occasional loneliness, but also the emptiness and hopelessness of others as well. Said differently, my goal is to cultivate a connection that is authentic enough, pure enough, courageous and abundant enough to give birth to that which not only subsumes our every hope, dream and desire, but also to that which is beyond ourselves as well.

My full name is James Edward Curtis. I'm white (English and Dutch descent), thirty-three years old. I have light brown hair (I usually keep my head shaved smooth because I'm quite thin on top -- darn genes!) and hazel eyes which, I've been told, reflect a curious and understanding spirit. I'm physically healthy and  broad-shouldered at 5'7", 190 lbs.

I'm a warm, honest, caring and understanding man. I try not to be too quick to judge, and to do my best to consider others' thoughts and feelings. When it comes to those I care about, I'm ever willing to go that extra step -- even if it means taking a controversial stand.

My concept of friendship is extremely deep and without the superficialities that are often characteristic of the fair-weather friendships of today's culture. I'm somewhat old fashioned. To quote from the Bible, I believe that "when you have found a friend, you have found an inexhaustible treasure." Need I say more? I could; howerver, I prefer to let my actions be the voice with which I speak.

You will see that I have plenty of personality, a liberal sense of humor and a strong desire to help people realize their positive potential. I'm upbeat, outgoing and full of life. I'm an independent and critical thinker who, knowing that a very powerful and beneficient spiritual force is at work in the universe, tries to do his best to search out and emphasize the positive.

My interests include but are in no way limited to the following: reading, writing, cooking, fishing, camping, swimming, traveling, dancing, music, intellectual conversations and debates (philosophy, politics, spirituality, etc.), making new friends, and more.

Although I'm fascinated by the bright lights and fast pace of the city, my heart belongs to mother nature: the rain, electrical thunder storms, the mountains, ocean, waterfalls, warm summer nights, the moon and stars, and the peace and tranquility of the forest.

What else? I'm an avid reader and dedicated spiritual seeker whose only material possessions consist of a few photos of friends and family, a radio and numerous books that subsume the following subjects: philosophy, politics, psychology, education, history and spirituality. (Note: the reader should not presume that this writer is well versed in all of the above subjects; rather, one should merely recognize that they are my interests and pursuits at this time.) Self-educated and desirous not only of being a positive force for democratic change, progress and prosperity, but of earning my early release from prison, I hope to obtain some formal education in the future as well as do something that positively contributes to and makes a significant difference in the world.

Yes, I am a prisoner. I'm serving my second (and last) prison sentence here in Washington state's Department of Corrections for first degre assault on a police officer (two counts), and two counts of bank robbery. I committed these anti-social acts shortly after I turned twenty-one. I'm thirty-three years old now, and have been incarcerated for over twelve years. A brief sketch of my story follows, beginning with my introduction to the criminal lifestyle.

The son of poor, under-educated and rather goal-less but loving parents, and a brother to three beautiful siblings, I was an honor student all through junior high school, where I sometimes thought about becoming an accomplished chef and restauranteur. But all this, and and all that might have been, ended on a very cold, rainy and windy day.

I had just finished staying the weekend at my cousin's house. My mother and three siblings showed up to pick me up. I got in the car and immediately noticed the absence of my father. "Where's Dad?" I asked, not knowing or expecting that I was about to hear the words that would alter the course of my life. My mother informed me that my father no longer lived with us, and that they were getting a divorce.

This bit of news crushed me beyond description, and from that point on I spiraled completely out of control. Confused, emotionally torn and without the appropriate help I needed, I eventually turned my back on my education and plunged into the harmful world of drugs and alcohol, which inevitably led, in turn, to a life of crime. In and out of juvenile hall, jail and then a 19-month term in prison at the age of 19, I learned and was exposed to much, but nothing of any value or significance. I was exposed to the racism and separation that still permeates our houses of corrections; to the ignorant and misguided mentalities that objectify human life and relegate people to positions of inhumanity; to raw homophobia and countless other prejudices; and, among other things, to the practice and idea that violence is a virtue and a rational means of gaining both respect and self-esteem; and I learned, like most kids and young men who are in lock-up and have an inclination toward crime, not only how to commit crimes better, but also how to do "better" crimes, like non-violent bank robbery.

In retrospect it is no wonder that I was back in trouble shortly after being released from prison on December 3, 1993, and that I chose to commit bank robbery to pay for my drug addiction and careless lifestyle.

August 5, 1994 marked my fifth day of drug-induced sleep deprivation and constant partying. Broke and bent on prolonging the binge, I walked into a bank (unarmed) and quietly requested all the money in the drawer by presenting the teller a note. The teller gave me the money and I left the bank, ran to my car and fled the scene. Some time later I was stopped and surrounded by three patrol cars and police officers. A shootout ensued. Although nobody else was shot or hurt (miraculously), I was shot twice: once in the left arm, and once in the back of the head.

This is the short version, which I believe you'll find appropriate, given the nature and intent of this introductory letter. I can provide more details and fill in the gaps upon a specific request to do so.

Although I never really thought about it at the time, I now understand the severity of my youthful actions, the gravity of my mindless mistakes. I know more than anyone that I've made some really bad choices in my life, for I have reflected a lot, learned a great deal about myself, about the rights of others, and about the moral obligations and responsibilities of living in a society that is (at its best) committed to the democratic education and betterment of all people.

Hence it should be understood: my past does not define ME nor my FUTURE. Like you, I am more than the sum total of my mistakes, so I hope that you will give our friendship a chance before you simply assume, in advance, that there is nothing to be gained or learned by our acquaintance. (Those who wish to learn more about my transformation here in prison may do so by clicking on "Pandemic of Positivity" in the index bar

So will you grasp the hand of friendship that reaches in good faith? Will you embrace a heart that's poor enough to contribute a few priceless gifts? Will you -- like every great explorer in history -- boldly brave the unknown in search of the magic you seek? If so, write me and tell me about yourself, your ideas on friendship and whatever else you feel comfortable sharing with me.

A picture would be appreciated, but isn't absolutely necessary at this point. (Note: all pictures, cards, internet print-outs, etc., must have my name and prison number (984533) written on the back of them. And no polaroid pictures.)

Well, I hope I've sparked a serious flame of curiosity whithin you and you'll write. Until the paths of two worlds meet, please take care, be safe, think beyond the conventional, know I'm willing to earn your trust by whatever reasonable means you shall require. And pleae remember:

"It is a good and safe rule to sojourn in every place as if you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an opportunity of doing a kindness, or speaking a true word, or making a friend." ~~John Ruskin