Seeing the smoke

[brian64]

@Philip: So true...great pic...seeing the smoke is a wonderful and beautiful aspect of pipe smoking for sure. Those of us who can are fortunate. I'm reminded of the scene in LOTR where Gandalf and Bilbo are sitting together blowing smoke rings...and Gandalf creates a ship out of the smoke.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAZpjWZRNAc

 

[tslex]

@ohin3:
Bob died about 15 years ago.
He lived in Rocky River (Helen Avenue) on the West Side. He was about 5-9 or so, clean shaven, slender, always wore a very short haircut. If you saw him, you'd remember: He wore little sunglasses with dark green circular lenses and -- almost always -- a beret. He had red, black, green, and fawn berets that I can recall. My Aunt Mae told him for decades that they looked silly. He used to say, "How would I know? They keep my head warm, though."
He also used to say -- EVERY time we went to a ballgame -- "Great seats. Of course, they're all great seats to me."
(Also. my apologies, I forgot a dog: Xebec was one of the four Guide Dogs Bob had during my life.)

 

[winton]

Back in college, there was a blind student. Once he asked if he could rest his hand on my shoulder so I could guide him. Within a few steps, he asked why I was limping. His sense of touch has been increased to compensate for lack of sight. I of course enjoy seeing smoke.

 

[zanthal]

@tslex - you sure were lucky to have such a relative. It's amazing how some folks can do more with a disability than half of us with full working parts.
May we never take them for granted.

 

[smooth]

I tried this years ago and was amazed. Sit in a room that is totally dark except for one light by your chair. Take a few puffs from your well lit pipe, then turn off the light next to you. Attempt to smoke your pipe, and note the changes (if any) with taste and general satisfaction for at least five minutes of darkness.
I found smoking in total darkness not worth the effort.

 

[topd]

Before reading this post, I never realized if I looked at or admired the smoke, but had to try the closed eyes thing. I found that it in fact is a big part of my smoking experience.

I have to commend tslex on the story about his uncle... Great Story! I'm assuming that he didn't smoke at the age of 10 when he lost his sight, and had to have taken it up later. I would truly be lost if I lost my sight at this point of my life.....So... (Safety Glasses on for Everything!)
TopD

 

[kamikazesasquatch]

For me, half of the enjoyment comes from being able to watch the smoke. It's mesmerizing to me. I think it's best on cool night with a full moon and no wind

 

[brian64]

@smooth: Yes, you make an important point imo...when I have attempted to smoke with my eyes closed, I've noticed that it seems more difficult to taste and smell the smoke. We tend to categorize the senses within strict boundaries with regard to their functions, but I think they actually act in concert with each other to a greater degree than we are normally aware of.
I have no doubt that someone who has been blind for a long time (or especially if from birth) has developed compensatory sensitivities in their other senses...but for those of us who do see, and are dependent upon our sight, some aspect of its function actually seems to affect taste and smell while smoking. I've tried this several times, and at first I thought it must just be my imagination, but every time I close my eyes I experience a marked reduction in both the taste and smell of the smoke. But maybe I'm just weird, I don't know.

 

[martiniman]

This is a great topic and seeing the smoke is part of the overall enjoyment.
@TSLEX - you sir, are a poet. You have painted a picture of a man we all wish we knew.
God speed Uncle Bob.

 

[tslex]

@martini, thank you for such kind words.
Bob was a unique and wonderful character and it gave me great pleasure to share him with everyone here.