From: "Nathan" <?????????????????>
Subject: Re: YOUNGER SMOKERS

> I am a 22-year old student and have been smoking pipe for the last 4 
> years.  
> I would really like to get in touch with some younger pipe smoking 
> guys/students.   

I'm 20 turning 21 in December and I've been smoking a pipe for about 
a month or two now, so you are not alone.

I have found pipe smoking is more of a mind set then actually smoking.
My wife smokes Salem Cigarettes, and it relaxes her but its in a
different manor.  If she is driving and someone cuts her off, or if
anything gets her frustrated the first thing she will do is roll the
window down abit and pop one of them Salems in her mouth and suck it
down.  For her its a to cool down when she is flustered.  For me
however i don't think i could ever use a pipe in that fashion.  We
live in the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky and atleast every other
weekend go somewhere to relax.  We have a Special spot in the middle
of know where along a small pebble bank of a creek with nothing in
sight but trees.  We relax fishing, reading to each other, and usually
have a small camp fire going to roast hotdogs or marshmallows on.
When I am in the right mood i really enjoy my pipe.

As for in public, I'd have to say i don't really feel that comfortable
smoking in public.  If i was in public and the mood was right, sure
I'd probably break my pipe out.  I try make sure i have a pipe and
some tabacco nearby all the time.  Usually i just keep it in the car
when we go places, but I'd carry it with me if i thought the mood
might strike.  For instance if we were going to a nice nightclub/pub
with some light jazz or folk music (something relaxing) to have a bite
to eat, I'd probably bring it with me.  If we were going to a Mall to
go shopping I'd probably leave it in the car.  Thats just how I am.  I
think pipe smoking is for people with a seasoned mind.  I mean some
people smoke Hemp in pipes to just get High, but really as for the
Pipe Tabacco smokers i believe it is more for a long period of
relaxing, be it reading, listening to relaxing music, fishing, or just
reflecting.

Now i could be wrong on these I've only been smoking for about 1-2 months
and own 2 pipes, and have tried 5 major brand names of tabacco that i can
get locally, but then again i guess 
you wanted something from a younger aged smoker eh?

Did you mean Young as in young of mind or young of body?

> What interests me in particular is stories of how other people 
> started to smoke pipe in public while young, and also stories of how 
> they let their parents know of their smoking habit.   (I am now at 
> that uncomfortable point! - any tips will be most welcome!)

My parents live 3000 miles away.  I doubt they will know, I figure probably
in about a year or so once i find the right mix & blends to suit me, and of
course by them have a humidor, pipe rack and so one, i figure I'll just let
my mom in on it slowly.  Sorta like "Oh you didn't know" type thing.  I'd
do it in such a fashion that she would know it was habit i didn't just
pickup.  I believe if you let them in on it once you start (say in the
first month while you are still trying to find the niche) they will tend to
try to push you one way or another, either for or against tabacco.  
 
> I still find it difficult to smoke with confidence in public - 
> probably because of my age.   Can anyone help me on this?

I believe its our age.  Its society in general.  If i was in the right
setting i could smoke in public comfortably, (nightclub, or relaxing side
of lake, or maybe nice pub) however i don't think I'd feel comfortable just
smoking on the side of the road or watching a parade.  That to me seems
more like a cigarette smoker.
 
> Some of my friends (younger + older) are now keen on starting up pipe 
> smoking.   Can you tell me what age is traditionally seen as a good 
> age for young men to start?

You got me Charl.  Maybe we can run a survey.  Every send Charl the age ya
started smoking, and he can let us know the lowest, highest, mean, average,
stats for different ages etc. hehe (that is if he wants to do that :)
 
-Smoke in peace.
Nathan
?????????????????


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