Friday, January 30, 2015

It's a Puzzle

International Puzzle Day

International Puzzle Day was yesterday, January 29th, 2015.  I had never even heard of a day designated for puzzles, had you?


Puzzle

Apparently there are other “International Days” I was unaware of as well. For example:
  • April 14th is International Moment of Laughter Day
  • May 18th is International Museum day
  • September 20th is International Eat an Apple Day!  


“Plan to Inspire 2014-15 School Year Projects Calendar”

You may wonder how I know all this. I learned it from a wall calendar, which I received free with a purchase at Joann Fabric and Craft stores.  A stack of these calendars were laying on the counter and caught my eye. When I asked the price, the sales clerk told me it was free and gave me one. Technically, I wonder now if they were actually meant just for teachers; but she did not ask my profession, and it does seem a handy thing for a blogger to have!


Calendar, holiday, projects

I have always wondered how people find out about these obscure days to celebrate. Now, I have my own inside source of information!  Imagine the blog post ideas this calendar might inspire! In addition to identifying days of importance such as those mentioned, it also is filled with monthly themes, craft and project ideas and inspirational quotes.


My Family Thinks Puzzle Day is Any Day

International Puzzle Day was created in 1995 by game companies in the United States. “Puzzle Day” caught my attention as I was looking at my new calendar because I grew up in a family of puzzlers. We always complete at least one puzzle during a family reunion, and a couple of my sisters work on puzzles at Christmas and throughout the year. One of my sisters is so good at putting a puzzle together, that she has been know to turn all the pieces upside down, and put it together without looking at the picture side!


My Cat Likes Puzzles Too

My husband and kids do not enjoy puzzles as much as I do. Santa usually leaves a puzzle under our Christmas tree, but it is usually me that puts most of it together.  The cat likes to sprawl in the middle of it - and he will knock the pieces off and carry them around. I usually have to cover it with a towel or tablecloth when we are not working on it, just to keep pieces from being lost!


cat, puzzle,


Family Reunions Are Best When None of the “Pieces” Are Missing

I create a new family logo each year for our family reunions, to use on t-shirts, luggage tags, bookmarks, or even aprons for everyone.  It usually has something to do with what we have all experienced together. (Flags, bats, spiders, etc. have all been featured!)  Last year, I used a puzzle theme.  I quite like the slogan I came up with: When we get together, it's a perfect fit.


puzzle, family reunion, perfect fit

My family is not the only family I know of to do puzzles during a reunion. A Puzzle for Gran is a touching account by Lana at Two Teens and Their Mama of how putting together a puzzle was a family tribute to a beloved family member.


How to Know When a Special Day is Coming Up

If you don't have access to the Projects calendar from Joann Fabrics that I mentioned, don't worry.  The website Days of the Year is a good source. In fact, you can even register to be notified of each holiday, so you never miss a special day!

Did you know that today (Friday, January 30th) is “International Fun at Work Day - all about enjoying yourself, dressing up silly, partake in office based mischief, or just crank the music up loud while you work.”  It's not my advice, so don't blame me if you get in trouble with your boss - but that's what Days of the Year suggests!

Apparently, anyone can apply to register a National Day of whatever
Don't you wonder how people came up with some of them?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains an Amazon affiliate link, for which I may receive compensation if any purchases are made. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely my own.

16 comments :

  1. Happy to meet you through Blogelina. Can't wait to read more of your blog and learn more together. http://www.pickles-n-peppers.com

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    1. Hi Shauna - sorry to be so long responding to this comment. The last few weeks have been busy! I'm glad to connect through Blogelina as well, and I really like your idea for a "bloggers corner" on your blog!

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  2. I LOVE puzzles! Fortunately, so do many of my family members. My kids and I have spent many a happy hour bent over a puzzle, visiting and fitting. Perfect! BTW, February 5 is International Nutella Day. The most closely followed day of the year in our family. Yummm . . .

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  3. My SIL is the puzzle tackler in our family so this year for Christmas I took a picture of both of the babies together and had it made into a jigsaw puzzle for him. It was really terrific and he loved it!

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    1. A puzzle of the babies! What a perfect gift!

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  4. What a great calendar you picked up! Thank you so much for linking to my blog and puzzle post today. You and I are always on the same wavelength, my friend! You are so creative with the family logo - I love it. Have a great weekend!

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    1. We truly are always thinking alike! Sometimes I think I should just email you Lana - and ask what it is that I will be writing about! I loved your puzzle post, and was happy to have it to share here!

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  5. I love puzzles. I received two of them for Christmas and have already done them and taken them apart. Sometimes I go back and work an old one. They have gotten expensive over the years. Love your family logo!

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    1. I don't mind redoing a puzzle - as long as no pieces are missing!

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  6. How about, "national wear a bra honey...that ain't attractive day".

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    1. This is the first I have heard of that special day!

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  7. I used to obsessively check out books of odd holidays from the library as a kid - this was a fun post! Thanks so much for linking up to Awesome Life Friday - we're looking forward to seeing what you have to share this week!

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    1. Glad you liked the post. I had no idea so many "odd holidays" even existed!

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  8. Replies
    1. Thanks - it fit our family well! (Pun intended!)

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