There used to be a small but lovely ranch house on the large lot across the street from us.  Bulldozers, giant trucks, smashing and thrashing, and then ... there was nothing. 

 

Until the next round of equipment arrived, and shortly thereafter there were two big holes in the ground.  The next day, we awakened to the Big Digger playing King of the Hill.  (Where would YOU park a Big Digger for the night?)

 

It was, and still is, difficult for me to concentrate on my writing since All This Action is visible through my office window.  I love watching big diggers, always have.  Cement trucks, more hauling trucks, a waterproofing guy, utilities trucks . . . .  It's very exciting.  So far, I've taken dozens of pictures of the progression of two large houses appearing where, throughout the years, one small home that housed four sets of our friends now remains--in memory only.

 

Progress.  Possibilities.  (Annihilation.)  Potential.  (Absent old friends.)  Double the potential for new friends.  Change.  (Uneasiness.  Stirred longings for things to be the way they used to be.)  Newness.  New hope.

 

Waiting.  Wondering.  Eager.  Sad.

 

After several melancholy moments of viewing this photo, it occurred to me how many "things" were standing by when I snapped the shot, waiting.  Digger (waiting to move on), mailbox (waiting for Christmas cards to move in), "for sale" sign (waiting to be removed), outhouse (waiting for ... a movement).  BWAAAAA-hahahahaha!

 

Waiting.  Standing by.  Waiting.

 

When I am quiet within myself, which doesn't seem often these days, I realize that I, too, am waiting.  Waiting to regain my sense of Self.  Waiting for the best sale on that spendy Christmas gift I want to buy for my granddaughter.  Waiting for that e-mail announcing the deal is finally sealed.  Waiting for the headache medicine to kick in, my phone to ring, my memory to return, my jaw to unclench, the right inspiration for our annual Christmas letter.  (Gads! Two knee replacements and a broken leg this year . . . .  Who wants to read all THAT?!)

 

Waiting.  While waiting.  Still waiting. 

 

Hey!  What excellent opportunities to give thanks, ey? 

 

Thanksgiving Day.  Thanks-giving Day.  Giving Thanks Day.  Waiting for the turkey to thaw, waiting for the guests to arrive, waiting for the traffic to move again, waiting for the thermometer thingie to pop up . . . .  (If you're reading this after Thanksgiving, let's move right along to waiting in lines, waiting for delayed airplanes, waiting for SANITY!)  Wonderful waiting opportunities to give thanks for all the Good Things for which we expectantly wait.