Showing posts with label Top Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top Stories. Show all posts

Friday, April 27, 2012

Amazing PA Baby Wildlife Photos Spring 2012


With the warmer than usual Winter, Spring came early to our PA region.  We had a very warm April spell, which prompted many of the wildlife to breed and produce early in the season.  When I was a young child,  I tried to rescue a baby bunny much like the one pictured above.  40 years later, I'm still trying to save the animal world. 

My Lab Bruno Leo found this sweet thing underneath one of our huge pine trees.  Luckily bunny wasn't a snack for my Bruno Leo.  The nest was dug out all over the ground.  I put the nest back together the best I could, and placed baby bunny back underneath it.  I tried not to handle baby bunny much, as the mother would smell my scent.  I hoped the mother would come back to tend and feed her baby.  That night was very cold, and the next day my daughter found bunny stiff underneath the nest.  I'm not quite sure what bunny died from, hunger, already internally damaged from another animal, or just froze to death. 

Sometimes I have to let nature take it's own course, and sadly bunny didn't make it to grow bigger.  I know I can't save the world, but at least I gave it a shot!!  Baby bunny's beauty will be forever preserved in my photo! 


My sister's dog Kikko found these adorable baby robins, in a backyard tree.  They weren't nested up very far, and they would've been doomed for sure had I not intervened.  I put Kikko in the house and moved the nest to another tree.  That night a storm came, and I worried about the baby robins, I went back to check on them, and one had fallen out of the nest and the nest was leaning almost falling from the branch I shoved it in.  So I picked up baby robin and moved the nest to a more secure tree location.  I checked their progress every few days, and yes they survived and all flew from the nest!


Hubby found these adorable Mom and baby Salamanders in Bruno's huge plastic water dish.  Not sure if they would've of survived in the water, as the nights are still freezing.  The sides of the plastic bucket very slippery and hard for them to get out.  Salamanders are said to go into the water only to breed.  The baby salamander kept sticking to it's mothers tail!  I put them on a sheet of white paper so I could get a decent shot of them together.  Arent they too cute!!  We let them go into the wooded area behind our home! 


Pictured here our sneaky Binx cat,  a stray we adopted last year brought me a fine present!  A baby gardner snake, which he kept repeatedly tossing over his head.  The snake just laid there and didn't move much!  Isn't he ornery looking, as if to say "Mom look at the prize I caught for you!"


A closer shot of the baby gartner snake, with all it's incredible markings.  The cement a color complementing it's stripped body!  I let Binx in, and the snake just slithered away!  So another snake survived to live around my yard.  My nephew spotted another one sunning  itself near my home, which was much bigger than this baby one!  I've learned to tolerate them, as they have as much right to be here and exist as we do.  We've many of them around here, and I find snakes quite intriguing to look at!  Snakes love the sun as we do to get warm! 


In conclusion, I went to reach for our water hose and who was lerking on the wrapped hose but this huge spider.  Luckily I looked before I grabbed the hose!  The spider legs spread were as big as my hand about 4 to 5 inches in length.  Hubby and I were able to get him in a bucket on a piece of plastic,  so I could grab a couple shots.  I was very afraid he would jump up at me, and better to be safe than sorry some spiders are very poisonous.  Found this interesting link for pics of PA spiders .

Growing up in the city, I rarely witnessed wildlife such as these pictured on my blog.  I noticed the wasps are already building their nests too, all around my house and pool.  So I must knock them down when the temps get lower at night.  One thing I don't like is bees building huge nests around my home. 

Enjoy your Spring and have a safe and happy one!  Respect and preserve our world, and Stay right here Literally In The Moment.


Monday, January 23, 2012

Ligonier PA Icefest Scupture Highlights 2012!



The ice storm which hit Pennsylvania on Friday Jan 20, 2012, left a thick layer of ice underneath at least 3 - 4 inches of snow our way! Couldn't even get into my husband's Toyota on Saturday morn for my commute to work! The truck doors were frozen solid. Luckily we were able to open my car doors, and start to defrost my windows. Much rather drive a 4 wheel drive on snowy days like this, but had no choice to drive my car. Roads were hazardous to say the least, snow covered and icey, yet I made it to work very close to on time!

