Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Let’s Work Together

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, August 07, 2010

Let’s Work Together

Tuesday, August 3rd was National Night Out. For those who don’t know, this annual event is about crime and drug prevention in neighborhoods. The goals are simple, which are to heighten crime and prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and, lastly and more importantly, to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized more than ever and people are fighting back, and boy are they!

I must admit I didn’t know of this program until my friend, Mary Washington, who by the way is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in the 43rd district, sent me an invite via Facebook. (Thank you for keeping us all in the loop, Mary.)

This "night out" was hosted in different communities scattered throughout Baltimore City. I attended the one near Lake Montebello. I was pleasantly surprised to see people ready to get involved. It was nice to see some familiar faces, as well as meet a few new friends.

I think many people are starting to get it, that it takes unity and collaboration to keep neighborhoods safe and thriving. Nothing can get done if there isn’t strong leadership out there to lend a hand. I’m happy my friend Mary is committing herself to our district, and I look forward to celebrating her win in the near future. I believe in her experience, knowledge, love of the city, hope and most all her readiness to fight for those of us whose voices are not always heard.

I was on my way home, walking up 33rd when I got to Greenmount Avenue and noticed a young artist who was painting a wall mural. I actually first noticed the art a few weeks ago, but today got to see someone working on it, and of course I was eager to walk up and have a conversation.

My real goal was to express my delight and appreciation for helping to make one of my sister neighborhoods brighter and healthier. I do believe art is instrumental in healing communities. It can soften a troubled spirit, create a smile and change an attitude. I know it’s changed mine from time-to-time, especially when I’ve had a less than perfect day.

Kenneth Clemons, one of the many talented artists working on this mural was eager to chat with me. He spoke highly of his fellow collaborators (Tom Chalkley and Greg Gannon), giving them great praise and respect for their insight and talent.

It’s the small things like this that are turning Waverly around. To the artists, sponsors and any additional people responsible for this magnificent work, please know you have my sincere thanks and gratitude. You’ve brought a smile to my face and it will be there everyday I pass by this inspirational masterpiece, which truly is a burst of excitement for my soul.

City life... It has its ups and down, remembering that you only get out of if what you put into it. Let’s all step up to the plate and by doing so your voice will be heard, which will lead to progress and finally to safer and stronger communities.

Mary Washington has been doing her part and is ready to do more. Kenneth Clemons has been doing his part and is ready to do more. I’ve been doing my part and I’m ready to do more, too. The question remains for many, "Are you ready to do your part?" How much will you give, because all of Baltimore City’s neighborhoods are worth saving? Let’s work together. – 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