Jen's+Digital+Portfolio

=Multigenre Paper=

Concept:
A paper about Charlotte, the neighborhood stray, and her kittens who now live with us. I would include factual information about the problem posed by the feral cat population along with memoir-style snippets of how Charlotte came into our lives and gave us her kittens.
 * TV News Report from Kat Knapper
 * Poem to introduce Charlotte
 * Photo Essay on the plight and problem of feral cats or caring for the litter
 * Community service announcement regarding stray cats (could be flyers, newspaper ads, "radio" broadcasts)
 * Possible repetend = telephone conversations with cat rescue organizations
 * Double voice poem: between me and Ruth

// 3-29-2011: Hi, Jen, I posted a response to your Dear Reader Letter in the discussion tab above. You've done a good job of identifying your topic and concept above, but please also include some questions that are motivating your inquiry and research efforts? What do you want to know! :) Thanks, Dr. Y // // What did I learn from this experience that would be useful for other people who want to help control the feral cat population in ways other than euthanizing the animals? Is there an answer to this problem other than euthanasia? No-kill shelters are very little help in this area because they are so overrun with cats. //

Genres:

 * 1. Introductory Letter to the Reader:**

Dear Reader,

In February of 2010, approximately ten weeks after the unexpected death of our beautiful black lab named Ben, a scruffy black kitten arrived at my backdoor begging for food. I recognized her immediately as one of the newer additions to the feral cat population in my neighborhood. Normally I would have ignored her plea, as I'd done with many other strays, because I understand that feeding the cats often worsens the problems posed by their presence in a community. This time was different. Perhaps it was due to my grief over losing Ben or the fact that this kitten's coat was the same color and bore the exact same markings as his. Or, maybe, I had read one too many endearing cat stories by James Harriott, I am not certain. For whatever the reason, on that day my heart was softened by her pitiful and mournful cries. Thus began our relationship.

She returned the following day at the same time, wailing for food. This went on for many weeks. At first, I would set out a bowl of food on my deck and move beyond reach so that she felt safe in approaching. Gradually, I moved in closer until one day I was able to hold her, brush her, and apply flea and tic repellent. Over that time she went from a boney kitten with a dull coat to a healthy looking animal with shiny fur. I named her Charlotte for no reason other than I really liked the name. She would come to the back porc h when I called and would happily spend an hour sitting in my lap while I read in my chair.

The time had clearly come to take full responsibility for Charlotte. My neighbors even knew her by name. Although she would climb into my chair and sit on my lap, she had never allowed me to pick her up. So, I carefully devised a plan to get her to the vet for a vaccinations and to have her spayed. One afternoon, just before her regular visit, I sat in my usual spot on the deck and spread a large towel across my lap. When she arrived and climbed up on my lap to visit, I quickly and tightly wrapped her in the towel and set the unhappy bundle inside a cardboard moving box. After securing the box with tape, I loaded my cargo into the car and headed to a nearby clinic with which I'd made an "open" appointment.

She utterly terrorized the staff at the clinic, but they were finally able to examine her closely enough to discover that she was about to have kittens. In fact, they were due any day. It seems she was doing a bit more than just filling out. So, I returned home, pregnant cat in tow, without the benefit of vaccines or sterilization. The kittens were born under our neighbors deck two nights later during a storm. It wasn't long before she moved the five balls of fluff, two black and three grey tigers, to a cluster of vinca vine under a pine tree in my backyard.

Instead of one resident stray, I now had six. This is when my education on the problem of feral cat over population began. Please consider what follows as a tale of caution and encouragement. I hope that it will both entertain and inspire.

Beggar at My Backdoor
 * 2. Poem:**

With loud mournful cries She arrives at my backdoor Adhering to hobo etiquette To weak to rummage the dumpster Or stalk squirrels as they raid winter stores

Her black coat is shabby Insufficient protection from the cold Scruffy patches accentuate the bony frame beneath Yet the grace with which she moves Suggests refinement reminiscent of better times

Cautiously she approaches Anxious to taste my offering, A small bowl of cream warmed in the microwave,.....


