Jigsaw Puzzles

Always popular, sales of these puzzles soared in popularity during the lockdown. Devotees had a lot more time to devote to their hobby. Many others joined the party, searching for something to help alleviate the boredom they were experiencing. Puzzle popularity hasn't abated.

Like so many other items, they still go out of stock quickly. I discovered this when I tried to order some Christmas presents for the puzzlers in the family. Each one I had chosen was out of stock. Yes, shopping online is so easy and time-saving. Or not.

Many years ago I indulged in a puzzle or two. But I haven't let myself get involved with them for a long time. Quite simply, I don't have the time.

For me, working on a puzzle is addictive and quickly turns into an obsession.

I know this because the same thing happened to me repeatedly doing needle work, another innocent-seeming hobby. I start on a certain section with a pretty green thread. I keep going until I've finished all of that color in that section. Unless I have enough thread to go somewhere nearby. If I run out of thread, I don't stop. I get a new strand. This can keep going until all of that green in the entire piece is done, if I'm not very disciplined.

Alternately, I choose a certain area, changing colors as needed and work until that section is finished. This would be a good stopping place, except sections rarely have clear edges. It's easy to spill over and keep going. And going.

Laundry piles up, people clamor for food and my attention, but I just keep going. It can get ugly.

The same thing happens to me with puzzles. I can promise myself that I'll put in five pieces--no, make it eight--okay twelve, but that's it. Dream on.

Puzzles have gotten more complicated. They're no longer just pretty pictures. I've heard of ones that are all black or all white, or fade from one color to another with no clear edges.

One of my daughters, with a friend, assembled a large puzzle with a complicated picture. When it was done, it gave directions for taking apart and redoing a section to get a different picture. This way lies madness. For me at least.

I have reached a level of self-knowledge that keeps me from falling into this pit of fun and relaxation. If only I could apply it to a couple of other areas in my life.

Oh, all right. To all the other areas of my life.