First, big hopes to Speedwagon for a speedy recovery! Come on kid, we know you can do it.
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Second, there has been some discussion on the Rose and elsewhere about the well-roundednes of Peers. To that I point out that Corpora says on http://sca.org/docs/govdocs.pdf page 31

"Patent of Arms
General requirements:
...
They shall have made every effort to learn and practice those skills desirable at or worthy of a civilized court. To this end they shall have some knowledge of a wide range of period forms, including but not limited to literature, music, dancing, heraldry, and chess, and they should have some familiarity with combat as practiced in the Society.
..."

So while we do focus quite a bit on trying to make our Chivalry candidates well rounded and focus on their ability to appreciate the arts, it is in fact a requirement that each Peer, old and new, have some familiarity with combat as practiced in the Society. Does this mean that each fighter should have to make and entire outfit? No. But they should appreciate the research of others. Likewise, a Laurel candidate should not be expected to armour up, but neither should they ignore all aspects of combat. Maybe this is just my liberal arts education speaking, but I feel we should all strive for well roundedness regardless of our award goals, but so that we can, at the least, direct newcomers with questions outside of our areas of expertise.

I'm just saying... 

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Also, I realized tonight as I was herding the pink parts of my wardrobe to one consolidated part of the closet, that the bathrobe that I put on automatically and even wear when staring at the clothes thinking that I should not put on pink, is in fact fluffy and pink. sigh. Off to a bad start already. But now I've swapped it's place out for another robe so my pre-caffeine addled brain won't slip.

But today, while I was admiring the fabulous pinkness in the salad bar waiting line, as a consolation prize I got a "Cute Shoes!" comment, and they are, aren't they?

So, I had a nice conversation with a friend on what were the aspects of his SCA learning experience that really helped him "get it", for lack of a better term. His statement was that in his group there were teachers who would know when to let you hang yourself, and know when you needed rescue. But more importantly they'd teach you to be a subject first , a fighter next. And that the Kingdom always comes first. 

Then Bryce had to post a wonderful Kane quote: If you're unable to make a clear decision about something, ask yourself "What is best for the kingdom?"

I'd like to say that these sentiments are not just for the service oriented, but for everyone to keep in mind. Regardless of what you think about the various SCA "cookies," no one gets anywhere, and remains respected, who does not give back in some way to the events and to the SCA. Think of the recent archers who have been awarded in court. Most mentioned is that they help others, set-up the shoots, etc. They don't just show up, shoot and go home. Ditto for the fighters. If you help out with set-up, break-down, marshaling, policing the field, supporting the event in some way, you'll go farther than skill alone can take you. If you show up, hang out under someone else's shade (even with permission) but do not occasionally help set-up or take down, it will be noticed. And let's not forget the artisans. If you create your work in a vacuum and it does not add to the overall experience, where do you expect to go? Should we be expected, like the poor scribes, to give every bit of our work away? Not at all. But should you teach, donate occasionally to the gift baskets, make decorations for your area (be it the hall or your pavilion), help others in that art? Most certainly. (As chamberlain I have a minor caveat of using your skills to donate works "to the kingdom" that are useful to the Crowns and kingdom... blah blah blah, consider it a discussion for another time...) I would even say to those on the "service track" (and I'm not fond of pigeon-holing folks) that doing the work that is necessary, instead of the work you enjoy, can be the greater gift to the realm. As an example, just because you are great as kitchen staff, doesn't mean that you can't sweep the floors if that is what is needed. But those who do not give back in some form, but still have their sights set on a certain award or goal, will not likely attain it.

This isn't a discussion of peer-like qualities. This is merely the duties of a subject to the Crown. If a fighter is able to take the field for his Crown, he considers it his duty to do so when the call rings out. But is it also not your duty to the event to pick up your own and any other trash you might see? If the Queen asks for your assistance, is it not your duty to respond if you are able? Then what of the request of an overburdened staff member?

I've heard over the years of certain gentles being discounted as suck-ups to the Crown. Sometimes I fear this is deserved, but often it is not. Because service to the Crown can often be seen, means that it is more likely taken note of. But a true subject of the Crown would treat any subject AS the Crown, when their aide is called on. It is the gentle who helps a new fighter at their first practice, but also guards the Crown, that truly serves the realm more than someone who just does the latter. (okay, this is starting to sound a bit preachy and biblical...)

But the main point is that we need to consider the needs of the realm first, and if your service to the realm helps, or hinders. For example I served as Pelican Principal for 3 years. I could have continued for another year for a full second term, but my level of devotion to the job would slip due to burn-out. As I told those who asked me to stay on, I'm only gonna get meaner. I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that I'm best at a job for 3 years, and then my performance goes downhill. So, what was best for the Kingdom was that I step aside and allow another the opportunity to serve. But when Her Majesty, whichever Her Majesty it was, has asked for something of me, I give it if I am able and the request is just. Or if necessary, I find another who can render aide.

Rhiannon occasionally talks about the "All About Me Bus" and those thoughtless people who ride it full time.
If you think along the lines of why am I not getting recognized? What do I need to do to be seen? You need to change the way you think.
What are the qualities of those you admire? Are those qualities more universally admired by others? Try your best to emulate them.
Also try to do the activity for the joy of it, for once you think of the award as the end of the journey, it will only make it longer and farther away. Serve with Joy. It is a sentiment that I need to remind myself of from time to time. Once you get off the You Bus and onto the Us Bus, the world will be a happier place. For starters you have company.