Paws to Consider - Animal Awareness Minute EP #3

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Photo by Greg Turner, Pennsylvania Game Commission

Copyright © 2013 Alyssa akota

Alyssa Lakota - Voiceover Reel

...and, a few pics for your viewing pleasure while listening.  Thanks for tuning in!.   
Tune in.  Tune out.  Just don't pass out.  

Copyright © 2013 Alyssa Lakota

Paws To Consider - Animal Awareness Minute EP #2

                                                                                          

Copyright © 2013 Alyssa akota

Paws to Consider - Animal Awareness Minute EP #1

Bear Rehabilitator, Ben Kilhum, is set to release 29 orphaned bear cubs over the next month in Vermont and New Hampshire – once vegetation is green enough and the cubs fat enough to survive.  Last year their mothers were shot and killed for entering chicken coops and bee hives.  Ben suggests a proactive approach – a baited electric fence – using peanut butter, bacon grease, anything enticing.  A bear uses their tongue when investigating a new smell.  They will get zapped, but won’t die – encouraging cubs to stay with their mom’s and deterring the bears from returning.  If you experience bear damage in Vermont, contact Wildlife Services for Technical Assistance. In New Hampshire, you may be able to secure a short term loan of a fence, if available, through Wildlife Services.   

If you would like to make a donation to help Ben Kilhum care for bears, email him at Benjamin.Kilham@valley.net.

If you would like to sponsor this program, please contact alyssa@lakotafilms.com. 

@ 2013 Lakota Films 

Spring Becomes You!

Source

Spring is in the air.  Change is all around.  Out with the old, in with the new - as they say.  Grab a box or two and haul away the cobwebs and clutter from the backs of your closets and at the bottoms of your drawers.  Take those outdated goods down to the local, charity drop off, and as a reward for clearing out space, prepare to shop for something in-style, hip, and new!

Look at those shoes.  Trudged a so many miles a cobbler won't repair them, again.  Do not even call that a shirt.  It's so faded, frayed and worn thin, you may as well clean a few windows while you're at it - with its rag-like remains.  What is up with that fleece? It's piled to the extent that it needs its own brush.  Get rid of it!  Get rid of it all!  In their place, pick your personality and find something new to wear.

Sass it up with cold shoulder shirts.  No need to give the cold shoulder, rather flaunt the shoulder.  "Sexy Sadie, how did you know the world was waiting just for you."

Buck riding Bronco's or wannabe cowboys (or gals), saddle up with a pair of distressed cowboy boots. Be your very own Daisy Mae Duke, Nancy Sinatra, or Jessica Simpson because, "These boots are meant for walking and they'll walk all over you."

Not the path you had in mind?  For those who "walk in quiet solitude, the forest and the streams,"check out the latest guide series clothing.  You're bound to find something to fit inside your pack.

If you dare wear the three together, may someone do you a favor by calling the fashion police. However, separate them, match them with a few remaining options from your wardrobe, and prepare to make a statement from sassy and playful, to spirited and unbridled, to the adventurist and the call of the wild.  Faint of heart need not apply.

One Love For A Peaceful Existence

Photo by Sunshine

I have friends and family members who have come out over the years and I love each and every single one of them no differently than I love someone who is straight.  Sexual orientation and preference, matters not to me.  What does matter is that people, regardless of being gay, lesbian, transgender, or whatever other preference they choose or don't choose (so long as it is mutually consensual), are respected, admired and treated with fairness and equality.  We all have the same basic human needs in life - love, affection, friends, family, food, water, clothes, a roof over our heads, etc. that make us whole and complete.  We share those common denominators.  It doesn't bode well for a peaceful existence if people are compelled to point fingers, call someone names, be a bully, and deny human rights.  Life is tough enough.  There's enough turmoil in this world without imposing individual differences upon others.  I support you - all of you - whoever you are!

Please show your support by visiting and commenting on Director, Rob Schmidt and Slippery Rock Pictures   latest project, Worst Thing About Coming Out.

