Deep Roots

The Civic Center Doors This is a warning: Be careful with the doors at the Lake Charles Civic Center! I was there last week and as I entered the men’s room, I recalled Roy Greene’s story. The Lake Charles Civic Center opened thirty years ago. Amazingly, it was constructed on sand pumped out of the adjacent lake that gives the …

                  Young longleaf seedlings underneath the dead landmark tree   I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. Kilmer said it. It’s hard to be a tree. I’ve always seen God’s fingerprints on trees. The intimate life cycle between the animal world and botanical. Trees take in …

Tough or Hard   In front of me are three objects: a brick, a piece of leather, and a hammer. These make for a wonderful lesson. However, this story is not about the hardness of a brick, toughness of leather, or the pain of the hammer blow. This is a story about somebody. Objects don’t move us—but people do. Watching …

We’re highlighting stories from our short story collection, Deep Roots. Measure Twice, Cut Once   Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you. -Exodus 31:6   I’ve always loved watching an artist at work. To watch a skilled craftsman shape something with their hands—and heart—is a joy. As the above verse …

1. Stay Cuious. 2. Be Amazed. 3. Share Stories. That’s basically what I do. It’s who I am. I have a curious soul and a love of stories. It often gets me in trouble but always results in memorable stories.   The story below is one of my favorite funny stories.  Not quite sure of the spiritual message (Maybe: be …

  During this month, we’re sharing stories from our short story collection, Deep Roots. It contains the stories that our readers and listeners have enjoyed over the years. Come join us in a journey to where my roots are. In an area of western Louisiana called the Piney Woods. Enjoy. “The Door” is one of my favorite stories.  It blends …

Leaning Trees   Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.   Proverbs 22:6   On the day Rita arrived, I made one last survey of my tree farm. I wondered how different it would all look after today. A tree farm is an area where you …

Epilogue: Why I Write:   “If you’re able to quit writing, you probably should.” -Cec Murphey I write for the simple joy of expression. I have fifty-one journals that I’ve filled with stories, dreams, ideas, and the journey of my life since age seventeen. If I never published another single word, I’d still write. It’s what I do. I guess …

A word from Curt Curiosity It’s a good word for my life. I was born curious. It’s gotten me in some tight spots.  (Wildlife Agent at Sabine National Park to Robert Sanders and me,  “Now, which of the three “No Trespassing” signs did you fellows not see when you crawled under the gate.) Curiosity has also led to hundreds of …

Today we begin featuring a weekly audio podcast to supplement Tuesday’s blog post.  I believe you’ll enjoy my reading of “The Landmark Pine.”  Download free here.  A word from Curt Home. It’s a good word.  But at this season of my life, it’s a complicated word.  Where is home for me?  We’ve just returned from a wonderful month in Louisiana. …

A word from Curt It’s the truth: with God, the best is always yet to come. That doesn’t mean life gets easier. Aging normally means life becomes more difficult. That can be, and often is, true. But as our Jesus-Walk deepens, The way is sweeter. And beyond this life, we have a Hope. A Hope that is steadfast and sure. …

                  During July our oldest son Clay and his wife Robin have been visiting. Best of all, they’re brought  their four children. Our wonderful grandchildren: Maggie, Luke, Jude, and Noah. We’ve not hugged them since January 2013. DeDe and I plan to make up for that during their visit. I plan on …

Branded  This story, from Deep Roots, is one of my favourites to tell to a live audience. “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” -Proverbs 21:23   The fight on MacArthur Drive was one-sided, and although it was over quickly, it’s never been forgotten. To truly appreciate Donald Perkins’ famous lop-sided 1970 scuffle in the middle …

This is one of my favourite stories from Deep Roots. Enjoy!     “Le Petit Baton Rouge” The strong smell of hot peppers and vinegar stings your eyes and nostrils when arriving at Avery Island, Louisiana. You’re at the home of Tabasco Hot Sauce, south of Lafayette, Louisiana. Avery Island is not an actual island. It is a rounded hill …