Friday, May 10, 2013

Celebrate The Small Things: A Tale of Tiny Lizard Lust


Welcome Blog Hoppers!

I celebrate the small things every day, here's a fresh one:

Yesterday I was gardening and since I live on the lovely
Garden Isle of Kauai a gecko encounter is a frequent thing.

This time I stopped dead in my tracks over what I saw:
a dark lizardy looking creature with a stumpy tail.

What made it extraordinary is the flash of brilliance
that appeared from nowhere underneath its chin.
I now know that this flap is referred to as a "dewlap".

The little guy was a CHAMELEOcalled an Anole.

I scoured the internet to find a buddy of his
that most resembles what he looked like
and it's this one (except very black):

                                                       Photo by Jay J Wilkie


Now why did he choose to flash me repeatedly
as I stood in awe watching like a voyeur?

The answer is even more disturbing:
it's a sign that he wants courtship!
They do it to impress da ladies... Haha!
(Ok, lady lizards...but still...)

Normally I grab my camera at the spark of
anything unusual and try to capture it,
but I was down in an area below ground level with
gardening gloves on and my camera was in the house.

Maybe that's what turned him on, I was at near eye-level
and he was on the cement walkway so he could
really put on a show like he was on a stage.
Perhaps I'm just giving him human attributes... ;)

Here's some more info on him from Animal Planet

So today I am celebrating all the amazing things
that I continue to find when I garden and
how thankful I am for each and every moment.

When a creature or critter goes out of its way
to make an appearance in my life I look up the symbolism.

The Chameleon means:

Use of Color as camouflage, Survival, Patience,
Ability to climb to attain ones goals, and
Using the Sun as a Source of Power

I hope I see him again one day!


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20 comments:

Michelle Wallace said...

Hi Sandra.
Your post made me think of the kiddies song: "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small..."
The beauty and wonder of nature offers endless celebratory moments...
Nice to meet you.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Writer In Transit

VikLit said...

How cool to find him while gardening!

Sandra Riffero said...

Hi! I need to hear that song. Yes, nature is always a gift, like your presence here today. Thank you!

Bethie said...

Nature is so inspiring. Thansk for sharing!

Sandra Riffero said...

Hi, Bethie...yes, it's the main reason why I love living in Kauai.

Unknown said...

I never imagined I'd read about someone celebrating a lizard encounter! We have little sand-colored lizards over here in Egypt. I have to admit they're kinda cute, although a bit duller than your technicolor chameleon! :-)

Sandra Riffero said...

Hi, Lexa! Thanks for reading my little snippet. I love finding and seeing new things--that day it was beholding a dewlap for the first time. When we look, we see...

Chancelet said...

What a cute and mysterious creature. It gives me the idea of a story where something like that shows up out of place and is like an omen of sorts. Great inspiration. Writer’s Mark

Sandra Riffero said...

Hello, Nancy! Yes, with a little awareness in our day we can see all kinds of magic.

Brandy said...

First, your blog graphic is fantastic!
Second, what a super surprise treasure to celebrate!

I found your blog through the CTST link up!

Sandra Riffero said...

Aloha, Brandy! I appreciate you entering into my world today and taking the time to write a few thoughts. I hope a lovely surprise appears in your day.

SK Anthony said...

lol being courted by a chameleon is by far the most interesting thing I've read today :D

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

This is such a cool post. Thank you for sharing this today.

Deborah Small said...

Wow. A very cool thing to celebrate. An amazing creature, too.

Thank you for sharing!

Deb (popped in via Celebrate the Small Thing sign up)

Rhonda Albom said...

What an exciting find in the garden! I would love to see a wild chameleon.

I joined the blogfest today
Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com

Kirsten said...

Ha ha ha! That's so funny, and very cool. The first thing that popped into my head when I read this was Culture Club - 'Karma karma karma chameleon, you come and go...' Guess I'm an 80s child at heart. ;-)

M Pax said...

What a neat encounter. Maybe you knew each other in a past life. :) Have a happy weekend.

Unknown said...

We have a few geckos running around my Dad's garden all the time. And they are more intelligent that we give them credit for. You had a great encounter and it is worth celebrating! :)

Cindy said...

only you, lol! Welcome to the blog hop.

Sandra Riffero said...

Thank you so much to everyone who has hopped by, I really appreciate it! It's already been a WHOLE MONTH since my last post. *sigh* The new one is on a Fireflies Jar that I created if anyone is interested: http://bit.ly/14vIXIF

May all your days be magical!!