Time Traveller



Lately, time has been well spent writing a couple of screenplays and  a children's book, all while on a tireless quest to find a wonderful new home for Jasmine (see post below). Last winter’s settlement was established in Idaho with no access to Internet except during the occasional jaunts to a library or a café.  This translates into an opportunistic time to write a ton, but no time to update blogs!  With that said, several months may have passed by, but none have been passed over.  Days and months have been packed-full, overflowing with ideas as well as an onslaught of chores, goals, and a multitude of agendas; the ever-growing and shrinking list everyone endures with no end in sight until one’s time on earth has been concluded.  Once life on the moon or a new planet is established however, all deals are off and the sentiment should be replaced with 'death as we now know it.' The constant gripe by most is, there are not enough hours in a day to accomplish all that one sets out to achieve, and as one gets older, a day quickly gains momentum and soon, another year has flown by.  Alas, without extending an excuse for inactivity in cyberspace, please accept the sincerest apologies for disappearing for far too long and in the ‘blink of an eye.’  Residency has since been reestablished on the east coast with full access to the Internet and services.

Copyright © 2012 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News
Photo by Monceau

Operation: Rescue Jasmine

Jasmine is one of 14 dogs and 44 cats rescued from a rescue shelter in Driggs, Idaho forced to close due to mismanagement and poor operations that threatened the welfare of several animals. In the midst of a behind the scenes political scandal, Jasmine, a 2 1/2 year old female pit-mix, became a scapegoat for the shelter’s myriad issues.

In May, a vet tech came to the shelter under instructions to euthanize Jasmine. When asked who authorized this, the reply was, “A Board Member.” One phone call proved this to be false.

The inexplicable plan to destroy this lovable dog was the first of many attempts to take control of the shelter — attempts involving authority figures in a small community where politics run deep.

After more threats were made against Jasmine, I was allowed to remove her from the shelter. Together we visited an organization in Kanab, Utah, nationally renowned for rescuing and rehabilitating 22 dogs having once belonged to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick. There she received a wonderful evaluation before we drove to upstate NY and Vermont, where she remains in temporary foster care.

Jasmine is a happy girl despite spending nearly a year in a shelter. She is playful, loyal, and super affectionate with men, women, and children.  She desperately needs a permanent home — ideally with a fenced in yard to run and play fetch with her owner and perhaps one other dog, but NO cats!  Please contact me if you‘re interested in bringing Jasmine into your life.


Copyright © 2011 Alyssa Polacsek & Latté News

Non-stop play - everyday!

Otis and Jasmine have officially been introduced.  It happened accidentally but worked out well - as I thought it would.  There was an early morning knock at the door.  I got up to answer.  Jasmine had spent the night in the bedroom with me.  Otis spent the night on the couch (not because he was bad).  Anyway, in my sleepy haze I answered the door and there next to me were both dogs side-by-side, heads poking out of the screen, tails wagging.  I reacted quickly.  Slipped.  Fell.  They both stood over me and when I finally managed to recover they looked at one another as if to say, "Oh.  Hi.  I didn't notice you standing there.  Do you think she's all right.  Should we call for help."  Then, they played.  They have been playing non-stop since about a week or so ago.  They LOVE one another.  Otis even shares his toys with Jasmine.  

Louis - Bear Spray in his mouth!

UPDATE: Louis is still at Dog Logic.  He is playing with other dogs and having fun!  He is a very handsome boy and would love to find a good home.  
Louis is an amazing Yellow Lab who is the poster child of abuse.  While at the shelter in Driggs, ID he was sprayed directly in his mouth with BEAR SPRAY to break up a dog fight.  The shelter was forced to close due to financial strain but the poor judgement made by the Operations Manager endangered this dog as well as other animals.  Louis NEEDS a home sooner than later!  He was moved to Bitter Root in MT - BUT they transferred him to DOG LOGIC in Missoula, MT.  Please arrange to meet him.  He is a good boy!  He can jump over tall fences - so it is best not to leave him unattended or he will jump over and wander off.  He is very social!

Redford NEEDS a home!

ADOPTED!!!

Redford - a handsome Pyrenees /Labrador Mix was one of 6 dogs moved to Hamilton, MT when the shelter in Driggs, ID was forced to close due to financial strain and mismanagement.

Redford desperately needs a home!  

He does not like other dogs BUT is SUPER affectionate with people and he's good with cats and kids.  

If you would like to learn more about Redford, visit Bitterroot and make arrangements to visit with him.  

