Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Summertime

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)

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summertime

Spring’s finale was worth applauding. The day couldn’t have been nicer, absolutely beautiful! The air quality, temperature and sky – perfection! I could live with spring forever, but that’s not true! All seasons have something to offer, and all should be experienced.

Thursday was about vibrant flowers (I saw my first sunflower, my favorite) and herons (I discovered a new nest on the opposite side of the bridge over the Jones Falls, and the chicks are only three weeks old), and of course, I hiked a few different trails and, as always, I saw something new, (I saw my first monarch butterfly along the Stony Run).

However, enough about spring!

Summer has arrived! June 21st marks the big day, the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere, and simultaneously heralds the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere. It’s also the longest day of the year. The sun reaches its most northern point in the sky at local noon. After today, the days start getting shorter as the length of daylight begins to decrease.

This time last year, it was hot and the temperature reached 101 degrees, but it wasn’t humid, as some might have you believe (not everyone can handle the heat). I spent my afternoon outdoors hiking 12 miles, visiting the Farmers’ Market in Druid Hill Park, and I enjoyed outdoor yoga under a canopy of trees. I remember having a little soul food too, gluten-free and delicious.

This time around I decided to do something different, taking an early morning walk on the Stony Run Trail and through a few of my favorite neighborhoods – Homeland and Guildford, visiting Loyal University and Sherwood Gardens. The temperature was excellent – 69degrees. I want to be consistent this season, getting back to my early morning hikes of meditation. They are so beneficial to my spirit and resolve. Give it a try. It’s time well spent.

Now the challenge begins. We must all now embrace the predicted hot days, and a hurricane season that some say might be our worst. We’re also expecting the 17-year cicadas, but they have yet to materialize, but we should be seeing them soon unless global warming has effected their cycle too. We shall see!

I must invoke my wisdom in this post. I hope many will be responsible, considering the environment, when making summertime choices. Don’t turn the air conditioner on at the first sign of perspiration. Don’t fear the fan. Make it a first line of defense. Keep the window shades down. To help stay cool, keep yourself hydrated. Choose water over sugary drinks.

Happy summer, everyone! Here’s to barbecues, beach time, tanning, swimming, parties, cocktail hours and anything else you can imagine that will make your summer special and oh, so memorable. For me, it’s about hikes, day trips, drives into the country, picnics, pool parties, wineries and festivals, and so much more.

Take lots of photos, as you know I like to do, and share them with your friends. Always think safety, be practical and most of all, and I can’t say this enough, stay hydrated. Cheers! – 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