Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: Wear The Damn Mask!

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)

Monday, November 16, 2020

Wear The Damn Mask!

It’s at this time of year when I travel to New York, sometimes in November, but always in December to walk the city streets. Most people like to shop and eat, but me, with intense enthusiasm, I hit the ground running – actually walking, typically 20 miles each day. In the city that never sleeps, I love being outdoors with a plus one, people-watching while creating our own walking tours, exploring the bastion of history and rich culture.

Because of the current pandemic and the governor’s quarantine restrictions on travelers from outside the state of New York, my plans have been cancelled. Of course, I could do a workaround, sneaking into the city, choosing a car to a train, but I don’t own a car, and a friend’s home to a hotel, but I don’t have any friend's in NYC. (I wouldn’t do the latter because I am a stand-up guy. It’s important I do my part to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, which means respecting the governor’s orders. Please do the same, America.)

Why is it so hard for people to do the right thing during a pandemic? Why must we have these philosophical conversations about right and wrong? If citizens of the United States aren’t going to be responsible, I have no problem depriving them of their civil liberties, especially when it’s in the public’s best interests.

Wear the damn mask, and keep your distance. Why is 6 feet so difficult?! (To America’s many Karen’s, please wear a mask in public places… With heartfelt appreciation, humanity.)

These days, at every turn, humanity is being tested, and we are failing miserably. Character is key to a successful life. All of us should attempt to develop the kind of personality that earns us respect. Think about that!

As for New York, my New York, I really will miss you. I’ll definitely miss my daily walks on the Highline, my visits to The Morgan Library and Whitney Museum, the Christmas windows at Macy’s… Bergdorf Goodman… Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s, ice skating at Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and the grandest of Christmas trees, and walks through Central Park, especially at dusk.

This is already becoming a memorable holiday season. There will be many hurdles, but I am up for the challenge, and I hope you are, too. In the face of a pandemic, now is the time for us to create new traditions. Celebrate safely, my friends. – paerki (Additional Photos: NYC - Looking Back)

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