Yo Adriane, I did it!

[kqdog]

Well...yes, I smoked my first bowl. Onto my second. Or is it third? I am pleased with the results, and starting slow has minimized the "ouch" of smoking so far. I still take the wisdom of the wise; it will happen.

I discovered a few things along the way, some by reading--I'm an avid reader and plan to share some book reviews from some of the pipers I've read so far and maybe other topics, if you're interested. Some has been a quick but seemingly talented response as a novice. But at my age, this sort of thing comes with time.

I take the advice of moderation seriously. Yet what moderation means for me is still unfolding. I do think pipe smoking has its risk (taking into account all the variables, right?), and because it does the idea of slow is just right for me. However, lighting and keeping the dam thing lit is a challenge and pushes me to hurry and puff. Oh wel...

Slow isn't the only consideration I've pocketed. I'm a yogi and breathing techniques before and after smoking (not immediately, of course) is definitely a good thing for me. There are various styles of breathing; I'm thinking of the slow deep ones, especially the type that can dry out any moist (good for congestion).

I've attached a spiritual element to my smoking. Not only is it relaxing, there is a history of spiritual traditions (not any one, but in general) that proves powerful to me during contemplation. Along with that, there is the ancestral piece. We are here today because of those who came before us--pipe smoking and otherwise. It pays to think of and even read about them, which raises the book read.

I've read Newcombe and plan to share a review. I'm now reading The Ultimate Pipe Book which is headed higher on my list of must reads. Newcombe has a quirk that comes out way too often, if you care to guess what that is. Hacker's Ultimate Pipe Book is informative but not too mechanical.

Later I might share about an affair I had. No, not that kind. But I already bought a sweet looking pipe that fits my more elegant style to replace my "drugstore" pipe in due time. Won't tell you what it is yet but stay tuned.

Stay well, healthy, and strong dear piper.

 

[bullet08]

Have you looked into any fundamentals of pipe smoking? Packing the bowl, drying tobacco, cadence, cleaning? They are the basics of how one loads the pipe, prep the tobacco to smoke, how to smoke and take care of the pipe. This forum is full of information. Looking into those will definitely help you with the spirituality of pipe smoking

 

[ADKPiper]

Cut me Mick!

 

[Jacob74]

You're gonna eat lightning, and crap thunder!

 

[kcghost]

You are beginning a wonderful journey. We'll be here when the going gets rough.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I'm a little disappointed, frankly.

Expected pics of the OP punching hanging steers!

 

[canucklehead]

I'll be watching my picnic basket closely.

 

[fMf Piper]

...keeping the dam thing lit is a challenge...

As a fairly new smoker this is a challenge, but it gets better with experience. Hang in there.

 

[ADKPiper]

Next you'll be chasing the chicken.

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

Welcome from NC!

 

[mso489]

Good start, plenty of energy. Don't get too much going at once. A good pipe is a retreat on its own.

 

[anotherbob]

Next you'll be chasing the chicken.

never heard it called that before. But a man has to take care of himself by himself sometimes. Or in other words I would bet he has already at least once.

 

[kqdog]

Welcome from NC!

Pleasure to meet you.

 

[kqdog]

Good start, plenty of energy. Don't get too much going at once. A good pipe is a retreat on its own.

Thank you for helping me to slow down. I think I was moving too fast. I did a second bowl after and felt a little nauseous (not much) and not quite myself. Thank you mso489

 

[PipeIT]

Welcome!

Wow, first time with a pipe cool!

Some small tips!

1. Dry tobacco somewhat crisp when starting out, just experiment, because tobacco that might be even a little moist, might not give the best results and bite.

2. Pinch a clump between index and thumb and squeeze a little, it should barely stay together, with a wee bit of moisture or not all. When in doubt, smoke a new blend fairly crisp.

3. Pack a bowl lightly, and when tamping, only use the weight of the tamper to pack it down.

4. Ash that is really white on the top, and then making it hard to light the pipe, scrap out the white ash, then you will see gray ash. Don’t take away to much gray ash, to where you start seeing black charred tobacco, because then it will taste bad relighting.

5. Keeping a pipe lit is just an idea most people think your suppose to be achieving.

Having a hard time first trying to light tobacco that is possibly a little too moist is one thing, worrying about keeping a pipe lit is another.

The latter is just a personal preference.

Also, depending on the complexity of the blend, always lit, to much heat, and constantly smoking can kill off the subtle nuances in some blends.

So depending again, on personal preferences and the blend complexity, barely lighting a blend, and only taking a few small puffs, then letting the pipe go out, cool down, then relight, is the best way to experience some blends.

And last, don’t light the bowl, in one big glowing ember, always barely light, of course all the way around, but once you can achieve getting a few small puffs, that’s it, and sip slowly, not making big clouds of smoke. Be like a Wine Taster, subtle and sipping.

Have fun!

 

[kqdog]

Welcome!

Wow, first time with a pipe cool!

Some small tips!

1. Dry tobacco somewhat crisp when starting out, just experiment, because tobacco that might be even a little moist, might not give the best results and bite.

2. Pinch a clump between index and thumb and squeeze a little, it should barely stay together, with a wee bit of moisture or not all. When in doubt, smoke a new blend fairly crisp.

3. Pack a bowl lightly, and when tamping, only use the weight of the tamper to pack it down.

4. Ash that is really white on the top, and then making it hard to light the pipe, scrap out the white ash, then you will see gray ash. Don’t take away to much gray ash, to where you start seeing black charred tobacco, because then it will taste bad relighting.

5. Keeping a pipe lit is just an idea most people think your suppose to be achieving.

Having a hard time first trying to light tobacco that is possibly a little too moist is one thing, worrying about keeping a pipe lit is another.

The latter is just a personal preference.

Also, depending on the complexity of the blend, always lit, to much heat, and constantly smoking can kill off the subtle nuances in some blends.

So depending again, on personal preferences and the blend complexity, barely lighting a blend, and only taking a few small puffs, then letting the pipe go out, cool down, then relight, is the best way to experience some blends.

And last, don’t light the bowl, in one big glowing ember, always barely light, of course all the way around, but once you can achieve getting a few small puffs, that’s it, and sip slowly, not making big clouds of smoke. Be like a Wine Taster, subtle and sipping.

Have fun!

Thank you so much. Great help. I thought I was doing something wrong. You put it in such a good perspective. I have read your post twice and plan to read it a few more. Appreciate your time PipeIt.

 

[Trainpipeman]

It is a pleasure to read about your experiences with your pipe smoking. Keep us posted as to how you are enjoying the experience.

 

[kqdog]

It is a pleasure to read about your experiences with your pipe smoking. Keep us posted as to how you are enjoying the experience.

Thank you. Love the beard. Any tips you can offer will be well received. I am developing my comfort pace. Don't want to do what "the guys do." I like my own version, if you know what I mean. More of a mindful practice to understand who is the one smoking. Thank you for your comment.