Mrs. Lois Rollins and Curt at Y-Not-Stop in Alexandria
Photo: With my new girlfriend, Mrs. Lois Rollins, at Y-Not-Stop in Alexandria.
I’m a friend collector. Any day I make a new friend is a good day.
Yesterday, I was working at my “second office” at Y-Not-Stop.
I call it “Little Buccee’s.”
Good WiFi, hot coffee, clean restrooms, and a good corner cubbyhole to write.
When I take a break, I usually carry my laptop with me.
But not always. If some trusty-looking soul is sitting nearby, I’ll say, “Do you mind watching my stuff?”
Such was the case. This sweet lady was munching down on a good BLT.
“Ma’am, do you mind watching my laptop ‘til I’m back?”
She nodded and smiled.
“Ma’am, you look like you could fight off any thief.”
We both smiled.
I was reminded of how I love Southern women.
When I returned, I had a gift for her. We Southerners are that way. If I help you, I can usually count on a warm casserole or a big hug.
My gift was a book. A copy of Where I Come From.
I’ve written 16 books over 25 years, and dare say I’ve given away as many as I’ve sold.
That makes me a winner in both cases.
Giving is such a privilege, especially when it’s something handmade like a book or that warm casserole.
I sit down and hand my new friend her book.
Her caretaker daughter is on the phone. She turns to see me and the book.
She hangs up. “That’s a Curt Iles book.” She eyes me. “Are you Curt Iles?”
“The one and only.”
I know from her voice that she, like me, is from the Piney Woods.
Folks at the Alexandria Rotary probably don’t know who I am, but my People do.
My People. That’s Louisiana Piney Woods People. They’re the finest people in the world. They’ll do anything for you, and you can depend on them to do what they say.
Like guarding a laptop while eating a BLT.
My new friend, Mrs. Lois, holds her book while the three of us compare notes.
They’re from SW Rapides Parish, and I’m from nearby Beauregard. As all rural Southerners do, the three of us start naming names and connecting dots.
It’s called “Raking up kin.”
If you take enough time to listen, you’ll find someone or something in common.
I sign Mrs. Lois’ book, “To my new friend and personal guard, Mrs. Lois Rollins. Y-Not-Stop. Tuesday, October 28, 2025.”
Mrs. Lois, book in hand, waves as she leaves.
She’s happy. She has a new book.
I’m happy. I’ve made a new friend.
That sounds like a win-win.
As my wise Mom has told me for six decades, “Curt, you can’t have too many friends.”
Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller
