Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

             I’ve battled reluctance. Avoided an explanation and procrastinated to the dismay of a few by denying them an update on my health.

     Recently, a friend commented on my silence. “I keep thinking you’ll let us know about your shoulder.”

Shame on me. When I think I’ll surely bore you, I insult your genuine interest.

     When older folks wax long about surgeries, medications and pain, I maintain eye contact and express sincere concern. I care. I really want to know. So why haven’t I given each of you that much, as well? Please forgive me, the reluctant reporter.

     Findings from three x-rays and three MRIs showed bone spurs both above and below the hardware previously implanted in my neck that fuses two vertebrae. Also visible is a bone spur and arthritis in my shoulder and a slight disc bulge in the lower spine.

     An injection of cortisone, visits to a massage therapist and treatments from a physical therapist, a regimen of exercises, a medication (No thanks! Caused heart-racing and dizziness!) and a three-month break from serious writing concluded with these decisions.

     Surgery is not advised. Cortisone helped only 90 days; I’m scheduled for another injection. Not surprising, the pain is minimal—at least tolerable—if I’m off the computer, refrain from gardening, and use my left arm more than my stronger yet vulnerable right arm.

     Do I like it? Yes to “surgery-not-advised.” No to the certainty of pain when I write and do life as usual. Like vacuuming?

     But I’m a writer, and we writer-types do not surrender the keyboard easily. I confess, however, at times I’ve come close to shelving my author hat. Pain is persuasive.

     But I keep trying, pacing, and hoping to fulfill a few more writing dreams. Like Jeremiah, my heart burns when inspiration swells my soul. Aroused by some golden truth washing over me, I’m compelled to tell someone with words, spoken or written.

     Sometimes the overflow falls on the ears of women I lead in Bible study; at other times I draft an article, expound to my husband or preach to the cat. But today I’ve shared with you the words that reveal an ongoing struggle.

     An overriding conviction in the quandary between my desire to write versus the resulting pain is this grand fact. However God leads, to write a lot or a little, will be the best course. Until convinced I should turn fully to other ministries, I’ll be writing some rather than none.

October in Spokane: You’re invited to Brambleberry Cottage and Tea Shoppe for High Tea (an elegant English luncheon) where I’ll sign my books and sip tea with you and your friends. Proceeds will benefit Colville Pet Refuge. Make reservations ($29 per person) at 509-926-3293 or visit www.brambleberrycottage.com/events.html for location, a peek at the cat-theme menu, and online reservations.

November in New York: I’ll be teaching a class at the Cat Writers Association conference in White Plains, New York. Whiskers, Wit and Wisdom won a Certificate of Excellence in the annual contest and is eligible for other awards to be announced at the Awards Banquet.

Christmas Sale on autographed books: What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life, $15.00; Ins-pur-r-r-ational Stories for Cat Lovers, $10; Whiskers, Wit, and Wisdom, $15. Call 509-720-0634.

Recommended Books: This summer I read All Together in One Place by Jane Kirkpatrick. Click on the title for a brief review. Presently, I’m reading a first book on my Sony E-Reader. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane may be a classic, but I’ll be glad to finish.