Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Modest Celebration

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)

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Modest Celebration

During the past few weeks I tried to keep the momentum going, posting past photos on my social media sites while counting down the days to my favorite holiday, Halloween.

Well, the day has finally arrived, and here I am, celebrating in the most simplistic way – a long walk (12 miles to be exact), while enjoying the holiday decorations in my neighborhood. Add to that watching parents snap photos of their children in costume, last minute decorating, children trick-or-treating (way too early in the day), beautiful autumn tones with leaves falling from the trees and the crunch of them underfoot, the smells of damp earth because of last night’s rain and those aromatic woods from the many fireplaces (the smoke billowing out of the chimneys adds to what I can only describe as the dreaminess of the season and the holidays to come).

As I took my stroll, I couldn’t help long for those bygone days, when the celebrations were big and the costumes outrageous. Those were special times, and I do believe there are more to come, but for now, I’ll enjoy this moment and be thankful.

My modest celebration comes from too much thought. I’ve been somewhat distracted because of the upcoming election and trying to understand those with a reckless disregard for the truth. There is so much at stake. Sadly, so many can’t see that because of their inability to separate facts from fear. People, especially those who are poor, voting against their interests, have left me dumbfounded. Why live happily stupid? I guess ignorance really is bliss. We should be discussing cognitive dissonance because the lies we tell ourselves are hurting us collectively.

As hard as it is, and as gloomy as I might sound, and I know I am not alone in my feelings, I am choosing hopefulness to helplessness and I hope you do the same, dear reader. Character matters.

To a few special friends… Turn off the news and go for a walk (many walks). Walking has the ability to heal your mind and heart, especially during these trying times. – paerki

Additional Photos: Halloween Walk

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