Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: A Delicious Walk

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, August 08, 2010

A Delicious Walk

After a few days of intense heat the weather is finally beginning to change for the better. As we drift into the dog days of August I thought the temperature might be oppressive, as it typically is during this time of year, but no, things appear to be calming down (well, at least for now). How long will it last? Who knows! However, I’m going to savor this opportunity, putting on my walking shoes and heading out the door for a relaxing stroll through my part of town, and that’s just what I did yesterday evening.

I made my way through some of my typical haunts and ended up walking down a few new streets I hadn’t visited before. I walked through the neighborhood of Govans, originally called Govanstowne, and even today known by that name through the Govantstowne Business Association.

It was a delicious adventure because I found a beautiful tree covered with little green apples ready to be picked. I couldn’t resist taking one, saving it as a tart treat for later.

I stumbled across a monument I didn’t know existed, which was dedicated to the men who lived in the Govans community who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I was taking a picture of it and couldn’t help notice those around me looking and wondering what I was doing. I was curious if anyone knew of this monument’s existence (it is tucked away and a bit obscure)? Do they know, care or even appreciate the sacrifices these individuals made on their behalf? I can’t help but wonder if they have endured for the greater good? Let’s hope they have.

To some, I might be odd, but whenever I see a monument, memorial plaque, etc., I stop, read and when appropriate, reflect on the subject matter. If it has something to do with our amazing men and women who have served our country or were involved in local community service, I pay homage and honor those extraordinary people with a few moments of silence. In addition, I take time to read their names out loud. This just seems appropriate to me. Don’t you think?

It wasn’t too long when I was having dinner with a friend. Soon after we were outdoors, enjoying conversation and the evening breeze as we walked along Lake Avenue toward Roland Park. This is one of my favorite streets in Baltimore because it’s a winding road, peppered with beautiful homes and lush gardens. All came to an end, and it was another memorable stroll through the city. Lucky me, I got to relive my experience today, having a late morning breakfast with that same friend, while enjoying the tart green apple from yesterday, and yes, it was delicious as it looked. Here’s to future delicious adventures. - paerki

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