Things I Enjoy

111 Comments

The Zen of Puzzles

When I was a kid, my family would do jigsaw puzzles starting in September and then throughout the holidays. In September, we’d usually do some sort of fall-themed puzzle with art by Charles Wysocki. In October, a Halloween poster. November, a puzzle featuring Norman Rockwell’s famous Freedom from Want picture. December, multiple Christmas puzzles.

My son Gus wanted to do a puzzle, so I bought the above Charles Wysocki puzzle on Amazon. I love his art. It’s so folksy and charming and evokes the nostalgia of turn of the century New England. I credit putting Charles Wysocki puzzles together as a kid for instilling me a desire to go to Vermont. Thankfully, I married into a family with roots in Vermont so Vermont has become a regular part of my life.

Gus and I had a blast putting the puzzle together. I think I enjoyed it more. I spent hours on Saturdays working on it. It was incredibly meditative. I got into the flow state. Time slipped past me.

I finished the puzzle yesterday. It was incredibly satisfying putting in that last piece. We’ll keep it up for a few more days, but then tear it apart.

And then it’s on to the next one.

111 comments