Dear blog friends: I have begun posting stories from the Asian tsunami. It has now been two years since this great natural disaster swept over Southern Asia. To read these posts in order (as from my book Hearts across the Water) you should go back in the blog and read backwards. Let me know if you are inspired by these tales of bravery, tragedy, and inspiration. Curt...

The TsunamiDecember 26, 2004 It was a typical sunny tropical morning along the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia’s northernmost and third largest island. Being a Muslim nation, the days around Christmas were nothing to be noticed or celebrated, especially here in the Islamic area known as “The Porch of Mecca.” Even though it was Sunday morning in Sumatra, in America it was...

It has now been two years since the South Asian earthquake and tsunami. In remembrance of this event, I am blogging for the next several weeks on stories of this earth-shaking event from my book, Hearts across the Water. I...

Introduction: Hearts across the Water “A story is intended to stab and wound you to the heart…So it then can stir, heal, and change you forever.”-Franz Kafka There is nothing good to say about the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita or the Asian Tsunami.All three natural disasters brought death, destruction, and untold human misery. The areas along the Southern Gulf coast as well as Indian...

Christmas Jelly This story from my first book, Stories from the Creekbank, is one of the favorites of readers of all ages. I hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas -CurtOf all my Christmas memories and traditions, Christmas jelly is one of my favorites. Each year I receive this special gift from a very special lady in my life. Before I share what Christmas jelly is, let me share about the special...