Fitting the ice storm led the way for the 21st Annual Icefest held in Ligonier PA. Since I had to work Saturday, we headed toward the mountain on Sunday Jan 22, 2012. Temps hadn't rose out of the 20's all night so the icey snow was still hard and everywhere! I wore my boots with a good bit of tread, for fear I'd take a tumble on the icey sidewalks and roadways. The air in Ligonier was blowing when we arrived there, colder than back down the mountain at home! Sidewalks were very icey at the Diamond where the professional sculpters were busy at work. Be sure to click on photos to see in larger detail!! All ice scuptures are done by the awesome professional ice carvers of Demartino Ice ~ http://www.dimartinoice.com/

The first ice sculpture to catch my eye was this beautiful butterfly! In Japan, a butterfly represents a person's soul, living dying, or already dead. And if a butterfly lands near you, it means the person you love most is visiting you!



I was so impressed by these adorable replicas of Dora and her sidekick monkey Boots, that I decided to use them for my winter header. Aren't they just too cute and lovable?



Another very impressive ice scupture piece was this clown, with his open see through eyes! I couldn't believe how big, he was massive!! :)



One of the handsome Ice Carvers took a moment out to give me a smile. How much work and detail goes into every ice scupture they carve!



Another favorite of mine,was this cool giraffe, which stood taller than I! I'm close to 5' 5 inches so gives you an idea how tall this boy is!!



The grande finale was the galant Pegasus, which towered in the Gazabo and glistened in the sunlight. Oh such devine beauty against the blue sky and barren trees!



On the way out we caught one last glimpse of these 3 fish, displayed along a storefront wall! Aren't they just amazing! The Ligonier Icefest is always worth the trip, even in the ice and snow! I don't know how the Professional Ice Carvers come up with all the different displays every year!
I can't wait to see the ice scuptures Demartino Ice http://www.dimartinoice.com/ create for their displays next year!! If you need ice sculptures for any occasion, this is the place to order them!!



On our way out from Ligonier Diamond we headed across the highway to the top of Ligonier Valley cemetary. I took this shot of Laurel Mountains in the backround, where it looks as if the clouds are resting right on the icy white mountain tops. We headed up the road to Linn Run, where, I thought my life was flashing before me. The roads there were too icey for my car, but we slowly and finally made it back down!!

We then drove over to the museum, which I'll post some highlights of that exhibition soon! Hope all is well with you all. Wishing you a Happy New Year and stay right here Literally In The Moment.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Foundation And Gloss Balm ~ Go El Naturale!

I recently received my BzzKit from the BzzAgent CoverGirl NatureLuxe BzzCampaign. CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation and CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm came in a generous full size sample. I wore both the foundation and lip balm for Easter. The Silk foundation I chose in Oak makes me look like I have a slight tan, and doesn’t leave a visible line like most foundations do along the jawline. The foundation went on smooth and light, but didn’t seem to cover all the little flaws I have. If you’re looking for a light coverage foundation and have decent or perfect skin, I would recommend the CoverGirl NatureLuxe silk foundation.

I shared my CoverGirl BzzKit with my sixteen year old daughter, and she thought the foundation felt greasy when applying. In her words the foundation was “OK.” We tried the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in genache, and we both loved it! In fact my daughter loved it so much she said she was keeping the Gloss Balm, which means I’ll have to go out and purchase my own!! We both liked the pearly tint, natural color, and great lip moisturizers in the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm. We’ll definitely purchase the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm again!!

Between my daughter and I, we give CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation 4 Stars, and the CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm 5 Stars!

You too can become a BzzAgent and receive and review new products from major companies you already purchase from!! Let me know if you join up!!

Update to my blogger friends and readers, my life has become very full. I've taken a short break from animal network rescuing, and have been busy with my own furry additions here at home. Promise to update on that aspect soon. One thing I've stayed very loyal to my writing and photography, as these are my first and foremost loves. Be it wrting for urgent animals, or reviews for products I like, or writing with my photos and poetry, my real passion never fails to enter my daily life! My love for animals is almost as strong as you know!

Hoping you're taking full advantage of your passions, and staying Literally In The Moment!!

CoverGirl photo courtesy of BzzAgent & CoverGirl!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Valspar~ Love The Look ~ Love The Paint!!


With anticipated thoughts of Spring just around the corner, are you planning to paint or remodel a room in your own home? I recieved my Valspar sample the beginning of February, and I was impressed. Of course I'm already a fan of Valspar paints and colors because I used Valspar paint previously 2 years ago on our Purple Bathroom Remodel. The light purple we used is still very appealing to this day!!

