“The more I can remove government from my life, the better off I am.” Amen. Isn’t that the truth.

I'm sad to see you not starting up the store again but I perfectly understand why. We have the same outlook on materialism, and simplicity of life. Less is more. Also, the less Uncle Sam sticks his nose in our business, the better... You are a gentleman and a scholar sir.

Hi from Sweden. As a new pipe smoker I have found you and your videos, not only extremely informative but also very entertaining and relaxing. Your way of presenting yourself, your accent, deep knowledge and etiquette is calming and very anti-anxiety. Please keep doing the videos. A lot of people love what you do!! //Jonas

As a fellow piper/college professor/farmer, I agree with pretty much everything you say in this video. I would love to see more info on the various pipe shops out there. 🤠 God bless

Good day to you sir, I usually don’t comment on videos but I just had to let you know that it’s nice to come across someone who finally speaks some sense on this World Wide Web. I fully agree with and believe in everything you have said. And I just wanted to say more power to you and I wish you and your family peace, happiness and of course balance. Also I am looking forward to see where you take the channel in the future. I always look forward to your video and thoughts

I know already I'm going to like this one. Pipe smoking and life balance. Two of my favorite topics. Thank you!

I agree with you. The struggle is we live in a world full of people and businesses that want to do nothing more than make every penny possible, save every penny possible, and work around the clock as much as absolutely possible. I have taken lower pay to work a job that allows me to be at home with my family and that limits my schedule to what used to be called normal business hours. Balance has been mostly lost in our culture and country. I pray the pendulum swings back one day for the sake of my children and their children and beyond. I have begun, in my late 40s, learning and returning to "the old ways". Enjoy your channel.

Sitting here on my porch, a summer/fall thunderstorm raining and making me feel relaxed, smoking my original MM Country Gentleman with my "house" blend. (I'll share the recipe anytime). Life moved far too fast for my first 55 years, I refuse to allow that anymore. I'm sad to see you give up a dream because of government overreach, but my hope is, that you'll continue to keep us in your circle of friends and confidants. Together we can live a simple and relaxed life. Bless you and the family. 🤠

As a 27 year old and new pipe smoker myself, I have to say, you're a very wise man. Many of the things you have to say make me think, just in general of many different things and views on everything. I look forward to your videos when I'm enjoying a smoke in solitude as well. Subbed and liked.

I greatly appreciated your video and the sentiments you expressed. It galls me that I essentially pay rent for the property I “own” via taxes for if not I would be “evicted”. One is even supposed to get a permit to cut a tree down. It’s insane. What a small business owner has to wade through in government nonsense is appalling. The taxes on tobacco is just the government's way of controlling our life just as banning smoking in parks and beaches. Thanks for your sentiments.

I agree with everything. Your videos have reached clear over here in the no longer free state of WA. I am a new pipe smoker and so are my friends now because of your videos. Please don't ever stop.

Isn't it just wonderful how you have SSRIs freely advertised on TV and acquired at your convenience, but a man trying to sell and enjoy quality tobacco is burdened with bureaucratic garbage. I appreciate your adherence to your principles. That is a hard trait to find these days. I too go to great pains to limit my interaction with Government.

Thank you for this video Alan. It’s a blessing every time you make one. I am self-employed and very much have the same sentiment. Many of the peers of mine see success as growing their business large enough to take over a small continent. I see success as Making just enough money to feed my family and not be burdened by financial trouble. On top of that being able to control my own schedule and only answer to myself, likewise regularly having a three day weekend. I have three boys and a beautiful wife, however my Time alone is sacred and mandatory for sanity. I do hope you keep making videos. It makes me feel reassured I’m not alone in my sentiments.

Genuinely this has to be the best KZfaq channel I could’ve ever came across you’re exactly what I want to be like when I’m your age. Your sets and values, how you conduct yourself,your a real man. God bless you and your family and thank you for the knowledge that you share with all of us younger men who don’t have this kind of wisdom coming into our lives. 🙏

Well, I’m glad I was able to get 2 pipes from you when you did have the store up and running before you moved. My son and I were going to make a trip to South Carolina when you opened up the store. We were really looking forward to that, but I think everyone understands. Love your content, I always look forward to your videos. I hope all is well with you and your family.

