Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Little Free Libraries

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)

Thursday, September 03, 2020

Little Free Libraries

I am appreciating the global movement of Little Free Libraries, especially in my own community. Each one, smaller than a doghouse, but bigger than a breadbox, are always a pleasure to see. No two are the same. The artistry and craftsmanship are equally enjoyable.

I am forever intrigued by the selection of books I find, too. They run the gamut and will appeal to anyone, especially those with an imagination. (On rare occasions, I find myself reading children’s books as they can be a delightful distraction, especially when I need a break from the mundane world of adulthood, and the books are amusing, witty, and socially conscious. The following quote by C. S. Lewis says it all… "A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.")

No matter where I go, I always happen to discover a new Little Free Library. I often find these tiny treasures in front and back yards, outside religious institutions (synagogues and churches), schools, near restaurants and hiking trails. Just recently, I found one in a grocery store.

What I love most about Little Free Libraries is the accessibility, especially with so many popping up. They also build and strengthen communities, providing hope for those who are struggling. The right book, once found, can inspire, helping the reader to believe that anything is possible.

Take a book or leave a book or both… It’s your choice. Who doesn’t love the idea of sharing?!

Reading is everything. It’s life! It’s fundamental to functioning in society. It develops the mind. It helps us discover new things. As for the many books I’ve read, they remind me of happy and sad times, love and loss, illness and healing, but more than anything they have awakened the power of knowledge, expanding my horizons. Books are the essence of everything I learned and hold dear. – paerki

Additional Photos: LFL

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