Pipe Zen - A Thread Based in Appreciation

I have always been someone who has a deep appreciation for the little things. Sittin around, drinkin beer, smoking good leaf and just soaking up the good stuff in life. I thought it might make a nice thread to have our BOTL's to share what makes them happy. Post a picture, write about it, whatever you want.

A few weeks ago I came into some extra cash (found a Benjamin in one of my coat pockets haha) so I road to the store with my lady, bought some king crab, clams, and shrimp (2 pounds each), and a case of beer.

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I could have easily saved the money, paid bills or whatever, and forget I ever had that hundred dollar bill. But I took it as a sign and decided to live a little bit.
There I was, drinkin beer, listening to music, and smoking a pipe full of Odyssey...and I couldn't help but think, this is what it's all about. What could be better than this?

I encourage you all to share a moment you really appreciated, big or small. I think it's good for everyone to appreciate things a little more, even if it's for a brief moment reading about another person's experience.

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. :pipe:

Friday night at the folks place. Listening to some country music, and having some good 'ol country cookin on the stove!

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Pan fried pork chops and finished in gravy made from the drippings...and you can't have country without a little stump whiskey and some nice leaf!

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Smoking some more G. L. Pease Odyssey in the Bjarne Viking and catching up on a few cases I left hanging.
Happy Friday, Brothers and Sisters.
Have a drink for me!

The Zen like repetitive motion of hand sanding a blade I'm finishing. There's a lot of urrrgh then the finish pops through. It's very meditative.

My favorite slice of pipe zen, or cigar zen for that matter usually comes from lounging in the backyard on those few nice days we get here in NY. Just kicked back with something to smoke, a big glass of lemonade and watching my dogs chase each other around the yard.

Sometimes it gets switched up with a bonfire, or throwing something tasty in the smoker or on the grill, but there is always one constant. That nice relaxation that can only come from being outside on a nice, warm day with nothing else to do. Hopefully sometime in the next few months I can get back to enjoying that.

Stupid winter mucking up my happy place.

My pipe Zen is all over the board.

It could have nothing to do with even smoking a pipe. I love restoring estates and preserving history...so just simply working on an old pipe, repairing it, hand sanding and buffing the stems....it is all very relaxing and rewarding to me. Doing it with a pipe in mouth is just an added bonus.

During the spring/summer, often times a pipe can be found in my mouth while out gardening. Another relaxing hobby.

There is of course hanging out with my brother and enjoying some fine brews or bourbons while working our way through many bowls...usually well into the early early hours of the morning.

Then of course there are the quiet moments when I can be alone, usually either writing or reading a book. Nothing beats the tranquility and relaxation of a man lost in his own thoughts with a pipe firmly clenched in his jaw.

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Originally Posted by Branzig

My pipe Zen is all over the board.

It could have nothing to do with even smoking a pipe. I love restoring estates and preserving history...so just simply working on an old pipe, repairing it, hand sanding and buffing the stems....it is all very relaxing and rewarding to me. Doing it with a pipe in mouth is just an added bonus.

During the spring/summer, often times a pipe can be found in my mouth while out gardening. Another relaxing hobby.

There is of course hanging out with my brother and enjoying some fine brews or bourbons while working our way through many bowls...usually well into the early early hours of the morning.

Then of course there are the quiet moments when I can be alone, usually either writing or reading a book. Nothing beats the tranquility and relaxation of a man lost in his own thoughts with a pipe firmly clenched in his jaw.

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I guess this is what I meant, I titled the thread "Pipe Zen" because this is the pipe side of the forum and I often reminisce while smoking.
if getting your hands a little dirty, or just shootin the shit with your buddies is what you like (no smoking required) I'd still like to hear about it.

You reminded me of a night about a year or so ago that my big brother, an avid beer brewer and hobbyist had his first pipe with me. It was so refreshing to talk about nuance and technique whether it be dedicating pipes for certain blends or different mashing styles for brewing/distilling. That was a really cool night..for me at least...to just sit around the fire and spend time drinking brews with my brother. Good stuff.

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Originally Posted by LandonColby

You reminded me of a night about a year or so ago that my big brother, an avid beer brewer and hobbyist had his first pipe with me. It was so refreshing to talk about nuance and technique whether it be dedicating pipes for certain blends or different mashing styles for brewing/distilling. That was a really cool night..for me at least...to just sit around the fire and spend time drinking brews with my brother. Good stuff.

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That is what it is all about my brother. Relaxing and spending time with others. Nothing beats it.