I started smoking a pipe on Aug 12, 2022 as I saw it was a hobby that George Bruno and yourself have invited me to enjoy. It is sad to see that you see where we are at in life. I am not enjoyed by many with smoking a pipe, but in this short time it has given me solitude in my life. Thank you. I am newly single and got two motorcycles and live on Norfolk, VA and traveled out to Johnson City and found a small deli tobacco store for pipes. Thank you for what you introduced me too as I was going to order some tobacco from you today if able so when I get back home, I might have a package. I understand with Gouverneur issues as I am a PT in the health field. My job is useless to my patients now as they have screwed us all for what they have done.

Well said sir. I worked in law enforcement and look forward to a time where peace and balance will be possible on a day-to-day basis. I also smoke my pipe in my back yard near the wood line to seek peace and quiet, just to decompress even if it's on for an hour or so. Thanks again for the videos. Your videos are very enjoyable.

As always, well said, Sir. Absolutely right on. Please keep up the videos, I enjoy hearing your thoughts on things Allen.

You are an inspiration to fellow pipe smokers and peace seekers and nature lovers out there! Thank you for nurturing our spirits!

Marvelous content as always, Dr. Harrelson. I'm grateful for your contribution to the online pipe smoking community. Keep up the good work, sir.

Please keep these great videos coming. Please. I have learned so much from you and want to keep that up. Either way God bless you and your family and mine as well and I'll see you in the next one!

Well said! I absolutely concur!

one of the most profound talks ever thank you

I think this may be my first comment on KZfaq ever. I’d just like to say bravo sir. I could not agree more with what you said and i admire your integrity and honesty to stick to what is right, in principle and personally to you. From the UK, Oliver.

I like your videos more and more as I watch and discover the older ones.

I understand you not continuing the business; but, please, don't stop making videos. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Really enjoy your channel down here in the Lone Star State!! Currently sitting in the porch smoking my new Savinelli 122 with some coffee. Thanks for putting out the great content. It’s great being able to connect with people who are cut from tue same cloth. God bless and keep the videos coming.

I’ve really enjoyed your videos, and honestly hope to see more in the future. It’s truly been a pleasure.

Dr. Harrelson you hit the nail on the head about the reasons and purpose of pipe smoking and I agree. Thank you I always enjoy a pipe several times a day to reflect, slow down and also I practice just my method.

I understand your choices, they are the same I would choose. The Pipe Cottage business is an expression of how you live and think, your style and way of being. The business may cease to be, but “The Pipe Cottage” will continue to exist as long as you smoke a pipe and share something of that experience.

Fantastic video and topic. I have a passion for pipe smoking and life balance. Would love to see new videos on this topic on the future please. In a hectic world where people are increasingly losing their balance, we need more content and encouragement like this. I 100% support you and am excited about you also shifting to doing videos that support the pipe tobacco community retailers. I look forward to your future content and appreciate all you do sir. You're an absolute gem in this pipe community.

You always seem to hit the nail on the head. Your message are so wonderful. God Bless you and your family.

So very glad i got my brothers some of your Pipe Starter kits. Best purchase i made. And my Peterson 264, which is still my favorite pipe! Great video.

Glad to be a part of this community. People helping people and enjoy the simple things in life. May the pipe bring you stillness.

Glad you are finding happiness. Your videos are quite thought provoking and most welcome, glad your going to continue with them . Sincerely

I can completely understand and respect your thoughts on the matter. As time has gone on I've had a greater and greater desire to cultivate a more intentional life, especially considering the state of the world and societies penchant for instant gratification and constant connection through social media and the like. Also, that's part of the reason I love your channel, the contemplative nature of smoking a pipe.

You enrich the community enough already doing your videos. Your word is worth just as much if not more than just selling pipes and tobacco. Talking about pipe smoking and its benefits helps to keep it from dying. We appreciate all you do. Have a great day!

Very Wel Said!! Thank you for your thoughts!! I agree 100% I'm Retired and living peacefully w my Pipes, Tobacco, & Cigars.

Great video Doc,always a pleasure listening to your thoughts...

I think we all agree , we would like more of these tyoe of videos. Please make more. Thank you

I am 27 and I am so glad to see another man that has the same mindset as me I live in the Tennessee Valley the house building has absolutely got out of hand clear cutting all the beautiful hardwoods that take 100 or more years to grow just because the market is good for it.. makes me almost cry to see it and money is not everything green paper that people chase and blow something has to change life is a blessing and we waste it starring at a time clock it’s a shame

I 100% agree! I will say a special prayer for you and your family.

