Christmas Jelly Of all the 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 person who gives it to me each year. Eleanor Andrews is my neighbor in Dry Creek. …

(Left) Ron Yule at Dry Creek Camp Curt with Juanita Jordan During my Saturday book signing at Author’s Alley in DeRidder (1-3 PM) I will be joined by “fiddler extraordinaire” Ron Yule (Pictured above. He’ll be signing copies of his fiddle book.) At 2 PM I’m going to read from my chapter on the Ten Mile House Dance and Ron …

The Wayfaring Stranger Chapter 1 I am a poor wayfaring stranger, Traveling through this world of woe. There is no sickness, toil, or danger In that world to which I go. “The Wayfaring Stranger” Traditional Ballad I knew my life would finally end this way. That was the burning thought in Joseph Moore’s mind as he lay hidden behind the …

The Pine Knot Pile: A Lesson on Earthly Treasures (Below: Dry Creek’s finest pine knot pile at the Jay Miller estate)     All of a sudden, the February wind picked up and turned out of the south. Instantly what had been a small controlled fire in my back field became a raging monster. The flames spread rapidly through the …

The Wayfaring Stranger: Louisiana Journey Curt Iles The following post contains the introduction and first two chapters of my upcoming novel. If you enjoy these, additional chapters are being posted weekly at http://awayfaringstranger.blogspot.com . Curt Iles P.S. This is a draft. This means it is still in revision. It also means that your input and ideas are welcome and needed! …

The Mockingbird’s Song By Curt Iles A Review by Michelle Williams This book offers a unique glimpse inside the heart of a person who is struggling with depression and winning the battle. Curt Iles opens up his heart and shares the soul searing depths of his clinical depression. He also gives his prescription for hope and healing for those afflicted …

Sample Chapter: The Mockingbird’s Song by Curt Iles To see more, visit http://www.creekbank.net Chapter Eight: A Tight Rope Held by a Tight Friend World Trade Center North Tower New York City September 11, 2001 Stairway 27C of the North Tower of the World Trade Center was a space of both life and death on the morning of September 11, 2001 …

                          The Mockingbird’s Song by Curt Iles Chapter Four: The Thin Red Ribbon of Hope pages 8-15 My first thought was, “Hey, who turned out the lights?” Here I was in the woods between the main campgrounds and “The White House.” The White House is our adult center …

Each week I will be posting a chapter from my upcoming novel, A Wayfaring Stranger. I’m really excited about this historical story of how two characters, Joseph Moore of Ireland and Eliza Clark of Ten Mile, Louisiana came to meet in the mid-19th century. Feel free to follow along each week as I add a chapter. If you like what …

Preface: The Mockingbird’s Midnight Song -But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25). It’s the middle of another restless and sleepless night. Being exhausted both physically and mentally, yet unable to get the thing you need most – sleep, is so frustrating. So I finally wearily …

Dedication: To Ricky, My Friend for Life Writing a book about the dark times of one’s life is difficult. It is in our human nature to shy away from revealing the depths of our soul, especially when the subject matter is painful. This book of essays concerning my struggle with depression has been hard to write. Rather, let me rephrase …

The Challenge… The lady stood over me with her hands strategically placed on her hips as I sat at a table in the camp dining hall with her hands on her hips and a wrinkled scowl on her face. My earlier years from being a high school principal had given me a sixth sense of when a good eating out …