Sunday, September 25, 2011

Serious Commitment for Life's Simple Pleasures

"When I puff for pleasure, I'm not smoking a cigar because my body says I have to, I'm smoking a cigar because I want to." ~ David Savona, Senior Editor, Cigar Aficionado Magazine

I recently witnessed a scene at the local corner store.  I began to walk toward the checkout with the items that I intended to purchase, and a disheveled, hurried woman burst into the store and rushed in front of me.  She wasn't rude, per say, but she definitely drew attention to herself.  She ordered and paid for a pack of cigarettes.  As my turn came to pay, I turned as the woman rushed outside as quickly as she came in.  As I walked out of the store it was just in time to see this lady exhale a cirrus cloud of cigarette smoke with much anticipated relief coming across her face.

I have no cause or justification to judge this lady, but as I have often exclaimed, I find it hard to believe that my passion for cigars has somehow lumped me into the same group as the woman I just described. 

Savona's quote gave me pause, as wise proclamations often do.  It also reminded me of a recent blog entry I read by a fellow aficionado, Nada (aka "CigarGirlFL").  As much as well-made cigars speak for themselves in quality and enjoyment, almost as important is the environment in which they are smoked. 

Subtle nuances and the perfect stage can make a terrible cigar tolerable, a bad cigar not bad, a good cigar great, and an amazing cigar legendary.

No need to break the rules or feel rushed, find
your safe haven and enjoy a great cigar with
some freinds.
While I agree that there is room for argument in the smoking debate and the comparison between cigarettes and cigars I do agree with Savona and Nada. 

Cigars may have the chemical make-up, as many things do, to support an addiction, but cigars are NOT addictive.

Pretty bold statement, huh?

Not really, if you consider as I do.  While I freely admit to having moments where I have declared verbally or consciously, "I could really use a cigar."  That moment is very rarely, if ever, followed by my speeding off to have a cigar.  I don't take cigar breaks at work, nor would I want to.  Few things irk me worse than rushing a cigar and/or being forced to finish quickly.  Most cigar smokers I know behave and believe similarly.

Don't rush the moment.  Savor every second.  Drink in each nuance.  Smoke on my friends and enjoy it because you want to, not because you have to.  After all, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best.

Regards,
Bear 

p.s. enjoy Savona's entry and blog, here.
p.s.s. enjoy CigarGirlFL's world, here.

Special My Father Cigar Commemorates Fallen 9/11 Firefighters | News & Features | Cigar Aficionado

Special My Father Cigar Commemorates Fallen 9/11 Firefighters News & Features Cigar Aficionado

Sunday, September 11, 2011

American Pride: My Thoughts on September Eleventh

"A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle." -George William Curtis


It's true.  I admit it.  I love my country.

Today, you will hear this a lot.  Men and women from famous celebrities to our next door neighbor will be shouting praise to our country, its troops, and doting paraphernalia that would make one think it is still early July rather than early September.

Ten years ago today, I watched the single most important historical date of my generation come and go as our nation watched in terror.  Nineteen cowards, proclaiming a higher calling, boarded four airplanes that morning intending to destroy a nation's hope and will.  They failed.

Yes, you heard me.  They failed.  While the terrorists did,in fact, destroy the World Trade Center, part of the Pentagon and kill thousands of American citizens, their ultimate goal of spitting in the face our country and disrupting our way of life, was met with utter failure. 

America hit the pause button for a couple of days, but then came back louder, prouder, and with more gumption than ever.  Standing together, united as one.

That was ten years ago.

Ten years later, our country stands at a crossroads politically, economically, and, in my opinion, patriotically.  My humble desire for today is that Americans look past their opinions about our government and current political standing to rise together in another battle cry: "RE-UNITED WE STAND!"

As Americans, even those of us who experienced life pre- and post-9/11, we have lost something.  I wish I could point to something specific, but I can't. 

I had a conversation with my father this past Memorial Day about how I felt that Americans, including myself, are all too often selfish and forget what got them to where they are in the first place.  I am not talking about one's personal perseverance or hard work, but how they were allowed to pursue the life they have chosen.

I am blessed to have family and friends who have served and continue to serve in our country's armed forces, local police, fire and EMS departments.  These men and women are the real heroes that our country's freedom is founded on.  Courage is not something you can find, I believe, but something you either posses or do not. 

So, on this hallowed day, a day that will live on in history, I say thank you to our heroes of the past, present, and future.  I salute this nation and leave you with the following:

I don't always love my government, but I will ALWAYS love my country.  After all, there is nothing wrong with knowing you are the best. 

Regards,
Bear


p.s. If you wish to send a small gift to our men and women overseas, come by Pop's Safari Cigars & Fine Wines in Ft. Worth, Texas and donate some cigars.  All donations are matched and sent to Afghanistan and Iraq.  If you wish to thank our veterans with a donation, visit the Wounded Warrior Project and donate today.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

My Saturday: searching the bottom humidor


"I've been thinking Hobbes .  On a weekend? Well, it wasn't on purpose..." ~ Calvin & Hobbes
 
Got up this morning and was ready to enjoy my weekend.  I took a gander in one of my humidors and nothing jumped out at me.  I did a little digging and discovered a little gem just waiting to be smoked. 

La Flor Dominicana Premium Line Insurrectos.

This cigar must have been in the bottom of this humidor for a little over a year.  The cellophane wasn't completely clouded or anything, but there was some tint to it.  The wrapper had some protruded oils, but since it does have the Connecticut Shade I wasn't expecting anything insane. 

The pre-light bouquet was full of cedar.  Aging this stick really brought out the sweetness of stick.  I loved it!  Since it was my first cigar of the day, it was perfect.  The overall mild flavor and wonderful construction allowed this perfect burning cigar to really get the day started off right.

Here's to the weekend.  There's nothing wrong with knowing you are the best.

Regards,
Bear