Hershey’s Puzzle In Progress

Hershey’s Moments – MasterPieces – 1000 pieces

I’m having a great time with this puzzle, it’s exactly what I need at exactly the right time. I’m working on the more difficult sections first – like all the large Hershey’s bars and darker areas. When sorting it I could tell it would be harder than it looks, and so I decided to get the more challenging stuff out of the way early. Now when it’s closer to being completed the sections that are brighter and more entertaining will be what’s left. My strategy may change the further into it I go, but that’s where I am for now.

Life is unbelievably stressful right now, and even if it wasn’t, my brain seems to think anxiety is always the way to go – even when things are calmer. Sometimes I just need to go and sit in front of my puzzle board and get away from almost everything; I put on my headphones, turn the music WAY up and only think about shapes, colors, text, and fitting pieces together.

If I didn’t have puzzles I fear life would be much darker for me. Thank God for puzzles!

What I’m working on…

Typefaces by Hugo Maciel – Ravensburger – 500 pieces

This very interesting and challenging image just grabbed me when I first saw it, and it’s going together really well. The artwork is very different – it almost looks as though it was done with a crayon! Still, I love a challenge, and a puzzle that is outside of the norm as well. It oughta be fun. 😉

Authors In Progress

Authors – Re-marks – 1000 pieces

The current Re-marks puzzle I’m working on is very good quality and much more entertaining than the last few puzzles I’ve done – what a relief! I was starting to think that perhaps I should give puzzles a rest for a while.

I haven’t done well in choosing which ones to assemble this month and out of the five puzzles I’ve done so far only one of them was truly enjoyable. I need to stop picking puzzles based on what I think I need for the blog and start choosing ones I actually want to do in the moment (which seems to be easier said than done for me).

Of course it really isn’t the puzzles, it’s me and the state of my mind and body. I’m feeling awful and having to take all my pain meds all day, which makes me feel groggy and stupid – not the best for sitting at the puzzle table. And of course there’s the anxiety and depression, it doesn’t help matters at all. Having mental health issues along with physical health problems just plain ol’ sucks.

I’ll just keep plugging away, even though my puzzling has slowed down quite a bit. What’s the old expression? Fake it till you make it.

Currently In Progress

80s Shows – MasterPieces – 1000 pieces

Sorry about the glare at the bottom, I didn’t stand the board up to take the picture. I worked for a while on this puzzle yesterday and made some good progress – it’s taking shape!

Lots of nostalgia here for me, and you’ll be hearing all about it when it’s finished.

Retail Therapy

Why do they call it “retail therapy”? Every time I give it a try it doesn’t do a damn thing. I’m always happy to find interesting, beautiful, or unique puzzles; but honestly it really isn’t any kind of therapy.

I don’t have remorse, or spend more than we can afford – and my shopping most definitely isn’t out of control (I really do despise shopping in general). It may boost your mood temporarily, but for me it isn’t nearly as long-lasting as I would like.

On the positive side, I did find myself about ten new puzzles; and I’m almost certain I will enjoy putting each and every one together. 💗