Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Charles Village Virtual Garden Walk

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, May 27, 2020

Charles Village Virtual Garden Walk

Charles Village is a multicultural neighborhood with measureless energy. The people are like no other because they wear their pride of community for all to see. I am a former resident, and now live in a sister neighborhood not too far away. However, a small piece of my heart remains loyal to this Baltimore treasure.

Here we are, another year, another garden walk – one like no other. As always, each garden will have its own unique charm and character. Although different, each are remarkably beautiful. The Charles Village Garden Walk is one of my favorite spring events. It really does hold a special place in my heart.

Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the annual Charles Village Garden Walk will be reimagined virtually. I understand the reasoning, especially as it relates to social distancing. Still, I cannot deny my heartbreak and disappointment because I enjoy seeing each garden up close and personal. I enjoy those one-on-one conversations with the gardeners, too.

While we cannot see one another in person, I am thankful for the community investment, appreciating this fun opportunity to come together in a more meaningful and creative way. A special thank you to the virtuosos of the virtual world for pulling this off. You are awesome! To the many gardeners, thank you for opening your hearts to the public, displaying your creative endeavors, more importantly, for being gracious, kind and giving. You are one of the many reasons why I choose city life. It really does take a village to keep a village thriving, especially Charles Village.

The photos in this post are from past Charles Village Garden Walks. They remind me of gratitude and appreciation for the time before the pandemic. They tell me to stay steadfast and true because better days are ahead.

Dear friends, time and patience will see us through, but only when we work together. Do not allow the naysayers to bring you down. Become a positive force for others. – 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