I got one of the biggest surprises and honors of my life at the ARTumnal Gathering Saturday night. I was asked to come on stage and then Harley DuBois, Founding Member of Burning Man and the Burning Man Project said they had decided to start an award to be given to the person that year most embodies their mission. The Award is to be the “Affinity Award” and I was the first recipient.
I was so amazed and overwhelmed I did not even cry like I usually do in a situation like that, but to be honest I have never been in a situation like that. I am sure you all know I love Burning Man and the Black Rock Arts Foundation and the new Burning Man Project. I love what they bring to the world, I love the COMMUNITY and I love the art and culture. To express that in shorthand I have chosen the vision statement from the Burning Man Project:
The Burning Man Project will bring experiences to people in grand, awe-inspiring and joyful ways that lift the human spirit, address social problems and inspire a sense of culture, community and cultural engagement.
Why does the organization think I embody that point of view? I can only guess, but what I know is that everyday I am grateful for the amazing, creative and loving people that Burning Man has brought to my life. They have breadth and depth and some of my favorites are brilliant. I love the art. For four years I was the blogger for the Black Rock Arts Foundation and they have brought amazing art to the community. Before that I was the logistics coordinator for Burning Man’s staff training and prior to that for 3 years I was the Wedding Coordinator for couples who were actually having a legal wedding at Burning Man. Currently I am doing documentation for the Burning Man Project. I love the variety of jobs I have been able to do as a volunteer in the past 12 years.
Thanks for letting me express my gratitude for this amazing honor.
Ciao Bellas…affinity
photo: George Post
Congrats! Affinity! Your positive energy always warms up a crowd, so happy you got recognition and a award named after you!
Thanks Opalminded, I barely know you and yet because we live in this world I feel such a strong connection. Thanks for your congratulations.
If there is any award to be bestowed among the Burning Man community, you deserve it each and every time. What a truly amazing honor. So happy for you and for all of us who get to benefit from your engaging volunteerism.
That is high praise coming from the Artery princess. We all do a lot, it is a combined effort. Thanks for the note.
Wow, congratulations!
“I am grateful for the amazing, creative and loving people that Burning Man has brought to my life.” This is why you got an award named after you.
Thanks for the comment Joe. You are one of the truly creative people I knew before I came to Burning Man. Love you.
Well you may not have cried…but I certainly had tears in my eyes. I was thrilled to see you honored and that doesn’t even come close to the appreciation we ALL have for what you have given over the years. You are an inspiration!
As are you Maria, as are you. You have made Reno rock with art in a whole new way. Thanks for being there. There was much comfort in knowing my peers were all around me.
Congratulations Robin-quite an honor to have an award named for you, especially by an organization of Burning Man’s caliber and influence! Your enthusiasm for the things you love is one of your best qualities, I should know as I’m one of your oldest friends. Love, Jayne
On Mon, Dec 3, 2012 at 8:05 AM, affatshionista
Jayne, I think you ARE my oldest friend, 2nd grade. Thanks for the note, I am having a great time doing what I do for them. Still loving it. Love you.
SO well deserved. I’m so, so happy for you. And very proud of them for this smart honor.
CHEERS!!!
Thanks Larry. I am just tickled.
It’s a perfect name for this award, well-earned and deserved! Congratulations! Your influence is felt by so many of us here, and I’m so glad they chose such an auspicious way to honor you. You deserve every clap and tear! <3 <3 <3
Molly, my kindred spirit, thanks for your continuous support.
WOW…WHAT AN HONOR…..AM I SURPRISED? NOOOOOO……THE LOVE AND COMPASSION THAT YOU SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY, WHICH EVER ONE IT MIGHT BE, COMES FROM A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART AND RADIATES LIGHT THAT TOUCHES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US….WE ARE ALL TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE OUR LIVES WITH YOU. CONGRATULATIONS AND MAY THIS AWARD BE PASSED ON EACH YEAR TO A RECIPIENT AS SPECIAL AS YOU ARE….
LOVE YOU
Thanks Sister. I am very excited, thrilled and surprised. And I love that you and I are sharing it. So glad you are in my life.
You may not have cried… but I did. And you forgot to mention your standing ovation! Thanks for all you do Affinity. We love you! Hip Hip Hooray!
Thanks so much C.G. I guess I missed the standing ovation, I only have a slight recollection of the whole Award. I guess I need to see the video. ;D
You are one of the brightest lights that burn on and beyond the Playa. You have inspired me from the moment we met and continue to be a great inspiration. Congrats to an honor well deserved.
Susan, it is a delight to know you and thank you for your kind thoughts. All of this is very exciting and the Burning Man community continues to change my life for the better.
this is awesome, Affinity, and you totally deserve it, being one of the most dedicated volunteers I know. I am grateful to have you in my community! Congratulations!
You are always so welcoming Cat. Thanks for the note. I am happy to be part of your community too.
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HOORAY~! I think I read this on my phone originally. So nice to see the photo and comments. 😀 Wonderful.
Thanks for always commenting Ali Baba. Your presence in my life makes it easier to write.
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