Jewish Survivors of Sexual Abuse/Assault are NEVER ALONE!

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Yesterday while going on my daily walk I took the following photographs that I put up on YouTube. As I was taking them I kept hearing the song "Castle of the King" in my head and started thinking about the hundreds or maybe thousands of Jewish Survivors I've spoken to over the years. So many of those who have been sexually abuse/assaulted shared with me how they felt as if they didn't fit within any Jewish community. Many stating that they felt that because they were sexually violated that their communities saw them as damaged goods, not worthy of being apart of a place they once felt was home. Others felt as if they were just outcasts or misfits.

As we all know, so many Jewish survivors of sex crimes have walked away from observing in the way they once did, stopped practicing altogether or have converted to other faiths. Every time I hear the song "Castle of the King" I'm reminded of this plight; for that reason I am dedicating this film clip to them, to let them know that they do belong, that they are loved and are not ALONE!

I hope you find this film clip healing!

Music by Ayelet HaShachar - Castle of the King
Location: Grosse Point Lighthouse (Evanston, IL)

Downtown Chicago from the Adler Planetarium

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I wandered around the grounds just outside of the Planetarium and the 12th St. Beach, where you can see Adler Planetarium, Soldier's field, Field Museum, Burnham Harbor, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Building, Sears Tower, Mc Cormick Place, Standard Oil Building, Steel Factories in Gary, IN, Grant Park, Northerly Island and much more.

Music by Paco Pena - Granadinas

Sunset on Sheridan Rd - Between Chicago and Evanston

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I ended up walking up Sheridan Road just as the fog was lifting and the sun was setting. Absolutely perfect time for picture taking. It was sort of eery watching the sunset over the cemetery, and then this song by Joan Baez started playing in my head as I began to remember various things from my childhood.

Music By Joan Baez - The Dream Song

Messages in the Sand (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was so strange that two blocks away from Lake Michigan it was a bright sunny day, yet by the shore it was incredibly foggy.

There's times I take pictures and put music together with the photographs and it just comes out perfect. This batch of pictures is one of those times it happened. The pictures are in the sequence that I took them. The way it went with the music was spontaneous.

These pictures were created in honor of everyone involved in the Anti-Rape Movement

Music by Ayelet HaShachar - Darashti Et Hashem

Buckingham Fountain - Downtown Chicago

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Had a few minutes to stroll around Buckingham Fountain

Quick Trip to Springfield - Capital of Illinois

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Here's pictures from my 20 minute walk on the street that Abraham Lincoln Lived on.

Music by Mystic Warriors

Strolling Along Touhy Beach (Rogers Park - Chicago)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
A childhood friend asked me to take pictures of Touhy Beach, one of her old stomping grounds as a child. It was a beautiful fall day, with temperatures in the lower 50's.

Music from the movie - Somewhere In Time

Summers End - Bahaii Temple (Wilmette, IL

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took a stroll through the gardens of the Bahaii Temple, knowing this was near the end of the life of the garden for the year.

Music from the movie "Somewhere in Time" - Old woman

Surfing - Chicago Style (Rogers Park - Touhy Beach)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I was standing at Touhy Beach. The surfers were launching somewhere between Jarvis Beach and where I was standing. They were going out at least a mile out into the lake. It was about 52 degrees out by the lake or cooler.
I'm still learning how to take action shots, so some of the pictures are a bit fuzzy.

Music by Dick Dale - Ghostrider in the Ski

Farwell Pier and Beach (Rogers Park - Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Everyday I go out for walks for exercise and am trying to visit different places in the Chicagoland area each time I go. I often take my camera with me to document the beauty I see.

I was looking up the history of the Farwell Pier and learned that it was originally built by JV Farwell, prior to the great Chicago Fire. It was a part of his estate, which at the time was NOT a part of the city.

Music by Jewel - Who Will Save Your Soul

Moments at the Sears Tower (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Spent some time up at the top of the Sears Tower with some friends.

Chol HaMoed at Lake Michigan (Chicagoland)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went for a walk along the lake on a beautiful fall day during succos in Chicago. I can't believe how much cooler it is here compared to this time of year in Baltimore.

