The pressure was on.

Senior English class. Final project.

We had to give a researched oral presentation. Everyone got a partner, and grades were on the line.

I teamed up with my friend, Jon. We decided against standing up and mumbling off note cards. No way. We wanted to tell a big story.

Lucky for us, Jon was in a video editing class, and we managed to rope in his teacher to help bring our vision to life. Part documentary, part dramatic flair.

We took the song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and layered it over haunting footage of the Titanic’s discovery. The pairing of music and imagery was eerie and somehow... epic.

It worked. Like, really worked.

When the video ended, the room erupted in applause. We got an A+. One of my best moments in school.

That memory came rushing back today when I heard about a new event at the Las Vegas Sphere. This is no ordinary entertainment hub. It has a 160,000-square-foot LED wraparound screen with crystal-clear 16K resolution and seating for 18,600 people.

Creative teams are reimagining The Wizard of Oz movie for this venue, using AI to enhance over 90% of the original film. Everything from upscaling visuals to extending backgrounds to inserting off-screen characters.

But they’re also adding 4D sensory effects like wind, heat, and smells to pull viewers even deeper into the experience. It’s a $80 million tribute to a classic, redefining the future of storytelling.

If only the Sphere and AI were around during senior year. Jon and I peaked way too soon.

An amazing sight.

Tonight, we took Cali for a walk, and the cosmos put on a dazzling show.

It was an especially clear night, where the universe felt endless and the stars sparkled a little brighter.

This breathtaking view brought back a memory of my neighbor, Chris. When we were kids, we sprawled across my front yard one summer evening, staring up at the sky.

As the constellations glimmered, Chris whispered, “Imagine this… God, who is light, holds the whole world in his hands. He decides to cover it with a paper cup.

“Then he takes a pin and pokes tiny holes in the cup, enough for his light to peek through. Those are the stars we’re looking at.”

This great philosopher was maybe 12 at the time, but his words stuck with me. All these years later, almost every twinkly night reminds me of his story.

I’m glad the light still shines.

The answer came to me instantly.

Today in a meeting, a colleague asked an icebreaker question: “What are you most looking forward to this summer?”

Around the table came amazing answers: Aruba, New Zealand, a pilot’s license, opening a café. Grand adventures and big dreams.

Then, my turn. Mine wasn't the most glamorous, but I wouldn’t trade it for all the others combined.

My reply: “I want to go to Oak Island with my family.”

Oak Island, NC has been our go-to getaway for years. Tucked away at the quiet, southern tip of the Carolina coast, it holds precious memories. Especially from when the kids were small.

And each night there, we always make it a priority to watch shooting stars from the deck of the beach house.

A vacation tradition.

OKI... hopefully I’ll see you one day soon.

Last year, I threw a book launch party.

My writing buddies gathered with me to celebrate. Then one friend showed up with cupcakes, though nobody was supposed to bring anything.

And these weren’t ordinary treats. They were miniature works of art, decorated in my novel's colors and themes. I stood there, speechless. The desserts looked so amazing, I almost felt guilty eating them. Almost.

Sometimes, life can seem a little rough around the edges. But small gestures like this remind me there's still goodness out there.

This week, I heard about a financial clerk at a large healthcare provider. She transformed plain billing envelopes into original illustrations for a patient she’d never met. Just to brighten her day.

Each month, the statement arrived with a new drawing, turning the invoices into masterpieces. Eventually, the patient and the clerk became friends. And my favorite part? They later curated an exhibit together to showcase all those beautiful creations.

Ahh, kindness. Always a sweet and pretty surprise.

Where am I working this summer?

When my kids were in high school, that question popped up every spring.

Fortunately, they always landed solid jobs. McKenzie and Kate both worked with children — something they’re gifted at — and the boys? Well, they had a clear pattern.

Luke, Jake, and Sam all got employed at a golf course.

I think it’s one of the best summer positions out there. Especially if you love the links. Definitely beats my teen gigs at a car wash and grocery store.

Sure, the course sometimes meant early mornings and heat. But they rubbed elbows with influential folks, raked in big tips, and — best of all — played unlimited free rounds on championship-level fairways.

Today, I thought about that while watching the final round of the Masters. Many of those pros started just like my boys — hauling bags and running carts.

Here’s hoping my kiddos can snag a PGA Tour card someday.

Who needs a corner office when you’ve got a sand wedge and a dream?