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.

One of these days I will learn that if I'm gone for a four day weekend, I just can't catch up on everyone of my friends' blogs. sigh. 

Twelfth Night was quite a bit of fun. Fun friends, excellent outfits, lovely surprises in court, and tasty foods. Hard to argue with.
Along the tradition of Bests and Worsts...

Worsts:

-traffic, rain and getting on the road late
-bringing the tinker toy tent and it not being necessary
-roof rack installment madness (parts dept at dealer not winning me over, although I guess I shouldn't have waited until last minute to try it...)
-with the warm temperatures, the heat was a bit much occasionally
-not enough fruits and veggies to snack on during the day
-not being able to hear everything during the courts
-not inspiring shopping- but I might not have been in the mood

Bests:

-The awards! Roland's surprise, Kisaiya's vigil, Christian's double whammy and the prize fighting at Twelfth Night was apparently appreciated by the fencers, Val's Laurel, and Gracie's Pearl were awesome and fitting post feast announcements.

-The Food! The feast was beyond delicious, every single course was tasty and went away at our table. Seriously, if you got up and left the table when another course came out, you might as well as resigned your claim to that course, especially the desserts. Lots of other yummy snacks during the day rocked it too. I don't think I overdid it on the consumption either.

-The garb! So many folks looked very nice and really did it up for the day. Isobel always looks smashing, and so did many others, from Drea's 14th cent sideless with wimple and braids, to Gaston and Kisaiya's Turkish, to Thjora in the faboo squirrels, to Katerina in the German and Catherine in her gold Italian. Yummy. Really too many to mention.

-Not looking too shabby myself. The frustration of Thursday turned into inspiration on Friday morning. I cobbled together my Nobelese Oblige velvet bodies, my new doublet, my new wool skirt (which needs addition of more eyelets to lace it smaller) and a few pins to try pinning back the rolled edges of the doublet, and I think it turned out fairly cool. I'll have to get the pics off my camera.

-Excellent friends! Got to hang some with my Bera, and those crazy Sacred Stone ladies, fun folks around Isobel's booth, seeing the smashing Melisent, hanging out with folks at the fencing outside, fun with Moe and Kitty and the two gentlemen from Verona, as well as Corby, Thjora, Alan, Robert and Isobel at our fun feast table.

-New black pearl bracelet purchased from Isobel, which actually fits my big boned wrist. New fundraiser cast goodness from Kyna. Lovely thoughtful Twelfth Night presents from friends that made my basket overflow with joy.

-Making on Theo's embroidery machine and having Alan present a new white scarf for Christian to add to his loot from the day. I'm very glad he likes it and saw it displayed on his armor stand on Sunday. :)

-Fun with a 11pm donut run on Saturday night back at our hotel, and general fun relaxed hanging out with friends.

-Wonderful Sunday breakfast at the IHOP, and then way too much fun hanging out and seeing Chris and Tracie's new place. We stayed at the Walter's Dojo until after 6pm, when we finally dodged out to dinner at Outback before getting on the road. Got to spend time with lots of fun folks on Sunday from hanging with the Bera and pups, to chatting with Fiona, teaching Anneke fingerloop braiding basics, and just chilling with Oddny and Kisaiya, and friends while I worked on taking in the seams on my petticoat bodies. Alan and Thjora and all those who showed up seemed to have a good time fighting all day, if a bit sore on the drive home.

-Excellent friends in Corby and Thjora who let us crash at their place on the way home so we didn't have to hotel or push on through to be home at 3am. Nice comfy bed, adoring pups and blueberry scones for breakfast. What's not to like?

-Resting up on MLK Day, from sleeping late and napping in the truck on the way home, to a nap once home and going to bed early. My body obviously needed the rest as I thought I was coming down with something else and a scratchy throat, but I'm doing much better today.

-Best of all, I'm 2 pounds down this week even after lobster bisque, a country ham biscuit, IHOP and Krispy Kreme indulgences. 

Hooray! I think I need a nap...