Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: A COVID Thanksgiving

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, November 26, 2020

A COVID Thanksgiving

Regardless of the circumstances, we come together on this one special day to celebrate the many things we are thankful for – family, friends, job, a safe place to call home, etc. In the midst of an unfathomable year, it’s nothing short of a miracle that we’ve made it this far. Depending on your situation, days become milestones.

Don’t allow the pandemic to rob you of your Thanksgiving joy. There are ways to celebrate without sacrificing the warmth of the season. Where happiness and love live, hopefully in your heart, there is comfort to be found in a virtual holiday. This type of gathering can be just as memorable and meaningful.

COVID bubbles, faithful friends who agree to abide by a shared set of rules, keeping everyone safe and healthy, is another way to celebrate the holiday. The latter requires the highest trust. I have few bubbles. For the ones I have, you are my Thanksgiving miracles.

Tough decisions must be made. No matter what, play it safe, thinking about someone other than yourself. We must put the greater good above what is good for us as individuals.

As always, wear a mask, over your nose and mouth and make sure it fits snugly against your face. Keep your distance, staying at least 6 feet from others who do not live with you. Wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer.

Finally, try to participate in a meaningful activity that expresses your gratitude. Let the people around you know just how grateful you are to have them in your life. The worlds needs more caring moments. Be a kindness warrior. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. – paerki

(The photos in this post are of my 2020 – Thanksgiving holiday tablescape. Live your best life.)

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