Kerri has encouraged us to write about something other than diabetes, which is great advice really because our lives are not governed by diabetes. So, that's what I'm going to do: write about something other than diabetes. And I'm not even going to try to make it relate to diabetes.

I remember finding writing when I was in sixth grade. It's been a part of me in one way or another for a very long time. I found photography almost by accident. I remember needing to find an elective class in high school and the bug has been with me ever since.

Photography is my second passion. And I've thought occasionally that maybe a person can't have more than one passion, but I know that's not true.

I've been shooting as a hobbiest for more than 10 years. The Mr. used to tell me that I took so many pictures I should just put the camera around my neck as soon as I woke up in the morning. And I almost did. Especially when No. 1 was little. Like many parents, the number of pictures I took with each kid dwindled.

I have always gotten a kick out of being able to elicit better smiles and photos from my kids than the "professionals" at some portrait studio could. Getting family pictures taken became such an ordeal and so stressful that I got to the point where I said forget it and started taking them myself.

And got the biggest thrill when I had them developed at Walmart and the clerks questioned the copyright.

In the last several years I've gotten a little more serious about my hobby. I started taking some "official" pictures of people other than my immediate family (though still family). And then, recently, did a family shoot for a co-worker.

I have gotten to the point recently where I recognize a lot of my weaknesses but don't really know how to address them. (Kudos to me for knowing my shortcomings, right?) I looked around for classes, but being way beyond a "basics" class and not quite ready for an "advanced" class I wasn't sure where I fell in.

After asking around, I found a professional photographer who offers one-on-one sessions. It was a perfect fit: he could look at my work and help me work specifically on the areas we both identify as needing help. After spending two hours together a few weeks ago and telling him that I'm deadline oriented and work really well if someone gives me an assignment, I have photography homework. Which thrills me to no end.

Would you like to see some of my work? Log on to my flickr page, where you'll also see my attempt at Diabetes 365 (OK so there *is* a diabetes tie in after all). This page is not all encompassing, though. Much of my photography remains buried on my hard drive.