Puzzle of the Day
Octopus Reef Rocks by Jacklyn Laflamme
(scroll down for the link to create the puzzle)

Welcome to Free Jigsaw Puzzles, where our goal is to bring you a quick fix when you’re struck with that urge to merge mystery pieces into the big picture. This site actually started as way for us to merge a piece of our own “big picture” needs (i.e., running our home Internet businesses) with a distracting little addiction to puzzle-solving pleasure. Can you relate?

Like most folks these days, we don’t have a lot of time for play, but as we tell children, play spawns creativity and stimulates imagination. And jigsaw puzzles provide that extra bennie of a small sense of accomplishment and a quick jolt of self-esteem. (C’mon, jigsaw fans, admit it – don’t you get a little rush when you finally find that elusive piece?? Pat yourself on the back!)

Jigsaw puzzles also help focus and concentration. An overall mental image – a  visualization of the ultimate goal - guides the building process. You have to see how things will fit together to make the individual parts work. And along the way, you must pay attention to detail, notice the unusual, challenge your assumptions, and (warning – cliche alert!) think outside of the box - all skills that help make us more efficient and productive in daily life.

Whew! Too much to ask of a jigsaw puzzle? Well, all we really want to do is provide a speedy, simple diversion when you need a little break. Our jigsaw puzzles, at least initially, will tend to be related to places, hobbies and topics that we promote and think others may like - art, dogs, golf, travel, the environment. We also hope to hear feedback from YOU about your interests, and what kind of jigsaw puzzles you like best. We’ll be adding new puzzles frequently, so check back often to see what’s new. 

Today’s jigsaw puzzle is an artwork from the ocean realm. It’s a whimsical look at an ‘arty-fishal’ reef by Canadian artist Jacklyn Laflamme. This is a modification of a piece she submitted to the Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach for inclusion in their innovative EcoArt Gallery by the Sea, in celebration of 2008 being the International Year of the Reef.

To promote the cause, Jacklyn agreed to add a vertical stack of reef material to her original image, to illustrate that fish need shelter. More than 3,000 of the vertical stacks will be used in the world’s first underwater billboard, to be contructed 1.5 miles off the coast of South Beach later this summer. For more information, visit MiamiBeachDiving.com.

Jacklyn’s art is on display at ArtFusion Gallery in Miami’s Design District – be sure to say ‘hello’ to the gallery director, William Braemer – and on her website.

Now, if you’re ready to play, click ‘Octopus Reef Rocks’   – and enjoy!

MaryLouise & Ken English