Paul Kilmon: A Life Illustrated in Words & Photos: A Meal Before The Show

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)

Sunday, August 02, 2026

A Meal Before The Show

Looking at it, and after perusing the menu… We loved the restaurant! We believed in it! So, what the hell happened?! From the outside to the inside, we were hooked.

Staff were attentive and soft-spoken. The food choices – tempting. We immediately knew what we wanted.

However, I started to feel suspicious because it took an unusually long time for our food to arrive. When it did, it appeared eyelicious. One by one as we began to eat, the comments came. “This is bland!” “Where is the seafood?!” “Not spicy enough!” The caprese salad sounded delicious, but when it arrived, I was immediately disappointed. There was too much “ca” and not enough “prese.” More balls, please! (By the way, the brussels sprouts, they were to die for. The leaves were perfectly crispy.)

One person liked their meal. How dare she enjoy it in front of us! The nerve! You know who you are! (I am laughing out loud.)

And the macrons… They were out of this world! (Thank you for sharing, dear resident.)

Overall, I demand a redo!

I don’t care how bad the food was because the company made up for it. Sitting at that table, on my birthday, felt so right. The people, the conversations, the laughter, the joy… Memorable, a gift. How lucky was I? How lucky were we? Very, I say!

From day one of being hired, I knew there was something special about Roland Park Place. I can’t say everyday is great because I live in the real world, and no matter where you work – shit happens!

We do a remarkable job. And, as I often like to say, we are a community of caring – of kindness, of listening and loyalty, and always trying to provide our residents with the best of everything – and we do, and that’s my goal every day as the Programs and Special Events Manger.

Resident loyalty in a retirement community is built on trust, human connection, and daily positive experiences. I want all those experiences to be fabulous, and regardless of the food on this trip (and that awkward play – My Favorite Sociopath, which felt forced and mean-spirited, and hypersexualized – Was this a play or a porn movie, but I digress), I know one thing to be certain… We had a good time, and I have the photos to prove it.

Here's to many more interesting adventures with people I enjoy hanging out with, and that I really do love and care about. Thank you.

By the way, I didn’t choose that play or restaurant. I know a few residents who better get their act together before the next season. You know who you are! (I am still laughing out loud.)

How awesome to see all of the plays. We’ll make that happen next season. – paerki

Additional Photos: Shepherdstown

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