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

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)

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Flag Day

Our flag represents the American story. It speaks to our struggles, hopes, desires and dreams and, more importantly, our overcoming horrific obstacles. It unites us with many permissions and freedoms that must never ever be taken for granted.

I am always gratified when I see our flag displayed. It keeps me hopeful and earnest. I see it and believe anything is possible, especially when we work hard and dream big. Never doubt the American dream, regardless of how hard you must fight. Freedom, equality and opportunity for ALL Americans – regardless of gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or disability – that’s your deserved right.

Furthermore, the American Flag is a reminder that we are not a Christian, English-speaking nation, nor should we ever be. We are a melting pot of cultures, enhanced by various religions and many languages – with shared ideals, thoughts, feelings, practices and passions.

I have objections when it comes to religion, but more so with followers because they often manipulate ancient text to validate their judgments. They propagate fear out of selfish necessity. Politicians often use it as a tool of oppression. This must end! (I do know my share of thoughtful responsible believers who respect, honor and appreciate the diverseness of our wonderful nation because they fight the good fight for the underdog, especially when it comes to civil rights.)

No matter what you believe, religion must be all-inclusive. We must look for the positive, and relent on the hate-mongering rhetoric. We all matter, and deserve the love of each other, and of a God that may or may not exist, depending on your beliefs.

Just as I am proud of the American Flag, I am mindfully enthusiastic of the many other flags I see when I’m out walking in my community and other places – flags that represent various cultures and ethnicities, and let me not forget those that symbolize diversity, too.

It’s gay pride month, and when I see the American flag, side-by-side with a rainbow flag, it makes me smile big and it affords me even more hope because it tells he how far we’ve come in our struggle for equality, but there is still much work to be done.

No matter what flags you choose to wave, and I sincerely hope one of them will always be the American Flag, be forever mindful of what they all typify – pride, dignity and respect. The flag I will covet most is the American Flag because it personifies what I cherish most in life and what too many of us take for granted, especially in this day and age, FREEDOM! – 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