Valspar is giving away free sample kits which include a 7.7 Fl Oz paint sample in the color of your choice, color chip, coordinating colors envelope, rollers, and a coupon for $5.00 off your next gallon of Valspar paint. You can't beat that for a great advertising deal, and you can even try out a color that you choose. Hurry over to get your Free Sample kit, I believe the kits are still being offered!

After much debate, I chose the color Dancing Rose-1005-6A, which is the first color to the left in the color chip pictured above. Valspar offers you a choice of a million rainbow colors!! It's like literally being in a color candy store, and believe me there's no lack of choices here!! You'll find it difficult to pick one, as all are so inspiringly beautiful. I dare you to try to pick one!!!

You can trust in Valspar to give you a quality paint, and most of all a finished look you'll cherish for many years to come. I can say from my own experience with Valspar~ You'll love the look, and Love the Paint!!

Go grab your sample and let me know what color you decided on. My whole house really needs done. With the cost of living prices and gas on the rise, I'll have to settle for one room at a time! :)

Think EARLY Spring and stay right here Literally In The Moment!!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Soap.Com Find Ease Of Shopping From Home!



A little over a week ago, I happened upon a wonderful new new shopping site called Soap.com. On the day I ordered they had a special promotion of half off on Pantene products, and also buy any Aussie product and get an Aussie styling product free. They only ran this special for one day!

My order before promotion code was $25.85 so it qualified for free shipping. I purchased a 25.4 fl oz Color Preserve Volume hair condition, a 25.4 fl oz Color preserve shine conditioner, a 12 fl oz color preserve smooth conditoner, a fine hair anti-breakage detangler 8.5 0z, an Aussie catch the wave mousse, and received a 10oz Aussie hair spray for my free product!!

The cost of one 25.4 oz Pantene hair conditoner went down to $3.78. I usually purchase my hair conditioner at Walmart, which is running these same hair conditioners online for $5.97. A savings of about $2.20 per bottle at Soap.com. I received $10.00 off my order because the promotion was for up to $10.00 off Pantene products. Still for $17.00 I made out like a bandit, and was able to stock up on our favorite hair products!! The biggest plus, I did it all from the convenience of my own home, and with the price of gas to travel 10 or more miles one way to my nearest Walmart was a huge savings in itself!

I receved my products in two days as promised, each product exactly as I ordered. I had a mix up with my free Aussie product and emailed their customer service. They got back to me almost immediately and called me to straighten out my order. I was very pleased with their service, and most of all the savings I received from their great promotion!!

Soap.com run by Marc Lore, and Vinit Bharara was created in 2010 "to make life easier for people." Soap.com has a 1-800 number for your convenience, a liberal return policy, take manufacture coupons, and offers free 1- 2 day shipping on orders totaling $25 or more. What more could you ask for in an online shopping site.

You can bet, I'll be searching for more tremendous deals to stock up on Soap.com!!

*This was not a paid review, but a shopping experience I wanted to share with you!*

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Southern Alleghenies Ligonier Regional Juried Art Exhibition Photos 2011!

Upon leaving the 2011 Ligonier Icefest last Sunday, we headed over to view the fine art displayed in the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley. Featured there was the 15th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The exhibit was a beautiful delight to the eyes, and below is only a handful of my favorite pieces in this exibition. Click photos for larger view!!



*M4d0nn4,* by Artist Sam Howard was my overall favorite. A wonderful Oil painting so full of vibrant color, and the madonna like portrait girl resembles my sweet niece Megan right down to her pouty lips and puppy like eyes. Could definitely be her twin!! This equisite art piece grabbed me as soon as I walked in the door. The photo is 24x 18 and Not For Sale!!


Another stunner was *Regal Duo* done by Elizabeth Asche-Douglas. Excellent facial textures added wonder dimension to the faces in her portrait. Photo 12 x 12 done in Ultrachrome ink w/acrylic platform and is for sale at $750.00.


*Jackie* by Norma Rowley also grabbed at my heartstrings, as I've a deep softspot for Labs, and this baby reminds me of my beloved Sampson RIP. I apologize for all the reflections as the lighting at the museum is very bright, and bounces off the glass of the portraits. The photo is clean and sharp, right down to every hair on Jackie shinny fur coat. Photograph is a digital photo-enhanced like the majority of the photos I take here on Literally In The Moment. Photograph measures 13 3/4 x 13 3/4 and sells for $250.00.


