Glizzard

I came home the other night after a luscious, long day in the Hudson Valley visiting wineries, to find a gaggle of little girls in front of my building, oohing and aahing over something.  As I got closer, they ran toward me and breathlessly asked if I wanted to see the lizard!  Of course, I said yes, and they led me toward the door.  There he was - a large, green lizard, climbing the building.

I mean, I’ve seen lizards in Hawaii and Belize, but I never expected to see one here in New Jersey. But it makes sense, right?  It is warm and humid and perfect for lizards, but it was still unexpected.  Then, suddenly, the leader of the girl gaggle reached out to it – and then suddenly grabbed it right around the middle!  I gasped, and the girls burst out in hysterical giggles.  I looked at them quizzically and then realized that the lizard was paralyzed.  Then, it finally clicked that the lizard was plastic!

We all had a good laugh, and I found myself loitering in the lobby to watch the next ‘victim’, and he fell as hard for it as I did!

Even better is that peeps in our building are now taking it upon themselves to move the lizard into all different locations and positions, as though he is exploring the area all by himself.  It makes me smile every time I walk out the front door, and it comforts me to know I live among people with good senses of humor.

I have decided the lizard’s name is Glizzard.  This was the name my children threatened me with as my ‘grandma’ name.  I told them Glizzard simply wasn’t going to work for me – and I’m very relieved that they’ve all let that go.  Grand suits me better until the baby decides what he wants to call me.  Of course, if he chooses to call me Glizzard, I’ll be perfectly fine with it, and call him the cleverest boy of all.

Speaking of Arthur, he got to experience his first foray into my home the other day – and like everyone, immediately went to the big, puffy, white rug in the middle of my floor.  He stood on it, sat down, and then collapsed in a comfy heap upon it, smiling and laughing the whole time.  It is one of those luxuries I never would, nor could have, afforded when my kids were little.  It’s an impossibly plush, gorgeous, soft cloud that is exactly the aesthetic I want for my home.  I want every corner to be cozy, warm, inviting, and kid-safe, while still lovely.  What I want most of all, is this to be the most comfortable, welcoming, safe haven for my lovely family. When they need solace and calm, I want them to join me here.  When they need soothing and balm for their souls, my door is open. And if it’s just a glass of wine and a chat – this is the place!  What a lovely life.