 * 3. Newspaper Article**

[[file:Cats Invade Cary.pdf]]

 * 4. Double Voice/Multi-voice poem**



Cultivating domesticated kittens in your garden is simple and rewarding. Using our easy 5 step method, you will attain furry little low maintenance companions that will inexpensively control the pests that damage your lawn, shrubs, and flowers for years to come. No special training is required and even the most novice gardner will experience success with initial attempts.
 * 5. Cultivating Domesticated Garden Kittens: A Better Homes and Gardens Primer for the Novice Kitten Gardner**
 * Draft 1**

What You Will Need: A garden A patch of nesting material, vinca or ivy, preferably in a sheltered corner of the yard Two cans of powdered kitten formula Several bottles with nipples One large pet crate
 * note: long sleeve shirt, pants, and gloves recommended

Step 1: Attracting feral cats to your garden. Most gardens contain natural enticements for feral cats. Wild cats will venture over walls or fences in the pursuit of their favorite culinary delights. Adding decorative features like animal feeders, bird baths, and Koi ponds will make your garden more attractive to feral cats by distracting their prey and ensuring productive hunting.

Step 2: Preparing your garden to receive kittens. For most gardeners, the thought of allowing vines access to carefully manicured beds seems sacrilege; however, doing so is absolutely necessary to provide alluring nesting areas for expecting female cats. Sheltered areas such as those created by a corner juncture of fencing, a low growing tree, or a large shrub are ideal. Vines growing in these areas will provide comfortable bedding for the mama and her litter.

Step 3: Removing the kittens from the mother’s care. While this may seem cruel, separating the kittens from their mother is a critical step in cultivating domesticated garden kittens. Kittens remaining with their mother too long learn feral behaviors and cannot be domesticated. You will want to accomplish this extraction between three and four weeks after their arrival. In case you are uncertain of the delivery date, remove the kittens from the nest once they attempt to stand and take tentative first steps. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the kittens while the mother is present. It is best to wait for her daily hunting expedition. Furthermore, although it is unlikely the kittens will scratch of bite at this tender age, wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, and gloves is recommended.

Step 4: Nurturing kittens. The kittens will need to be kept indoors for approximately two months. It is not necessary to give them free reign in your home. A large pet crate, animal pen, or laundry room will provide safe lodging. The kittens should be gentled handled on a regular basis to ensure domestication. In the beginning, they will enjoy long naps nestled in your arms after eating. By eight weeks of age, they will become quite playful with each other but will have little interest in toys.

Contrary to popular belief, cats are lactose intolerant and should not be fed products containing milk. Instead, kitten formula purchased at your local pet store provides the best nutrition for your domesticated garden kitten. Some kittens will adapt quickly to lapping formula from a bowl while others may require 7 to 10 days of bottle feeding before transitioning to the bowl. Inexpensive critter bottles and nipples are typically located at pet stores near the kitten formula. At six weeks old, it is safe to introduce canned cat food. This should be mixed with formula to produce a gruel-like substance that can be easily lapped from a bowl. Be certain to always provide plenty of fresh water for your kittens. At 8 weeks, you may introduce dry food moistened with water and completely ween the kittens from the formula.

Step 5: Preparing your kittens to return to the garden. When the kittens reach 12 weeks of age, it is time to have a qualified veterinarian administer the appropriate vaccinations and perform a simple sterilization procedure to prevent your garden from becoming overgrown with kittens. Two days after the procedure, your kittens are ready to venture outside. Any feral cats that have remained will vacate the premises once the domesticated kittens have been returned to the garden. Make certain to provide easy access to food and water. As the kittens adjust to outdoor living, they will begin to hunt the critters that used to make your gardening experience a nightmare. However, it is recommended that you continue to provide supplemental food for times when hunting may be unproductive.


