1. the small, sour, blackish fruit of the blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, of the rose family.
2. the shrub itself.
3. any of various other plants of the genus Prunus, as a shrub or small tree, P. alleghaniensis, bearing dark-purple fruit.
Some months ago, a long-time friend (the term "old" does not apply nor does it convey the immense value of the relationship) suggested that I should spend some time writing creatively. Over many long nights and lazy days spent with strangers, friends, and family, the stories and ideas tend to cross one's path readily enough.
"Sloe", as described, is a berry (a pungent one), or a small shrub or tree. Unless you are a botanist or a connoisseur of spirits, you would not know that it is the essence of the berry that is used for flavoring gin. Like the more common juniper berry, it's pungent quality make the essence of the blackthorn berry ideal for bringing out flavor and complementing what accounts for a rather lackluster spirit (gin is simply a distilled spirit, like corn, grain, or potato liquor, before flavoring). It is the small element in solution which makes the bulk of something more mundane distinctive and memorable.
Time, and how we spend it, is a good comparison. For most of us, our days and nights are filled with regularity, but highlighted or enriched by something different or out of the ordinary. Sometimes these events are planned and scheduled, and sometimes they are spontaneous. They may be grand or petite, lengthy or momentary. However they manifest themselves, they inspire or instill a need to examine and reflect upon the occurance. These transpirations are the essence of our distilled time.
I am hopeful that "Sloe Time" will allow both the writer and reader to walk away with the essence of a moment well spent and and enjoyed.
Will R. Dean
06/18/2014