Thanks so much for sharing! I personally have been finding the world, and life in general too fast paced and chaotic for me... More and more so! Having a pipe, aside from just the sheer enjoyment of the tobacco, gives me peace, time to think or read. I read a lot, and I mean actual physical books I hold in my hands! God bless you and your family!

Discovering your video has been a turning point for me. I'm 28 and I had no idea people still wanted to live a slow, peaceful life. I feel like this modern society isn't for me and I hope some day I can buy a farm property in america.

I agree with you on your convictions. I am 59 years old, about to turn 60 in another month and I have lived a full life with more to come. I have the experience to know what is important in life and what is nothing but fluff. I have raised my children, watched them have kids and instilled in them the importance of family, integrity and faith. You stick to your convictions sir, you are spot on with your thought process and your children need to see this from their Dad. Keep the faith and I appreciate your dedication and commitment to your values! Dave

Excellent! You truly are my favorite Yankee pipe smoker!

I am still fairly new to the pipe smoking hobby. And I am so glad I came across your channel. To listen to a down to earth gentleman. Come from washington state where the government tells me I can't order offline because they can't get their cut. I follow your sentiments on the government. Being from a small ag town with no decent pipe shops with in 100 miles, I get frustrated and discouraged trying to enjoy the hobby. But your video gives me encouragement and support to keep pushing on. Thank you

I agree with you completely, I hope you continue making video’s, I enjoy them very much.

This is Fred. Excellent Video, I always look forward to hearing your perspective on Pipe Smoking, and life in general. Keep up the Excellent Work. Blessings, My Friend.

I wish you the best of luck! I’m familiar with you through your social media influence, so I’m sure you will continue to be successful in that sphere. I look forward to your upcoming videos.

Keep it coming brother. You put out some excellent work here. Pipes and tobacco. Overall content is fantastic. You also bring on some great guests and speak well about what you want to get across. 👍🏼👍🏼

God bless You, brother! Beautiful dogs!

Well I just finished smoking a great cigar & sipping a good bourbon with a friend overlooking the Colorado River Valley. Peace & simplicity are great! I have two estate pipes on order & can’t wait to start enjoying pipe smoking again after a 20 year hiatus. Keep your videos coming they are a great breath of fresh air in a stale country.👍😎

Wise words, thank you for this channel.

Thanks Alan! Hit the nail on the head!

As for asking permission from the government for anything...I agree completely. Thank you, sir.

I commend you on your decision and completely agree with the reasons. I look forward to seeing your future content.

I completely understand your philosophy of the enjoyment of nature and what it so freely offers us no matter where we reside. I live in a small town and my dwelling is a comfortable small cottage. I have my designated places of solitude about my small yard that I can contemplate life while enjoying a bowl of the Leaf and read a good book! In a smaller way, I too have a contented existence! Thank you for your splendid videos! I tune in often to enjoy a bowl with you! Keep puffin'!

I always admire those that have principles, and don’t sway from those beliefs. Stay the course my friend, you’ve obviously chosen the right path.

As a small business owner in California, I feel your pain. As a newbie in the YTPC, I sure hope we'll continue to hear from you.

You just gained a subscriber, brother. How refreshing is it to see someone relaxing in the fresh, free air smoking a pipe. I very well can't do that in these parts of California where, the only surroundings consist of, buildings, houses, apartments, asphalt roads, loud tractor trailers, and sirens mellowed out with a few trees. God bless!

The Pipe Cottage is a place of expression , reflection, and perception…… the pipe is your common thread to the masses. I always enjoy listening and reflecting on how your expression relates to me…and am I even aware enough to understand…… The pups certainly are enjoying the new property in it s purist form…. Perhaps you can tap into that and share it with your community….product reviews is only a fraction of what you can educate the community on

A hard choice, I'm sure - but ultimately the right one. Looking forward to what you've got in store for us next. ✌️

Just found your channel and subscribed. Your words in this clip, resonate with me 100%. I'm one of only a few pipe smokers here in Australia, it is my hobby and lifestyle. I enjoy my Solitude also, it is definitely a Luxury here it cost $86 for a 30 gram pouch. I smoke a straight Falcon pipe I bought for my 18th birthday, I just turned 50. Also I have an old Peterson system 33. No dedicated pipe shop here and very limited choice of pipe tobacco. Peace always from Australia.

On a lighter note, I just love dogs, and your two that are romping way in the background of your field there are having a great time. Love it.

