The wonders of Gillson Park

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went wandering along at Gillson Park today with a friend. It was fun to teach my friend to look closer at what you actually could see if you just stood still and looked closer at the beauty that is right in front of you.

Mickey Dolenz Concert in Elk Grove, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with some friends to seek Mikey Dolenz at a summer fest in Elk Grove Village with some friends. 

When I turned 9 I invited the Monkees to my slumber party for my birthday. I was so sure they would come. I was so disappointed when they didn't show up. Today for the first I saw my heart throb -- Mikey Dolenz. For all my girlfriends out there who dreamt of being in his presence. These are for you.

The sound quality in the second and third videos is not so great.  I was standing way to close to the speakers, yet it's still fun to watch Mickey sing.








And here's a history lesson on the Monkees

Because the Night Belongs to Lovers: 10,000 Maniacs in Des Plaines (Mary Ramsey)

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

I went with a group of childhood friends to see 10,000 Maniacs at the Summer Festival in Des Plaines.  The sound quality of these two videos isn't so great.  I think it was because I was too close to the stage.

Looking for beauty in all the right places

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went up to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Northbrook and just shot what I saw.  I couldn't stay as long as I wanted because it got so hot and humid.

Blue Oyster Cult Concert in Vernon Hills

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

I went to the Blue Oyster Cult concert with a bunch of childhood friends.  Had a blast!

Wandering on the Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

A day of memories and surprises

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

There were so many things I wanted to get done today, yet due to the fact it was an absolutely beautiful day the urge to be outside won over. Today turned into a day of self reflection and wandered around in an absolutely beautiful location -- which helped to put my mind at ease.

Music by Bill Quateman - "What are you looking for"

Les plages de Rogers Park - Chicago, IL

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

We had a major thunderstorm earlier today in which the electricty went out. After running around I found some time at the end of the day to wander around on some of the beaches of East Rogers Park.

החופים של רוג'רס פארק
Les plages de Rogers Park
די ביטשיז פון ראָגערס פּאַרק
Las playas de Rogers Park

Did you ever wake up with the urge to go to Dubuque, Iowa?

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

Life can be very strange some times. I woke up with the urge to go to Dubuque today. No idea why?  I really can't explain that one.  I had nothing else planned, so before I knew it I was on the way.  

Since I was passing through Galena I thought I'd stop and visit Grant's home and wander around the town.  


Once I got to Dubuque and went down towards the harbor I saw a White Pelican flying over the Mississippi River along with a tug boat pushing a barge downstream.  Definitely, not my typical day.  

4th of July Fireworks - Morton Grove, IL

© (2011) Filmed by Vicki Polin

Saw the fireworks with a high school friend and her family this year.  They were great!  It was so much fun to be back in my old stomping grounds.  Great food, good company and being back home.

Kansas Concert in Arlington Heights

© (2011) Photographs by Vicki Polin

I went with a bunch of friends to the Kansas concert at the Arlington Heights - Frontier Days over the 4th of July weekend.

The first film clip is a bunch of still pictures from the night.  The second was filmed while Kansas sang "Dust in the Wind".  I had trouble keeping the camera still since both of my hands are still in braces.  The sound quality is totally amazing considering the little camera I have.



Dust in the Wind

Gillson Beach - Riders of the Storm

I was running on errands when I noticed the sky and had to head over towards the closest beach.  The wind and the cloud formations were incredible.  My photographs don't do what I saw any justice