IS LIFE LIKE A PUZZLE?...by b. Malin
I'm Ok with that...
My oldest Son and family wanted to send us something "different" because of our BIG move...And "Online", he found it... A company that makes a unique "Handmade Puzzle" of your home! It came with a half size "Aerial photo" detailing all of our Condo, along with LOTS, and LOTS of PUZZLE PIECES... Can you imagine how surprise and pleased we were at seeing this unique gift? Well we were.
Now, am I a Puzzle Person?...Honestly, I have NO Patience... But I'm ok with that. Because I Loved the idea. So now you're probably thinking, what about Lover Man? Well he GROANED at first, and SIGHED...and then GOT TO WORK ON IT! I'm an Encourager...and so I Encouraged!
Exactly ONE MONTH LATER, and lots of ENCOURAGEMENT, and a little of my help, like, "hey, this piece looks like it will fit...and here's a Magnifying Glass you can use". He was done, and feeling OH SO PROUD... A picture was taken and sent along with an e-mail so the family could see the results... A completed Perfect Picture Puzzle of our home, which we will treasure. And I've got to add, I think Lover Man is having withdrawal pangs. Well, there's always the picture puzzle of the Grand Daughters in their bathing suits when they were little, that we never got around to doing...and I've still got lots of ENCOURAGEMENT left. So we'll see, we'll see.
Another tale...
From our "Lanai" we have a Wonderful view of the Marina, and all the Beautiful Yachts... We have nicknamed the "boaters" that we see. One man, we call "Dog Man", has a cute small "terrier" type dog. His "Yacht" is parked in between 2 other Yachts, and of course there is dock space, or piers that can be walked along. Well "Dog Man" ALWAYS carries the dog off his Yacht, and puts him down where he thinks NO ONE can SEE him, and lets the dog URINATE there! Then he picks the dog up and carries it back to the Yacht. He is NOT aware of Lover Man & I watching him. So we're thinking, maybe the dog is SICK or CRIPPLED ...But still "Dog Man" should come back and water down the Urine...but wait, it gets better...
The other day we once again see "Dog Man" carrying the Dog, and he is also carrying a small plastic bag..."Mmmm, now what"? I say to Lover Man, as we eat our Brunch. Well we don't have to wait long to see..."Dog Man" puts the dog down, takes the small plastic bag and gets down on his HANDS and KNEES as he places the bag under the dog's BACKSIDE! Yes, the POOP lands in the BAG! Then he scoops the Dog up along with the poop bag, which does get dropped into the trash container near the OTHER GUY'S Yacht! We almost fell off our chairs LAUGHING!
The other night, we are taking our nightly walk, when whom do we see..."DOG MAN", and dog actually WALKING together on Green grass, which is quite a distance from the Marina. He smiles at us and we all say "hello". The dog seems to wag his tail happily.
So, is this many of Life's little Puzzles...do the pieces fit...and do they need to? And at this moment in time, I'm OK with that!
Comments
I haven't worked on a puzzle in a long time. Probably when I began to lose patience :) I do remember they were quite relaxing, when you could actually find the correct piece to fit. Your son was very thoughtful with his gift. Yes, life is very much like a puzzle. With many pieces that don't always fit. Fun hub! :)
How rotten of Dog Man. My son has a tiny dog and lives in a top apartment stories up so he bought his dog a grass thing it can go on and he says it has to be cleaned each time or the dog won't go back to it so at least it is an answer other than taking it down the street to poop in somebody's yard. Dog people should be more responsible!
Sounds like such a beautiful place to live, girl! ^+
Nice story about the puzzle :-) Are you not afraid that next year you will receive another one, double the size of this year with your previous home ;-)
About the Dog Man, it's a good thing that at least he is picking up the poop! It's funny how sometimes you happen to be in a situation where you can observe life around and the habits of others :-) I know that I like to observe life in restaurants or parks as well.
You made the right choice of moving down there. Up North, there is still snow and it's still cold! We have friends who go to Florida for the winter and this year they are stuck in Ottawa because the gentleman broke his ankle :-(
Enjoy your warm winter... and the view!
