Methodical Musings

Recently I began a foray into the world of pipe smoking. Of course, I will deny avidly that this has anything to do with my infatuation with Sherlock Holmes. Of course it has nothing to do with this!

What follows are my thoughts on my first experiences.

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While I’ve never considered smoking, for some reason pipe smoking has somewhat fascinated me. Perhaps it is the artistic side to the entire process. A beautiful pipe is packed with your favorite tobacco, tamped down, lit, and then enjoyed while musing about life.

I discovered a little Cigar Shop on Hubbard street in Chicago and proceeded to head down to purchase my first pipe. I confess I was slightly nervous (just like my first time purchasing alcohol): I don’t know why, really. It was all new. The sweet smell of the cigars could be perceived outside the smoke shop door and upon entering I was greeted with a sophisticated atmosphere.

The owner showed me to a case of pipes, neatly displayed. I proceeded to inspect them. I was honestly surprised at the variety. There are some really small pipes! Well, I carefully picked a very Sherlockonian looking pipe (it was about $20) and then proceeded to the front counter with the owner. There we picked out some sweet cavendish tobacco, some pipe screens, pipe cleaners (odd that as a child I never knew what these were for), and a fancy little lighter. Total came to around $40.

Not bad really, especially when one considers the tobacco has lasted me at least two weeks now.

I then proceeded home, quite excited, with my Cigar Shop bag in hand. When I arrived I tried my first hand at packing and lighting the pipe.

This is not easy. I had read online to only fill the pipe half full when it is new (for some untold reason). So I carefully packed in half a pipe worth of tobacco and used the fancy lighter to get it going. After several tries I got it to the point where it stayed lit for longer than 30 seconds and proceeded to enjoy.

What can I say? What a relaxing experience! Unlike the nervous behavior often seen among those who smoke cigarettes, I felt calmed, serene, and deeply thoughtful. The smoke does have a unique and sweet taste. I carefully made sure not to inhale, but only to let it enter my mouth.

While I do know the dangers of getting cancer, I would rather avoid lung cancer, to say the least.

What is ironic about this is that while pipe smoking is serene and beautiful – in its way – I suppose I could die. But in my mind, how is this any different than any other dangerous hobby – like skiing or bicycle racing or jogging on busy streets?

In the end I feel I have found a new friend. It is quite relaxing to get home from work and absorb a bowl of tobacco.

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“I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgement in all human affairs.”  -  Albert Einstein