*Kamala's Flower* by Karen Ferrick touched on a femine side with her lovely pink lotus flowers, and gorgeous green reflections. A grand size photo done in devine pastels, measuring 40 x 19 and sells for $1,200.00


In conclusion *Passion Flower* by Melinda Myers Grass was another awesome flower portrait to draw my eyes into. Pretty pastel colors and finest detail of the flower stamens and stigma!! This oil on panel portrait measures 12 x 16, and sells for $500.00.

The exhibit features many more talented artists, and I highly recommend a trip to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. You'll be very pleased at the exhibit, and who knows you might want to buy one or two for your art collecting pleasures!!
I'm excited to report, I received my new red camera last week, and will be tweaking and studying to get the right shots I desire!

Stay tuned to Literally In The Moment for more exciting photographs and stories.

*All Photographs copyright of their prospective artists please do not use without permission from the talented Artists.*

All Portraits ~Photographed by Jo ~

View another Exhibit I photographed at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art here:

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Ligonier PA Ice Sculptures 2011 Ice Fest Photos!


Zero degree windchills didn't prevent folks from attending the 20th annual Ligonier ice fest. The sun was deceiving today on this frigid Sunday afternoon, where the professional ice carvers from DiMartino Ice were busy creating their amazing ice sculptures, displayed on the Diamond in Ligonier PA. Folks were bundled in their warmest winter clothing, braving the cold to gaze at the glass like creations.


This ice carver was so intense in his creation, yet I went ahead and snapped a shot of him adding his beautiful finishing details to his ice sculpture. I'm amazed at the talent which goes into every piece they work on. Below are a few which caught my eye, but there a many more gorgeous sculptures displayed throughout the wonderful section of town!


The Zebra was a stunning piece which grabbed my eye right away. Notice the excellent detail on his mane!!


The squirrel was one of my favorites too. Adorable tail and face!!


The masquerade mask was another gorgeous ice scupture decorating the walkway. Check out the feathering and mask detail totally amazing!!


The guys always create a huge piece to sit on, this year it was a magnificent sleigh. Of course I had to grab a seat. I dressed in four layers, but forgot to wear two pair of gloves so my hands were frozen taking all my pictures. As you see, I'm wearing our Steeler colors!!! Isn't the sleigh extraordinary!!

We were so cold, we ducked into Abigales Coffeehouse to grab a hot chocolate, and tried to get warm. The chocolate chip cookies were luscious.


Another favorite of mine was the angel holding a dove. Isn't she just precious?


The four hawks above were a massive and awesome display on a storefront ledge!!

The penguin was also a nice touch to a storefront display of our Pittsburgh Steeler Spirit! Hubby couldn't wait to get home to watch the game, which the Steelers won. Way to go Steeler Champions!!


Last but not least was the Gazebo Grand finale, an astonishing, gigantic bird and heart ice sculpture which reached almost to the top of the gazebo. I don't know what the 90 represents, maybe someone will comment and let me know, so I can share it with you all!

If you're in the Ligonier area, be sure to take a drive or walk on the Diamond. The scuptures should remain in tact for awhile, as our PA weather has been stuck in freezing mode since the beginning of December. Very unusually cold for so long, but perfect weather for the beautiful ice scuptures to survive!! Thanks to the talented ice carvers from DiMartino Ice for another awesome display of their beautiful ice sculptures!!

Been busy the last 3 months, sadly lost a loving member of our animal family. Will post about it sometime in the future as our hearts slowly heal. My camera has been on the brink, I fear this is the last post my camera will take. I ordered a new one should come this week. We also stopped at the museum after the ice fest.

I'll have to make another post of the art exibit we saw, so stay tuned and stay right here Literally In The Moment.
View More of my Ice Fest photos from the past two years here:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

URGENT LA, CA!! MYA Female Blue Pit Bull Terrier Needs Adopted or Rescued ASAP!!



