Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

     I'm back! My big break to rest my right arm and to doctor the shoulder that hindered my writing, ends now with the colorful beginning of fall.

     Take a peek at my photos below. Each one captures an aspect of the rest I experienced throughout summer.

     In my next blog, I'll fill you in on the diagnosis of my shoulder, and consequent decisions.

The Comforting Rest of Friendships

Here I'm flanked by two grand ladies, Phyllis Northrop and Marie Mann, after speaking at one of 13 retirement homes and a senior center between May and September.

The Rest of Enjoying My Granddaughter

Eight-year-old Zoe told everyone her proceeds were going for "poor children in Africa" (World Vision), after which one patron gave her $5.00 for a cup of pink lemonade. (Thanks, also, to Pat Damon for the fancy stand!)

The Welcome Rest of Family and Food

Remember the ethnic dinners I serve my son and daughter-in-law? July was MEXICO. The entree was a black bean chili with braised pork and limes. Side dishes included Old El Paso enchiladas and a chile relleno puff. The salsa was homemade and the dessert feature was Mexican chocolate cake with a pecan ganache, served with organic shade-grown Mexican coffee...and cola! Senor husband was the cameraman.

The Rest of DeCluttering 

A lady at my garage sale recognized me as the high school classmate whom she hadn't seen since we last waited each morning for the city bus headed to Lewis & Clark!

The Earthy Rest of Gardening Together

Zoe & I gardened together though she insisted, "Nana, you dig the holes!" So I dug and she set the plants. Labor isn't always even-Steven.

The Rest of Songs from Crooner Bing Crosby!

Discovering what's in your hometown can be as fun as visiting Europe! Well, almost. Girlfriend Kathy Whiteaker and I toured Bing Crosby's childhood home on the Gonzaga University campus and I posed beside the bronze statue that honors our hometown celebrity.

       Hope your summer was as restful as mine! I would love to read your comments about any of my ventures or a few tidbits about some of yours.

Engagements Ahead: I'll be participating at the American Christian Writers conference at Mirabeau Hotel, Spokane, WA, the weekend of Sept. 24th.  It's not too late to register at 800-21-WRITE, (615) 834-0450, www.ACWriters.com, ACWriters@aol.com. Featured teachers will be James Watkins, author and acquisitions editor with Wesleyan Publishing House and ACW Press, and Dr. Dennis Hensley, author and English professor at Taylor University, Fort Wayne, IN.