There was a recent thread on Facebook about how to better say something to someone by whom you are impressed than saying "Why aren't you a Laurel?"  (Note, this could apply to any Peerage but for an example here I will discuss this from an artisan's point of view.) I think I lost track of how many people said that to me, or who introduced me to others as a Laurel about a decade ago.  I will note that I always found it to be a very high form of flattery.  It did not, however, make me self-doubt in any way, because it should not, and let me explain why below.

First, it is important to understand how Peers are recognized in the SCA.  This requires any number of things and the variables are beyond endless.  Typically, many letters are written in on behalf of someone.  People speak to the Order and the Crown about this candidate's feats.  The Order will spend time discussing the merits of the candidate and also, their PLQs (Peer Like Qualities).  Do they have the skills?  Do they have the research/knowledge?  Do they have some reach beyond their local group (remember, this is an award given by the Kingdom)?  Do they share their work and teach in some manner?  Do they inspire in others a desire to do more or strive for better?  Regarding the PLQs, do they show courtesy, even under stress?  Are they a model of the Chivalric values that the SCA holds high?  Will they represent the Kingdom and Order well?  

The Order is typically, at some point, polled to see who they think should be welcomed in their ranks and that information is passed on to the Royals.  In the end, it is a call made by TRM as to whether someone will be given a writ or not.  Someone also might be granted the honor with no polling.  It is crucial to keep that factor in mind.  This is, after all, a monarchy and that is part of the game we all play when we attend events.  

Awards and recognition are indeed part of this game, but they are not, and never should be, the entire sum of someone's worth as an artisan.

So yes, there is a great deal of consideration that goes into the recognition of a Peer.  It takes time and the factors that are involved are pretty much endless.  Know that often, there is much that also goes on that you never see.  Perhaps the person who inspired you does not often teach or share their work very much.  Perhaps they need further work on their research, which you, as someone new to that particular craft, might not understand.  Perhaps there are simply other candidates that are much stronger, more well-rounded, or more "ready" (for lack of a better term).  Ideally, the Order itself will be working with an individual to help them improve on all of these.  After all, the real purpose of the Order of the Laurel is not, to me, to sit around and poll people, but rather to improve the arts and assist growing artisans to the benefit of the Kingdom and the Society as a whole.

So, knowing all of that, there are so many reasons why someone might not yet belong to an Order.  Many of these are out of their control.  Being asked "Why aren't you a Laurel?" can be very, very awkward and it honestly is an impossible question for someone to answer.  When we ask this question though, what we really are meaning to do is to compliment him or her.  So that, perhaps is the best thing we can do when we are inspired.  Share with them what you think of their art or research or teaching. Tell them the did something that helped you learn, grow or want to try something new.  And then, at the end of the day, please go an write to that candidate's Order and to TRM.  Share the word of how they inspired you with those who might not have seen the wonderful art or acts that you witnessed.

To sum this all up:
Please don't ask why someone is not yet a Peer.  It can sometimes make people feel as if they missed a mark, when all you intended is to share with them how inspired you are.  It is also a question that they cannot actually answer.

Please don't feel lessened in any way if this question is directed at you and you do not have an answer.  It means only that the asker thinks quite highly of your skill or service.

Please do tell them they made a difference to you.  

Please do tell them they inspired you.  

Please do let them know they taught you something of value.
​  
​And, just as importantly, please do write in a letter of recommendation for them.

Reposted from FB:

There are lots of things you "hear" in the SCA that simply are not true. Things like "pink is not period" come immediately to mind for that but these things sometimes go deeper into the culture than that.


There things that people say when they are trying to be helpful that might not be true at all, or just might not be true for you or your situation. I heard some doozies over the last several years, all said by people who genuinely wanted to help me "move forward". I want to mention them now because one of the often quoted things out there really DOES hold true and that is that doing what you love will lead you to the most happiness in this hobby.