You will be happy you did and he will appreciate you more than ever.

Tiger Needs Some Training

ADOPTED

Tiger is a very handsome Catahoula Leopard Mix - another dog moved to Hamilton, MT.  He is about 10 months old - still a puppy and needs some training to be the best he can be.  He is GREAT!  Very playful.  Lots of energy!  He would do best in a home without children - a little too much energy perhaps.  He will entertain you to no end.

Jasmine DRINKS the lake!

Jasmine LOVES to play in the water!  She enjoys drinking the lake as well as swimming in it although you MIGHT need to go into the water too - to coax her.  She simply wants to stay near her human.  

Jasmine & Otis - United!

Krissi, an amazing dog trainer, came by today and we worked w/Otis (Black Lab/Pointer Mix) on his recall.  He was a champ!  Hot dogs are his new favorite thing in the world!  

We also worked with both dogs - Jasmine (as seen in most of the pictures on this page) & Otis - walking them around the living room - each had a half of the room - we fed them lots and lots of treats.  Their tails wagged.  They looked at each other with curiosity but both were  more interested in the treats.  Yay!  

Lastly, we tethered them in the living room on opposite sides of the room with about 4 feet between them when stretched.  We gave them treat filled kongs.  Otis doesn't like peanut butter - Jasmine does.  They both enjoy chicken, hot dogs, duck & potato, and dog food infused with all of those above mentioned flavors.  They did great!  

We have a long, slow road ahead but I can work on tethering when eating dinner and such and the rest seems very doable.  Yay!!!  THANK YOU KRISSI!!!  Oh!  Krissi also gave Otis a bike ride.  :)  That was such a wonderful sight!  When you consider how often he wants to chase bikes, cars, moose, birds, anything that moves - WOW!!!  What a good boy!  I'm impressed and proud of him.  

FYI - looking for a place to live back east in NY, VT, or Western MA - pet friendly, obviously.  Need to have access to the Capital District, NYC, the Berkshires, and the Green Mountains.  Okay, the last one is for playtime but I LOVE VT and cannot live without its positive effects.  Anyway, if you have any leads on a place - preferably on a dirt road with a yard - fabulous!!!  Of course, month-to-month is fine too provided I'm on the ground floor.  Don't want to disturb the neighbors with the footsteps of dogs.  

To be continued...

Training

Jasmine is getting some training along with Otis, my dog.  The two of them have not been introduced YET but will be soon.  Right now they are becoming familiar with one another's scents and receiving yummy treats when they see one another from a distance or through the door - positive association.  Both of these dogs are "dog selective" - meaning they don't get along with ALL dogs but they have their friends that they enjoy playing with until the sun goes down.  Both dogs have dominant personalities but they are opposite sex so that is in their favor.  Looking forward to introducing them soon.  Managing them - rotating them throughout the day so they get my attention is quite exhausting.  I also have a cat - don't think Jasmine should be around cats.  She gets excited but I'm not sure I trust her - she may want to play but she may want a treat.  Otis and the cat on the other hand get along swimmingly.  Otter (the cat) keeps Otis in line.

Thank you Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and everyone else who is helping out with Jasmine's welfare.

Love, love me do!

Still needs a good home but in the meantime she  is well-cared for.

All Smiles!

Life is good!

Jasmine's 2nd day out of the shelter - after being there for almost a year.  

She just woke up from a good night's sleep.

The Raven - and other stories NOT by Edgar Allen Poe

Ravens are the new rooster! Forget about alarm clocks. These magical birds can raise the dead. And, they have - each morning since arriving at the Grand Canyon. They caw and squawk beside my tent like lovers in a heated, passionate argument about something ridiculous, I'm sure.

Raven magic gives courage to visit the darker places of one's consciousness and shed light and change.  Native American practices teach us NOT to try and figure it out - therefore, I won’t.

Aside from ravens there have been multiple sightings of horses, elk, mule deer, prairie dogs, Asses, ostriches and several birds of various colors and sizes. Mountain lions are lurking somewhere but the saying goes something like this, “You’ll never see a mountain lion - and if you do, it’ll be too late!” They also say not to hike alone but until I meet someone willing to trek with me, I’m not willing to sit back on my haunches and allow splendid vistas, landscapes, waterways, and whatever other explorations can be experienced, pass me by.

