This painting "Doten at The Old House" is my favorite one by my uncle Bill Iles. It is featured on the back cover of my second book, The Old House.

This is a special photograph because I'm pictured with two special women in my life. Standing beside me is my sweet mom, Mary Iles. She has been a lifelong encourager and wonderful mother.

I'm so thankful for the values and examples she and my dad lived out for my two sisters and me. I've always told folks, "My parents are the same at home as what you see in public-- kind, Godly, fun, and positive.

The painting behind us hangs in the living room of the house in Dry Creek where I grew up, built with my dad's own hands in 1960.

The painting is of my great grandmother, Theodosia "Doten" Iles. It was painted by her grandson, my uncle Bill Iles.

I (half) jokingly tell my mother I've written my name on the back of it and it is the only possession she has I want.

However the possession I already have is priceless. It's the heritage that both sides of my family have poured into my life. My Iles side, with their deep roots here in Beauregard Parish since shortly after this became Louisiana in 1812. My mother's side, the Plotts, with their rambling up and down the Kansas City Southern rail line. I'm part of both of those heritages and I'm proud of both.

Back cover of The Old House Click on cover to read text in larger view

To see a larger view of back cover and read text, click on cover.

To learn more about The Old House and the other six books authored by Curt Iles, visit www.creekbank.net