One instance of this happened when I was switching my residency back to Æthelmearc. I started the SCA in the Principality of Æthelmearc, back when the Shire of Sylvan Glen was just starting and we would sit at a table in someone's house and argue about what the heck the device should be. My household formed there and my first events were all there. Even after moving to Atlantia, I still, for many years, drove back there for dance practices, household meetings and events. I always considered Æthelmearc my home even though my SCA membership listed me elsewhere. When we got the house in WV, I switched my membership back to the Kingdom I still called me SCA home (not to mention the state that has always been my home). Someone told me then that I should maybe NOT do that because it could "hurt my chances" to get a Laurel because I was not well known in Æthelmearc. I had to laugh and I did it anyways. I wasn't "on track" for anything. I really wasn't dedicated to any one art at the time. I had also only just got my AoA after 16 or so years playing. This is all a game, and for me part of the game is the SCA culture, the Kingdoms, the pageantry and pomp. I had a sense of loyalty to the Kingdom that started this journey for me, because that, to me, is part of the game. I followed my heart and did what I love and it made me happy to be received there once again.


Another instance of this was when I made a semi-public statement that I was switching my studies from 16th Century Ottoman to Viking Age Norse. Someone, again, kindly told me that might "hurt my chances". Chances for what? I wasn't actively seeking anything other than how to construct an aprondress. My passion had changed, and I was loving this new-to-me realm and pursued my new passion.


I was also told it would be harder to get a Laurel for Viking stuff, because there were lots of Viking folks, but few doing Ottoman... Again, why should this even cross my thoughts when I am diving headlong into something that was very satisfying? Are there not more postage-stamp size pieces of fabric out there to explore?


The most entertaining bit of misinformation that I ever got though, came last year. Someone (who really meant well) told me that I should maybe talk a bit less about my projects and my SCA thoughts on social media because it would seem like I was "trying too hard to get a Laurel". I had a ready response for that one. I stated that if one looked back at my long history of internet blather (going back to the yahoo-groups days as well as Tribe.net), one would see that I have ALWAYS talked far too much about my projects, research and general feelings about the SCA online, long before I even did anything "real" in terms of A&S. If I were to stop those exchanges, I would, in essence, stop doing something I love, and would that not defeat the point? Because if getting an accolade meant that I needed to do something less, well then a title just wasn't that important.


What is the long, drawn out point of this? There is a great deal of misinformation out there, often it is a result of some misunderstanding or some well-intentioned person who might not know as much as they think they do about something. Whether you solicit it or not, you will likely hear some of it at some point in time. It is not always bad or wrong, and certainly rarely is it malicious. But if you REALLY want to be happy, you need to be happy with what you are doing. Follow your passions, but don't fail to seek out help along the way. Learn to accept feedback and learn to sift through what might be relevant to you and your situation as you gather that information from others.
But seriously, beyond all else, do what you love (even if it is just hanging out with friends at events) because that is the only thing that will keep your happiness in any hobby.

​Oh and one more note... Do what you love but also write in award recommendations for all the others you see out there who are following their own passion and turning it into something to give back to the SCA in some way. :-)

I was honored this year at Pennsic to be elevated to the Order of the Laurel.  I think at some point in the future I need to make a post about what that means to me and how I hope to best emulate the amazing Laurels who have inspired my own journey.  For now though, I have to share the photos taken by my friends and campmates of the beautiful vigil that happened in our camp at War.

My campmates/Thunder family, did an AMAZING job with the vigil. I can absolutely say that I have never seen one so well and so beautifully decked out. All of the work is so much appreciated, including that from Xenophon Vaughn, Meabhdh and Rosamund du Grasse (who baked bread and made cheese) doing food, Isabella, Petra and Amy who doing the plating, Amber for being the person who was always there with a helping hand and Luiseach and Galyana for the awesome decor.

Thanks to Master Morien MacBain, Lord Dietrich Saphir and Lady Karin for managing the list and keeping things running smoothly. And thank you Morien also for the beautiful book for the list and the reminder of Walden Books! Thank you Paulette Lashley for procuring the lovely vigil book. Thank you to Ivan who opted to by my guard almost the entire night.