Great video. Love the dogs, and I totally agree about where and when so to speak to smoke your pipe. Understand completely about why your not going to continue with the pipe cottage.

Thank you Sir, well put

Love to hear you talk. Your thoughts often match mine. A good friend lives in Glasgow, Kentucky. Beautiful state. We are a golden retriever family too. My father was a pipe smoker. He always had a pipe after supper and before bed in his easy chair. This was always accompanied by reading books. I remember he smoked Edgeworth which came in a big blue can.

Wonderful video!

Hey, my confrere! Blessing from Brazil... The pipesmoking here is growing up. We have a wide variety of blenders and good artist pipe makers as well. It's a pleasure to watch your videos and meditations. May God bless you and you family!

In my humble opinion, I think you made a wise decision there!... And, from a fellow pipe smoker in Virginia, I might add that your thoughtful commentary always seems to fill a void, my friend, and represents a refreshing "voice of reason" in this evermore chaotic world we live in. Also, as a member of the state recognized Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE that smoking a pipe IN NATURE can elevate that already peaceful experience to one of contemplation on a more "spiritual plane". In truth, you make me wish we were neighbors (and, honestly, that's about the best compliment I could ever give a man)!... Sitting with pipe, leisurely in hand, we would probably have much to discuss. For instance, I do believe that a TRULY representative government bears an important function in contract with the people (building roads, bridges, schools, disaster relief, etc.)... but, admittedly, without being overly burdensome on the population. However, MUCH depends on the INTEGRITY and CHARACTER of our elected officials - which is ON US CITIZENS to choose wisely!... Anyway, you also certainly touched upon a MAJOR ONGOING PROBLEM that seems epidemic in our society - namely "GREED"!... And, that reminds me of an interesting statement that I read somewhere about the dangers of modern "CAPITALISM & CONSUMERISM" run amok: "Consumerism encourages people to spend money they don't have, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't like!"... I'm thinking that's pretty good food for thought, huh?... Blessings and Peace, my Brother!

After recently picking the pipe back up I discovered the YTPSC. I watched several of your videos and well you talked me into the Cornell and Diehl apricots and cream and the Cult Blood Moon Red, as well as my first Savenelli pipe. I went with the Arcobaleno 626 rusticated red. And for that I thank you it is a beautiful pipe and a wonderful smoking pipe. I enjoy the tobacco selections very much as well 👍👍 I still smoke 2 pipes that were my granddads and a Jobey 225 band. And my next addition will be a Thompson so thank you again and I truly enjou your content.

Awesome video brother, I totally understand where your coming from. 👍👍👍👍

I enjoy your videos. I completely agree with you

Dr. Harrelson, I found some of your videos on southern music history. As a "Westerner" I found them very informative.

Sir just wanted to say that very much enjoy your content.

I came here looking for a pipe video and ended up going to church. I mean that in the best way possible. I could definitely sit down and smoke a pipe with you sir, except I enjoy my pipe in solitude aswell. Best wishes to you and yours

As a old tobacco farmer from Vance co NC, I would have thought that land would have been red. That’s a good looking place you have there. I couldn’t agree with you more.

Alan, Dr. Sir, please at least give us the good news that you have accepted the responsibility of reading the entire Civil War narrative series by Shelby Foote on Audible. That is your calling my friend.

I have had to build a "psychological" wall between my retail strore, 40% of sales are tobacco related products, and my personal love of the pipe smoking hobby which has been a very important part of my lifestyle for over 50 years but like you I prefer the solitary pipe smoking experience, Our pipe club meets once a month here and I always enjoy that 3 to 4 hour camaraderie, but in general I prefer the time I take to contemplate and smoke my briar. My small retail store which supports me and my family is a natural pleasure to me, as apparently I was born with the "retail gene" but I do have to keep in mind it is a business. Balance is what it is all about, I try to keep the interaction with the government folks at a bare minimum. If the kin of regulations we have to put up with today had been in place when I first dove into the retail tobacco trade in 1974, I would not have participated.

