Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: A Museum Visit... Finally!

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, July 12, 2021

A Museum Visit... Finally!

What seems like forever, but only 16 months since the pandemic began, I have finally visited a museum, actually two – The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) and American Art Museum (SAAM), both part of the Smithsonian Institution, and located in adjoining buildings. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, museums were closed for too many months, but are now open using timed-entry passes. (To the people who wore and continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and got a vaccine… Thank you! Because of your diligence and commonsense I got to visit these museums today, and it’s why our world, slowly but surely, is returning to normal. You chose logic over fear, and that makes me happy.)

While the majority of guests were visiting the National Portrait Gallery, I made a beeline to the mezzanine level of the American Art Museum to peruse smaller exhibitions. As I climbed the stairs to the archives, it didn’t take me long to realize I was alone. I had this fabulous space to myself for 1.5 hours. Towards the end, I put my earbuds on, listening to one of my favorite classical music pieces, at the same time continuing my stroll. It added to my mood, which was meditative. This really was a memorable experience, a self-care moment, and I want more of the same. Quality moments alone are hard to find, but when found, I make the most of them, and you should, too. They are never to be taken for granted, and are worth your time, but you must be fully present in the moment.

I made my way back to the National Portrait Gallery to see Her Story: A Century of Women Writers and One Life: Will Rogers. With each visit to the NPG, I have to see The Four Justices. It’s a powerful painting and is even more special to me because of the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

I began this day with brunch at Riggs Café, located in the nearby capital’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. If you’re ever in the area, make this a destination. You won’t be disappointed, and if you are, just have a few mimosas.

Art will excite you, surprise you and even bring you joy. It has the ability to stimulate people on so many different levels. Regardless of the response, it gets people talking. – paerki

Additional Photos: Day Trip

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