Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

I walk into the Lake Charles Books a Million and speak to a young man leaving the store. He stops me. “Sir, are you from Brooklyn?” I nearly laugh. My accent clearly tells you I’m not from Brooklyn. “No, I’m at home right here.” “I’m sorry, Sir. You look like Father Musclevy.” It made my day and tied in to …

Click on cover image to see a larger view. Does anyone recognize this tree and its location? Hint: It’s near Dry Creek but not in Dry Creek.

“Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must first be overcome.”  -Dr. Samuel Johnson I love this quote. It reminds me that there are always folks who’ll find a 1000 reasons try to try something. If we wait for them to all get aboard, the train will never leave the station.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” -Beverly Sills Famed New York Met Opera star The older I become and the more I learn, the more convinced I am that perseverance is one of the essential qualities of a happy and productive life. Here’s a quote for your day: “There is frequently more to be learned from the …

Listen to the Introduction Chapter of Deep Roots Quote of the day: “It don’t cost a nickel to be nice to people.”  -George “Sparky” Anderson, Hall of Fame Baseball Manager.  He died yesterday at 76.  He managed two of the greatest teams of the 20th century:  The “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds and the 1984 Detroit Tigers. My beloved uncle, …

Need a reason to smile?  See Pastor Innocent’s Wonderful Victory Dance on receiving two soccer balls. Filmed in Goma, Congo   May 2010

As a former basketball coach and father, I told my players and sons,  “Never leave the practice court unless you’ve made your last shot.” That may sound a little trite, but it’s all about the philosophy of finishing well. Always leave things better than you found them   i.e. LTWBTYFI* Walk off the court knowing you’ve done your best. Pay attention …

One of my life verses:* Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.    Proverbs: 5-6 * A life verse is a Biblical verse you preciously love and seek to live by daily. My other life verses are: Matthew 6:33 Philippians …

What is wisdom? It’s the insight and intelligence to make good decisions. The Bible talks a great deal about wisdom. Here are two bookend verses– one from the Old and the other from the New Testament. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Proverbs 2:6 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask …

Quote for your day:  Either you run the day or the day runs you. -Jim Rohn I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone. -Bill Cosby It’s a wonderful truth I’ve discovered: in my writing, I cannot (and will not) please everyone.  Not every reader will take a shine to …

It’s difficult to finish a book.  Here, hot off the press, is the postscript for my short story collection, Deep Roots. Since it’s fresh, I’d appreciate your editorial input on grammar, clarity, etc. (i.e. “everything can be improved.”) Book Title:  Deep Roots:  Stories that Matter Epilogue:  Why I Write: “If you’re able to quit writing, you probably should.”   _-Cec Murphey …

The Landmark Pine[CI1]   It’s the lone pine tree on the front/back cover of this book. It’s a landmark tree. Deep roots Rita The Louisiana Landmark Tree The Louisiana Landmark Tree was given to these 28 Live Oaks, forming the entrance way to Oak Alley Plantation. These trees took root before the 1718 founding of New Orleans, and have lived …

Quote for your day: You will treat people and relationships differently when you know you are going to reap the harvest in a later season.  -Priscilla Shirer I’m reminded of the words of “Sparky” Anderson, longtime manager of the Cincinnati Reds during the “Big Red Machine” days: “It don’t even cost a nickel to be nice to somebody.” Scripture for …

“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”   -Mother Teresa I’m completing a short story collection for release.  I have room for five (5) more stories.  I’m asking readers and friends to help me choose. Below are three (3) of the stories I’m “auditioning.” Please read them and rank …