There is nothing better on a cold, snowy Christmas night than fresh cocoa made with marshmallows crisped in a fire, my love at my side.

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This picture was originally meant to be my Christmas present to Cathy last year - that is, Christmas 2024. Unfortunately, I commissioned it late, then the artist,  aramarii, got sick, and I got worried the pic wouldn't arrive in time. It did, but I had already bought her a copy of Civilization 7 in case it didn't. And while that was reportedly appreciated, I get the impression she hasn't played it much. I'm not sure if that's because of a busy life or Civ7 not being very good.

So I decided to save it for next Christmas. Which was the last Christmas. 2025, I'm saying. More, I decided to have fun with it. With a whole year to play around with it, I sent it off to a company that turned it into a custom puzzle. I then wrapped it and gave it to her on our vacation to San Francisco last August. She somehow managed to keep herself from opening it until Christmas rolled around. I had taped a piece of paper over the cover so she wouldn't see the picture ahead of time, in case she wanted it to be gradually revealed as she did the puzzle. But she could always remove the tape and picture, and I'm told she eventually did because she was having real trouble doing it without knowing what image she was trying to make.

I was initially going to refrain from posting this picture or giving her a copy until she showed me a photo of herself with the competed puzzle. Unfortunately, Cathy is not much of a puzzle person. That, and a definite lack of time in her life, made me eventually give in. Only took 2.5 months!

The fireplace is based on the fireplace in my current home, though the rest of the room is different. No hardwood floor, for one thing.

You can see the original art HERE if you want to send comments or Faves directly to the artist. She absolutely deserves some!