Jigsaw puzzle lovers of the world unite!

Join me in my spiritual quest: fulfillment through the zen of jigsaw puzzle assembly.

Fight those antiquated images of jigsaw puzzling as the activity of choice for retirees or residents of nursing homes (not that there's anything wrong with them--heck, I'll be one before too long).

Let the world know that jigsaw puzzles do not simply feature Thomas Kincaide, Disney characters, Where's Waldo, or adorable puppies and kittens. Assembling a richly colored or uniquely cut or down-right hard puzzle is fulfilling and brings families and friends together.

For me, bigger is not necessarily better: 1,000 pieces is my limit (so far). Wherever I go, I search for unusual puzzles. The Game Store in downtown Berkeley has the largest and most dazzling collection of puzzles I've ever seen — a treasure trove for our people. When you walk in and see the wall of shelves with puzzles of all sorts, your heart will skip a beat — trust me.

I'll post pictures of puzzles, pictures of people and their puzzles, links to stores and websites that sell great puzzles, tips (I'm a “frame first” person and think that's the way to go), and other odds and ends that will help us achieve nirvana through jigsawing.

Jigsaw trivia: The first jigsaw puzzle was invented in 1760 by John Spilsbury, a British engraver and cartographer.

In fully interlocking solidarity,
Jigsaw Maniac
Loose lips sink ships — keep busy with jigsaw puzzles ✌