First, the puzzle gift was genius. I didn't even know you could buy something like that. Secondly, the dog man holding the plastic bag underneath his dog's butt is classic. I'm laughing out loud right now.
Thank you for sharing about your puzzle, how interesting. I have never heard of such, but it is a great idea, and I am glad Lover Man loved it after a while! That is so funny about Dog Man hehehe. Sounds like you are enjoying your new life. It makes me miss living in Florida, back when I was young and we were first married, when my husband was stationed down there. I remember driving over to St. Pete in February and lying on the beach, so lovely. There is just something wonderful about being surrounded by water.
Up and more and sharing.
Blessings,
Faith Reaper
The puzzle was such a kind and thoughtful gift from your son. I haven't solved a puzzle like that for a long time, but I used to enjoy the activity. I loved the story about the dog poop! The dog owner sounds like an interesting character, just like all the other people that you describe!
What .. Poop ?... ha, ha , I little story... b ...
Oh, I ignore puzzles the best I can, because when I start building one I cannot rest before it's finished. So addictive! Poison for my obsessive compulsive personality disorder! I must say, Dog Man had trained his dog very well. I don't know a South African dog that will poo where his owner wants him too. Worse of all, it is not yet law down here to remove what your dog has dropped. I was so surprise to see specified areas in Holland - small lawns - called Honden Toilet, and, of course, whatever was dropped by the dog had to be scooped up and sealed in a plastic bag to be thrown in a specific bin....
Life is indeed a puzzle, but in my life some pieces got lost before I was born -:( Hopefully I will find them in time....
Thanks for a pleasant read :))
Perhaps you could have a puzzle made of Dog Man and Dog on the dock near his yacht doing their thing! You could present it to him as a gift. It may force Dog Man to hang his puppy out over the railing to do his business. Up and funny!
Malin,
I enjoyed your story about the gift your family gave you and Lover Man. You really got me laughing with the story about Dog Man and his best friend. Looking foreword to your next piece.
Chuck
I enjoyed your stories, as usual. I love puzzles and used to spend many hours doing them. Then I got married and never have time to do puzzles any more. I loved the dog story and wish I could teach my daughter that trick. The dogs would probably cooperate. The daughter walks the dogs. I usually end up cleaning up the mess.
Hmmmm. Interesting. Sorry I am just stuck on Dog Man! What an interesting observation. Thank you for this ! Up+
I love the puzzle on Facebook, where I spend a lot of my time, when not writing books that is, between there and Blogger. I adore puzzles and I enjoyed this hub very, very much.
lol! now that I would love to see! yes life's little puzzles! That was lovely thought that your son gave you that puzzle, what a great and different idea! and what a lovely place to live!
My brother got a puzzle like this for my parents one year for Christmas. My Dad loved puzzles, so of course he loved it.
Enjoyed this hub; someone once bought us a two sided puzzle (different on both sides) for Christmas - it is still in its sealed box in the loft :o) As for 'dog man', I admire his ability to catch poop as it is being delivered - though that's not a skill you can put on your CV!
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Hi Sunshine, Thanks for all your Comments. This was a Fun Hub for me, and a way to thank my Son...
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Hi Jackie, Wasn't it...That Dog Man...Your Son sounds like he has the right idea. Yes, living here is nice...still exploring.
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Hi Kidscraft, Thanks, and HOPEFULLY NOT! Your Comments are fun to read. We are Enjoying the weather here, even when it gets COOL...Not complaining.
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Hi Bill, That's my Son...always thinking. Dog Man is a Trip...and we too couldn't stop LAUGHING!
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Hi Faith, The Puzzle really was quite the gift. As was watching Lover Man work on it. Florida is pretty nice and who can complain about the weather and yes, being surrounded by water, it's so Cool.
Thanks for the Vote and the sharing.
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Alicia, So glad you Enjoy my growing "cast" of characters...Who knew I'd have so much more to write about living in Florida Land. And yes, my Son, is such a thoughtful guy.
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I'm thinking you Enjoyed the story Mike...So, Poop and all, I'm glad you did!