One of the things that I really wanted to have for my vigil was to have my Laurel cloak woven on site.  Historically, in many places, weaving was a communal activity.  It was also highly symbolic and played heavily into early myth and legend.  This was not going to be an easy thing to pull off, but with the help of many excellent friends, my cloak was woven on site and so very many new people have also been introduced to the art of weaving as they helped to add length to my cloak.  Lady Rosamund du Grasse has also beautifully produced a laurel wreath applique that will be sewn onto the cloak.  I have so much joy that this happened and that so many were willing to step in and make it so!  And to Alexande, from my household, I have to give special thanks because he so loved weaving that he finished the cloak for me after the vigil!

I was also honored to have her Excellency of Highland Foorde, Glynis, play her harp for the vigil, and interestingly enough, she also played for the vigil of Mistress Molly, who was my own Laurel.

Thank you also to those who came out that night to share their wisdom with me, and to their Majesties who trekked clear to e17 to hold Court. I am beyond honored.

(And thank you to Morien for the rather hysterical end to the vigil. lol)

Vigil photos by Heidi Muller Petty, Sharon White Hove, Beth LaScola and Annie Hamel.

Court was quite possibly the hottest, and most humid day, that occurred while I was at War.  Despite that, it was wonderful to see so many receive well earned honors that night, especially to Duke Timothy, who received his Pelican.  Their Majesties looked regal, as did the numerous others who put on a display of pageantry as only AEthelmearc can. We had someone new to Court in our group and it was adorable to see how delighted she was to see others getting awards.

My household clearly loves me so much that many of them actually put on pants twice during one Pennsic on my behalf!  I am hoping that at some point photos of the procession will surface because I would love to capture that moment with my household and my e17 family. 

And was beyond honored that Duke Timothy spoke for me as a member of the Chivalry, Mistress Rhiannon y bwa spoke as a member of the Order of the Laurel, Master Orlando was not present but sent his words as a Master of Defense with another member of his order, the graceful Countess Kalista Morganova speaking as Royal Peer, and dear Master Morien MacBain, I am sorry to say that I think everyone in the Kingdom will want him to speak for them after his eloquent and hysterical performance on my behalf. I am honored to have known you for my entire life, and to have been inspired and encouraged by you and Joe from a very young age (with assistance, of course, from Master Ral Partha, LOL).

And my own Laurel, Mistress Mary Isabel of Heatherstone, I cannot thank this amazing woman enough for being a huge part of my journey.  It meant the world to me.  As if honor enough was not heaped on me this Pennsic, I was weeping when I learned that the medallion that she delivered was from Duchess Elisheva.

Master Fridrikr provided one of those beautifully transporting moments that happen from time to time in the SCA.  Moments where we can believe that for that span of time, we can see into the past.  I do not think that I will ever have enough words to convey proper thanks to you for serving as my herald and for wordsmithing my scroll. For those not there, this was done in Old Norse.  I heard it and was swept away. The time and care that went into this astounds me and I am humbled that this was done would just to do this for me.  I understand that there will be an AEthelmearc Gazette article coming out about the crafting of this piece.  I will definitely be sharing that link when it happens.

In addition to the members of my household, I was also surprised and honored (yes, I keep using that word) to see many friends from out of Kingdom had come to Court for this occasion.  It was an absolutely magical night that I will carry with me forever.

This weekend I attended Agincourt in the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands.  The event was lovely!  The site was beautiful, the company and food in the vigil rooms were amazing, the A&S display was inspiring and most of all, I was so very happy to be there for Morien McBain's elevation to the Order of the Pelican.

Despite the rather cold weather, there was much in the way of martial activities happening and inside the two nice buildings there were a number of other things going on.  The Environmental Center provided a spectacular room for Court, with large windows over looking a wooded area.  There was a very large room dedicated to A&S and there were 25 entries in the competition!  That is impressive to me, given that the last few non-war events I attended only had a couple of entries (more on that coming in a post this afternoon).  A few of my favorite entries are in the photo album below.