**URGENT**Mya Id#A1129051 is a beautiful female blue Pit Bull Terrier in need of adoption or rescue. Maya is very sweet dog, walks well on a leash, takes food gently, and is good around other dogs per LA Animal services! Maya is 6 years old, and weighs 67lbs. HURRY Contact ASAP For Maya Id#a1129051~ You can tell Mya has an incredible personality!! Mya lived with a family for 5 years!!! Here's Mya's wonderful Video:



If you can help Mya please contact immediately:

LA City Animal Services -
West LA 11361 West Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 213 792 5811
Name: Samantha Westbrook
email: ani.newhopewla@lacity.org

Dogs In Danger Link: http://www.dogsindanger.com/dog.jsp?did=1280953914049 "Make sure to include ID#a1129051 for Mya!!!!"

I've contacted a hundred wonderful rescues for Mya, but have had no luck in finding anyone to step up for her yet! I've been networking Mya on facebookfor awhile, with no sparks of interest!! Mya is very urgent, and out of time! Feel free to pass her information along to anyone who may be able to help her!

Mya is in a kill shelter, and running out of time as we speak! I want to make it clear, that the LA Animal Services has taken every opportunity to help Mya find a forever home. There're just way too many dogs in kill shelters and rescues.

Please if you can help donate, become a sponsor, adopt, foster, or volunteer, contact your nearest shelter or rescue. As the economic downturn continues, so does the plight for thousands of homeless animals!! I'm passionately trying to get their stories out there, they need an extra voice to help them!! If you're looking for a new pet, look no further than your local shelter, or rescue.

Thankful to these wonderful shelters, for supplying me with more information to pass along! They take excellent photos, and make videos to help each dog get the best exposure. Most of these folks are volunteers who devote their time to helping these animals get adopted!!

Look at Mya's cute face, how could anyone resist her. We can't let Mya be put down! Please help me save Mya!!!

Photos and Video courtesy of LA City Animal Services!!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Remembrance For A Beautiful Poet Friend~ James C. Hartsell ~ Wintersong



Celebration

The morning sun burns through the gray,
billowing clouds majestically
and all those winter days

when fog crept thought the flats,
like sorrow,
yield in celebration.

My nostrils suck the pungent smells
of green-grass fields
and winter's brown decay.

My soul soars high,
an eagle circling earth and sky
in self-enhancing rapture.

And in this mystic place where all things rush,
like prayers,
the world is such a lover.

@James C. Hartsell ~ Wintersong
Excerpt from Jim's book ~ Visions From The Trail

I wanted to celebrate the vast work of a beautiful Poet friend, who I met years ago on the Lovestories forum. Sadly Jim passed last Spring, totally immersed in networking urgent dogs to rescues, I just got wind of his passing. The poem above is a favorite of mine taken from his book Visions From The Trail, which Jim sent me years ago. Jim always went by the pen name Wintersong.
Jim was my mentor, every writer's friend, and celebrated life in his humble and wonderful artistry of words, stories, and photography. Jim had an uncanny eye for imagery, beauty, and a wonderful humor that left a smile to all of us here in the internet writing world. Jim had many admirers, including me who was like a kid with candy reading all his new writings.
Jim was an inspiration to many poets, and will be sadly missed by all his writer friends. He had a special way of seducing words to draw you into his exceptional free spirited mind. You can read more of Jim's beautiful work here at his last writing stomping ground The Peaceful Pub ~ The Poetry of Wintersong Also the beautiful memorial pages created for Jim by The Peaceful Pub here: Wintersong's Memorial Pages Some great poetry and memorials wirtten there from some old and new friends!!!
In 2004 I wrote a poem for Jim, and had the pleasure of posting it on the Gypsywriter's forum. You must let people you love know how you feel about them. Never let a day pass by, and not tell someone how much they mean to you. I was very inspired by Jim's talent, and I let him know that he was special to me as a Poet friend. I'll never regret that, he was grateful as usual for any praise of his writing which he truly deserved.
My heart goes out to Jim's family, knowing he is still missed and will forever be! Here is the poem I wrote for my Poet friend Jim~

The Maestro

His
voice
speaks
tongues
of gold,
glimmering
sweet refrains,
painted from memory.

His
eyes..
seek
depths
immeasurable,
in perfect
sculpted metaphors,
integrated silver linings.

His
wisdom..
inspiring
literary
incantations,
eloquent words
of gifted verse,
eternally..
quilled upon my heart.

©Jo A. True-Burkholder 2004
In Loving Memory of my Poet Friend
James C. Hartsell ~~ Wintersong

Jim will always be that "eagle soaring earth and sky," and now he's flying in Heaven blessing the whole dang universe with his humorus, artistic and talented verse!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Summer's Final Reflection Photos


With Summer steadily winding down, comes the climax of many beautiful reflections. I hardly know where to start with my own. First my bountiful vegetable garden has yielded many lovely treasures. I layered my perfections on metal skewers pictured above, creating a splendid barbeque feast for our dinner tonight!