I agree we all need to support each other and stick together.. Nothing wrong with not being a businessman I’m not one either lol.. I also agree I prefer smoking a pipe in peace.. We have a local pipe meet up once a month but otherwise I’m at home in a chair relaxing and as you said slowing down

Finding the balance can be difficult...that said, I think I've found it since becoming a stay at home father. I'm a plumber (by trade) but with 3 children, my weekly checks weren't covering the cost of childcare. I also didn't like the idea of someone else spending more time with my kids than my wife and myself. We certainly don't like anything about handing our kids over to the government so they can poison their minds and souls. My wife is a RN at our local hospital here in Winston Salem, NC. While it was never my intention to stop working a job and I do thoroughly enjoy plumbing...it's like the old saying, "You make plans and God laughs". I've found my stress levels to be reduced significantly and I've slowed down and got off that hamster wheel. It's truly been a blessing.

I agree with your viewpoint and believe you are on the right path you need to be on 👍🤠

Amen brother. 100% More power to you. Be ye lead by the Spirit of God 🙏

Love your videos, and glad you’re able to see the irony of something when you say it. Lol

Just found you on KZfaq, bloody great channel. Keep up the good content , really enjoying here in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

I would like to Thank You for something you had said in another video that I watched about smoking the pipe. You mentioned "sipping" the pipe. I discovered for the first time, by accident, in my short smoking time that it is in the "sips" that you can TASTE the smoke of the tobacco. I was smoking some C&D Autumn Evening and just a small wisp a smoke made it into my mouth and I notice the "flavor" of the tobacco. Thank you so much for that 1 tip! Up until today I had been generating too much smoke to where it was overwhelming my mouth. But, From today on I will smoke differently in "sipping" my pipe and Tasting that tobacco.

Very well said sir, enjoy your channel.

I’m reminded of Harry Chapin’s wise, cautionary, and meaningful words from his song “Mr. Tanner:” “Music was his life. It was not his livelihood.” I say “Good on you, Sir!” Many blessings your way from up north in Ohio :)

I couldn't agree with your thoughts more. I do hope you will continue your videos, I thoroughly enjoy them and learn greatly from them. I do understand completely. I am a fly fisherman, and tie my own flys. I enjoy it it brings me peace and "balance" as you say. Iwould not tie flies for sale for the same reason, that would destroy the peace and solitude of the whole affair. Deadlines, and orders of hundreds of dozens of flys. That would turn that which is enjoyable, into downright drudgery. Bah! I wish you God's blessings, peace and balance. Hope to see more from you soon.

Your valuable contribution to the community will be felt in your new direction I’m sure.

A man of firm resolve nary a few to find. Too many fickle souls bending knee to the whim of time and money. Balance is the only way today and forever. A firm pipe salute to you Fine Sir! A Fine Sir indeed! Cheers Cheers and indeed Respect to you!!! ✌😎🎸 Edit: said it before and I'll say it again you would be the PERFECT man to narrate/host a second part to Father the Flame. So as soon as I win a decent loto to produce the documentary in full I'll be knocking down your door no doubt!!! 🙂

Hello 👋 Very very nice video thx, greetings from Austria 🇦🇹 🔥

Sound wisdom and peace. Perfect closer

Alan, you simply said it all...Amen. We as a people constantly strive for more and more never taking the time for peace and solitude. True peace is not of this world but it come only from God. I truly appreciate your decision, you know the path God is leading you, and you have a peace in your heart for it. You are a great advocate and knowledge source for us pipe smokers and there is so many other was in which you can contribute to the hobby. There are a good number of strong and stable businesses to support the material side of pipe smoking. I think your place is to support the heart, soul and spirit of people to seek that same thing you do from smoking a pipe a relaxing peaceful spirit. I have a plaque on my study wall that has been a cornerstone of my life for a long time. It reads " When we put our problems in God's hands he put his Peace in our Hearts" Take care for Wisconsin, Gene A.

I totally agree I also love sitting in nature just enjoying life and my pipe

3:00 don't ask for permission. Nailed it!

Hello Sir. I have just found your channel and you are a true inspiration my good man. I have ordered some of your recommendations from the US (I wish I could have gone through your store) as New Zealand is wholly against tobacco. When the tins arrive at customs I will expect to have to pay up to $500 NZ dollars in taxes. Talk about government interference. Keep doing what you are doing sir and God bless you and yours.

I wish you much joy in your future.

I agree 100%.. Your words have put into perspective my feelings exactly!! The pipe is for pleasure, a luxury to be enjoyed! On your advice from a previous video, I have purchased some Cornel & Deihl blends to try. Thus far I am greatly enjoying them! Sad, that you cannot restart your pipe shop, but I completely understand. Our founding fathers would be turning over in their graves if they could see the monster government has become! Be well and enjoy every moment of peace and tranquility on the farm!