Storms don’t create character; they reveal it. We saw that in the good folks of Texas and Louisiana as neighbors and strangers helped each other. The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and …
Read More »A Pineywoods Manifesto
From Small Starts Come Large Trees
It’s true. Many things that seem insignificant can become momentous. Yes, from small starts come large trees. _____________________________________________________________ Kickstarter Update Speaking of small starts: We started our Kickstarter campaign on May 1. We’ve nearly done it. In twelve days, you’ve backed As the Crow Flies with over $ 3500 and counting. This has allowed us to nearly reach our initial …
Read More »“Disregard that first message.” A New Story
The new edition of our first book, Stories from the Creekbank, features five new stories. This is one of my favorites. “Curt, disregard that first message.” Any school principal knows that phone calls from about 3:30 PM to suppertime are never good. They are usually from angry parents who have just heard their child’s (one-sided) story of discipline, trouble, …
Read More »The Creek Tribe: Always Grateful
This is the weekly Tribe Creek Storyletter. It’s just an opportunity to tell you what’s going on in our writing world, and hopefully encourage and inspire you. I try to live by a series of words. Right now, gratitude is filling my heart. I am so thankful for the gifts in my life. I’m extremely grateful for my returning …
Read More »Nary a Car: In Praise of Pickup Trucks
Nary a Car . . . Nary a Car: the parking lot at Roy O. Martin’s Oakdale OSB Mill. Today, I’m writing about living in the Pickup Truck Culture of western* Louisiana. Where I come from, every man has a truck. I live in town (Alexandria) and may only haul my dog and an occasional rich pine fence post, …
Read More »Growing up in a Small Community: The Rich Life of Eva Cole
Growing up in a Small Community: The Rich Life of Mrs. Eva Cole “Oh, those small communities . . . “ -John Mellencamp I grew up in Dry Creek, Louisiana. It would be an exaggeration to call it a town. It would be pretentious to call it a village. Reeves is a village. Dry Creek is a community. I like …
Read More »Two Lessons I’m Learning: LLL and Outdoor Living
There are two life lessons I’m presently learning. First, is the power of the outdoors and nature. One of my keywords is L.L.L. Life Long Learning. I wish to finish strong in my life and constantly have a learner’s lean. Eager to listen, learn, and grow. This corresponds with my three mantras: Stay Curious. Be Amazed. Tell Stories. Often I …
Read More »Life Lessons from Hog Dogs
It’s a new year. Always a good time to think about the speed of life and balance. This story from my childhood sums up what I’m still searching for: the balanced life. “Come apart or you will come apart.” – Vance Havener I come from a long line of men and women who lived in the woods and loved …
Read More »Christmas: A Gift from the hands and heart
A Gift from DQ Christmas is a time for gifts and there are all types of gifts. The best gifts come from hands, hearts and are created from love and skill. As Christmas 2011 approaches, I’m obsessed with a gift I saw last week. I call it a gift from DQ. DQ. I’m not referring to Dairy Queen. I’m …
Read More »A Good Word: Resilience
In this week’s story letter: 1. A word called Resilience. 2. Free Download of “My Grandpas’ Boots.” 3. Christmas Sale: all 12 of our books for $100. 4. Filling your stockings with Christmas Jelly. 5. Photos of “A Day at The Old House.” A word for December. It’s Resilence. It’s a good word. It’s about the quality of bouncing …
Read More »A Story for the Flag: “The Tale of Two Caps”
“A Tale of Two Caps” is from our third short story collection, Wind in the Pines. With our current American conversation over a divided nation, I was reminded of this story. It’s a timely reminder about the strengths of our country and the challenges we have. I grew up in a home where my parents never judged people by …
Read More »Best Seat in the House
It’s World Series time. One of my favorite times of the year. I always recall how my Daddy took this week off to imbibe in two of his loves: squirrel hunting and the World Series. In those days, the World Series began early in October (there weren’t divisions) and coincided with the first week of squirrel season. I …
Read More »“A $1000 Saddle on a $100 Horse”
A word from Curt After all of these years, it’s still one of my favorite stories. A humorous story with a good lesson. Enjoy! “A $1000 Saddle on a $100 Horse” This story was told to me by my friend Diann Cain Brown several years ago and it is still among …
Read More »Having a Life Song and Life Playlist
I’m a firm believer in having both a Life Song and Life Playlist. A Life Song is the song that captures your soul and always touches you when you hear it. My Life Song is “How Firm a Foundation.” The final verse is my favorite and I’ve leaned on it (and the Jesus it speaks of) for all of my …
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