Imagine a soft, feminine voice that agrees to (almost) every crazy suggestion that Hubby makes. He loves it, and I have the bruises to show for it. Our first date, I went white river rafting with him. Our second date he rented a mountain bike for me and I rode up and down Mt. Tamalpias (not flat!), the day after our wedding, I rode down Squaw with him, before that I gamely followed him down the treacherous, expert Downieville Downhill. I’ve scubaed into caves and wrecks, become a runner and took up off-road motorcycling at age 35. I’ve loved it (especially after surviving) and at times, I’ve had complete meltdowns brought on by fear, heat-exhaustion, and self-talk.

A few years ago, Bobby’s back had degenerated so badly from all the crashes (especially the motorcycle head-ons into trees), he could no longer do any sports at all. His athletic endeavors are now limited to short “family walks” (with Tulip and I) and physical therapy.

As this change in our lives unfolded, I did two things, I bought a puppy to distract him and make us laugh; and I encouraged him to pursue his long-time passion for photography. Tulip is three years old now and he loves her, brags on her and is happily wrapped around her little paw. As for the photography, he has passionately immersed himself in it, just like every sport he has ever taken on. And of course, I’ve agreed to go along.

So now I have a retired motorcycle, mountain bike, surfboard, scuba gear and running shoes and new photo equipment. But Lord knows, this isn’t point and shoot photography. We have “shoot offs” (did I mention he’s competitive?); I receive books and instruction on lighting, macro shooting, aperture, shutter speed, etc. and we have to get up insanely early on weekends to catch the perfect light. The only thing that has changed is I have far less bruises.