Letters from the Inside, Anne Kontz, #3

If You've Forgotten Who She is Click HERE. There's also a great episode of 48 Hours Mystery about her.

Dear Kelly,

I loved the card of Mini! He is adorable. My sister's dog looks a like like him-only white. You mentioned living on the Upper East Side near the museum--and you referred to it as boring--Well, I can't think of any part of NYC that would classify as boring! I'd want to visit the museum every day. Although after years of this place, I have a feeling that in 10 min. in NY would throw me into sensory overload. We live by such a slow pace here.

I'm a month late--but Happy Birthday to you!! My apologies for being late-I'm late in all my return letters. I've been workin gon a craft project for my mother for Mother's Day (& her birthday 5/19) - So I ahve no written anyone back in weeks/months. That is so unlike me & I didn't even get the project finished. I will be on time next year--we've got the (or one of)landmark years coming up. :-)

I've not seen my daugther in a few years--Her visitation is a messed up situation which I'll explain another time. However, I do talk to her very often, we write back & forth and my sister keeps me well supplied with pictures so I feel like I get to visit her. That is a situation I've placed in the hands of God and I trust Him to do what is best for her. She is my sunshine...the light of my life.

Prison life is not nearly as bad as most people think. The worst part is the "drama" caused by other women. In that regard I try to keep to myself. I have 3 or 4 close friends whom I trust. It's taken years for me to develop those special friends---you just have to learn who can or can't be trusted...much like out ther eonly here people have these self-serving agendas. If you approach each situation with caution, all will be OK.

I work in Horticulture and am in charge of the greenhouse. It's beautiful in there and I use these plants to set up & decorate various programs here. We also have plant sales & we plant flowers on the grounds. I work there every morning and get off at about 1 or 2pm. I am also involved in a number of groups or clubs. I am part of the Susan G. Romen Breast Cancer Foundation. We teach women about breast health and even have a "walk for the cure". I'm in Women's Club & Recreation Club. Both of these groups organize activities & sales. We sell subway sandwiches, pizza, etc., organize movie nights with popcorn, etc. I am an usher at Chursh & a member of the Praise Dance Team. I love that & didn't even know I had the talent of dance until I came to prison! I'm thankful to be here for that! We also have a Bible Study group think here called Kairos (Ed: sp?). I serve as the Chair for that--it is a year & a half elected position. It's a big job but I enjoy it. Finally, I attend 3-4 Bible studies each week & am furthering my education through a correspondence course in the mail. I'll have my degree soon. So--you can see I keep really busy. in what free time I do have, I read, write letters and do crafts (crochet & cross stitch) ... Don't forget shopping at the canteen. It's not much but its still shopping!

Well-it's a joy to hear from you as always and I promise not to take as long writing back in the future. Generally I am much more organized.

Take care--With Love

Ann
:-)