*** A Woman’s Perspective ***     After attending my first HCC event I often wondered why smoking cigars is such a man’s hobby, until I learned that there are many women out there who have come to appreciate the luxury of a fine cigar. Maybe I smoked my first cigar to prove that I could be “one of the guys”, regardless, I enjoy smoking cigars because they are relaxing and de-stressing.     Woman, like men find many reasons to smoke. Smoking enhances a sense of joy when we are celebrating a wedding, the birth of a child, a promotion, or just completing a fine meal. It’s part of the good life such as a fine bottle of wine or champagne. Unlike men, very few women smoke to show they have climbed the ladder of success, they smoke mostly for social reasons and use it to develop the art of conversation.     Gender specificity is disappearing. As women are becoming more knowledgeable and authoritative about smoking and purchasing cigars, men are welcoming them to the fold. Men are beginning to appreciate the special bonding that can occur when they share and savor the cigar smoking experience with a special woman.     Whether you are an expert or a woman who has never smoked a cigar, the next time someone lights a cigar next to you I encourage you to smoke along side that person and enjoy the experience it may bring to you. Written by Michele Giangrande... cigaronwillow@yahoo.com