Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

This is Book Day Week at The Creek. We’re going to share about the books that have most shaped our lives. I’m working on the Top 10 in my reading life. Start working on your list. I want to hear about yours and why they mean so much to you.  (Curt Iles books do not count on your list.  I …

“Doing right by my People.”   Ken Burns said, “I came to realize I’m a historian who brings people and things back from the grave.”   After hearing Burns’ quote, I’m struck that it is my job and calling, too.   I don’t do it with a camera and a documentary.   I use a journal, memories, and imagination.   …

A Great Quote About Trees   “The only conclusion I’ve ever reached is that I love all trees, but I am in love with pines.”   -Aldo Leopold “Sand County Almanac”   One of the greatest nature books ever written.      

My Favorite Poem:  “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.       Growing up in the woods and loving poetry, it was sometimes thought of as unmanly. That’s a crock of bull. In fact, my woods-roots have led me to the best poems of all. They are poems that glow about nature, the human, and the amazing life around …

  Clayton Iles Pond, Dry Creek, Louisiana     Thoughts on Being “Stove-Up”   I received word that one of my Dry Creek friends, Larry Dale, had been injured, so I immediately called his brother, David.   In his classic Dry Creek drawl (I’m proud of mine too), David said, “Yeah, Curt, he was up on a ladder gleaning his …

  We’d love for you to sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s about the Mission of Creekbank Stories to Share Moving Stories that Encourage and Inspire. There’s always more at the Creek.   www.creekbank.net   Quotes to keep you pointed North and your feet on the ground.   How do you define success?   This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson …

  Contented   “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”   –I Timothy 6:6   It’s the coldest morning of the year.    23 degrees at daylight.   I always think of old drafty houses on days like this.   We lived in The Old House as a boy, and I still shudder at the memory of the icy wind whistling …

Sometimes, an image burns into our minds without words. Such are these recent photos from the Iles homestead in Dry Creek.    

    My Dad loved Dry Creek Baptist Church and Dry Creek Baptist loved him in return. Attention: To all who want their church to be the best it can be in reaching others. The following is what I call “Brother C’s Manifesto.” It was written by my late father, Clayton Iles. I’ve left it in his unique handwriting. I …

Encouragement is something that doesn’t cost anything to give yet the outcome is priceless! -May Hill Encouragement   What a good word: encouragement. I could list various definitions. Instead, I’ll do what I do (and love) best. I’ll tell a story: The 1936 Berlin Olympics are among the most famous Olympiads of the 20th century. Its location was Germany Its …

  My 12 Key Words for 2026 Onward! Each January, I revise my Life Plan. It’s the words, sketches, and notes that remind me about what really matters. I have a list of words to guide me. Onward is one of my 12 keywords. It reminds me I’m moving and upward. There’s no room for coasting in my life. Onward …

Alone   He died alone, but he was buried by hundreds.   His name was John Whittaker.   I know little about him, but neither did his neighbors. He was a Vietnam-era Veteran who lived an isolated and lonely life. I do not know if this lifestyle was by choice or from the bruises and hurts of life.   John …

Under construction as of December 21, 2025   An Ongoing Study of “The Old Confederate Military”/aka “The Sugartown Road.” We’re gathering information from interested parties (like you.) This should be interesting and fun. Stay tuned.  

    www.creekbank.net   HOLD THE PRESSES: We’re having trouble with Amazon Mothership on downloading FREE Kindle ebook of  our latest book, One Night in Winterset.    Don’t give up! Scroll down to view the front and back covers     Two new Christmas Books just in time for Christmas: One Night in Winterset and Uncle Sam. Order both at …