Mouth watering cherry tomatoes, zucchini, green bell peppers, pearl onions, and carrots, were all my garden veggie delights surrounding chicken breast chunks. I used a special dry rub sent to me by my good friend Nazarina, paired with a terriyaki marinade. To say the least, I couldn't grill them fast enough to fill my families plates.

I've had an abundance of greenbeans, which are still coming strong! I've frozen a good bit of these vegetables for my soups, sauces, ect for the Winter months ahead. I started drying out my sunflowers to make sunflower seeds as in the past.


My daily walks with Sierra dog has given me wonderful solitude, gazing along the countrysides of my farmer friends farm. Isn't the view just breathtaking? The corn is about a good 6 to 7ft, ready to harvest shortly. This farm goes on for miles, carrying into another farm.


The sun was setting on an evening this past week, when I shot this photo at a different angle. The soybean field directly in front of me, and the rolling hills that Pennsylvania is know for far off in the horizon. Farming is a unique and beautiful art in itself, these great folks work hard to keep this farm looking immaculate as it does.


My flowers seem to always look their most beautiful at the end of Summer, and through most of Fall. The flower plants are at their fullest and most brilliant color. My hotpink petunias just light up my flower garden with their elegant and delicate presence.


I only had one set of my purple coneflowers come back this year. These beauties are one of my favorite flowers. The birds love pecking and eating the centers out of the daisylike flowers.
School is starting in a couple days, and the nights are growing cooler. It's been a hot and humid summer, and I look forward to cooler nights walking with Sierra dog.
Soon the flowers will fade, and the leaves will start turning. But I won't rush a moment, not too fast or hastily. I'll take them as they come and revel right here Literally in the moment!!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Animal Lovers Urgent Funds Needed For Lilly Beagle!



Update 8-26-10: Lilly has found a wonderful home here in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Loving for taking Lilly into their rescue, giving her the vetting she needed, and finding her a good forever home with a wonderful family! A great ending for a dog who traveled so far, to be saved from a kill shelter!! Thanks to all involved for helping to get Lilly rescued! It was truly worth it!!

URGENT CRISIS! After all it took to get Lilly pulled and transport set up to
get her to her foster, this beautiful girl has tested NW+ PLUS has lyme. She's not doing well at all and needs to get treatment started NOW! Anyone wanting to donate towards Lilly's care can call the vet's office and contribute using a credit card over the phone to them. You can also send a check like I did by mail to:

Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital
829 Fairground Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837

C/O Kim Shuck and make sure to note it's for Lilly!
Phone Number: 570-523-3640 to inquire about her status or
treatment!

Due to the high cost of Lilly's treatmet and urgent medical needs we're grateful
to the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital for taking over Lilly's care!

I'm thankful for all who were involved in Lilly's rescue, and I'm so sadened that Lilly despite all the vet work she did have is really so sick. Lilly needs our help to get better, any amount will help her new rescue. We're still hoping for a happy ending for this special beagle!

Lilly was in a kill shelter, and I had networked her to help find rescue. Here is a post on facebook I posted previously everyone worked so very hard to rescue Lilly!

SAFE!!!Undate 7-31-10 Lilly Dog IS SAFE!!! Lilly is now in transport with her foster mom Robin!!It's been a busy week, from transport networking California to Virginia, and finally here to Pennsylvania for a lovely hound who needed rescued for over a month!! Thanks to Lilly's Rescue Julie from Forever Home for pulling Lilly, Katrina Transport Coordinator for putting together a transport in less than two days, Courtney from Bonnie Blue Rescue for pulling and boarding Lilly In Va, Transporters Kate, Eric, Ariel and Robin for transporting and Fostering Lilly, Melissa at New Kent Shelter, and to my buddy Linda who helped me to rescue and keep our Lilly dog Safe!! Robin promised updates. Thank you all for Networking Lilly!!

Anyone willing to donate to Lilly's urgent medical care please do so, no amount is too small! Thanks Kindly Jo ~

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The End Of A Swimming Era!



