Day Five of Journey For Freedom, October 19, 2012

Victoria had more phone trouble on the 19th. She was stuck with the temporary phone until the evening and so couldn't take any photos on her walk. She put her sim card back in the old phone to find something on the phone and of course, it worked fine, kinda. So at this point we're hoping that it's back to being broken by the time it gets to its final destination.

When she received the new phone, which she had had mailed to the house she was staying at that night, the layout wasn't as familiar as she had hoped. She had to call 'Command Center' to find out how to get the phone set up. We helped her find her contacts and Google's Map app (not as easy as it sounds), before she turned in for the night. She still has to figure out how to send the broken one in and return the temporary one.




Corin, Adriel and Adam.

More on Day Four...

I went ahead and visited the Bakersfield Californian's office, I thought I may as well give them one more opportunity to hear about Kerry Lyn and why they should vote yes on 34. Brenda, at the front desk, was a delightful person, compassionate, concerned, and personally familiar with the issue. She gladly took my information and enthusiastically proceeded to find a reporter to follow up (I never heard from anyone). She sent me to a local channel, 17, to bring the story there. I was treated well there, also, they worked to make The Journey fit into local news--but it didn't cut it.

I need to speak to local groups for the press to be able to run the story.

Please keep thinking of who you may know in the LA and San Diego areas, we are busy contacting all sorts of groups; faiths, activists, law, justice, women's groups...please pass along any ideas/contacts. Thank you!

Day Four of Journey For Freedom, October 18, 2012

Tracy Morgan's brother and sister-in-law (Tom and Christy) generously treated me to a hotel room last night, so I had time to work on my search for contacts. Thank you so much, Tom and Christy--I hope to visit with you soon. Blessings to you!

I got yesterday's photos to Control Central, and my staff (Corin, Adriel and Adam) set up day three for me. (By the way, I read Corin's explanation--cute Corin! I do freak out with phone issues. Here's a photo of what Tmobile "lent" me for $53. A replacement for my phone is coming tomorrow.)

I just got two miles in yesterday, then dealt with phone issues. Today I returned to the riverfront trail at Beach Park--I was excited when we mapped this route, to be walking along the water in hot California--but as you can see by the photos--no water! Just dryness and dust...

This is the park area, sprinklers keep things green here. Further down the trail is au naturel for the rest of the seven miles. I walked half the trail away from Beach Park, then back. I covered six miles today; in eighty-nine degrees it was just enough!

This derrick was along the route, others were across the "river" also, all pumping. I noticed homeless folks had made use of the shelter/shade of the freeway 99 overpass that the trail led me under. I also figured out how and why so many tumbleweeds had become lodged within the few shrubs and trees along the riverbed; they were utilized as walls for shelter (homes). Our nation's homeless crisis is not over; may we all keep these folks in our thoughts and prayers.

Along such a drought stricken area, among tumbleweeds, dried leaves and struggling trees, this beautiful flower was also fighting to live. The eight inch, snow white bloom survived while the plant had been nibbled on from all directions. Beauty can survive even in harsh circumstances. Kerry Lyn and the 19 women on the Row struggle to find beauty in each day, too. Kerry, her smile, and embrace were the beauty I needed to set me on my journey.
Please remember the real issues--Let the small things go. Remember without the right to life, there are no human rights.

Show your own beauty each day.

Peace,

Torrie

Day Three of Journey for Freedom, October 17, 2012

Torrie has no photos today.
Earlier today (just before noon) her phone started to die on her. She plugged it into the car charger (connected to the replacement vehicle from the rental agency) and hoped for the best. 

It indicated that it was charging—disaster averted.

But when she started her walk, the phone once more indicated that the battery was nearing a critical condition.

After consulting with me (a long phone call over which she found out that while attempting to charge the phone, it was heating up) we decided that the battery was to blame (that and the van that had replaced the awesome car) and she found a Tmobile store.

New battery in, she was now ready to get back on the road.

Next thing I know she’s on the phone, which she informs me is a new one, telling me that her old one is dead and she doesn't know how to work the temporary one.  Her model was discontinued but the replacement will have to be something similar—hopefully very similar since it took her so long to get used to the first one—but for now she’s stuck with one of those no-frills models that come free when you sign up with a company. Theoretically she can make phone calls and text (she’s figured out one, we’ll have to see about the other), but no more internet for her.

Good thing she’d been paying monthly for insurance on her phone.  

If the quality of the camera on the temp phone is decent we may be posting more photos. That is, if she can figure out how to navigate the device (she called me a couple of times in order to figure out how to end a phone call).

But for tonight this is it.

P.S.: Right now she can't respond to anybody because of the phone difficulties. She will be going to Lebec tomorrow. 

