Puzzle Talk by Rosa
What's your name?
Rosa
Where are you based?
Finland
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
My typical day includes hours in front of the computer, as I’m writing my first book at the moment and developing a puzzle-related business, in addition to working with my favorite projects: The Puzzle Podcast and Puzzle Talk newsletter. So lots of research, writing, planning, and emails happening. To balance things out, I spend time with my family in the evenings and relax by cooking and doing puzzles.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I imagine my puzzle history to be somewhat typical. I began with kids’ puzzles and I did some puzzles occasionally together with my family when growing up. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was looking for activities to do at home during lockdown and discovered puzzles again – before I noticed I was puzzling almost daily.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
I do puzzles almost daily since it’s fun and it’s a great way to avoid screen time and learn new skills. Most importantly, puzzling helps me calm my anxious mind. The peaceful state is something I couldn’t imagine existed and this is why I fell in love with the process of doing puzzles in the first place. I’m really curious and interested in understanding the ins and outs of puzzle culture, and that definitely motivates me also. Finding the puzzle community and meeting other puzzlers has been the highlight for me, I’ve got new friends and I feel like I’ve found my people.
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
For me, it’s all about the image, so any piece count will do. Gradient and collage puzzles tend to be my favorites. I gravitate towards modern illustrations and soft, feminine color palettes. In addition, I can’t resist a puzzle which has pastries, books or gems on it.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I usually listen to podcasts when I do puzzles. The latest episode of my favorite podcast & a lovely puzzle - there’s no better way to unwind for me. However, when I speed puzzle, I focus on the process in silence or listen to a speed puzzling playlist.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Puzzles are an essential part of my life every day. Puzzling is my hobby, sports, way to meditate and one part of my work. Doing puzzles and working with puzzle-related themes has brought me so much joy!
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I’m a homebody, who loves to cook, keep a scrapbook, make jewelry, and wash laundry. I find joy in the smallest things. Today I was happy when I drank coffee from my favorite cup, saw a pretty leaf on the road, heard a funny story and had a picnic-dinner on the living room floor with my family, because why not. There’s so many moments I’m grateful for every single day.
Do you have anything you want to share?
Never underestimate the power of being present with other people. I believe listening, being interested and encouraging others is very important, especially at this time. What may seem minor or even insignificant from your perspective, might be life changing for the other one.