Music by Cat Stevens - "Into White"

A Ten Year Journey

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I wanted to put together a collage of sorts of my favorite photographs taken with my camera that reflected the last 10 years of my life.

The photographs represent some of the time I spent in Israel, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Washington DC and Illinois.

Music by Alon Michael And Israel Edelson - Zlotchover Rebbe's Niggun

My Weekend

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Went from the East Lakeview Art Festival to see a long lost friend, up to Highland Park to walk around and ended with going with friends for them to do Tashlich.

Music by Máire Breatnach - Breatnaigh Abu

Tashlich (2010 / 5771)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Tashlich (תשליך) is a ritual that many Jews observe during Rosh HaShanah. "Tashlich" means "casting off" in Hebrew and involves symbolically casting off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or another food into a body of flowing water. Just as the water carries away the bits of bread, so too are sins symbolically carried away. In this way the participant hopes to start the New Year with a clean slate.


Photographs taken at Montrose Harbor - Chicago, IL

Music by Peter Himmelman - "Untitled"

Chicago Botanic Garden (Northbrook, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a perfect day to walk through the Botanic Garden's with a friend.

Music by Jewel - Who will save your soul

Oakwood Beach - Hyde Park (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Took a stroll by the beach. To the north you could see downtown Chicago. To the south you could see the industry of Gary, Indiana. The list picture you can sort of see Buckingham Fountain.

Music by Doris Day - Que Serra Serra

Osaka Japanese Garden and the Museum of Science and Industry Lagoon (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went to pay my respects to both my grandmother and her sister, who's ashes were spread over the Japanese Garden years ago. This was their favorite place to go when they were children growing up in Chicago.

Music by Alon Michael And Israel Edelson - Mikdash Melekh

Between Rogers Park and Evanston on Sheridan Rd. (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I It was an absolutely beautiful day and I forced myself to go out and take some pictures near Lake Michigan. I was walking on Sheridan Rd., between the borders of East Rogers Park (Chicago) and Evanston.

While I was walking I met a woman who is almost 90. For almost 50 years she was a school teacher on Chicago's west side. She was totally inspiring. The woman went on and told me that she recently lost over 120 lbs. Since the weight loss she had her knees replaced and is now walking 3 hours a day along the lakeshore. The woman shared a few of her life long dreams with me. Next year she's going to China to walk the Great Wall, and the following year she's off to Africa to meet wild elephants.

The way she talked about her plans, I know she's going to do it. I know so many people who have all sorts of dreams, yet seem to always put them on the back burner. I'm hoping you will use this 80 something year old woman's story as an inspiration. I know that what ever it is that you've always wanted to do, you will be able to accomplish if you believe in yourself.


Hope you enjoy the show

Music by Rahel Jaskow and Ray Scudero - Lullaby in C

Port Clinton Art Festival (Highland Park, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I ran away from home and joined an art fair. This was the best art fair I've been to in a long time.

Music by Paco de Lucia - Siboney

Childhood Memory (Southern, Wisconsin)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went back to a place I used to go during my early years with my family.

Music by Diana Ross - Do You Know

Skokie's Sculpture Park (Skokie, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

They built the sculpture park several years ago and I always wanted to walk through it. Today I found the time. I only went through about a forth of it. Had no idea it was so big.

Music by Bill Quateman - Get It Right On Out There

Glenwood Art Festival and Farmers Market (East Rogers Park - Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Went strolling with my camera in a neighborhood I hadn't been in since I was in my early 20's.

Music by The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Rock Art (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went walking along a place I used to ride my bike to as a kid. This was a place I went when I needed time and space to myself. It is great to see the tradition of creating art on the rocks remains the same.

Music by Bill Quateman - Too Many Mornings

Lincoln Park Zoo's Nature Boardwalk (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

A dear friend of mine and her family are about to make aliyah to Israel from Baltimore. I was out walking around thinking about them, especially one of her children who loves to talk about "Downtown Chicago".




Music by Simply Tsfat - "L'Cha Dodi"

Driving through Lincoln Park (Chicago, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had a zillion errands to run on today, and kept running over towards the lake after each one. It was so beautiful.