The last awesome hike I did was the Narrows in Zion National Park, UT. However, it turns out I made one small mistake. The hike is normally 16 miles traversing in and out of water, up and down rocks - the first 3 miles running along a dirt road before actually hitting the river. I somehow managed to get immediately into a river (which fortunately dumped me into the right place), adding extra mileage and time to my hike – on private property nonetheless. There were no  other people but there were others to speak of - cows - and lots of them.

A couple of days prior to the Narrows I combined two hikes to round out the day - Angels Landing and Emerald Pools. I think I wrote about this earlier – how the heat of the sun drained me but it was still quite spectacular. It wasn’t nearly as narrow as written about in pamphlets and online but I suppose it would be scary if you were afraid of heights.

Onward…

Since completing the Narrows I took a short hike in the morning before work staying at Bryce Canyon, UT – clockwise around Queens Landing and Navajo Loop. It was strenuous only on the way up, once again in the sun and heat, and way overcrowded - well beyond my liking. Therefore, on my day off in Bryce I decided to venture off to Cedar Breaks for two short hikes totaling 9 miles, making for a lovely day. One hike was along the rim - the other, to admire wildflowers. After which, a splendid dip in Navajo Lake.

Round up…

Moab (Arches National Park) – met lots of wonderful people, enjoyed plenty of laughter, one incredible hike with no one around, rock scrambling, rollerblading, and yummy yummy foods.

Virgin (Zion National Park) – more wonderful people, the Wild West, OSCARS (Hungry? Don’t blame Oscars!), body surfing on the river (a few bruises), and an animal refuge.

Bryce Canyon – whoa Nelly! This was the least interesting of places although the hoodoos are impressive and this is more like the Wild Wild West. Everyone raves about Bryce and while I do understand why – it is way overpriced and way overcrowded. That said, I met some of the most awesome people while camping. Andreas and Peter – essentially, Gonzo ( Fear and Loathing)! They picked me up along with some cyclists crossing the country (Joe, Jocelyn, and Daylin) to enjoy a glorious sunset all together. Check out Joe’s bloghttp://joesbikeride.blogspot.com/. There were also Joe and James – camping neighbors who allowed me to borrow their rubber cobra to play a joke on Bridget and Kate (I didn’t think Abe would be frightened). The jokes didn’t produce the results I was seeking but I wasn’t entirely disappointed. Morning coffee and nighttime stories were also shared with this duo while they remained neighbors. Of course, I cannot neglect to mention Mulee Pete! He’s a quick draw McGraw-type demonstrating the ways in which some of Hollywood’s finest gunslingers reached for their guns! He also taught me how to crack a whip.

The Grand Canyon is immense and the name quite fitting. It is monsoon season and it has rained everyday since our arrival. I LOVE IT! My tent did procure a few leaks – nothing major and I have fixed them since (I hope) – it’s been raining since I’ve been typing this and I have yet to see if the latest adjustments held mother nature at bay. I am optimistic. Thanks for helping me pull the fly taught, Abe.

Last night was Kate and Abe’s 9th wedding anniversary. I ordered a beautiful moon for the two of them. If they told me a week ago – I would have produced a full moon but they only informed me yesterday morning. On such short notice, what’s a gal to do? ☺ Bridget downloaded a sick song. ☺ The lovebirds and Bridge called it a night while I tended the fire until it died down and out. A little night reading – and out go the lights. 

Peak Bagging Junkie & Utah Rocks

It's been a challenge to keep up on the blogging due to EXTREME fun! :) Oh, and work too. But, seriously - it is a challenge due to exploring places.

I suppose I should backtrack a little bit...

