Creekbank Blog

Curt in one of his “offices” Thur. Oct. 22 Lake Charles, LA I am so privileged to write for a living. It is my calling, but I try to never forget what a joy and honor it is to write. You see, I’m “writing for a reason.” My reason to write is to honor God and connect to the hearts …

A Tale of Two Caps… a story on racial understanding. I cringed when the national news last Friday led on a story, “From Louisiana, a justice of the peace has enraged… ” I knew it was going to be something that put my beloved home state in a bad light… and it did. I’m not going to even dignify that …

As promised, here is a light-hearted cemetery story about the fear we all have: someone being buried in the wrong grave. One of my ministries is to work with people in selecting their grave sites at Dry Creek Cemetery. I’ve found that this is a time when we can really help people. I call it the “open window of opportunity.” …

This story, from my second book, The Old House, tells about a sacred place in our community: Dry Creek Cemetery. Later in the story, I share the touching and heroic tale of my friend and neighbor, Arlean Crow Courmier. Yesterday, we buried her father, Arthur Crow, beside Arlean’s grave. As we stood by his grave, several folks pointed out the …

A Spent Bullet Readers: This blog contains a three-page synopsis (0verview) of my current work in progress. I’ve looked at it until my eyes are crossing. I’d appreciate any and all reader feedback for improvements before it begins its journey to publishers.A Spent Bullet I’m looking for grammatical as well as plot ideas, weaknesses, or confusion. WARNING: If reading the …

Hurricane Season is winding down. Hooray. Hallelujah. I know it’s not officially over until November 30, but it’s safe to say this will be a below normal season, especially for our battered Gulf Coast. Shown are two of my favorite hurricane items. One is my can of Baptist Beer. I write the name of every hurricane that affects our area …

More on planning and planting for the future. Beth Koop is one of my Dry Creek Camp friends. Her parents are a classic example of a lifelong good marriage. Beth shared this concerning the future and tree planting. “My daddy was talking about planting a tree a few weeks ago. My mama asked why he wanted to plant a tree …

We get things done over time by working hard and showing persistence. A wise quote: “People overestimate what they can do in five years and underestimate what they can do in twenty years.” -Ligon Duncan i.e. The twin powers of time and patience can crack mountains. See the Creekbank blog for more. One of the best pieces of advice I …

My former student, Kay Campbell Fox, commented on my recent blog about a newlywed couple running through the lobby at the Denver Marriott. It’s a wonderful story. From Kay: Two weddings – one day – Just shy of 21 years – all to the same man. You see, Nick and I were married at 2 pm and 4:30 pm….on the …

The Ripple Effect continues I received three journeyman prayer cards yesterday.   They were from Micah, Erica, and Lydia. I’ve never met Micah, but I love him and am proud of him. His mother, Debbie Walley, was one of my closest friends through the Baptist Student Union at La. College. Micah is going to Kenya as an International Mission Board …

This is a press release from Ricks Institute in Liberia. This is the school we worked with in July. The iMacs in the Ricks Library. The Liberian flag is shown in the background. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Brand New i-Mac Computers Installed at Ricks September 23, 2009, Ricks Institute, Virginia, Liberia–Fifteen (15) brand new i-Mac 20-inch computers with wireless access …

3 am, 40 miles, 4 trucks, 2 cups of coffee I left home this morning at 3:00 am, on my way to the Houston airport, then Denver for a writing conference. On my forty mile drive from Dry Creek to DeQuincy, I only meet four vehicles—all trucks. The road is quiet. The woods are dark. It’s peaceful. Out my car …

                              After the Conference Ends: “What to do when the circus leaves town.” “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. They say all things must come to an end.” -Willie Nelson I’ve read many excellent articles about preparing for, and attending, writing conferences. However, I’m not …

Working Title: The Power of a Handwritten  Note Sub title: Living gratefully/Living compassionately  By Curt Iles Writing and receiving handwritten notes iand letters are relics of the past. There’s why the power of the handwritten note has never been more valuable. gratitude Encouragemnt Comfort Affirmation   5 minutes Make your tools convenient   a postcard with your letterhead on blank …