Some time ago, I completed a series of 44 radiation treatments; I’d never, ever, been subject to a round of treatment like this. I was scared of the process, the actual treatment, and, of course, how I’d feel during this journey. Had I known two critical things, I wouldn’t have worried for one moment. The first is the passage in Isaiah 41.10, which reads in part: Fear not, for I am with you. The second is that I had a personal army of angels who cared for me on each of the 44 days.

From the moment I stepped into the clinic until my final treatment, my team made me feel truly cared for—they are like angels with how naturally they handle everything and how they understand patient reactions. Honestly, nothing could have prepared me for just how extraordinary they are. Each member has become a part of my extended family, and I can’t imagine what I would do without all of you.

Over time, I’ve taken thousands of photos in places around the world. When I travel, I walk, experience, and enjoy everything around me. I’m always looking for an unusual scene to capture, and this image is one of my favorites.

Early one morning I was walking in one of the main sections of Florence, Italy. In a small square, vendors were setting up their wares for the day; Florence is known for high-quality leather items, and this is a photo of a stack of lovely, brightly colored leather eyeglass cases.

I love the color of the cases, and maybe more than anything, I admire the creativity of the person who made them. Art and craftsmanship are around every corner of the city, and I’m so glad I found this fantastic shopping stall.

Everyone (including me) had, at one time or another, a Rolodex on or near their desk. This was a critical item in every businessperson’s toolkit.

Many job interviews included this: “How’s your Rolodex? Is it up to date?” Nothing could compare to a bulging wheel of sales and business prospects. When one begins a new job, the first item out is a tattered, updated wheel of paper entries. It was a mark of success.

The critical companion to one’s Rolodex was, of course, an actual telephone set. Before every phone call, you had to flip through the cards, looking for the right prospect. If the person you were calling wasn’t with the company, you’d reach into the Rolodex and draw a line through their name. Very low-tech but hugely influential.

Sure, we have instant access to practically everyone on earth with our electronic devices; I use them daily. However, there’s nothing tactile about the process; I can’t look at an entry on my iPhone with the same sense of connection I have with a Rolodex. After years of lugging one from place to place, I finally took the cards out and tossed them all into the bin. While I do embrace change, I haven’t given up one other crucial business and social tool: my fountain pens. I’ll never stop writing actual letters and notes.

The US Air Force is developing a pilotless aircraft called the XQ-58A Valkyrie. It is launched by a rocket engine; it has a stealthy design and can carry missiles. Even more incredible is that they can fly alongside Air Force pilots as “capable wingmen.” The plan is to build 1,000 to 2,000 aircraft for an estimated cost of $3 million each… This is, by the way, about $78 million less than the cost of one F-35 fighter jet.

One of the most remarkable facts about this aircraft is that it is entirely operated by artificial intelligence. The article I read stated: “The aircraft will serve as a ‘loyal wingman’ to the human pilot, knocking out targets considered too dangerous for a human-piloted plane.” Imagine this: if “Maverick” could get his hands on one of these babies, he would be a one-man Navy squadron. Now, that is what the military calls a “force multiplier.”

There are things about living in the South that are special and unique. Language, accents, heritage, history, and small country stores are a part of this patchwork of people and places. Stores like this were the supermarkets of the day, serving up bologna sandwiches, shoes, soda, smokes, and gossip.

Everywhere, towns have thrived, died, and returned; a small town in the South reflects generations of relatives, all doing their very best to make do with what they have. Religion, faith, and family form the backbone of the people and towns, although a love for barbecue, high school football, and farm equipment runs a close second.

The family that owns and operates this store has lived in the area for generations. Both the mother and father of the family had limited education. Yet, they ran a very successful business; they encouraged their children to graduate from college, raise families in a tangible, meaningful way, and respect and nurture the land that they own to this day. When the extended family is together for a holiday or celebration, there’s always enough food for more families to join in; no one is ever a stranger to these folks. Even I, a native Californian.

Not long ago, I was at Arlington National Cemetery to revisit the services for a family member. I try to visit as often as possible. As I walked through the cemetery, I felt a sense of calm; more than 400,000 people were resting there. Because my family members are resting there, I have a 24-hour access pass to enter at any time.

Their grave markers tell who they are, yet not what they did. No matter, in every case, these are the true Champions of our Nation. They share a space without the bounds of discord, only a lovely, peaceful home where each is honored. It’s a powerful place. It was my honor and privilege to be there with them; one of my prized possessions is my access pass.

I wrote this before Dolly’s untimely death. While the world morns her, we who live 25 miles away from her birthplace share her family’s profound loss. We will miss you, dear friend.

Dolly, you are fantastic; you have lived your life perfectly. I’d like to be more like you, for sure. Visiting Dollywood is like looking in a mirror of everything that reflects you. I visited there with my daughter recently, and it was a delight in every way.

I happen to live about 25 miles from where Dolly was born and raised; she is genuinely our local, living heroine. She’s a part of the fabric of Eastern Tennessee, starting her career on a local radio show and achieving global fame and recognition for doing the right thing.

Long before her super-stardom, a local Knoxville grocer named Cas Walker sponsored a radio show; in 1956, at the age of 10, Dolly began her remarkable career in singing and songwriting. She’ll surely never, ever, give up being wonderful.

I didn’t watch the recent UFC event at the White House. I have been on tours of the White House, and everywhere you go, you see things that remind you that it is a living part of our lives; we own it. It was designed for the structure to be warm and welcoming; to use it for a commercial activity is something they (and us) would find offensive, to say the least,

I often seem to have no sense of time. Days and weeks pass, and it amazes me when I realize how much time has actually gone by. I was once in Southern California, meeting a friend for dinner. When we were discussing where to go, I mentioned a favorite place and how much I enjoyed it. My friend said, “Hey, that place has been closed for years.” To me, it seemed I’d been there just weeks earlier.

As I was thinking about what to write here, I realized it’s been a while since my last attempt, so I’ll see if I can come up with some new material. Please stay tuned.