I am a woman who smokes a pipe. I make no apologies for that. But sadly, some people seem to think that because I am of the female sex, I should not be allowed to be a member of the amazing world of pipe smoking. I feel blessed to be a Sister of the briar.
For centuries, women have enjoyed the comforts of pipe smoking and all that it has to offer. I am not alone! From Sir Walter Raleigh giving Queen Elizabeth a pipe to the amazing female pipe artisans and tobacco blenders of today, I stand in the company of great women. There is nothing wrong with a woman enjoying a pipe. And it is my hope and wish that my story will make other women out there feel more comfortable searching for a pipe they can call their own.
Some of you; like myself; started when my husband got into pipe smoking. I loved the smell and the taste along with the sheer beauty of the pipes themselves. All the artistry that goes into making these wonderful pieces of smokeable art. I am lucky enough to belong to a pipe club (Salt Lake City Pipe Club) here in Utah (USA), that has several women members.
This is where my mission began, to make the world of pipe smoking more acceptable and accessible to my sisters of the briar. Thus the Facebook page and the blog you are now reading, along with the other multimedia outlets I use to foster the world of women with their own pipes was born.
I have now become an amateur historian of the world of pipes and its wonderful and rich history. The more I learn the more I love. From clay pipes of years gone by, to the famous factory pipes we all know, to the hand made indie and artisan pipes of today.
It is my hope that as time goes on, those of you women out there will feel more comfortable sharing your love of the briar and displaying it for all to see. Helping me create a safe haven for all of us Sisters of the Briar. This blog and the TPC4W Facebook page are a place to ask your questions and share your thoughts. This is my hope and dream. In the next chapter of this story there will be a women's only Facebook page that will allow women everywhere to be able to freely share our thoughts and feelings. And to answer any questions without judgment. Also on the website, we will have women's clothing and pipes designed specifically for a womans taste.
It is my ongoing plan to expand and explore the world of women pipe smoking and women pipe makers, by sharing interviews with some of the most amazing female pipe makers on the planet with all women that make the pipe world go round.
So hold on out there, Oh Sisters of the Briar... There is so much more to come!
Thanks, Tracee Lancaster, Founder of TPC4W