 * Draft 2**

Kitten Catch-A-Story

Ingredients: 1 Queen; a female feral cat that is pregnant or in heat birds, fish, mice, and moles; a liberal supply of each water a dash of patience a towel, cleaned and fluffed a shallow box

Recipe yields 4-6 kittens

Preparation Step 1: Prepare the Queen by stuffing with a selection of organic prey*: birds, fish, mice, and moles. Water features such as bird baths and Koi ponds are time saving, dual-duty tools that keep the stuffing moist. A novice chef, not possessing these tools, must be diligent about adding water.
 * Substitution Note: store-bought kibble may be substituted for prey.

Step 2: Be patient and remember: a watched pot never boils. Feral cats are extremely fertile and, on average, produce 3 litters of kittens each year. A well fed cat is free to spend all of her time copulating. Kittens will be on the way in not time!

Baking Step 3: The Queen will become highly affectionate once the buns are in the oven. She may rub against your leg or allow you to stroke her fur, highly unusual behavior for a feral cat. Set your timer for nine weeks.

Step 4: Next, whip-up a shallow box and fill with a fluffy bath towel. Place in the nesting area - a sheltered spot the yard chosen by the Queen.

Step 5: Cooking times may vary. Be sure to check the nest frequently. When kittens are done, they will arrange themselves in a pile next to the Queen.

Serving Suggestion Step 6: Allow kittens to cool for 3 weeks. By this time, the Queen will be hunting again and will leave the nest unattended for an hour or two at a time. When she is out, carefully remove the kittens.

Congratulations! You have made your first Kitten Catch-A-Story.


 * 6. Extended Metaphor Piece**

Angel of Death

She is the twilight, Climbing up from the western horizon Engulfing the last shreds of daylight,

A stealthy huntress Seeking unsuspecting prey Stalking the weak or distracted.

She is the death knell, Ringing a silent warning Announcing impending doom,

The executioner Torturing her victims, Savoring the kill,

Leaving trophies in her wake: A severed wing, A gutted corpse.

=Three Letters Project=







=Creative Writing Pieces= 2010 Inventory January 25

I Am Poem

Writing Process Piece (Where I'm From)

From Dreams Across the Sea (Final Draft)
I am from the lanes neatly lined with yard waste bags every Tuesday morning. I am from the little flags that flutter under mailboxes surrounded by well-watered flowers. I am from picket fences and backyard barbecues, the sweet smell of hickory mingled with roses.

I am from hectic schedules posted on the refrigerator door. I am from piles of mail stacked neatly on the foyer table, strewn across the dinette, in various stages of undress on the kitchen island. I am from the land of sneakers overflowing wicker borders some seeking mates.

I am from Bob and Lynne, my father and mother, preoccupation and obsession: one with images and the other with image. I am from canvas-covered walls coated with vibrant perfumed-pigments, from palettes and easels. I am from the corner of the studio, watching my father create his art, captivated by the magic, the memory stamped upon my heart.

I am from touch football played in the side yard near the tree with seven trunks. I am from tiaras and prom gowns unearthed in basement boxes. We girls took turns with the homecoming crown. I am from too many mulberries followed by tummy aches and quiet strolls down tree-lined alleys.

I am from Grandma and Grandpa, acceptance and devotion. I am from spaetzle with beef and two varieties of pickles for Sunday supper. I am from original illustrations and elaborately constructed stories. I am from Rummy 500 played over homemade cherry pies, the cherries pitted over milk glass bowls using paper clips.

I am from Mom's beautiful gap-toothed smile and Dad's unfathomable brown eyes. I am from the dimples that mark our line. I am from dreams and plans traveled across the sea. I am from the cardboard that filled the holes in their shoes, from elbow grease powered by no complaints and no excuses. I am from "give back more than you get" and "never give up".

=Response Papers= Response Paper 1

Response Paper 2

//**Note:** Hi, Jen, You have "Inventory" posted, but none of your other creative pieces... It seems like you're posting those in your journal... You don't have to post your response papers here, but you're welcome to keep them if you'd like. Best, Dr. Y//