Commanda13
What's your name?
Amanda Walden, but my best friend from high school gave me the nickname Commanda when I was being bossy.
Where are you based?
Bath, Maine, USA
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I work at a local department store where I get tempted by the fun things we carry, including puzzles! My husband and I have also run a home typing and transcription business for 23 years, called 'Wordsworth Typing & Transcription'. Lastly, I'm a laughter yoga teacher and a hula hoop dance teacher for adults. I'm all about the FUN!
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I have been puzzling since I was a toddler and had a stack of cardboard tray puzzles! I remember my favorite being a Scooby Doo puzzle. I have fond memories of working on bigger puzzles as a teenager with my best friend and her mother. They helped me with the trickiest puzzle I've completed--a Where's Waldo puzzle with all Waldos.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
Now I love to relax and get into a flow state with a puzzle in the evenings or during the day I love to sit in a warm sunbeam and puzzle. I usually do a couple per month, but more often in the winter months. I completed 26 in February 2023 for the Puzzle the Alphabet Instagram event hosted by @yeahpuzzles
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
My favorite kind of puzzles are rainbow-themed. I love bright colors and crave them during our dark, gray, long New England winters. I also love cartoony puzzles like Steve Skelton, Jan Van Haasteren, and Soon Cho's Life series. I enjoy the cute characters and hunting for them in the bigger picture as I pick up each piece. 500 - 1,000 pieces are my favorite piece count.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I enjoy listening to podcasts or music or YouTube videos while I puzzle. My favorite podcast at the moment is Boyfriend Material which goes into a deep dive of Ryan Gosling's movies. I've been watching his movies since I finally noticed him in "Barbie."
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Puzzling is a relaxing hobby I enjoy doing by myself or with a friend or family.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I love arts and crafts, including making jewelry, trading mail art with online friends, gelli printing, and mixed media art journaling. I love to cook and bake. Favorite foods include cookies, chicken noodle soup, shrimp, bacon, and dark chocolate. I love to collect and try different kinds of teas.
Do you have anything you want to share?
It's important to continue to play throughout your life! It's my secret to youthfulness. I'll be 50 next year but I'm young at heart. Stay curious!