The lady who smokes a cigar....

A lady in a neck plunging evening gown with perfectly coiffed hair puffs away with a group of men at the party. As she held on her newly lit R&J Churchill, she exclaimed, "I actually like a bigger ring gauge because you get a more robust and full-bodied flavour". At this moment, 10 more men picked their tongues up off the floor. Don't you think the image of a lady holding a long, sleek, cylindrical object in her mouth, prompts even the most sophisticated men to be reduced to drooling newborns in suits?

Some men would stare in amazement and some would think it's distasteful. Whatever it is, the world is changing. What used to be an alpha male enjoyment could now be appealing to the supposedly weaker sex. I really don't think there's any thing wrong with women enjoying the same pleasure that a cigar gives to a man.

Now, tell me what you think when you see a lady lits up her cigar?

Everytime I lit a cigar, I held my head high. Taking a deep puff, I smiled, knowing that the next 45 minutes would be a pure pleasure. The aroma of the cigar drifts through the room, attracting the even non cigar smoker to give me a minute of his time. Being a lady cigar smoker is not as easy as just picking up a stick and start puffing. One needs to be prepared with confidence that will deal with the silly questions, comments, criticisms, cat calls, wolf-whistles and whole lot of plethora of come-ons that she will attract, as she draws on her smoke.

It's funny I never wanted to smoke a cigarette but I was attracted by the aroma and the flavours that I draw from a cigar. What started as an experiment years ago grew into a passion. I love the puff and I'm never afraid to befriend the brothers of the leaf (BOTL) too everywhere I go. Wine, whisky and cigar tastings, are predominantly frequented by men and I don't think they exclude women but it has been my observation that rarely more than a handful of women are in attendance, and every man in the room is keenly aware of the presence of those few smart, and the ones the exudes an air of confidence.

While at the party, I do surprise a few men when they see me taking out a cigar from my clutch, followed by a puncher and then my very own cigar lighter. That's what I have in my bag as opposed to the usual lipstick, eyeliner, blush and other make up items that a typical lady would be carrying around.

However, at the party, be prepared to be scrutinized. On the other hand, you might also be ooh ahhed upon, flirted with, wined and dined, if not worshipped, by men. They will compliment you, show you respect, and be offered cigars. Perhaps the only challenge is to identify whom among them is still an eligible bachelor. The chances are quite low as the majority of men whom enjoys a cigar is definitely out of my league in terms of age and availability. Haha... no wonder I am still single because I am mixing in the wrong crowd!

Having said all these, don't be afraid to try something (drugs a no no for me). In the 21st century, it's time that women be bold, audacious, confident without being feeling restrictive to prior ideas or conformity to the standards of society set in the medieval times. We should not be afraid to break rules and take risks. But if you want to love puffing a cigar, be ready to fly in the face of the criticism of family and friends.

I would hope to see the numbers of women smoking cigars grow like the perfect ash on a well lit cigar. There's nothing more pleasurable than to be able to enjoy something without worrying what others might think of you. Puff sensuously, puff deeply.

Forget the world and experience the moment.