Spent a week camping in the Rockies. The best sleep I've had this entire trip! Nothing like waking and lighting my whisperlite stove to make the morning brew while all is silent and still. The first cup is an eye opening experience, inspirational and delicious, as the sun rises above snowy peaks and the moon lingers lazily. I am home. Evenings are equally inviting. Some nights a fire, some nights not, all while listening to the sounds of settling down or stirring. Closing with a chapter or two or three of whatever the current book may be by headlamp while tucked inside my sleeping bag cozy as an Eskimo. Zzzzzzzzzz.
Two awesome hikes in Colorado:

The first was 13 miles, 6 ponds, 2 or 3 waterfalls and 10,900 feet of elevation. The second was only 9 miles but with an elevation gain of 2800 feet over 4.4 miles and 360 degrees of panoramic views at 12,332 feet. Coming from Vermont I was expecting altitude sickness BUT it never happened, thank goodness. Had it once in my life and NEVER want to repeat the experience. I can live without the thundering heartbeats pounding out of my chest from every step taken or from every quarter turn made while rolling over in my sleeping bag. You can keep the headaches and nausea and the general ill feeling from everything swelling – including your brain (in this case, mine). It's wise to trek back down to where your body feels  right again but stubbornness and fatigue reigned over me – this one time I speak of. Now it comes as no surprise - I was unable to bag a fourteener as planned, wished for, fill in the blank. Not possible without proper gear - ice axe, crampons, ropes, etc. I was informed by the rangers that some of the peaks and trails I desired to climb had regular avalanches and no one, thus far, had been able to make it end-to-end - so, save it for a rainy day - rather, another day and another time whenever time presents a new opportunity. :( I know - it breaks your heart, doesn’t it? :)
Berklee School of Music friend & family – reunited & introduced:

Jacques Aramand! It’s difficult to say his first name without saying his sir name. I had a wonderful visit with my friend Jacques Aramand and his beautiful wife, Lisa, whom I met once 10 years ago for all of 10 minutes. That is how long it's been since we last saw one another. AND, I met for the very first time (although, it feels as if I’ve known her ALL of her life) the lovely, Isabella. I watched Isabella growing up through Lisa's photographs. Lisa is a brilliant photographer. Check out her work – Dog Daze Photo. You know the saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?” Well, it doesn’t! Isabella is natural both in front of as well as behind the camera. Also, Jacques (without sir name) is an awesome bass player and both he and Isabella rocked it out – he on the bass and she on the guitar – Led Zeppelin-style. I kid you not, her fingers moved fast. Oh! Did I mention Isabella is eight?
Movin’ on down the line: 

Utah bound – singing out loud to tunes on the XM - dancin’ and boppin’ and groovin’ and stompin’ and a little toe tappin’ too. Much of which was caught on videotape (Eeks!). The landscape changed as dramatically as a heartbroken Romeo. Did I say eek? I meant to say, geek! ☺ But it was AWESOME!!!
Moab madness: 

LOVE MUFFIN – I miss you! They make the best breakfast burritos and while we (Bridget and I) managed to have breakfast the morning we arrived, they closed the same day – for the next month. Drats!

HOT! HOT! HOT!!! We opted to stay in cabins in Moab in order to maintain regulated body temperature and our sanity - although I never wavered from my morning coffee ritual and cooking outdoors on the whisperlite at night.

Cindy took myself, Bridget and Alex (one of our boss') to look at petroglyphs and pictographs throughout parts of Moab. You can view some of the pics. Alex and I scrambled up rocks to take closeup pictures. Thanks for lending a hand when needed.

Arches National Park has phenomenal, picturesque sunsets! I took a drive and a sunset hike. The desert does bring out ones desire to journey on a vision quest. Driving back to Moab – sunroof open, windows down, Pink Floyd cranking - Whoa! There’s a deer standing next to the car door suddenly.

Took a drive to La Salle for a hike. Something was off. I couldn’t hike a mile. Not sure what or why. I decided to drive the La Salle loop and Route 128 along the Colorado River instead. A storm of strong winds whipped up and I looked out to see a ducky (a small boat) flipping downriver with no one in it. I pulled over and tried to open the car door but found I couldn’t [open the door]. The wind was THAT strong! When I could get out I was almost knocked down. All of the rafters WERE fine - lots of guides out there paddling for safety. Arrived back at the cabin to find a large tree DOWN in our parking space and next to our cabin. Had I NOT been out and about, the car would have been crushed. Poor tree. ☹ There were several others down in places too.

