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)

Saturday, April 04, 2026

Kindred Spirits

Traveling to Washington, DC by train today, I met this interesting human. I saw him from my window seat. At first he looked confused, trying to figure out how to board the train, and even wondering if he was getting on the right one. Shortly after boarding he sat next to me.

During a 40-minute train ride I would learn he was originally from India but now lives in Miami. He had a successful career in business, was a world traveler, was married with one child, enjoyed meeting people, and only came to my area to see the Cherry Blossoms. After, he will travel back to Miami.

He showed me his itinerary and asked me to review his stops and the places he needed to be, which I was more than happy to do.

More information was shared, talking life and the pursuit of happiness. Two generations apart, we still had many things in common, and we even found ourselves relating to each other’s stories.

With much on my mind, I needed this reprieve from the everyday. Current events, work related “stuff” and home matters, I needed a pick me up.

Two strangers traveling by train, chatting, and relating to each other’s stories, it doesn’t get any better than that. It was an uplifting experience. Sometimes connections with strangers can be just as satisfying as interacting with close friends. I crave this kind of social nourishment.

As we got closer to his stop, I asked him if I could take a photo of us. (It was at this time I was thinking of you, Rita Collins. This is something you would do – Snap a memory. You’re such a positive influence for me. Missing you, and I am looking forward to your return.)

My new friend was happy to oblige with the photo. He shared his email with me and asked me to send him a copy.

The world feels so wrong right now, especially as it relates to current events and politics. There is such disillusionment. Finding happiness feels challenging to most people.

Dear friends… Pockets of peace are out there, as my train story proves. Know that happiness is a daily choice. Choose joy, set boundaries, and try your best to focus on the positive.

Narendra… Thank you being a light. I am thrilled our paths crossed. – paerki

Be The Light

Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)

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