The Piano Puzzler

Many of you may already know that I am an avid lover of puzzles; crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles . . . I only have yet to find the patience and determination to solve the Rubik's Cube. Something inside of me just loves solving problems. I get into this mode where I'm on a mission and I can't rest until I've found the answer. Maybe that's why I never had a problem with math in school and (don't tell anyone) even enjoyed it. Is it weird that I was actually a little sad that I never had to take any math classes in college?

Every year at Christmas time when my family gets together, we do a jigsaw puzzle. It is tradition. I do not want to admit to the number of hours we've spent bent over those things, just puzzling. My family has even given me the nickname "puzzle hound." If they are looking for a specific piece and can't find it, they come to me. My favorite "quest" is studying a piece and then finding out where it goes by looking at the picture on the box. We seem to get more and more ambitious each year with our puzzles, finding more difficult ones than the year before which sometimes doesn't seem possible. Last Christmas it was so difficult that we weren't able to finish it. Sad day.

My favorite way to solve crossword puzzles is with my Aunt Stacie. It seems so much better when we are able to combine forces than just solving them alone. The thing I love about crossword puzzles is that they really stretch your mind, and I always learn something new. Somehow I feel more wise and cultivated after completing one.

A few months ago I discovered the most wonderful thing on American Public Media's "Performance Today." It is called the Piano Puzzler! Two things that I love combined together make for a simply delightful activity.

Pianos + Puzzles = ♥!

Every Wednesday morning at approximately 9:15 a.m. MST, the Piano Puzzler is played on the radio. A man by the name of Bruce Adolphe takes a popular tune and puts it into the style of a famous composer. Someone calls in, and it is their job to figure out both the tune and the composer. I'll admit that the tunes are often well hidden and it takes me awhile to figure them out, if at all. But when I do figure it out - oh the joy and rapture! It makes me so proud of myself. "Way to pay attention to all those piano and music history lessons!" I tell myself. I doubt I'll ever be brave enough to actually call in. I am simply content to listen in on the radio at home or in the car. And if once a week isn't enough (which, in my opinion, it really isn't) there's a whole archive of Piano Puzzlers available online so I can indulge myself whenever I want!

For all of my fellow nerds out there who may be interested in listening to the Piano Puzzlers, here is a link:
http://performancetoday.publicradio.org/podcast/piano_puzzler/
I must warn you though, Piano Puzzlers can be highly addictive substances. Use with caution. Enjoy! :)