Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Spring Memories

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)

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

Spring Memories

Year after year, I look forward to the local Holi Festival in my community. Sadly, there will be no Holi festival this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am happy to reminisce about past celebrations, and one in particular. – paerki

April 2014: The Holi Festival at Johns Hopkins University was a little late this year, rescheduled due to last week’s heavy rain. I wasn’t sure I would be able to attend, but I made it and, as always, it was a joyful celebration.

For those unfamiliar with Holi, it’s typically observed by Hindus, mostly in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, announcing the passing of winter and arrival of spring. It celebrates the new energy of the season and the unity of brotherhood. It’s a time for people to bury their hatchets with a warm embrace, throwing all worries to the wind. It promotes friendship, giving all the opportunity to forgive and forget. (I wish it were that simple – and it is, if love is in your heart.)

Just like in years’ past, I met many warm, funny, friendly, engaging people – Hindus and non-Hindus who came together, uniting to honor spring and goodness over evil. I love the simple gesture of brushing colored powders on the skin (arms, face, etc.) or tossing them in the air as a noble gesture of peace, love and harmony.

What really melted my heart was a young Indian woman who was eager to place color on the skin of others, especially those on the sidelines somewhat hesitant to join in or people like me waiting for the right moment to engage. With her, there was no watching, but participation was mandatory. Her friendliness and beautiful eyes were a light, and unity was at her core – a message she was intent on sharing and did, with great enthusiasm. Her sweet expression made me smile big, and it was a reminder: When kindness is staring me in the face to attach myself to it at all costs, because it is healing and something I can call upon in the future when I have doubts or reservations.

I implore all who read my words to not sit on the sidelines for too long. Don’t spend too much time thinking about the past because you might just miss out on your future. Allow my experience at the Holi Festival to be your guide for looking inward to see what changes you need to make in your own life. Stop and appreciate the many "colors" of life in trees, flowers and especially, in people.

I look forward to this festival year-after-year because the attitudes of everyone participating are genuine, and together we were/are a force, improving the energy in the world. I appreciate the Indian Hindu community, encouraging outsiders to partake in such a benevolent ritual. Thank you!

Have a wonderful week, everyone! Find your joy and don’t forget to share it with others. 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