The Angel’s Share

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I was checking out an Irish distillery (long story…) when my eyes fell upon the words The Angel’s Share. Which turns out to refer to the 1% of alcohol lost through condensation during whiskey’s distillery process.

It may also refer to other forms of alcohol production too, but I was not that interested.

But the words somehow resonated for me. As if my cheek had been brushed by a passing angel’s wing, 

So I did a bit of research… my friend the author and teacher Loranne Brown exhorts her students to research one thing, even when writing fiction.

It turns out that the phrase The Angel’s Share had been used as the title for a novel, at least two poems, a movie, a perfume, and a Japanese bar in Manhattan…

Readers often ask me where my ideas come from. I tell kids “In the bathroom”. Which is true in many cases. But sometimes they are like gifts that drop into my hands, my heart, my writing soul. Unsolicited, often inappropriate. But always welcome.

So I have done what I do with other such germs. Parked it. Here. And in my notebook, with some initial quick random thoughts of what it might or might not become. And why.

Then I will do what I learned long ago from a wise but forgotten teacher.

Think deeply. Then walk away.

But I will be back. Sooner or later. Here. And at the feet of the angel, to whom I will offer whatever share of my words I can spare.

Photo credit. Found unattributed in various sites online. With thanks to the original creator



Comments

  1. Anonymous9 September 2024 at 13:32

    I love everything about this post, Lois, and most especially the title. I love the concept of “parking an idea.” It’s something I have always done. Sometimes I get back to these snippets years later. Sometimes not, but I love the fact that they are there percolating in the back of our brains. Sheryl

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9 September 2024 at 14:47

    Thank you, Sheryl It's always exciting to get there first comment on a blog post, and yours in most welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous9 September 2024 at 20:04

    I need to weave the Angels Share into my days, just to keep it tucked away along with other brilliant thoughts..thank you Lois, fluid writing as always, I look forward to more Angels. best Liz F

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sylvia11 September 2024 at 20:02

    When I'm an angel I want to meet your dad. And it won't be hard to recognize that angel that's siphoning off the 1%!
    Love your new blog posts! I'm a committed follower for sure.🤗

    ReplyDelete

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