My favorite place to cool off in the desert was North Creek. I found it by chance and the locals were surprised I learned of it. It’s a short hike to a few swimming holes. I trekked on until I came to one with no one around – swam for a while, climbed the rocks, sat on one in particular in the middle of the river. I tried to find this place a few days earlier but was unsuccessful. There are several river crossings to get there and it’s easy to miss the first important turn.
Virgin: 

Virgin, Utah! HOTTER than HOT! And, I know nothing about the virgins here but blessed be the virgins. Zion National Park known and named by the Mormons. Look it up! Opted for cabins again.

Went on a strenuous hike to Angels Landing and then looped around the different Emerald Pools. The SUN is what made it strenuous. I started at noon (I know, I should’ve started in the AM) and was exposed to the heat and rays most of the way. It was worth it although I didn’t find it scary as described – steep, strenuous, cliffs and drop offs, not for those wary of heights, the last ½ mile scramble has chains due to the narrow steep climb.

Last night I found another local swimming hole. Loads of fun! Kate and Abe and I trudged through the river. I think I must have LOVED slides as a kid because I repeatedly body surfed down the river, got out, ran back up and did it again - over and over and over and over about ten times. It was a BLAST! I did hit a rock twice – one downriver, one while swimming upriver. Minor. Today, I picked up a tube and I have every intention of abusing it! ☺ Did I mention my fear of water? Gotta kick it!

I MAY do the Narrows on Sunday. It’s 16 miles of hiking in the river but you MUST have a permit and arrange for a shuttle to the trailhead. This is proving to be a bit challenging due to time restraints and fees. 

Mammoth Cave to Rocky Mountain NP

Mammoth Cave, KY - Camped for two nights. Went roller blading. Abe compared me to an airplane when making my turns. I do not know how to stop but I have mastered a "California stop" which translates into slowing down - looking both ways - and proceeding with some caution and/or expecting others to stop. When temps reached 105 we packed it into a motel. B & I enjoyed margaritas and Mexican food. Later, a dip in the pool. It was empty for a few minutes until three awesome kids joined us - Genesis, Journey and Anthony. They climbed and clamored over us jockeying for position to jump off of our shoulders. Within moments there must have been 20 other kids leaping into the pool. Well, it only took a few seconds to imagine how much urine was building up in the pool so, we opted out.

Later we met a three-pack of hungry cats. One in particular - B referred to as Little Bit and I referred to as Little Little - was emaciated. We fed these cats while there and donated food to the motel before leaving. The manager and cleaning lady feed them daily. Hopefully they survive and find some quality of life. Turns out there were about a dozen cats there. Very sad.

Hit the road for Colorado. Took some crazy driving videos. Lots of singing to tunes and dancing in our seats UNTIL... Kansas! BORING! The same old, same old for endless hours. UNTIL...  Colorado! Stayed overnight in Denver with B's friends. Awesome people(s) and simply a good time. Next morning, Boulder for a quick trip to Dot's Diner. I had to revisit for their biscuits. Once it was a hole in the wall at a gas station. Now, it seems to be a small chain operation.

Glacier Basin - camping for 8 or 9 nights and the best sleeping I've had this entire trip thus far.

Lots of elk!!! A total of 25 black bears in the park lands and an even lower number of mountain lions. Sadly, grizzlies and wolves are non-existent these days. They were once predators but due to their disappearance, elk have bred to overpopulation and are wreaking havoc. Additionally, they no longer migrate in winter and eat willows all year long stripping the area of this food for beavers and other wildlife. The NPS has installed several elk fences to prevent them from eating the willows allowing openings near the ground for beavers, coyotes and other small animals to retain access. Their hopes, elk will migrate again. Also, they are using birth control - collaring elk to reduce the numbers. They cannot reintroduce wolves and grizzlies to these parts due to the surrounding cities of Denver and Boulder, etc. because of the obvious - the park is not as large as Yellowstone and bears and wolves know no boundaries. Hence, a two-way danger.

Tomorrow is either a day of hiking, rafting or kayaking. Hmmm. Possibly a combination if there's enough time. Off to try to squeeze in a short hike tonight after I finish uploading more pics and drafting this note.

Oh! As far as work on this trip is concerned - the stories are coming in and are very interesting. BUT - I really want to get some rock climbing and hardcore backwoods stories. Need some locals to come out and submit their tales.

Next up - Moab (Arches National Park).