Mon. Nov. 21 I’ve been thinking about this term:  common courtesy. It’s a fine term but a dying art. It’s what I love about the rural life and my visits to the Third World.  Whatever shortcomings we have, people still show kindness to strangers and the poor. Common courtesy.  What does it mean to you?        

The Art of Thankfulness: “Lord, you’ve given me so much.  I ask for one more thing: a grateful heart.” In the Edge of the Swamp at Dark. I’ve come to the Old House, my favorite writing spot at the end of a cool clear Louisiana fall day. The night sounds and night creatures are now taking over in Crooked Bayou …

‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’ -Raymond Chandler  

Frank Nihart, minister of music at First Baptist DeRidder, is also a talented writer.  This devotion is worthy of reading.  Thanks Frank for sharing with us. Gold or Crowns? By Frank J. Nihart          A few weeks ago I heard a report saying that the price of gold was approaching $2,000 an ounce.  That seems impossible.  The report also …

Encouragement  It’s a word we all need.     This is what the singing cowboy, Gene Autry, wrote about fellow Oklahoman Will Rogers:   I admire him, too, because out of a full and busy life, he took the time and trouble to help a struggling newcomer. I honestly believe that if it had not been for Will Rogers I …

From Crooked Bayou Swamp It’s November 11.  Veteran’s Day Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. -Ronald Reagan

Author’s note:  we’re inviting book clubs, Louisiana History classes, homeschool groups, and English/Language Arts groups to join us as we walk through my new novel, A Spent Bullet. Welcome, Curt Iles http://www.creekbank.net Sayings:  What does ‘a dollar waiting on a dime’ mean? It’s an old country saying used when you’re waiting on somebody as in “I’m the dollar and I’m …

Thoughts from a Southern Man I write from my hometown of Dry Creek, Louisiana. I write to entertain, educate, and encourage. “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”   -Frederick Douglass   All of us are called to invest in young people.  Regardless of our age or background, we have something to offer them: experience. Who “adopted” …

“Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.” -Abraham Joshua Heschel It’s Friday, November 4.  I hope you have a great day. My prayer for today:  “Lord, help me say no to the things I should.  Help me to say yes to the priority things in my life.  Most …

No Man’s Land and the Louisiana Army Maneuvers Click on map for larger view

Game 7 I’ve always loved the seventh game of the playoffs.  Whether it’s the NHL or NBA I like to watch a winner-take-all game when it’s all on the line. The Cardinals and Rangers are playing in the final game of this World Series. Last night’s Game 6 was a classic.  Twice the Rangers were within one strike of the …

One Life By Frank J. Nihart Anyone over the age of 40 knows that the older you are the faster time seems to go by.  I know of a gifted athlete who played football for Tulane University.  He was a starting halfback the two years he was there before joining the Army during the Korean Conflict.  While in the Army …

Scroll down to read chapter excerpt on carrier pigeons and their use in the 1941 La. Army Maneuvers. This week is the official release week for our new novel,  A Spent Bullet. We have 250 softcover copies and 150 hardcovers.   We’re expecting our large order of 2500 copies in early November. We’ll be signing books this Thursday, October 20 during …

Scroll down for links on website template survey Please peruse the  back cover of my upcoming childrens’ book, Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam, a cavalry horse, travels to Louisiana in the months before America enters  World War II. Sam and his best friend, Sergeant Ed, are thrust into the middle of the Louisiana Army Maneuvers.   This series of mock battles pits …