And if you don't have craft brews to share with your buds, always remember, cobs and 40's are the most Zen-ful thing on this Earth.

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8cvqekdu.jpg

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Originally Posted by Branzig

That is what it is all about my brother. Relaxing and spending time with others. Nothing beats it.

And if you don't have craft brews to share with your buds, always remember, cobs and 40's are the most Zen-ful thing on this Earth.

http://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8cvqekdu.jpg

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Hahaha me and my siblings have had more than a few nights where everyone gets a couple 40's duct taped to their hands. Not allowed to pissed til you're done!

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Originally Posted by LandonColby

Hahaha me and my siblings have had more than a few nights where everyone gets a couple 40's duct taped to their hands. Not allowed to pissed til you're done!

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edward 40 hands! lol that game sucks lol! think it isnt that bad till you actually do it. I need to drink quick before it get s warm or im screwed!

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Originally Posted by cbr310

edward 40 hands! lol that game sucks lol! think it isnt that bad till you actually do it. I need to drink quick before it get s warm or im screwed!

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We should all get together for a forum meet n greet but play that! To mix it up we have to clench a pipe the whole time.
...after 80 ounces of beer and a bowl of tobacco I think we'd all make friends rather quickly.

I think we'd all make sick rather quickly...

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Originally Posted by mooster

I think we'd all make sick rather quickly...

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Not me!

Take that as you will....

And if you judge, I've never stuck a tin in a crockpot before :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mooster

I think we'd all make sick rather quickly...

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Oh come on, Mark.. You'd have loads of fun, I promise!
and if you play your cards right I just might share some tasty old Red Rapparee with you...just maybe..;)

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Originally Posted by Branzig

I've never stuck a tin in a crockpot before :D

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I can do things sober that takes other men at least three beers to even think of doing...

My pipe zen is when I'm out on a trail, top down on the Jeep, just exploring. I love going places that the average Joe doesn't even know exist. Once the trail runs out I'll hike for a bit and just enjoy nature.

Aside from off-roading (don't hate guys, I'm a "Tread Lightly" guy and I don't sling mud) my other hobbies are reading and writing poetry (this occurs only when my "muse" strikes). I'll leave you guys with a couple samples, one from my time in Afghanistan and the one I just wrote yesterday. Note the differences:

Mortars, rockets all around,
Smoke and fire upon the ground.

Wild eyes and combat stress,
What I'd like is just to rest.

But up at dawn without a break,
A cup of coffee I must take.

A little time to settle down,
And puff this flakey leaf of brown.

Oasis for the weary soul,
Contained within this little bowl.

For a while the world is nice,
As I puff this piece of paradise.

Now I'm done but wanting more,
I go to face this place of war.

It waits for me while I must roam,
This pipe of mine and thoughts of home.




Chasing dreams across the night
No one here understands my plight.
Nine minutes more to close my eyes
I try to rest but it’s all just lies.

Memories that fade upon the clock
Plague my dreams while sleep they mock.
Eyes full of sand when eyelids grate
Upon the ringing of the clock I've grown to hate.

A drunken stumble toward the hall
When dreams escape the mind’s prison walls.
Imploring I grasp at threads of thought
To just remember why I’m so distraught.

Water plays upon my head
Washing away those thoughts of dread.
Soap and rag may cleanse the night
But weary eyes still know the sight.

My soul is tired, longs for relief
But every night I relive grief.
In my dreams I see them gathered
Bodies broken, torn, and battered.

I feel such guilt, feel so alone
For being the one to make it home.
My brain knows well these thoughts are wrong
But my heart still grieves for those that are gone.

“Time heals all wounds” the people say
But they weren't there for my darkest day.
They didn't send a friend to die
They didn't see fire in the sky.

“War is hell” I've heard them tout
But they weren't there when Hell came out.
They didn't hear a brother’s last breath
They didn't join in the dance of death.

A jagged night I've clearly spent.
My soul is raw and my mind is rent.
But I offer my prayer to the One who knows
The One who’s been there and received the blows.

Help me, Lord, to face this day
When all my thoughts are shades of gray.
Help me see the color of light
After such a long and sleepless night.

Take these thoughts of guilt and despair
And replace them with hope and warm, fresh, air.
It’s Winter now, in my soul
And I long for Spring to come take hold.

Thank you, God, for being right here
When, in my darkness, I cried out in fear.
You brought me home, you have a reason
That thought alone helps me through this season.

Wow! @Chris0673 Very beautiful; and yet haunting. Thanks for sharing.
Peace be with you.