Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Day 3

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)

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Day 3

Thank you, Michael, for inviting me to participate in Day 3 of your Hanukkah celebration. The festival of lights is truly special. For me it represents family, friends, love, peace and goodwill. I’ve always considered you a part of my family, and it’s tender moments like this that affirm our bond.

After the last candle burned away, I left my friend’s home, taking a walk through our shared neighborhood of Tuscany-Canterbury. I traveled down Canterbury, a lovely street of quaint rowhomes, and one of my favorites in the city.

The street was dark, and most of the house lights were on. The front windows are large and you can see inside, and what I saw was magical. There were beautifully decorated Christmas trees, stockings hanging from the fireplace mantles, greens on the banisters, bows on the trim, wreaths hanging from the front door, and candles in the window. I even saw a few menorahs, too.

I couldn’t help but think about the diversity of the holidays. I’ve been hearing a lot about "keeping the Christ in Christmas." That’s fine and good, but it’s incredibly offensive to assume most American’s celebrate Christmas or honor it religiously.

I’ve said this before and it’s worth repeating – celebrate your holiday of choice or celebrate not, but respect others in the process. For me, December is a special month – the "LOVE" month, one where all should come together as a people united. That’s a lot to ask, as the presidential election proved, but I digress.

What ever you are celebrating during this time of the year, make sure your heart is in the right place. Allow your kindness to show for friend and foe. Keep a smile handy for those who need it most. Here’s to having a delicious time. Enjoy! – paerki

(A special message: I’m sorry I missed your Hanukkah Party, Michelle. Thank you for thinking of me. I appreciate your kind gesture of gluten-free food and wish I could have been there to enjoy it. I heard your birthday is coming up soon, and we’ll definitely have to get together and celebrate with a cocktail. Cheers!)

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