Some of the stops included Lincoln Park, Juneway Terrace, Rogers Beach, Montrose Harbor (including the doggy beach).

Music: 

3 Doors Down - Here Without You

Bughouse Square and the Newberry Library (Chicago, IL)

© (Photographs by Vicki Polin)
Music By Simon and Garfunkel - "Feeling Groovy"


I went back to my old neighborhood where I lived prior to moving to Israel and Baltimore. It was amazing to see how much it changed.





Here's the history of Bughouse Square: http://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.or...

Gardens at the Baha'i House of Worship (Wilmette, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Took the long way to get to Walmart after attending the Evanston Art Fair and ended up walking around the gardens at Bahai Temple





Music: James Taylor - You've Got A Friend

Evanston Art Fair and Dog Beach - 2010 (Evanston, IL)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I spent part of the day at the Evanston Art Fair, which was right near the Evanston Dog Beach and Northwestern, University.




Music by Peter Himmelman - "Whispering Days"

Last Trip to Hunt Valley (Maryland)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I'm moving away from Baltimore this week and wanted to one last trip photographing Hunt Valley. It's been one of my favorite place to go when I needed time for myself.

(Cockysville, Sparks, Corbertt, Glencoe)

Music by Peter Himmelman

Forth of July 2010 - Chicago

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Happy Independence Day!

Went for a walk on the Forth of July in Lincoln Park. I walked from my friends home to Montrose Harbor.





Music: Star Spangled Banner

Quick Trip To Chicago - Pride Parade (June 27, 2010)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went to watch the parade to see a childhood friend who was on the Gay Chicago Hall of Fame float. The weather report said there would be severe thunderstorms, turned out to just be a very hot day.



Music:Barbra Streisand - Don't Rain On My Parade

My last trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went up with a friend to the Lancaster area with a friend.







Music:  Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain

He Loves to Laugh (June 19, 2010)

© (2010) Filmed by Vicki Polin

My friend's son being himself -- just laughing away.  :-)

Gettysburg at Sunset (June, 2010)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Drove out with a friend to Gettysburg to watch the sunset.  This was my last trip out this way before I move to Chicago.

Music by Don Mc Clean - Vincent

It's all happening at the zoo (Baltimore, MD)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Spent the day at the Baltimore Zoo with some friends.

Music by Simon and Garfunkel

Psyched to be in Sykesville

 © (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin Spent the day with a friend photographing in and around Sykesville, MD

Strolling Around Mount Vernon (Baltimore, MD)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin It was a beautiful day in May that I went walking around Mt. Vernon to capture some of the architecture that surrounds this historical district.

Cruising Around Grave Run Road (April 27, 2010)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin Went out with my photograph coach to capture the day. We ended up around Lineboro, MD. The last pictures are of a chicken. I don't know what kind




Music by Peter Himmelman

Fort Mc Henry (Baltimore, MD)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Does anyone know what year the war of 1812 was fought?

I've always wanted to get to the fort, yet never made it there until today. I can't believe how close it is to the Inner Harbor. It's like going from the Kotel to Beit Lechem in Israel.

Burning Down the Chametz (Baltimore, MD)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

March 29, 2010 -- Annual burning of the Chametz (bread) in Baltimore's Jewish Community at the Pimlico Race Track.

I was going to use the song "Burning down the house", yet it just didn't really fit the mood of the photographs.

In the morning before the start of Passover, many orthodox Jews burn all the chametz that was found during the search, and anything that was left over from breakfast and not stored with the chametz that will be sold to the non-Jew.

After the chametz has been burnt in the fire, Jews recite the following declaration:

All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have observed it or not, whether I have removed it or not, shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth.

New York City - The Movie

© (March, 2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I was in NYC to speak at the Male Survivors conference and took time out to see Central Park and Times Square.