The best part of the event, however, was Morien's elevation.  I was so happy to be part of this day for him (and I crafted the cloak).  He has always been an inspiration to so many, and never fails to lend a hand to anyone in need.  He definitely has acted as a Peer and I am happy to seem him elevated to their ranks.

(The cloak is red wool twill, with black linen lining and gold silk border.  The Pelican was wool embroidery on wool, save for the blood, which was silk, and then that was appliqued onto the cloak.  Applique is a new skill to me, and I have done little embroidery prior to this, so I learned a great deal during the making of this garment.  I look forward to doing more of both in the future!)

Pennsic was different this year, but still amazing.  I left for War with trepidation for the first time ever.  With my kitty being sick, my (FANTASTIC) boyfriend elected to stay home from the event and care for the little guy to both give me a respite from caregiving and to allow me the time to teach and compete in A&S at War.  Even with him watching his little buddy, I was nervous about going away.  I was waking up at 6am worried that I had missed giving a shot.  More stress, and less sleep, than I am used to getting at Pennsic (where I usually get my best sleep of the year).  That being said, Pennsic was still amazing.  I took some great classes, taught two classes, and delved into new activities such as volunteering to work the Hospitality for the Royal encampment and retaining for the first time.  (Apparently if you loudly ask if there is something you can do to help, someone WILL find a job for you.  LOL)

The people made this Pennsic fantastic and allowed me some time away from my worries.  I connected with so many completely fantastic artisans.  I had great conversations about fiber, food and Norse culture.  I relaxed and laughed in the shade with my household and met wonderful friends I had previously only met online.  I ate yummy things in camp and the market and while I did not do the power shopping I usually do, I came away with delightful things.

I chose this year to not participate in the Pennsic A&S Display, instead, my wares were shown as part of the A&S War Point competition.  I was beyond honored to be selected by the Crown to represent this fair Kingdom in this capacity.  I have so much to say about how amazing this whole experience was that I will have to tell it all in another post tomorrow.  It was an incredible honor and possibly the most amazing way to interact with other Artisans. 

I was honored again during Court when I was inducted into the Order of the Fleur (AEthelmearc Arts&Sciences award).  My scroll, which can be seen in the gallery below, is a beautifully crafted piece that includes images of medieval women working with fiber!  I cannot wait to have it framed and hang it in my weaving studio!

I will also have some other posts forthcoming about this War, including one covering some of the conversations I had about honor, sharing and chivalry.  I want to compile one as well on my own growth in the SCA and as an artisan, but that will take some time and thought to put to words.  And, as always, I have been inspired to research more and create more.  I also have some ideas for direction and things I need to do to improve both my work and how I present it.

One of my highlights of this year was to get word that a very, very well-deserving friend received a writ for a Pelican.  I can think of no one in the Society who exemplifies what it means to be a Peer than this individual.  That news made the entire event for me.  :-)

Where do I start?  I am still completely wiped from this weekend and more than a bit brain-fogged as well, but it was an amazing in so many ways!

I spent Friday helping load the RV to move over to the event site for Defender's Tourney where my BF and I laid out the smoker and prepared for him to start smoking pork at midnight for the feast.  Yes, he smoked the meat for 16 hours (adding wood as needed every 1.5 hours all night long....)  That pork was DIVINE and so worth it!

I was also official taste tester for Lady Rosamund's Viking Pancakes that night and also spent time playing with her new kitten and chatting with friends.  The next day things got hectic as we started preparation for the other feast dishes.  For the first time, I was responsible for how a couple of dishes actually came out (I have done dessert before for feast, but never a main dish).  There were many compliments of my "Viking Beef Stew" so that made me happy.  Much thanks to my uber awesome household for all the prepwork and their kitchen fantasticness!  I saw little else of the event as I was cooking most of the time.  I missed archery (so sad!), but I guess I can do that another day.  I also missed the chance to really hang out with some of the folks there that I wanted to see.  I hope I can catch up with them at War!

