Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

 If you noticed my blog title, you’re probably making guesses about “my big break.” Sorry, but my latest book of cat tales isn’t scheduled for reenactments on Animal Planet. And no, a garden angel didn’t knock on my door with a free landscape package, a shovel and a smile. Yours truly, not a worthy stand-in for an angel, is the one around here who’s setting the tulips and pulling the weeds.

My big break is a forced hiatus from the computer—a Sabbath from composing, email, Facebook, and Googling.

Months of inflammation in my right shoulder led to an MRI, weeks of physical therapy, and other recommendations like my new ergonomic desk. In attempts to relieve the afflicted arm, I’ve become adept at using the mouse with the opposite hand. Stretching, pacing and other advice I’ve heeded didn’t eliminate the problem over the past year. A stretch of abstinence from the keyboard is mandatory. Please forgive my delayed explanation.

In obedience to medical orders, I’ve spent little time with Lenora. For those who don’t name their computers, Lenora is my laptop. We’re seeing less of each other. For now, I’ll follow through with treatment prescribed by the orthopedic doc who discovered the bone spur causing my relentless pain.

In the few and sure words of General MacArthur, “I will return.” Besides, by the time I’m back, I’ll have lots to say! For now, as healing allows, I’ll pull some stories from my garden or cat books and post them on my blog including a couple favorites on the topic of balance.

Though a pleasant reprieve from pain, breaking from daily writing is hard for me. Does my temporary leave sound a bit like balance? Gotta do what I preach.

In lieu of writing, Millicent and I have stirred up some yummy desserts: a coconut cake with frothy frosting for visiting relatives, and a British trifle for the ethnic dinner I host monthly for my son and daughter-in-law. (Oh! My mixer is named Miss Millicent and my Honda is Heather.)

With all Millicent’s spinning and whirring, she works harder than I on these culinary creations but I assist by setting her speed button and timing her efforts. Since both my office and kitchen are rooms where I cook up things, it’s great to have assistants like Lenora and Millicent.

My husband Bob has an assistant, also; a grumpy one. He recently purchased a GPS to plan his routes for transporting veterans to their appointments at the Vets Hospital. Yesterday, while simultaneously walking and entering an address for a route, a sudden reprimand sounded from the device. “Do NOT program while driving!” On the spot, I christened the global positioning system. Gabby has joined the family.

I have a wireless printer on order. Any suggestions for a name? Help me out. It’s a Lexmark.

Please stay in touch. I’ll post occasionally on Facebook and read email but won’t respond unless necessary. I welcome comments on my blog, both at the website and by email. I won’t forget you. Lenora sends her greetings. 

You're invited to my speaking engagements:

Friday, May 21 at The Academy, 1216 N. Superior (near Gonzaga University), Spokane, WA, 2:30 pm

Tuesday, June 8 at Southside Senior Center,

3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane, WA, Noon (luncheon)

Wed., June 16 at Evergreen Fountains, 1201 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane, WA, 3:00 pm

Friday, June 18 at Royal Plaza, 302 E. Wedgewood, Spokane, WA, 10:00 a.m.

 

Whiskers, Wit, and Wisdom signed copies

on sale this month for $12.99+ship/hand or free delivery in Spokane.