Our Books

Enjoy an audio podcast of this story. One of the Best Nights of My Life                                                                                                             I pull into Dry Creek Camp at 10:00 P.M.    Normally I would be going home at this time, but tonight my night is just beginning.   Sitting in his white GMC truck, John Bohacek waits for me.   John, or “Mr. Bo” as he is …

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. …

  The Evergreen Cedar Tree From The Old House by Curt Iles I was born in a small town.  And I can breathe in a small town. Gonna die in a small town, That’s probably where they’ll bury me.                                                                         – John Mellencamp, “Small Town” Driving through the fog of an October morning, it is hard to see very far down the …

         A word from Curt Today’s word is lagniappe. You’ll learn more about this neat word in today’s post. Enjoy!   We’re posting chapters from our new ebook,  Trampled Grass, daily. Tomorrow is the last chapter. We believe you’ll enjoy today’s story, “Lagniappe.”*   You can download a copy at : Read sample chapters or purchase at Amazon. …

We are excited about our new ebook, Trampled Grass.  Scroll down to learn how you can have a copy. A word from Curt Translation. Of all my African regrets, not becoming fluent in any language has been the largest. It has humbled me like nothing else. However, my stumbling around with my tongue has created lots of good stories . …

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. …

Epilogue: Wet Paint This painting by my beloved uncle, Bill Iles, hangs in DeRidder’s Beauregard Museum. It features one of DeRidder’s earlier meeting places, The Royal Cafe. Uncle Bill is my greatest writing encourager as well as a mentor and friend for life.           The following essay is from my second book, The Old House (2002). …

                  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 …

The Friendship Lane   The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. –Henry Boye Here’s a question: for what price would you sell your friendship. What amount of money would entice you to turn your back on a neighbor, friend, or family member. Most of us easily answer, “No amount of money.” That’s the correct …

A Word from Curt (L to R) Alice and Monica at RCS.  Technician Jacob is not shown. I want to thank my friends at RCS Communications for working on my Satellite Phone. This phone gives us coverage when we’re deep in the Bush.                   Today is Don Hunt’s birthday. He’s in Heaven, …

  A word from Curt During July our oldest son Clay and his wife Robin are visiting. Best of all, they’re bringing 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 being a full-time grandpa while …