I was also unbelievably honored this weekend on several levels.  I won the title of A&S Defender for Sylvan Glen and get to wear the lovely hood until next year.  My piece submitted was the handwoven wool sample I did a few months ago using my handspun Icelandic weft (I will upload my documentation later).  I am thrilled to be part of the Shire and touched to be given this title!

I was also completely surprised to find out that my duplicitous Matriarch, Household and the BigMan (I should know something is up when he asks me to get his regalia out, lol) had conspired to have my apprenticing ceremony happen at the event where I (muddy and covered with kitchen drippings) was taken as an apprentice by Mistress Mary Isabel of Heatherstone ("Molly"). That she would have me was an honor itself, but that she took the time to come out-of-kingdom to do this when I was surrounded by my Thunder family and my friends from the shire just took the words from me (and that is not an easy thing to do).  I also saw in-person the belt she is weaving me and I was floored over not only the craftsmanship that is going into it, but in the fact that she is taking the time to create such a thing of beauty for me.  Until it is finished, she has given me her own personal belt (in the photo) to wear.  I guess I better behave because everyone will know who to report me to if I step out of line ;-)

As for the rest of the weekend, well, I was too tired for too much else.  I did show my Norwegian friends (who came over for the end of the event) my loom, my weaving, and how to spin and card wool (because they were actually really interested in it).  So I got some more wool separated and had a chance to spin some of the Icelandic thel with my new supported spindle.  The staple on this wool is short, so it is not easy to spin fine, but this lovely tool made the process much easier.

And this photo I have to include for the sheer level of awesome that it represents!  Wadded up in this box is my new green and purple wedge tent!  How amazingly beautiful is that???

This past year there was a request from the Scribes of AEthelmearc posted to the Kingdom List.  It read as follows:

Recommending others for awards is an important facet of our Society (and not just because bored scribes might cause havoc!).  How many times have you seen someone working their butt off at every event and wondered why they do not have their Millrind (an AEthelmearc award of high merit for service)?  What about that person in your Barony who takes time each week to help newcomers make their first garb? 

There have been many times during conversations with friends and acquaintances about someone with striking talent or commitment and often the discussion turns to musings of why so-and-so is not yet a member of a certain order.

The answer has several elements to it and I will disregard, at this time, that politics can and do sometimes come into play here.  (One can only do so much about interpersonal workings or quabbles, so I am not going to go into my thoughts on that particular matter - it is life, it happens, lol). I guess, really, it is also a very period practice if one wanted to be technical about it.

Often someone will be given an award because they are known by the right people, and are at the right events to be noticed and recognized.  (Note, I am not saying that one has to curry favor, it is merely a fact that if one is more visible, than and order is more likely to take note of their work, skills or service.)  Even then, someone can fly under the radar and be missed by those who have the ability to grant those awards.

Kingdom level awards are given by the King and Queen and typically, for the higher orders, they poll or consult members of an order about individuals that are brought to their attention.  Remember though, Royals are busy people, and do not have time to meet or see every member of the populace, and even those who do impress them may not be known enough to them to make them a consideration for an award.

So if you have ever wondered why a friend or a teacher or other member of the SCA does not have the accolades they deserve, consider writing a recommendation for that individual.  Yes, anyone can do this!  Has someone gone to great lengths to help you out?  Let the Kingdom know!  Has someone constantly produced tasty feasts?  Let others know about it!  Who always fights fearlessly on the field of battle, but rarely makes it to a tournament (where it is easier to recognize one's prowess)?  Write a letter to make it known!  If you truly think someone is deserving, it is up to you to make sure that the folks higher up know about them.  Sometimes it will happen on its own, but often even the best among us can still be overlooked.

If you are unsure of someone's current awards, most Kingdoms have an Order of Precedence listing online.  You can often look up an individual (by their SCA name) and find out what awards they have already received. 

Be thoughtful though, when making recommendations to the Crown.  A person does not deserve an award for just showing up (or for being your bestie).

It also surprises me to discover that there are long time members of the SCA who have never before written a letter of recommendation.  In many kingdoms it is very simple, and there is often an online form that can be filled out.  Links are below for the various Kingdoms so that the next time you wonder why so-and-so isn't a Pelican, you can make sure that your voice on the matter is heard.

