Creekbank Blog

Two Weddings – One Day

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 …

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The Ripple Effect Continues

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 …

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Brand New i-Macs At Rick’s Institute

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 …

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3 A.M., 40 Miles, 4 Trucks, 2 Cups Of Coffee

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 …

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After The Conference: What To Do When The Circus Leaves Town

                              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 …

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Working Title: The Power Of The Note

Working Title: The Power of the Note Sub title: Living gratefully/Living compassionately  By Curt Iles    Recently when meeting a former student of mine from my earlier years as a high school teacher, he pulled out his billfold and showed me a dog-eared letter I had written him years ago. The fact that he had kept this short hand-written note …

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It’s All About Influence

It’s all about influence. I’m very privileged to write and speak full time. This is a fine royalty check I got last week for $1.04. It’s never been about the money. Of course, it allows me to make a living and hopefully a difference. To me, it’s about influence. Recently, my friend Gary Hahler wrote of success, “Success is the …

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A Horse By Any Other Name…

A horse by any other name… I’m gathering names for a plow horse in my new novel, A Spent Bullet. See nominations below and read the passage that relates to this horse. (Curt) My grandfather had two horses: Dallas and Sam. (Dallas is Joe Moore’s horse in The Wayfaring Stranger and he makes an appearance in A Good Place. My …

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Mr. Tiger’s Song

“Some people go to their graves with their songs in them; let this not be said of me.” Mr. Tiger’s Song I met Mr. Tiger today at the Southeast La. War Veterans Home in Reserve. We had a great time telling stories to the veterans. Best of all was hearing their stories. Nearly all are WWII and Korean vets and …

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Folklore From Africa And Louisiana

Folklore from Africa and Louisiana   One of the best parts of our Liberian trip was being with students at Ricks School.     I worked with them on using symbolism in writing. Majoe drew this picture and explained it. Here is what I learned: The Kola tree (from which the cola nut comes that is used in our sodas) …

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A Good Place Is Coming Soon

A Good Place is coming soon. Listed below are the covers on our upcoming novel, A Good Place. November 15 is the projected release date. Click on the covers for a closer look. Look over the covers. If you have any suggestions on wording for the back cover, we still are making minor changes. Give us your feedback. Writing for …

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A Hollow Log

My grandson Jack Iles explores a hollow log. When I told him there might be a coon or possom in the log, he had to go inspect it. This was taken during a day hike he and I took last week on the Wild Azalea Trail. “Don’t you know that the laughing hole ain’t there just for the kids and …

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Work Is Not A Four Letter Word

More thoughts on Work: “Work is not a four-letter word. “L.T.W.B.T.Y.F.I”* *Leave this world better than you found it.” Our work results in a world that is better than when we found it. Whether it’s a weed-filled garden, the open mind of a child, or a Bible shared with a grieving friend, it’s our work and calling. From my friend …

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Words From Alda Clark

Earlier this year I blogged a story about how the bookmobile affected my life as a boy in rural Louisiana. My friend Alda Clark, who writes for our local papers, penned her story. Here it is for your enjoyment. Recently I was reading Brother Curt Iles’ Blog when I came across a story about the Bookmobile Beauregard Parish had back …

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