February 01, 2016

Married to the Mister

Everyone knows my husband; everyone. He has run the only camera store in town for over 28 years. He is on commercials, teaches photo classes, does photo walks, and does what seems like a million presentations to most of the clubs in town. He also volunteers his photography to lots of non-profits and together we photograph a couple of weddings a year. He's also very handsome and that doesn't hurt the popularity one bit!

When we go out to eat, inevitably, someone from another table will come over to us, sit at the table after a curt nod to me, face Frank and say, "Hi Frank, I'm having problems with my new Canon Rebel." or "I couldn't get the exposure right when I shot some pictures of the snow in Lassen. What am I doing wrong."

Bye-bye romantic dinner!

Walking down the Promenade, someone will spot him from across the way and come running. "Frank, I was just going to see you! Can you tell me....."

In the mall, "Hey, Frank...."

At church a tiny woman in her late 80's or early 90's tugged on his sleeve on the way up to communion, "Young man, are you going to be at the store today, I've got some old pictures I need restored!"

Even when I had a knee replacement, the anesthesiologist came in, introduced himself to me, looked up and saw Frank and commenced with a long speech about an idea he had for some photo project.

Eventually, most interruptions end up being a shortened class of Photography 101, so the questioner's significant other gets tired of waiting and will come over.

Then the introductions. "Darling" or "Sweetie" or "Duncan" this is Frank  and this is his wife....uh...." and I fill in the blank with. "I'm Toni! Nice to meet you."

I am always "...and his wife!"  Always.

Sunday I made two presentations at two different churches in the north state. I can't tell you how weird it was (and pleasant) to have the priest introduce us with a "so please welcome Toni and her husband Frank!

So cool to be a real person and not an accessory!


20 comments:

  1. if the dude above your your spouse, then YOWZA! WOOF! WOO HOO! RAWR!

    but yeah, it's time someone recognized YOU for YOUFSELF.

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    1. I'm not sure if I liked it because it was fair play or it was so out-of-the-norm.

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  3. Oh, man. That can be hard. And, people can be so inappropriate. I can't believe the anesthesiologist did that! But, good for you for turning the tables and being YOU first.

    Mary at Play off the Page

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    1. It is hard when your doctors or anesthesiologist do it, and they always do, even the surgeon but I really wrote this for the sarcastic value. Believe me, I know how to get the attention if I'm feeling the need!

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  4. Congratulations to you for getting a turn at the lime light! I suppose being popular is a good problem to have. Maybe do the romantic dinners at home now that you're both going to be attracting crowds.

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    1. I was in public relations in the medical field for many years before retirement. Frank and I always had a bet when we went anywhere the the first person who was recognized was owed an ice cream cone by the other. It was pretty equal.

      I am an introvert by nature so perfectly happy not standing out. My new project is 'churchy' so I doubt I will be attracting any attention. People tend to turn and run from 'churchy' except on Sundays!

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  5. There can be advantages to being married to a local celebrity I guess, but it's good that you got a change to experience the limelight for a change based on your own merits.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    Replies
    1. Frank works real hard and he is very personable. I have no problem with him shining and I actually prefer the shadows. Believe me, I know how to work the strobes if I'm in the mood for limelight!

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  6. That's huge to be announced that way!!! I'd feel almost like a second fiddle if that was me. Did your husband enjoy the shift of the introduction or did he just laugh it off?

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    1. Frank loved the switch and he loved the adjectives the priest used to describe me and the project. I really don't feel second fiddle, more like a beautiful accessory, like a diamond or emerald!

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  7. It must have made such a change for you to get the recognition! sarah x

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    1. It really was really just a pleasant surprise. I wasn't seeking recognition it just happened!

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  8. So you married the local celebrity :) At least you finally got recognized as you instead of 'the wife'! That must have been quite shocking.

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    1. When one is so used to hearing, 'the sky is blue" and one day, (out of the blue!!) someone randomly states "blue is the sky", it jars the norm just a tad. It was a nice jar! I do believe though that I am not bothered by always being "and his wife' because it doesn't define me. I have a pretty good understanding of who I am and my own life. Mine just isn't as "out there" as his is.

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  9. That must get really old after awhile! Does it bother Frank at all? I think people are rude like that. I would never imagine interrupting a person in their personal life unless I was a good friend. Here in blogland you are Toni and that "guy" in the pics is just your husband! Lol.

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    1. Frank is extremely personable. He also has a passion for photography and teaching, so I don't think it bothers him. He is always very helpful and knows his stuff. But, be assured, I am going to tell him tonight that in blogland he is just the handsome guy married to Toni. He'll love it.

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  10. Lmbo! What the hell? I would be so annoyed! Though...I tend to get that a lot when I'm with my husband. Esp if he's in uniform. These women around here are like rabid dogs! Well, it seems you have a catch. But I'd say he has a catch too!! :):)

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    1. Thank you, I remind him of that quite a bit!!!

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