Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Happy St. Patrick's Day

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)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day

The impending spring season is taking shape just as it always does, and before you know it winter will be just a memory. The countdown to the vernal equinox continues with three remaining days left. Can you feel it in the air? If not, I hope you can see it, because I sure do! It’s true we might have to embrace a bit more cold, and who knows maybe snow too, although I seriously doubt it.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day! This morning I took an early AM walk through my neighborhood looking for four-leaf clovers along the way, or perhaps a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow - LOL. Considering all the rain we’ve had I should have been able to find something – right?! I must admit I wasn’t looking too hard and opted for a lottery ticket instead (it just seemed easier).

However, what I did find was spring's promise. Everywhere I looked there were daffodils. Many are just shy of budding, but I came across some early bloomers that were remarkably beautiful. They were lined up along a stone fence, which overlooks a park full of naked trees (but not for long, because many are beginning to burgeon too).

My outdoors meditation took me to Sherwood Gardens. It’s this time of year when I begin my frequent walks to the gardens a few times each week to check on the growth of the tulips, which will blossom in late April. I can’t wait!

As typical for this time of year, I saw professional gardeners hard at work turning soil, mulching, pruning and planting. Many of the larger homes and mansions in my neighborhood had three to four trucks in the driveway – plumbers, electricians, painters, etc, with most getting a head start on their spring maintenance and cleaning. I enjoy seeing the activity because it adds to the excitement of the change in seasons.

It was a nice walk – calming, soothing and relaxing. Now I begin the process of making corned beef and cabbage using a friend’s recipe. Thank you, Wanda (aka Solange)!

I typically venture downtown for this celebration and feel as though I kept the tradition alive, but just changed it up a bit. I attended Baltimore’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Mount Vernon just this past Sunday and have decided to stay home and prepare my own St. Patty’s Feast with a friend. I’m hoping gluten-free green beer is on the menu or at least something close, and maybe a walk to Sweet Sin for a cupcake (they are the best).

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all! If you are drinking, please be responsible. We need you around for future celebrations. Now raise your glass. To my Irish friends… Erin Go Braugh! To my other friends… Cheers! Chin Chin! Sante! Kampai! Prost! Salute! …and to everyone else, Down The Hatch! – paerki

Additional Photos: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Related Posts: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Happy St. Patrick's Day - 2009, 20 Days

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