Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos

Welcome!

Through my writing, photography, career, and personal challenges, you will discover I am just like you, a person on a journey. My goals are simple, to be healthy and happy. You will learn I have many interests. The driving force for all I do is communication, the sharing of ideas and my passion for laughter. It really is the best medicine and a great stress reducer.

I consider myself a down-to-earth guy, who is just making it up as I travel through life, adding a virtual laugh track here and there to amuse others and myself. I have a friendly personality, which is expressive, warm, upbeat, fun, and positive. I love meeting new people. I thrive on communication, organization, diversity, creativity, and laughter. – Paul Eric Kilmon (paerki)

Sunday, January 04, 2026

Everyone Needs A Hug

There is something so special, wonderful, maybe even magical about running into someone you haven’t seen in a while, but wish you saw more frequently, and when you do connect, there is a joy present that feels so good that you just want to share it with others, and that is what this small post is about.

Let’s forget I haven’t been feeling well, and my days off work (some planned, others not), were not as pleasant as I thought they would be. A visit to Patient First Urgent Care in Lutherville was my port in the storm. As far as I am concerned, they are the best, especially in emergency situations. The waiting room was packed, and for people who couldn’t get in, they waited in their cars. It took me four hours to see a provider. It was worth the wait, and I am feeling better. I am not 100%, but my situation has improved.

I finally made my escape from jail (I mean home), traveling to Towson for a little retail therapy. For those who don’t know, it will boost your mood, and if you find what you are looking for – well, consider yourself healed.

After shopping at Nordstrum, I decided to get a bite to eat at their Café. I don’t know about you, but I miss the charm of department store dining rooms, which were fancy social hubs for shoppers. I also remember tea rooms, too (now I am dating myself).

The dining room was reasonably filled, and everyone around me was eating, chatting and happy. It really had a nice social vibe. What I liked most about this scene, people were not on their phones, a rarity. My fingers are crossed that more people will be present in the moment, wishful thinking but I am never without hope.

Before leaving I decided to visit the washroom. As I was standing up, a woman at a table 20 feet away from mine said, “Paul!”, I said, “Linda!”, and from there a hug was born. There are no words to express how much I needed that hug, and it wasn’t just one, but many. That’s how we role. Soon after, we had to do the quick life debrief. Of course, you can guess what happened next – the photo op. Years from now, I don’t want to just recall from memory the scene but want a photo to reinforce the narrative. If and when I share this story, or decide I need something to brighten my day, I can look back at that photo and recall a moment in time when everything was right with the world.

I say, “right with the world” because nothing seems right. We are living in a deeply divided, hyperpolarized time. I am thinking about verbal landmines, attempting to navigate conversations with people who are easily triggered, thus limiting my social media time.

My conversation with Linda, although brief, carried with it a breath of fresh air. It felt safe, free, and kind, and that’s because we carry the whole of humanity in our heart. Happy New Year, friends. Spend time living kindness and compassion. – paerki

Who is Linda...

Related Post: Pandemic Hugs

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What would life be like without memories? It’s fair to say, there would be no life at all. Memory is our communication, reason, coherence, our action and more importantly, our feeling. Memories create our path in life, developing our psychology and leading us emotionally.

One of the best ways to create and store memories is with video. These simple effortless little snippets of time create diaries and become perpetual time capsules, which justify our walk on earth, telling all with great enthusiasm… I was here! I mattered! I lived! Please, don’t forget me.

Share your views, thoughts and opinions in the written word. Snap photographs so your eyes can travel back in time, remembering the happy and sad moments that made you the person you were, are and became in life. But, whenever possible, capture video to enhance the memories you leave behind, so that others may pass the essence of your life on to future generations. – paerki

I love photographs! They have this amazing ability to tell stories of fun places, special moments, memorable events, and exciting places. They give us reason to pause and remember friends, family, coworkers and so many others. One photograph can conjure up a flood of memories taking us on a journey. They help us remember the past, enjoy the present and ponder the future.

On a cold and rainy day I love sitting in my living room with a roaring fire, a glass of wine, classical music playing in the background and my many photographs scattered about me. I love sifting through what I call my special collection, which refers to my favorites. They remind me of the saddest and happiest moments of my life. They remind me of challenges and overcoming.

My large collection of images are a testament to a life lived. Life happens all around us so it’s important to collect special memories, and what better way than with a photograph. – paerki

It’s hard to believe I’ve been blogging for more than 12 years. This art form has allowed me to showcase and express my creativity. It has bolstered my confidence (not that is was lacking). At times it has been therapeutic, but more than anything it has given me a much deeper view of the world and how I see myself in it.

I use my insights as a barometer for self-change, which helps me reconcile the past, adapt to the present and navigate carefully into the future. I have enjoyed the roller coaster ride of thought as my hands write it and my eyes see it. As always, I hope you can relate to my stories, appreciate my views, savor the wisdom, reflect on the concepts and, more than anything, respect my friendly and genuine interest in connecting with others.

Find you own voice. Think about writing your own blog. Learn your style, share your views and open a whole new world of possibilities for you and your readers-to-be.. – paerki