Monthly Archives: March 2025

cigars

A Smoke of Ancient Majesty!

A Review of the Foundation Aksum Maduro Double Corona (7” x 54)

There are cigars that are merely cigars, and then there are cigars that whisper stories from the depths of time, carrying the weight of forgotten empires and the wisdom of old souls. The Foundation Aksum Maduro Double Corona certainly belongs to the latter. This is not merely tobacco rolled in a fine wrapper—it is an invitation, a passage, a meditation in slow-burning devotion.

At first light, the Aksum Maduro reveals itself in waves of dark chocolate and black coffee, as if it has absorbed the strength of the earth itself. The Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro wrapper, rich and oily, feels ancient in my hands—like a relic from a civilization that understood patience, craftsmanship, and the sacredness of fire.

The first draw is bold, unapologetic. A light pepper tingles on the tongue, but it is not an assault; rather, it is a reminder—of life’s fire, of passion restrained yet potent. Beneath it, a current of dried fruit and leather rolls in, whispering like a monk who has long understood the power of silence and blessing of solitude.

As the burn evens out, the body of the cigar swells into something grander. It is not just a smoking experience; it is a communion. I can feel the spirit of the Nicaraguan tobacco farmers who nurtured these leaves, the artistry of the rollers who honored them with steady hands and took the time to box press them.

Halfway in, the Aksum Maduro deepens—earth and cedar take the stage, harmonizing with a subtle molasses sweetness. The draw remains effortless, smooth as the wisdom of an elder who knows that rushing through life is a fool’s errand. Each puff is a lesson: slow down, breathe, be present.

As the final third unfolds, I am no longer just a man with a cigar; I am a traveler at the gates of something greater. A nutty richness arrives, with hints of espresso and licorice, as if the cigar itself has aged and matured in these last few inches. The strength builds—not to overwhelm, but to leave a mark.

This is a cigar that does not fade into memory. It lingers, much like the stories of kings, the echoes of prophets, the laughter of old friends who knew the value of a well-told tale and a well-smoked cigar.

This is not a cigar for the hurried man, nor for the one who smokes merely for the sake of smoke. It is for those who understand that a cigar, when made with reverence, is a key—a key to history, to meditation, to gratitude.

So, if you pick up this fine offering, do it justice: sit down, exhale your worries, and let the spirit guide you. After all, the best things in life—be it love, wisdom, or a fine cigar—are meant to be savored.

-MJHarvell (Michael Joe Harvell)

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Back On Track!

Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

Now, let’s be honest—if getting swallowed by a fish isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is. Jonah thought he could outrun God. He booked himself a one-way ticket in the opposite direction, but God had other plans. And when Jonah found himself in the belly of that fish, he had plenty of time to think about his life choices.

Ever felt like that? Like life swallowed you whole and left you sitting in the dark, wondering how you got there? Sometimes, our storms and struggles aren’t just bad luck—they’re God’s way of getting our attention. See, God didn’t send that fish to punish Jonah. He sent it to save him. Because sometimes, rock bottom—or in Jonah’s case, fish belly bottom—is exactly where we need to be to finally listen.

If you’re feeling stuck today, remember this—God hasn’t abandoned you. He’s just giving you time to get your heart right. Jonah got spit out on dry land with a new purpose, and so can you. Your struggle isn’t your end; it’s just part of the journey.

 So, trust God, even in the belly of your troubles. He knows exactly where you need to be—and He knows how to get you back on track.

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Battling With An Old Friend!

There’s a quiet power in the way the forest stands through every season. The mighty oak does not curse the winter wind, nor does the river refuse to flow when the storm darkens the sky. They endure, not because they do not feel the strain, but because they know—deep down—that seasons change, the wind shifts, and the sun will rise again.

This past week, I found myself walking through a deep and familiar valley. Depression, that old and unwelcome companion, settled in beside me. It didn’t make sense—life, in so many ways, is good right now. And yet, there it was, heavy as ever.

Then I traced it back, not to some great sorrow or burden, but to something as small as a few drops of prednisone in my eye. Amazing, isn’t it? How something so small can shift the way we see, not just with our eyes, but with our hearts?

Depression is like that. Sometimes, it comes with banners waving, announced by grief or exhaustion. Other times, it slips in unnoticed, hidden in the quiet changes of life—our bodies, our routines, the very air around us. And when it comes, it does not ask permission. It does not care how bright the sun is shining.

But here’s the truth: just as the night gives way to dawn, the soul finds its way back to light. The first step is to recognize the shadow, to name it, to remind ourselves that we are not lost—we are simply passing through.

So if you find yourself in the darkness, don’t fear it. Don’t fight it alone. Stand firm like the tree, flow like the river. Reach out, breathe deep, and remember—this is not the end of your story. The light is still there, even when you can’t see it. And soon enough, you will feel its warmth again.

-MJHarvell