Sadly our Esther Williams pool of 16 years has bit the dust! All my beautiful memories are going to the scrap yard! I was pregnant with my first child when we purchased this pool. It's been through 2 generations of dogs, and most recently my nephew and great nephew. We enjoyed many wonderful summers in this pool, and I'm certainly going to miss our favorite summer recreation right in our own backyard. We were going to purchase a new liner, and upon examing the walls my hubby found a bunch of pin holes all through them.

It couldn't of happened at the worse time, as we're experiencing one of the hottest summers here in PA. We've spent a lot of the past month, driving over to my sister's house to swim in her pool. Though it's been really nice to go there, it's not like swimming right out our own back door! Winter took it's toll on our roof, so we had to have all the shingles replaced this Spring. So purchasing a new pool is quite out of the question.

I've been having a run of bad luck for the past two weeks. I fell one day while walking Sierra dog, along a country field and almost broke my arm and wrist. The ground was so hard, it might as well have been cement. My wrist is still black and blue almost halfway down my arm. Of course I didn't go to the doctor, and have been nursing myself. Still walking Sierra 5 days a week, very gently I may say. Still doing all my chores slowly and gently! To say the least my spirit has been broken, and I know I must be very careful in my footing from now on. I push myself very hard always, and most things can't bring me down. But the pain has gotten to me this time!!

Our luck changed today when a friend of ours stopped over. It just so happens he had an extra pool, and he decided to give it to us. He had moved and thought he lost some pieces to it, and bought another pool. In the meantime, he found the lost pieces. It's a round pool not like our oval, but we'll still be able to swim. My hubby went and picked up the pool this evening.

I'm not sure if we'll get the pool up this Summer, because we want to move it to another location. Where we had the pool before, the leaves would always come in and make it turn green!! Too many trees, shedding too many leaves, especially during thunderstorms!! Plus with my bum arm, I'm limited to how much I can help!! Yet I sure would like to have the pool up and running, as the temps don't seem to be going down anytime soon! Unfortunately Summer is halfway over already.

Time sure flies, how's your Summer going so far! Our vegetable garden is coming along, with beets, zuccini, onions, radishes, and garlic. My flower garden is blooming beautifully too, and those glorious Sunflowers are back! Still working hard on the animal front. A reminder to keep all your pets cool in these hot Summer months!!

Stay right here Literally In The Moment with more updates to come!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

We Deserve The Chance To Live ~ Poem For Urgent Dogs On Death Row!!



We Deserve The Chance To Live ~ (Poem for Urgent Dogs On Death Row)

Who will love me when I’m abandoned,
when all my hope is stripped away?
Where do I turn when I feel lonely?
Begging to live just one more day.

Who will embrace the sorrow in my eyes.
Speak out all the words I cannot say.
Hear my silent, frightened cries.
Begging to live just one more day.

Who will finally come to my rescue,
during my last dying hour I pray..
My worthy cause will not be forgotten.
Deserving to live just one more day.

Who will mourn my undue passing?
Never knowing the love I had to give.
Show me great miracles can still happen,
Because we all deserve the chance to live.

©Jo A. True-Burkholder 2010


In Memory of Missy tan dog pictured and all shelter dogs who are euthanized everyday. I’ve been networking Mystery aka Mister for the past two weeks, her momma Missy was euthanized on June 18, 2010. I was so affected by this beautiful and vibrant dog's death, that I decided to make them the poster dogs for my mission to bring awareness to the plight of Death Row Dogs. I was determined that Mistress would not have the same fate as her momma. I feel I let Missy down, her face will forever haunt me and remain on my pages, because I found her link a day too late.

Be a miracle~ please help me save Urgent Dogs On Death Row!! To bring worldwide awareness to their untimely plight, and ultimately to help save their lives. Did you know that one dog or cat is put down every 8 SECONDS according to the HSUS? This is an astonishing amount of dead dogs and cats littering our shelter trash bins!! Most like Missy are young, healthy and would make a great family pet!!

Join me in my passionate mission to save literally millions of beautiful healthy dogs and cats waiting desperately to be rescued, fostered, sponsored, and adopted!! So many of them go unnoticed like Missy and her baby Mystery. Their faces get lost because there're so many urgent dogs and cats filling our shelters daily.

