A Conversation Piece

 A tobacco pipe is often a great conversation piece.  Pipe smokers were once known for being great conversationalist.  And pipe smokers were known for their mild-mannered demeanor.  I can't say this is as true today, simply because unlike the fifties and sixties when 30 million people smoked a pipe, there are only three million of us today, so we aren't as well-known as they were back then.  

I have had some of my best conversations while smoking a pipe, including conversations with family.  But most anyone would ask why or even how a pipe does this.  I have only a few word phrase to describe what a pipe does to one who smokes a pipe.  It forces us to listen.  My favorite quote about pipe smoking is from C. S. Lewis who once said that a pipe closes the mouth of the foolish.  It's not so much that a pipe smoker is more intelligent, but people who spend more time listening just seem that way.  

A pipe has taught me to listen and in many cases it has taught me to keep my mouth shut.  Quiet people just seem smarter.  But more often than not quiet people are great listeners.  Often a pipe begins a conversation.  Why?  Curiosity.  A pipe often opens a conversation with, well, the pipe itself.  Every pipe tells a story.  And sometimes the tobacco itself is a story.  

The fact is that a pipe was a fashion accessory, much like a watch or a bracele,t or even one of those large gold chains men often wear around their necks are today.  A pipe was no different.  And a discerning eye could spot the difference between a Dr. Grabow pipe and a Dunhill pipe, for example.  However, it seems now those days are long gone.   

No two tobaccos are a like.  But comments such as it reminds one of their father, grandfather, or an uncle were not uncommon.  Pipe shops all had a similar aroma, much like cigar bars today with more of a pipe aroma than cigars.  But pipe shops most always catered to the cigar smoker as well as having most brands of cigarettes in stock.  The aroma of a pipe shop was often enough to begin a conversation.  

The fact is that a pipe is often a conversation starter.  The tobacco might be secondary.  If my pipe reminded a person about a friend or relative I often will want to know more about that person who smoked a pipe.  Sometimes that person is an unforgettable character.  Today I am smoking my La Roma Valerio pipe with Tropical Export.  It might rain later today.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave