This is an excerpt from an unexpected letter I got in the mail today from the Texas Commission on the Arts:
Dear Ms. Tucker,
The Commission is pleased to announce that you have been designated as an NEA American Masterpieces touring artist for the fiscal year 2009. You are one of 25 outstanding Texas artists from the current TCA Company & Artist Roster chosen for inclusion in the [tag]American Masterpieces[/tag] program.
The [tag]National Endowment for the Arts [/tag](NEA) has placed a priority on touring and presenting the best in the arts, and with that they established the American Masterpieces program. The American Masterpieces artists were selected from the over 100 that are part of the current Texas Touring Artists and Company Roster. Artists for this program were put through a second selection criteria and limited to those with recognition, awards or experience on a national or international level….”
Y’all, I don’t toot my own horn very often, but this took my breath away. I had no idea it existed, and absolutely no idea that it was possible that I would get it. It’s a ray of sunshine in an otherwise bleak part of my storytelling world. This does not guarantee me any jobs, and they aren’t handing me money, darnit. It means that if someone wants to hire me, there is national grant money available to help them pay my fees.
I’ve been so upset about the lack of jobs available that I haven’t been sure I would continue trying to be a professional storyteller. The thought of giving up the job I have loved for more than twenty years was devastating. I’ve been asking the Creator for a “sign” of some kind.
This might be my answer.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my word, Shelly! What an honor. I bet you walk around just smiling all day.
Go ahead…give yourself a pat on the back, toot your horn, whatever you want to do. YOU DESERVE IT!
Stacys last blog post..Better Late than Never
Thank you, Stacy. Yes, I’m floating a little. Gotta come back to earth and clean cat litter boxes. Yuck!
Where ARE you in Texas? I know you are here, but reading your posts I can’t figure out where. And, I love the pics you posted of your kitchen in China.
Wow! That’s pretty awesome. What does the whole thing mean for you if you continue on with it?
Derek Wongs last blog post..Only One First
It’s great on a resume…and it means some people out of state could hire me with funding, if they choose. It gives me more visibility as a Texas storyteller. Unfortunately, it’s not a gravy train
That is AWESOME ! You must be on cloud 9 today. I truly hope it brings many opportunities your way!
What an honor!
Barbs last blog post..Something different…
I have been on Cloud 9, thank you! It has already brought two bookings for jobs in the last couple of days, so it has earned it’s merit! Now, if someone would just pay me!:lol:
Congratulations! This is great news. What’s the old saying. When a window shuts a door opens or is it the other way around. This likely will open many doors or windows for you either way.
You go girl!
janeywans last blog post..Things that BUG me!
I’m “going!” Now, if I could just got to work! I’m jonesing for an audience…and a paycheck
And what a sign it is my friend. Congratulations! What an honor!
Robins last blog post..Shana Tova
Thank you, darlin’. I just hope it really IS a sign, instead of just a teaser
I have gotten a few of those before.
What great news!!! That is so cool! Now here’s hoping for the jobs to come rolling in too.
kaceys last blog post..I Want My Garage Back
I’ll drink to that (but I’ll drink to a lot of stuff
).
As a total aside, why does your comment luv keep insisted my last post was I Want my Garage back…which I do, but that post was from like a week ago…?? Technology is so fickle.
kaceys last blog post..I Want My Garage Back
Hey…YOU are the technical genius, not me
I’ve updated the plug-in, but not the blog…I’m waiting for the next full release because updating Wordpress scares me 
Fantastic, simply FANTASTIC! And you are completely within your right to boast a little bit, cause baby, you deserve to do that -and then some!
You know, just thinking here of an old expression -”One door closes and another opens” and I think that’s what happened here for you. Now, go and bask a bit more in your limelight!
Jeni Hill Ertmers last blog post..The "Playgirl" in the House
Aw, shucks, ma’am. I’m plumb embarrassed by your praise, but thank you for it. Unfortunately, I don’t get to “bask.” I’m burning midnight oil trying to find gigs. If this will only help…
Wow! It is almost better than money, Shelly, because it means groups that couldn’t afford a storyteller with those dumb old budget cuts just might be able to – because you made your special presence known. And, though extra money in your pocket truly would be awesome, another child will be in rapt attention and perhaps even go home to give performances for family later mimicking your style. Just means another child can be child a bit longer. Congrats! What an honor.
Thank you, Dear Marcia. I am honored by it. But, no way in heck is it better than $$ right now. I haven’t had a decent paycheck since May, and won’t get one until November (the work is in October, but schools make me wait!). I do want to influence kids to tell stories, but I can’t recommend this as a job right now!!