Wonderful idea for a thread.

There must be something about pipe smoking that attracts people that appreciate tranquility and the absence of distractions, or it brings that quality out in people.

Three hobbies that I am deeply invested in are; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, traditional wet shaving and obviously pipe smoking. All three of them allow me to take a break from the calamity of daily life and just live in that moment. Whether it be applying a choke (or defending one ), whipping up some lather or enjoying the subtle nuances of a meticulously crafted blend; peace is inevitably found.

Last fall I went camping in the mountains of Iwate Prefecture and was completely alone for a 30 mile radius. I sat there drinking bourbon, BBQing and puffing away on my pipe. The sizzling embers of the fire providing the symphony for serenity. Simply wonderful is the best way to describe a feeling many of you know all too well.

Time is the most precious non-renewable resource we share. The best instances are when we aren't preocupied with its utilization. Pipe smoking, for me, is one of those instances.