Hope Diamond - Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC (Feb., 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Years ago when I was 13 my 8th grade class went to Washington, DC.

When I got home my parents asked me if while I was at the Smithsonian if I saw the Hope Diamond. I didn't.

Instead of going into the museum I stayed outside and played on the merry-go-round with some friends. It was a beautiful spring day. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom. I was from Chicago, it was still snowing there.

Let's just say my parents were not too happy with my response.

It's been on my mind since 1973 to go back to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond. Thirty-six years later I finally accomplished this goal. :-)

Country Drive in Maryland (February, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I started off going down Falls Road to Grave Runs Road to see the Camel and Llama's in a cornfield. I made my way back by way of Hunt Valley. The last few pictures of the sun setting were taken outside of Gettysburg the week before.

In Honor of My Nieces 18th Birthday

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I wanted to honor the marking of my nieces 18th birthday for some time, yet couldn't seem to find the right pictures to honor the day of her birth. Though my niece was born in Feb., her life represents the blossoming of new beginnings, just as the flowers of spring.

The following photographs were taking in and around the Mount Washington Arboretum in Baltimore, MD.

Sunset in Hunt Valley Maryland (January, 2009)

© (2009) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I was driving around with a friend capturing the moment.