Recently one of my best eBay customers brought an artist to my attention. The woman is a fan of cat jigsaw puzzles, especially Geoffrey Tristram art. As soon as I started watching for puzzles made from his art – I found one.  I am posting the picture here for your enjoyment. 

Of course, I would be happy to sell the puzzle from my eBay store, however that is not my intention today.  Sometimes it is just fun to share new discoveries!

This puzzle image is one of my new favorites because of the old advertising and the true to life cat sitting right in the middle of everything.

Are you a puzzler?  Do you have a favorite type of puzzle or artist?

Gibson passed away this week. Monday, November 10, 2008 to be more exact. He was my baby and my friend for 10 years. He was a bottle fed orphan puppy that grew up thinking I was his mom.

His place in our family was so solid and strong that it has been impossible to adjust to the huge empty space we have been left with. His buddy, our Lab, Zeke, is still looking for him. I catch myself saying his name – it just feels like he should still be here. He should still be here.

Gibson was an extremely handsome Harlequin Dane with gray and black spots. He weighed almost 180 pounds and could look in a car window while standing on all fours. His size was intimidating and yet he was never aggressive. A true gentle giant that was loyal and protective of his family; he left his mark on the world in a quiet and humble way.

Gibson had his quirks. He was afraid of going up and down stairs, box turtles upset him, he drooled puddles when he got nervous and when he got gas it was so bad that even Zeke’s eyes watered.  He was gentle and loving and would have done anything in his power to please me. When he was afraid at the vet he would try to crawl into my lap or put his head under my arm to hide.

I made the statement earlier this week that Gibson went his whole life and never tore anything up…nothing in 10 years. Then I had to correct myself.

One fall, probably 6 years ago, we put a scarecrow on bales of straw in front of our house. It was a serious matter to him and no amount of scolding would deter him from yanking it down and pulling the stuffing out. We finally decided that we had a choice to make and the decor was not worth his stress. Still, one thing in 10 years…I wish my record was that good.

Gibson is gone and my heart is in pieces.