The Road To Camp Shiloh (Hampstead, MD)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went out with a friend to a camp from his childhood.  The camp has since been converted into a Pottery Studio.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Federal Hill area

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Purim, Queen Esther and the Impossible Dream

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This film is dedicated to all of the "Queen Esther's" living in the world today who are struggling to accomplish goals in their lives that many believed were impossible, especially to the women who are risking their lives to make the world a better place for us all.  I especially dedicate this film to the women who are fighting to survive after being sexually victimized and are being shunned, shamed and blamed for the actions committed against them by their perpetrator.

 I too have been facing a great number of challenges over the last 18 months.  I know that soon the dream that at times felt was impossible will soon become reality.  

They say Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar since it commemorates a time in which the Jewish people were saved from extermination while living in Persia.  What always concerned me in this story is that all of the Jewish people were freed, except for Queen Esther.  After risking her life, she was left behind, cut off from her people.

Purim and Survivors Childhood Abuse (emotional, physical and sexual abuse)

© (2010) by Vicki Polin

For most people, the holiday of Purim brings up great memories of dressing up in costumes and being silly.  For others Purim is very difficult and confusing time of the year.  It's a time that may conjure up past memories of parents or other adults who cared for them drinking a little too much alcohol and or being drunk.  When this happened their parent, grandparent or another adult care provider  might have lost their ability to control their anger, impulses and or inhabitions. 

For some Purim often mean that families get together, routines are changed, there is also the added stress of cleaning and preparing meals. These issues alone can be extremely stress producing. Unfortunately the reality is that there are parents who are already inclined to use their children as an outlet for emotions and urges. They are even more likely to do so when under the pressure of increased anxiety. Many survivors of childhood abuse report that they were abuse became more intense around and over all holidays (both Jewish and secular holidays).

It is not uncommon for symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) to emerge after times of relative remission and/or intensify in those already struggling. You may experience an increase in disturbing thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks. Thoughts of self-harm, even suicide, may be an issue. The important thing to remember is these feelings are about the past, that the abuse is over, and that it is of utmost importance for you to be kind to and gentle with yourself.

This is written as a reminder to all survivors: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

It's important to remember that whatever works for you is OK --know that you are not alone, not wrong, not bad for having second and third and forth thoughts about how to celebrate and if to celebrate the holidays. Look into yourself and see what you need, then do what you can to do it, and be kind to yourself for needing to make these adjustments.

If you are a survivor of childhood abuse and this is a difficult time of the year for you, please make plans to be with friends or support people. Be sure to call suicide hotlines if necessary.  CALL: 1-800-784-2433 and you will be connected to a crisis center nearest to you.

Baltimore's Jewish Community Digging Out After The Second Blizzard of 2010

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Three Dog Night 
I took these during a walk to a friends home.  It was a bright sunny day, much different then yesterday. People were busy digging out their cars. Everyone had to walk on the streets since the sidewalks were covered with four to six feet of snow.

Second Blizzard in Baltimore 2010 - Photos Taken Between 4:00 - 6:00 PM

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: "Wintertime", by Steve Miller Band


Also see: Part 1 of the second blizzard in Baltimore

Second Blizzard in Baltimore 2010 - Photos Taken Around Noon

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull


I started taking some pictures last night.  When I woke up it was just freezing rain.  Around 11:30 it turned back to snow.  When the wind blows it turns into whiteout.  They are saying so far we have about 19 inches of snow.  Baltimore is calling this a phase 3 storm, meaning no one is allowed to drive within the city, except emergency vehicles.


The National Guard is in my neighborhood driving Hummers.  While I was out several people from Shomrim stopped to offer me a ride.  I told them I was just taking pictures.  I also mentioned I was from Chicago. They smiled and oh, your fine then.  The storm has changed since I was out and it's even too dangerous for me.  It's about 2:30 - 3:00 PM.  There are four different video's below.  Also see Part 2 of the second blizzard







Western Run





Clarks Lane and Fallstaff




Off of Clarks Lane

Pre Baltimore Blizzard Number 2 (February 9, 2010)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Bad Moon, by CCR

We started off the day by going to the grocery store.  It felt like it was the day after xmas or they were giving away free food.  The shelves were getting pretty empty.  It sort of felt festive in a strange sense.


I went out with a friend in and around Hunt Valley. Just needed to escape before the next blizzard hit Maryland.  I have a feeling we will be snowed in for another week.


