lizardattitude

When I first came to Arizona, I was focused on a vision that had started a long time ago. I was attending college in Illinois studying Zoology. Somewhere between a lack of focus and my inability to think beyond growing up in Illinois - I knew that studying Zoology at Eastern Illinois University was not going to get me to close to my Vision of what I wanted to do with my life.

So, I "stopped out", went to work and then took a train west. Arizona. You cannot get much more "western" then Arizona. I was going to be a Wildlife Biologist...

I spent many a year packratting around the desert. I grew to appreciate it's inherent natural beauty and diversity. There is nothing as wonderful as the Sonorran desert. I know it well.

Many years ago, in the midst of a very crowded Arts festival in Downtown Tempe, Arizona, I was struck by the fact that I could drive a couple of hours and be in the middle of the deep desert. Growing up in the Midwest and never being far from a house, a city or a fence - this had a profound effect on me. I then saw something that said "Lizard Attitude". It occured to me that one should always be mindful of their immediate surroundings and adapt accordingly. Yes, just like the ectothermic reptiles that frequent the desert. Strive to adapt. Find the balance between the hot and the cold. Maintain. Be part of the surroundings. Avoid bullying your way through life. You get the idea...

Lizard Attitude is more than just sitting on a warm rock, it 's kind of like the "Platinum Rule" [a step above the "Golden Rule"]. You treat people like they want to be treated. A simple rule that applies to all people and things, including the desert ...and lizards!