• Æthelmearc - http://www.aethelmearc.org/onlineaward/
• Ansteorra (will take you to an external link) - http://www.ansteorra.org/forms/award.php
  
• An Tir - http://www.antir.sca.org/recommendations.php
• Artemisia - http://www.artemisia.sca.org/order-of-precedence/award-recommendation/
• Atenveldt - http://www.atenveldt.org/People/AwardRecommendations
• Atlantia - http://award.atlantia.sca.org/
• Caid - http://royals.sca-caid.org/awards/recs.php

• Calontir - http://awardrec.calontir.org/
• Drachenwald - http://op.drachenwald.sca.org/recommendation.html
• Ealdormere - http://www.ealdormere.ca/index.php/award-recomendatins
• East - http://accessibleek.eastkingdom.org/RecommendAward.html
• Gleann Abhann (I can find no form for this Kingdom, but their Awards page is as follows) - http://www.kingdomofgleannabhann.org/awards/awards.html
• Lochac - http://royal.lochac.sca.org/recommendation/

• Meridies - http://www.meridies.org/olawards/
• Middle - http://www.midrealm.org/op/recommend/login.php?from=/op/recommend/
• Northshield (you have to sign in as a member of the populace, perhaps if you are out-of-Kingdom you would direct your recommendation directly to the crown via email) - http://www.northshield.org/orderofprecedence/Recommendation.aspx?Officers/Herald
• Outlands - http://www.outlands.org/Default.aspx?tabid=683
• Trimaris - http://www.trimaris.org/recommend
• West - http://heralds.westkingdom.org/AwardRecommend.htm

The SCA was founded by individuals, noted author Marion Zimmer Bradley among them, who wanted to have medieval-themed, fantasy parties.  We all know that the organization has grown far beyond those small events and has branched out in a variety of ways.

I do like to believe, however, that one of the things that has remained unchanged is that one of the primary values on which we are based is that of Chivalry.  Now, I do not mean Chivalry in the sense that everyone should aspire to Knighthood.  Rather, I mean that as a group we should act in a chivalrous manor - at least on occasion. ;-)

This summer I was most honored to receive a Sycamore (an Arts and Sciences award for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc).  My duplicitous household told me that I had to be at Court because a fellow member was receiving an award.  Dutifully, and drenched in sweat on that 100 degree day, I watched the proceedings (which despite the heat, were lovely).  I was a bit surprised when I heard my own name called! 

I was not only thrilled to have been given this award, but also thrilled with the lovely scroll and medallion I received. 

Shortly after the event, I ran a few searches online and found an email address for the lady who made my scroll and I sent her a note of thanks.  The email I got in return stunned me.

She thanked me for emailing her.  Apparently, this is not a common practice.  I turned to my boyfriend and asked him if it was not customary to thank the scribe who put the time into the piece of art that would memorialize your award and he said that unless you actually knew the person, or they were at the event, it does not often happen.

I was in awe.  Maybe it does happen more often than not.  At least, I am going to hope that is really the case.  When I think about the fact that someone took the time to do illumination or calligraphy for me, and used their own supplies (which I assume is the case), I think that the very least they deserve is a hearty "Thank You"!  Given that this can quite often be a stranger that you may or may not ever meet (though I was lucky enough to meet the lovely gentles who did both the art and the words for my scroll), I think a thanks should be mandatory given the generosity they had already shown me.  I know these individuals do not perform their art for thanks or glory, but it can never hurt to let them know how much you appreciate their vast efforts.

I will not even mention the fact that in discussions about this with various people I discovered that there are some who are actually unhappy with a scroll they were given.  Really?  Someone took their time to make something special for you and you can actually publicly express displeasure?  I have no (kind) words for those individuals at all...

To sum it up?  Thank the Kingdom scribes, illuminators, wordsmiths and heralds if you can.  I am sure they would love to know their efforts are truly appreciated!