Hennessy Puzzles "California Map Puzzle"

I did an internet search to find a California state puzzle that I could frame for my kitchen.  I was looking for one that specifically had a lot of pictures, with the state bird, state flower, and whatever other icons that could be worked into the drawing.  This is one of the first ones I've framed to keep myself, and it'll look great with the vintage green walls of my kitchen.

Hennessy Puzzles is a family owned business, smaller company, with high-quality puzzles both in the designs and the manufacture.  I was very pleased with this one.  They have several other designs now on my wish list that I can't wait to have, including a vintage xmas and one on vintage trailers.  I'll be a repeat customer!  They were also very kind and responsive when I thought I'd lost a piece, mailing me the piece in question within a couple days of my contacting them.

SunsOut "Waiting for the Mailman" by Susan Brabeau

Today I hosted a puzzle exchange event for meetup.com.  This was my second hosted event, the first being a few months ago.  But this time I cross-posted to several different groups, and so we had about ten people come and go, with about eight people who stayed for the full time.  In addition to trading puzzles, we also did a puzzle together while there.  It was one I'd brought that I had gotten for free on craigslist, SunsOut "Waiting for the Mailman" by Susan Brabeau.  A used puzzle, that turned out to be complete, with 500pc.  As a group, it took us about two hours or so to put together.  

It was so much fun to do a puzzle as a collaboration!  We had great conversation as we worked, and great beverages since we met at a local coffeehouse.  There were even people in the restaurant that approached us during and after our event that were interested to find out what we were doing, so we referred them to the main meetup group.  I hope we have a few new people join for next time.

I ended up with my first Eeboo brand puzzle from the exchange, so I'm excited to try that out.  And another White Mountain that is a collage of backyard birds which I'm excited to put together too.  And I donated five or six puzzles to the exchange, while only bringing home two, so I came out ahead in terms of household clutter.

Cobble Hill "Dog Quotes"

The girls helped with my latest dog puzzle during a Los Angeles heat wave....Cobble Hill’s 1000pc “Dog Quotes.” This one will be framed eventually.  Not sure if I will auction it off for dog rescue, keep it, or give it to one of our awesome support team that cares for my pup (groomer, vet or pet sitter). 

I loved all the famous quotes pertaining to dogs that are scattered throughout this puzzle!  Many different breeds are represented, including the Chihuahua and Daschund, though unfortunately no Rat Terrier (let alone a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier).  I bought this new off Amazon with a giftcard as a special treat to myself and was so excited to break into a brand new box.  

I often get better pictures before framing as I don't have to worry about glare from the glass, so I wanted to take a few shots before I consider how to mat and frame. 

Fire Station Donation

In early July, I did a puzzle that I framed for donation to my local fire station.  "Hero's Helpers" was a cluster of dogs in fire gear and paraphernalia, so it seemed only fitting.  Today I went back to LAFD Station No. 60 in North Hollywood to see how and where they were using it.  

The puzzle was placed atop a shelving unit in the fire station's kitchen.  It's hard to see the full picture, but it is being utilized, and it's in a public area in the station.  My thought was that kids who tour the fire station would find it fun and colorful, so the fact that it's somewhere general public may sometimes see it is great to me.  

The fire personnel were welcoming to me when I went to donate, and when I went back to take a picture of it.  And, the station I chose is in my neighborhood, so I'm glad I can contribute to my own local community.  It's a small thing, but I hope I make someone smile.