We already had 2 to 3 feet of snow.  Another 12" to 24" inches expected.

48 Hours Post Baltimore Blizzard 2010

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin


It's about 48 hours since the blizzard ended, yet recovery is very slow in Baltimore. These pictures were taken within the eruv (Jewish community). Everyone I know seems to have cabin fever, including me.  I had to get out and walk around.  Almost everyone I know still get their cars out due to the amount of snow on the side streets.

The 2010 Blizzard Within The Eruv of Baltimore

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music:  Lara's Theme from Doctor Zhivago

The following pictures were taken within the Jewish community of Baltimore and Pikesville, Maryland.  

We had a major snowstorm.  I started taking pictures when the storm began, and then the next day once I was able to get out my door.  In some places the snow drifts were just about as tall as me.  Most places the snow came up to my hip.  It was absolutely beautiful.  

The Day After The Storm - Carrol County, Maryland

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went out with a friend the day after a major snow storm in Maryland and took the following pictures.  I divided them up into two different videos due to the volume of photographs taken.

Part 1


Part 2

Shabbos Snowstorm Within The Eruv of Baltimore

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

We had another snowstorm in Baltimore.  I needed to get out for a walk so I took my camera along for some exercise.  The song has been playing in the jute box in my head for the last several days, figured the two had to go together.  :-)

FYI:  During this film you will see people pushing the elderly in wheelchairs in the snow.  Because it's shabbos it is the only way they can bring loved ones for shabbos meals.

Music: "Brand New Key" by Melanie.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Federal Hill

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: "Rabenu's Niggun by Simply Tsfat 
I had a lot to think about and needed time and space to focus in on what I really wanted, so I wondered down to the Inner Harbor and around Federal Hill.

Rocks State Park - Waterfall

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
September, 2009

Liberty Falls and the Mc Keldin Rapids Trail (Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland)

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

There are three different films posted here. The first is a collection of still shots, the other two are movies of Liberty Falls and the Mc Keldin Rapids.

Collection of Still Shots
Music by Peter Himmelman - "Oliver Mast Mix"




Liberty Falls




Mc Keldin Rapids

Loch Raven Reservoir - January, 2010

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Took some time off to be out in nature.  Went with a friend out to Loch Raven Reservoir (Baltimore County, Maryland).

A Trip Down To Baltimore's Inner Harbor To Start The New Year

© (2010) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Vicki Polin: Jewish Community Hero Award - 2009

A Winter's Day in and around Hunt Valley, MD

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Everything was closed today.  Shabbos comes in early today, so going to a movie and having Chinese food was out of the question.  It was also a cold and dreary day, so A friend and I went driving out into the country to take some pictures of the snow out in and around Hunt Valley.

Walking Around in the Eruv - Snow Storm in Baltimore

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Winter Wonderland

Drive by Shootings - Ellicott City, MD

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a rainy and cold November day for my first time going to Ellicott city.  My friend and I really just drove through it and some of the surrounding areas.

Here's information about the women's institute pictured in the video

Strolling Around Quarry Lake (Baltimore, MD)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Where do I go

Went strolling around Quarry Lake today with a friend.  I couldn't believe how beautiful it was out.

A Stroll Around The Inner Harbor (Baltimore, MD)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was a beautiful fall day in late November.  I needed to get out and wandered down towards the Inner Harbor.

NCR Trail

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: The way we were

It was the day before the year anniversary of being injured in a major car accident.  I went out walking with a friend on the same trail I was on a year before, right before my car was totaled.

Columbus Day 2009 - Frederick County, Maryland

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Delilah

I went out for the day with a friend to capture the beauty of early fall.  It was a very overcast day, not really ideal for picture taking.

Rocks State Park (Maryland)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Music by Peter Himmelman - Only You Can Walk Away

The first few pics were taken in the orthodox Jewish community in the Pikesville area during Succos.  
Spent most of the day in and around Rocks State Park. The King and Queen Seat is a natural 190-foot rock outcrop that overlooks Deer Creek Valley. During the 17th Century, the Susquehannock Native Americans lived in three settlements along Deer Creek. They used the King and Queen Seat at the Rocks as a site for ceremonial gatherings. Bald Eagel, who was the chief of the Tribes, and his wife, took took their places on the King and Queen Seat and the braves gathered on the rocks and ground below to listen.