Day Two of Journey For Freedom, October 16, 2012

I began the day by searching for a pair of flip-flops and sunscreen; seems in California they don't think 84 degrees constitutes a necessity for either...I did finally find sunscreen put aside on the top shelf at Walgreen's after trying 3 stores, and got these lovely sparkled flip-flops at a wonderful thrift store in the Tower District of Fresno. My feet needed something to cool off in after walking (-:

Next I was surprised that the rental car wouldn't start; I'd been spoiled with the car Enterprise lent me when they were out of their economy models and offered me this brand new sporty black VW Jetta- it drove great! Well, I guess breaking in a new car can have some issues, the transmission locked or something (?) they hadn't figured it out by the time I left. I did however get to meet Mike, the manager of the dollar store I was at, who was kind enough to try and start the car before I called the rental company - he didn't even laugh at me, and he couldn't see why it wouldn't start either. The woman at Enterprise service calls was patient and fast to get me help. Then Mitchel came out from the nearest branch to see if he could start the Jetta; no dice. His manager joined him, and they decided to get my stuff transferred into the white van pictured here. I don't know what happened with my "cool ride", but I'm back to a "Mom machine" - oh well, it has more room & I can always sleep in it if it comes down to that (-: I also had the privilege to witness strangers showing kindness to a stranger in need (-: 

That took up the majority of the day, then I was off to Tulare. I had little time in town, but saw the cemetery and  kids walking home from schools. I was set to meet with another new friend-to-be, Jane, who lives in a lovely spot next to a walnut orchard. She took us to her friend's home to watch the presidential debates. You can see here Jane is intent on the debate as Lancelot jumps on Toni's lap, he just wanted some of our yummy Mexican chicken soup! Then we talked about Kerry Lyn's case and life on the Row. It was difficult for Toni to hear, she was moved and sympathetic.

Richard Iyall sent us a copy of his poem he recited to me on yesterday's walk. It was so wonderful, I'd asked him for a copy and permission to share it with all of you!  Enjoy:  

I’m Finally Free 

I’m finally free of the bondage to this body. 

I’m finally free of the fear of death. 

I’m finally free of the stress of thinking 

maybe, perhaps, I’m not good enough; 

that I don’t measure up to the standards of others 

who measure success in terms of possessions, 

things for the ego, it’s so superficial. 

I’m finally free of archaic paradigms. 

I’m finally free of angst and confusion. 

I’m finally free of the need to play games 

where nobody wins, for no one has vision; 

for I have achieved so much in my lifetime 

which comes out of knowledge of life and relations; 

for I have discovered the essence of spirit, 

of life and of love, of peace and contentment. 

So people now listen to words that I offer, 

for you are my sibling and I am your brother. 

This world is vast, from stars to the atom, 

but we are all one with rocks and with trees. 

We are all one, this whole universe. 

We are all one, you and me. 

Jane & her two dogs (the 

cats & chickens wouldn't 

pose for us...)

I had a wonderful stay with Jane,

she made me feel like family and 

we shared conversation that blessed 

my heart. We will be praying for your 

brother, Raymond, and for your strength 

and love to be continually refilled for Raymond's 

sake and yours. May the Cosmos bless you always!

I hope you all had terrific days and that you found someone to share the realities of the Death Penalty with. Our discussion was just 3 of us this evening, but every voice is important and a step forward into a more compassionate world for all.

Healing & Peace to everyone ~

Victoria

P.S. this beautiful inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi adorns the dresser at Jane's home.

Day One of Journey For Freedom, October 15th, 2012

I drove to CCWF to do a little walking and pray for all the residents and people who work there. As I drove onward to Fresno, I played the CD Pam Larratt gave me Friday before I left; she wrote an amazing song based on Kerry's case as she read CAGES. How special! I tried to bring a copy of the lyrics to Kerry Lyn yesterday, but they didn't allow it, so I'll mail her the lyrics.

The refrain to Pam's song is:

No matter how far she goes, no matter how long she's gone,

You'll never forget your sister's smile;

She was standing in the pouring rain, you waved at her from the window pane,

"Sister, I'll see you in a little while."

Pam will sing the song at the Unitarian Universalist Church Sunday Morning, November 4th and I will be speaking about Kerry Lyn and the others who need to be seen and heard as fellow human beings.

I forgot to take photos for most of the day...Sorry.

Channel 47 in Fresno came to the gathering my new friend Maria Telesco organized at the Fresno Center for Non-Violence. Lou from channel 47 shot more than ten minutes of interviews and interactions; the station ended up showing about thirty seconds--half of that was me walking through Fresno. It's a start!

I met three Richards at the center, all were kind activists, one walked part of the day's journey with me. I also met a priest, Sheila, Nancy, and another kind woman. It was a pleasure to spend time with all of them and to share experiences! Thank you all for your hearts and actions on behalf of the cause and for listening to Kerry's situation. You are doing good work, it does make a difference. May the cosmos bless you all!

 

The Day Before the Journey: October 14th, 2012

Entering Chowchilla

A group of loved ones lined up outside the visitor building (7 :45 am). At 9 am they will unlock the door and hand each of us a numbered slip to fill out and begin processing.

Visitor processing building (right) and one of the manned and armed guard towers.

CCWF residents’ buildings, behind multiple fences (12 feet high razor wire and electric).

I wore my shirt, Journey for Freedom, to the visit, but needed to cover it. Kerry loved it! She asked if others were going to wear them too.

A photo of our photos;  Kerry Lyn and I waived to all of you—sending you thank yous and loves! We did not feel alone or hopeless, locked inside that small room. The actions, prayers, and support from all of you has energized Kerry Lyn. Please keep her and all the ladies on the Row at CCWF in your thoughts and prayers—it is an unreasonable challenge to live in a cage—peace is hard to find, but they all want peace, they need our compassion and understanding. 

Sunday evening at 5:45 pm, I held a vigil for Kerry, the people on Death Rows, and the Journey For Freedom. Kerry participated simultaneously from her cell. I sat on the earth and burned sweet grass over a candle: The sweet grass smoke blesses the Journey and the candle is for light and hope.  Then I chanted Om Mani Padme Hum to bless us all. Kerry told me she had Native American songs she would offer, along with prayers for all of you.
I took this photo before I left. (An orchard near the prison)