Missy’s daughter Mystery has been rescued and given the chance, that both of them truly deserved. I had the pleasure of networking out this adorable pup only 4 months old. Contacting close to 60 rescues, a wonderful rescue has committed to taking Mistress and not a day too soon. I'm learning so much about what goes on behind rescue scenes and have profound respect for all involved. We had a circle of rescue ladies from 5 different states, hustling to make Mystery’s rescue possible including her shelter. She's now safe with her foster mom in Georgia, soon to be transported by ARF to her rescue in Minnesota!

Please make your sponsor donations, or help with transport or medical costs. Most shelters just simply don’t have funds to pay for all these costs. Some dogs simply need medical treatment to make them available for rescue or adoption. A large majority of shelters need funds to cover medical costs, and like Missy may be put down for an oversight cost of medical attention!!

We can’t let this happen to such beautiful souls, who have so much love to give us. Your dollars can be the only difference, between their life and death. Mystery is one lucky pup, and we almost didn't make it to save her. We couldn't help to save her momma, but I can rest knowing her sweet orphan puppy lives!!!


Thanks to some very special rescue ladies, her shelter coordinator, and foster mom, Mystery is SAFE!!! Mystery is a temp name, until she reaches her rescue!!

View 8 Rescued Dogs I helped to feature on my blog and facebook!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Marriage Twenty Years In The Making~ Photos Then And Now!


June 2, 2010 marked our twentieth wedding anniversary. Time sure flies, and so much has happened in twenty years. We were a stunning young couple back then, working hard for our future together. I can't say it has been total bliss, or a storybook marriage. There were times I thought to leave, but stayed because of my deep love for my husband and child. I couldn't survive in a loveless relationship, or one which lacks passion and intimacy. I think most couples go through rough times, and if they're lucky come out together even stronger and closer.

If I can say one thing we lacked was taking time for ourselves to nourish our relationship. Helping family, kids, and work always came first. It was almost if we eventually didn't have real time for each other.

If I could share a word of wisdom it would be make time, before it's too late. Before you just become friends, and not lovers anymore! That doesn't mean just sex either, although intimacy is very important too.

It's just the little jestures I miss, like the long French kisses, a hug now and then, and just plain hand holding! Yes I did marry my best friend, but I can find a friend anywhere. Like the Lady Gaga song goes "I want your love, I don't want to be friends!"

I want it all, just like so many other women out there, alittle bit of the fairytale dream wouldn't hurt!! No one is perfect and I'm far from it. It takes a lot of patience and love to stay commited to each other. True love will always prevail, and you must work at it!! I always like a good fight, making up is the ultimate pleasure!!


Still the love of my life even after twenty years. There is no other man I'd rather be with.

Before we left, I wanted to venture back to our special day at the church, where the wedding photos above were taken by the fountain. As you can see the water is not running! The Mother Mary statue is still as beautiful as it was then. I hope to rescan my wedding photos at a later time, as my scanner is getting old and my bigger photos came out distorted. The reason I had to use smaller images than usual. The photos have a special finish to preserve them, and my scanner picked up on the coating!



We celebrated with a long awaited romantic weekend last weekend. We took a long drive into Pittsburgh and stayed at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel where the Gateway Clipper tours up and down the three rivers.
It rained so hard the whole time we were there, and we were under tornado watches. We worried about home, as we're putting on a new roof!! The shot above taken from our hotel room dark clouds looming! The beds were very comfortable, and the room was very nice. We had dinner at McCormick & Schmick's, of course I had seafood, and the food was fabulous! My honey surprised me with a beautiful tiger ring, that I had wanted!

The Pittsburgh Pirate game was sold out, so we went to check out the new Rivers Casino.
The casino was beautiful inside, and part was still under construction. We needed a players club card to play the slots, and the line was at least an hour wait. So we just looked around and left!

We took a wrong turn on the highway and I saw my life flash before my eyes as we crossed three lanes of traffic. So glad to be back at our hotel, we decided to drive no further. We walked around Station Square, and the fireworks at the Pirate Game were lighting the sky. The Hard Rock Cafe was just down the block from our hotel, so we walked there! A band played Fleetwood Mac, and they were good, but the Doors tribute band wasn't so hot. We left and called it a night, after a couple drinks.



The weekend seemed to go so fast, just like the flash of the last twenty years. Glad to be back where the parking is free, and not $3.00 an hour. The city is beautiful to visit, but we don't belong there!! I belong here on the beautiful countrysides walking Sierra dog, along this beautiful dairy farm above. I'm older now, enjoying the peaceful life, here where natures view is always beyond breathtaking!!
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