Avinu Malkeinu (5770)

© (2009/5770) Photographs by Vicki Polin



English
Hear our prayer
We have sinned before Thee
Have compassion upon us and upon our children
Help us bring an end to pestilence, war, and famine
Cause all hate and oppression to vanish from the earth
Inscribe us for blessing in the Book Of Life
Let the new year be a good year for us

-------------------------------------------------

Avinu malkeinu sh'ma kolenu
Avinu malkeinu chatanu l'faneycha
Avinu malkeinu alkenu chamol aleynu
V'al olaleynu v'tapenu

Avinu malkeinu
Kaleh dever v'cherev v'raav mealeynu
Avinu malkeinu kalehchol tsar
Umastin mealeynu

Avinu malkeinu
Avinu malkeinu
Kotvenu b'sefer chayim tovim
Avinu malkeinu chadesh aleynu
Chadesh a leynu shanah tovah

Sh'ma kolenu
Sh'ma kolenu
Sh'ma kolenu

Driving Around From the Conowingo Dam to Mount Washington, MD

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Say what you need to say


I tried to photograph the eagles hanging around the Conowingo Dam, yet I needed a much more powerful camera.  Towards the end of the day I ended up at the Mount Washington Arboretum.  

Licked By A Cow (Stevenson, MD)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took a detour on my way to the store. The cows of Stevenson were right by the fence so I stopped to take a few pictures. The problem with getting close to animals is that there always seems to be at least one that will want to get up close and personal.

Pre-Shabbos Storm

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had a lot to think about today, so I took some time out and drove down Tufton Rd. and around Hunt Valley, MD.

Moments Near Loch Raven (July, 2009)

©(2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

When Life Feels Screwy, Go To Intercourse, PA

© (2009) Photographs By Vicki Polin

Since I moved to Baltimore, when ever life gets funky, I find myself taking a ride out towards Intercourse, PA.  I always seem to find peace driving around in the Amish community taking pictures.  I'm aware that they have the same sorts of problems as every other community, yet the nature around the community feels empowering and healing to me.

Hope you enjoy all three videos that are posted below.

Hunt Valley, MD (July 14, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music: Natures Way

I was having an off day so I took time off to take a few pictures out in and around the Hunt Valley area.

Pond of Pikesville

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

These were taken at a local pond in Pikesville, MD.

2009 - Fireworks at the Taste Of Chicago

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

This is Part 2 of pictures from my week in Chicago


Fireworks at the Taste Of Chicago (Individual Pictures)

Fireworks (Part 1)



Fireworks (Part 2)



Fireworks (Part 3)

Trip to Chicago to celebrate my B-day (Part 1)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I spent a week in Chicago to celebrate my birthday.

I wanted to do something completely different. A friend suggested with go to the Gay Pride Parade. This is what we saw.

Gay Pride Parade (Part 1)


Gay Pride Parade (Part 2)

Road Trip: Indianapolis, IN to Baltimore, MD

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I took these on the way back home after speaking at the NOW conference.

Fort Harrison State Park - Indianapolis, IN

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I had to go to Indianapolis to speak at the 2009 NOW conference. I got there a day early and had time to go to Fort Harrison State Park for a few hours. This is what I saw.

Catoctin Mountains (June, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Peter Himmelman


I took these last week when I ran away from home with a friend for that day. We ended up in the Catoctin Mountains, which are in western Maryland. At one point we were taking photographs near a wood pile, when someone who lived nearby came over to free a black snake which found it's way in his home. We ended our journey near one of the entrances of Camp David.

Baltimore County to Gettysburg, PA (May, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a friend on a mini day trip out towards Gettysburg, PA.  We took a break at Codorus State Park

Moments at Fells Point (Baltimore, MD)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

It was my first time at Fells Point.  I had a few minutes before I had to be somewhere, so I snapped a few pictures.