T-L Spencer: Dreaming, Writing, Reading

In loving memory of one of the cutest cats... Warm and rested by the fire, Dark with aubern, her thick fur glowed. Her presense calm in quiet slumber Watching embers fade. Those she loved around her always, Laughing at her chatter. Small but large were her demands, Cute and inane banter. In the dark her green eyes glistened, Pierced into the soul. She never like the policeman coming, Hissing from the bed. Her footbaall skills unparallelled, Despite her timid nature She always gave it all she had, The ball did not escape her. Sleeping curled on daddy's lap, Resting with eyes closed No one would disturb her there, Just watched her dream and doze. Gone from the world to a better place Where there is no pain, Only happiness and joy, She waits to see you again. To Cuddles, the persian. May you forever play in fields and catch mice. xxx

Lucretius told us, “What is food to one, is to others bitter poison.” Dating as far back as to when the first spiritual and mythical beliefs were said to have been recorded, poisons have been used effectively for centuries. Our ancestors not only knew and respected the power that various plants possessed but learned wisely to use the healing, fatal and pain relieving properties to their advantage. One particular group of poisons is renowned for its painful yet rapid affects. The Solanaceae or Nightshade is one of the largest and most diverse plant families, also containing some of the most poisonous and hallucinogenic plants that have been discovered in human history. All plants in this family are toxic due to the compound found within it called tropane. Atropa Belladonna, Henbane, Mandrake and Jimsonweed are all well-known but mundane plants such as Potatoes, Tomatoes, Peppers and Tobacco are also members and just as poisonous if the leaves are taken internally. Symptoms occur wit...