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Hi Martie, I just don't have the patience to do a Puzzle. Isn't Dog Man a trip? People are supposed to "poop scoop" but a lot of times they don't! Finding our Puzzle parts is part of Life! So glad you Enjoyed the read!
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Hi Breakfastpop, You are TOO funny. Hey, he has hung the dog over the edge too, I forgot about that. So glad you Enjoyed and Thanks for the Votes.
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Hi Writer Chuck, Thank You. Maybe more Dog owners should train their dogs that way?? Thanks again.
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Hi Becky, So many people do seem to enjoy Puzzles. Yes, dogs are so smart...they could teach their "masters" a thing or two about POOP!
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Hi Btrbell, And you know Dog Man is quite attractive too...with maybe too much time on his hands. Thanks for your comments and the Vote.
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Hi Bobbi, Thanks for Enjoying, and of course your Comments.
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Hi Nell, the Puzzle really is a Unique Gift. He's quite the Son. And living in Florida Land is pretty nice.
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Hi Barbara Kay, Lover Man has become the Puzzle Man.
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Hi Jools, Wow, a 2 sided Puzzle...I've never seen one...And HOPEFULLY never will! Yes, Dog Man and Dog and Poop have the answer!
Oh b., lol . . . I got a tickle out of this story about the dog man and his pooch's toiletry habits! Oh, and the puzzle of your home is really a cool thing. So, I take it you have moved. You could get another puzzle of your former home and it would be a great way for you all to reminisce!
HaHaHa, you made me lol. The ' lanai ' made me miss ' The Golden Girls ' What a great gift you received! I must say, " You can make dog poop funny. " Hee....
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Thanks Kathi, I smile everytime I see Dog Man and Dog...they are such Fun writing material.
My Son is the Cool one...guess he was raised right...ha, ha. BUT...NO, I don't want another Puzzle...I've still got the Memories of the old house in my mind.
Yes, we have moved to Florida Land, and Life is just one BIG HUB!
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Hi Ruby, Ah, the Golden Girls, they were GREAT. As for Dog Man, I'm so Grateful to them...Mmm, does that sound strange?? Ha, ha!
No that doesn't sound strange. I just hope you see them out and about again and write their funny stories. Hee
I missed this so much! I hope all is well. I hope you're enjoying Florida!! Always worth the trip here dear friend. LMAO!!
This was very funny and quite enjoyable. I used to enjoy puzzles, but its been years and years ... something to think about. Take care. Theresa
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Hi Lyric, DITTO! Florida is Good, learning my way around.
Ok, I give up...what does LMAO stand for...I'm always learning.
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Hi Theresa, Thank YOU. As for Puzzles, one either LOVES them or NOT...I'm in between...Thank goodness, Lover Man took the challenge.
A personalized puzzle is a wonderful gift idea. I truly enjoyed reading about your new life in Florida. I bet you're glad you are missing all the snow up north right now! Voted up!
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HI Writer Fox, I'm so Glad you Enjoyed...and yes, it was a Wonderful Gift...As for ALL the snow...I feel for my Family and Friends...It's been such a rough Winter, hopefully an Early Spring will come!
Thanks for you thoughts and of course your Vote!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, dog-man is priceless! It must be so good to be able to sit back and observe life's little puzzles, watching people can be very entertaining. My best to you and Lover man.
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Hi Tobusiness, Thanks. Dog Man is still at it, he is a "treat" to watch. People watching is Fun, and gives me a good share of my Hub thoughts...And My Best back to You and yours too!
Life is more intricate than the average puzzle but I'd say it is easily one of the most complex puzzles around. There are so many different pieces we really cant get it all together. Awesome hub.
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Hi Joedolphin, Thanks so Much for Enjoying...Life can be Fun, Crazy, Sad, and Happy...Thank Goodness for us Writers, otherwise what would we have to write about...Oh we'd find Something!
Missing your insights, but maybe the kids gave you both a dog this year?
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Hi Perspycacious, Life as kept me busy...still editing my book, and that's so time consuming...No Dogs allow where I live...Boo hoo...I think about Hub Pages and I guess someday I'll be back...
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