Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Holiday Happiness

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 17, 2013

Holiday Happiness

It’s time to pace myself. I can’t keep up with the holiday parties and concerts. There’s just too much going on, but I do appreciate the invites, and I love my friends for thinking of me. It’s heartwarming! (Michael and Sharon, I’m sorry I missed your parties, but we’ll get together soon. I promise!)

This past weekend was special, with our third snowfall of the season. It’s hard to believe the snow went away as quickly as it came, but I did manage to have fun, hiking the Northern Central Railroad Trail. If we don’t get any more snow this season, that day will stay with me forever, and it will keep me happy until spring’s arrival.

Sunday was about music and friends. I took a leisurely walk through the city to marvel at the holiday decorations. Mount Vernon has the best.

I stopped by the Walters Art Museum to enjoy carolers on the court. This has become a tradition with me. The a capella caroling ensemble was dressed in Dickens-era costumes, singing traditional Christmas melodies ranging from Medieval and Victorian to popular favorites. All had a good time. Thank you, Walters. You’re the best!

By late afternoon I was sitting with a friend enjoying the city view from his apartment. We had the best conversation, and he even made me dinner, which was a real treat. (You’ve been my treasured friend for twenty years, and I’m happy we’ve stayed the course. Here’s to another twenty.)

I ended my day with a holiday happy hour and birthday celebration. It was nice to see friends I haven’t seen in years. I’m glad we got to catch up, Kevin.

The holiday season is about family, friends and fun. Make time for those that matter. I hope your week is off to a great start. Find your joy – today, and every day. 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