​​​"A lifetime of writing, teaching, learning, and remembering."

 

Welcome! I’m Curtis Jerry Smothers—a retired U.S. Navy officer, teacher, freelance writer, Spanish tutor, historian, humorist, poet, and lifelong writer.

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For as long as I can remember, writing has been the common thread running through my life. It has opened doors to rewarding careers, lasting friendships, teaching opportunities, military service, and countless hours of discovery.

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Over the years, I have written newspaper columns, magazine articles, opinion pieces, poetry, memoirs, short stories, historical essays, instructional materials, and reflections on the remarkable—and rapidly changing—world of artificial intelligence.

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This Website Is My Library

Inside, you’ll my author's portfolio consisting of hundreds of articles, essays, poems, stories, and lessons covering subjects that have fascinated me for decades. Some are serious, some nostalgic, and quite a few are written simply to make you smile.

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Whatever brings you here, I hope you discover something worth reading—and return often as the collection continues to grow.

 

Explore the Library

The sections below correspond to the menus at the top of this page. Select any menu to begin exploring the library. For an index of menus and pages, go here.

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​Writing

Explore essays on the craft of writing, published articles, memoirs, short stories, satire, humor, sports commentary, and observations gathered during many years behind a keyboard. Fellow writers may also find encouragement, inspiration, and a useful idea or two.

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Poetry

Poetry has become one of my greatest pleasures. This collection includes patriotic and sports verse, inspirational reflections, humorous poems, and quiet moments that seemed better expressed in rhyme than in prose.

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History

​​The past has always fascinated me. Here you’ll find articles about American and world history, military history, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, revolutions, notable personalities, and the events that helped shape our world.

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Tech​

Technology shouldn’t require a translator. These articles offer practical, plain-English guidance on Windows, Mac computers, Microsoft Office, artificial intelligence, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and other everyday technology.

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Education

Discover articles about teaching and learning at the secondary, adult, and college levels. Drawing on my years as an educator, I also share practical study tips and reflections on what makes learning meaningful and effective.

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​Military Life-Explore the opportunities and challenges of military life, from joining the Armed Forces and building a career to navigating the unique demands of military family life. These articles offer practical guidance on military careers, family responsibilities, deployments, and the challenges of separation and homecoming.

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Careers 

Three pages chocked full of career advice from job searching, preparing a résumé to serviving a job interview. These articles encapsulate the most current advice from the U.S. Department of Labor and other agencies.

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Your Finances

Handy, uncomplicated advice on everyday financial management, your taxes, advice on insurance, social security and Medicare coverage and all about retirement planning.

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Legal Matters Made Easy -NEW--October 2026

Explains the laws that affect everyday life in clear, understandable language. Explore family law, employment and disability rights, personal liability, criminal justice, and privacy protections. 

 

​Spanish Made Easy

Would you like to learn Spanish or strengthen the skills you already have? Begin with eleven approachable articles explaining essential Spanish vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation. The read about some of the more advanced aspects of the language. Finally, download my free 8-week Spanish tutorial with 35 informative handouts and tons of conversation practice.

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As an experienced Spanish tutor, I also offer online lessons that you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Be sure to download my free eight-week Spanish tutorial, complete with handouts for vocabulary, grammar, and conversational practice.

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Weekly Blog

Visit the Weekly Blog for featured favorites from across the library, including essays, reflections, humor, historical pieces, and poetry. New selections will be posted each week, offering something fresh to read, revisit, and enjoy. The bottom of this page displays the latest featured post and poetry.

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What’s New?

This library is continually expanding with new writing and articles rediscovered in my archives. Recent additions include Navy memoirs, historical essays, sports writing, humor, poetry, articles on the Mexican and South American revolutions, and practical guides to useful computer applications.

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You’ll also find new reflections on artificial intelligence—some of which may change the way you think about this remarkable technology.

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Make Yourself at Home

Feel free to wander. Read an article that catches your eye. Browse a poem. Visit a memoir. Follow a historical rabbit trail. Practice a little Spanish or discover an easier way to use technology.

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If something here makes you laugh, teaches you something new, or stirs an old memory, then this website has accomplished exactly what I hoped it would.

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Looking for something in particular? Visit the Search Our Site page using the menu at the upper right. The Article Director menu will take you to a compete listing of every article and poem on this site with a link its page.

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Come Back Soon

Stay on the lookout for weekly blog updates and featured posts at the bottom of the Home page.

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If you enjoyed something on the site—or would like to offer constructive feedback—please fill out the form below. I’d love to hear from you!

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—Curtis Jerry Smothers