I sat here in my recliner and contemplated logging into this site.  I had some reservations about putting my thoughts down on here again.  As some of you that read my blog and chatted with me in the forums know, I disappeared from the face of the earth a little over 6 months ago. 

First off, let me apologize to my brothers that I had promised that I would send some tobacco.  I do apologize and will have to make it up to you as soon as I can.  I know that you have probably forgotten but I will get it out as soon as I can.  Life takes us in some strange directions at times and things get swept back in priority.  I would go further, but I don’t think you want anymore of an explanation. 

So over the past months with everything going on I really contemplated boxing everything in my collection and sending it to one of the Brothers here on the site.  I lost my faith in my hobby, as well as everything else.  I actually went as far as boxing everything up and setting it aside to be mailed at a later date.  I sat it by the door in my bedroom so I wouldnt forget to pick it up on my way out the door the next morning.  Tomorrow never came.

I would sit on my bed in the evening and just stare at the box.  I didn’t even have any of my favorite rotations out to smoke.  I just sat there and looked at the box.  I couldn’t figure out what I was going through at the time.  Was it time for me to take a break?  Was it time for me to walk away from the one thing that seemed to be the escape that I loved the most?  I didn’t know and I was damn sure that something was wrong. 

Finally, after 6 months of contemplation I realized that the pipe was my closest friend.  I also met a woman who doesn’t mind me smoking pipes.  That made me realize that my true friend, the one that never leaves meor even says a cross word to me was needing me as much as I need it.  So today I come back.  Today, I am ready to meet my friend’s needs as it will meet mine. 

It was nice to sit on the patio and have a nice bowl.  I have never been at such peace and tranquility.  There was a slight breeze coming in from the west and it was a nice 79 degrees outside.  This to me was the perfect day to enjoy a bowl. 

So to my brothers of the briar, I say sorry….and good to see you again!

Ray