My Puzzle Day
What's your name?
Jen
Where are you based?
I'm from NY but live in Tennessee, USA
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I live with my husband and daughter, two Australian shepherds, two cats, and two geckos. My husband and daughter work unusual hours so the days are relatively quiet and there's a goodly amount of time for puzzling, when the dogs allow it.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I recall doing jigsaw puzzles when I was younger, like you do, but really became serious about puzzling in the 90's. It started with my friend and I doing the Sunday crossword. We were quite competitive about it. About fifteen years ago I rediscovered jigsaw puzzles and 'my puzzle day' has been a weekly event at my house ever since.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
I puzzle every day, usually over morning coffee and sometimes beyond. Doing a puzzle is an essential part of my day as it helps me stay centered and focused. It's also something easily returned to after interruptions.
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
My favorite puzzles have thick pieces, a matte finish, are random cut, and have interesting details – a collage puzzle is aces with me. I'm curious by nature so I have a habit of researching some of the details, especially for puzzles that have vintage imagery. For doing a puzzle on 'my puzzle day', I go for bright colors and puzzles that can be easily shared by two people.
I enjoy a 500 or 750 piece “puzzle snack” on occasion, but generally prefer 1000 piece puzzles. I'd love to do some of the larger (3K pieces and above) but I don't have room for them.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
When puzzling by myself, I catch up on current event podcasts and sometimes listen to audio books. On 'my puzzle day' it's coffee and chit chat.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
A necessary return to simpler times.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I love to be creative and have done many hand crafts over the years including embroidery, junk journaling, amigurumi/crochet, miniature painting, and watercolors. We love to garden in the spring and summer – I do the flowers and my husband does the veggies. I've also enjoyed photographing all of those things.
Do you have anything you want to share?
To quote Theodore Roosevelt, "Comparison is the thief of joy". I think that's an important lesson to have learned, especially for our times. Also, be kind to your neighbors!
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