Connie's acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award I have always said “The storyteller has the best seat in the house!” Over the last 35 years I have been given this amazing and intimate gift: thousands and thousands of listeners – one by one - have opened themselves to my stories. When I think of using language to express what s to rytelling has meant to me, I am reminded of an African saying “aboka lam.” It is a proverb from the Acholi Tribe in Uganda which translates literally as “trying to describe light.” It means that although you can hear my words you can not know the depth of this feeling in my heart. But maybe you can. I am profoundly grateful. I accept the Lifetime Achievement Award with great appreciation to my “firekeepers” - those who have shone a light for me and encouraged me along my true path. Barbara Freeman, my cousin and storytelling partner for 20 years; Jimmy Neil Smith who has been like a brother; and Ray Hicks, my mentor, friend and wisdom teacher. I also thank the storytelling community for this honor – the tellers and listeners, many who have become like family; and all those who promote, nurture and participate in the art of storytelling. Who would have thought back in 1971 that I could make a living telling stories! It still amazes me that this has been my only ‘for real' job. And I am just getting started. I plan to continue in this line of work for a long time! I think the 13 th century poet, Rumi would be proud of me. He said, "Let the beauty you love, be what you do.” Next to my husband, Phil Blake, who is the love of my life, storytelling is my greatest joy. StoryWindow Productions |