The night before last, I woke with a start: “That’s where that piece goes! That’s part of Santa’s hand.” It was 3:30 a.m. I went downstairs, lifted the board protecting my latest jigsaw puzzle from my cat, Jem, and looked. I was right. I could now rest in piece, knowing the holidays would be complete.
Aside from wearing masks and social distancing, we’ve all found ways to survive COVID. I got hooked on 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles. Given my childhood love of Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes, it was easy to piece together the evidence of why I got hooked. I’m already prone to obsessive behavior — all my books and CDs are alphabetized according to genre — and I like following the thread of discovery; of researching a poem, for example, that I don’t quite understand. Besides, jigsaw puzzles are a harmless pastime steeped in a long history.
The origins of jigsaw puzzles go back to the 1760s when European mapmakers pasted maps onto wood and cut them into small pieces. I’m assuming this is also the origin of pocket maps. By 1908, it was a full-blown craze in the United States, and eventually recommended for good mental health. According to professionals, doing a puzzle reinforces connections between brain cells, improves mental speed and is an especially effective way to improve short-term memory and visual-spatial reasoning as evidenced in the following images documenting inexorable progression and magical transformation:
Indian feathers out the wazoo!
A visual garden of delights!
Truth be told, I haven’t told many folks about my new hobby. I have feared ridicule and the temptation to give critics a piece of me. But now that I fit into the jigsaw puzzle world, I’ve found inner piece. Three more puzzles are due to arrive in the next two days. Yes, my world has become so very piece-full.
[Commence groaning and the rolling of eyes now]
I would post a thoughtful comment as I usually do with a new post, but I can’t figure out the border on my latest puzzle. Bet you think I’m kidding . . . . [The time is 5:28 a.m.]
Those puzzles are BEAUTIFUL!
Aw, shucks, Kelly. The puzzle are beautiful. I’m pretty fussy about what these puzzles look like because I like to think that I’m creating something beautiful . . . except when it comes to Christmas when I’m lured to the standard cliche images. I’m a sucker for all things Christmas.
You could have worse obsessions.
There is something mindless and relaxing about piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, especially during this year. It is good to know it offers additional cognitive benefits.
I grew up doing puzzles. My grandmother and great aunt love to do them.
Sue — do you remember what images were on those puzzles? I’m so curious about all of this.
I’m delighted to learn that there are “cognitive benefits” to doing jigsaw puzzles, as well as the benefits of distraction and relaxation!
Is there anything, my Friend, that you don’t research?
Wishing you much inner piece, by piece, by piece!
Carol, uh, I don’t research fashion! Or hair styling! Or recipes!
You are in good company. Paul started doing jigsaw puzzles when things first shut down. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed them as a kid. He has 3 waiting in the wings should the pandemic drag on (or maybe it’s what he will do in retirement!)
Paul is the BEST company! What kind of puzzles is he doing? How many pieces? What images? I really would like to know.
Sharie, ALL your puzzles are beautiful just like you. I’m grateful that you have found such a wonderful, very satisfying hobby. You have called me throughout many of the times you have been putting these puzzles together. And, you have messaged me many pictures of your puzzle progress. When you finish one, I celebrate with you. I feel like I’ve had a first-class seat in witnessing your hobby. It has been a special time for me. Someday, I hope we’ll be able to actually do a puzzle together in person. I’d really like that. I will end this by repeating words that my pastor has often said to me. May the grace and piece of our Heavenly Father be with you always.
💜🧩💜