ANST - Re: [cadetscorner] Who do you think is ready?

[Susan Bowen]

To anyone that will listen:

I think this got posted on the wrong list, but since its here, this seems a
good place to put a soapbox.

Lincoln Center Printing wrote:

> >Honestly Hawkins,
> >  I agree with you.  If it makes you feel any better, I think you've
> >been ready for awhile.  There are more people than I can count on one
> >hand that I think are unrecognized White Scarf material.  It drives me
> >crazy when I see people that I love to fight, who do amazing things,
> >get passed up.

   Well, you hit a very wide forum, here.  I have not played rapier in several
years, but as a knight that fought with them, I was consulted on the first two.

   I think the hardest "hill" to get over on the way to any SCA poling order
(peerages, White Scarves, Centurions, etc.) are the friends that tell an
aspiring person that their circle has slighted them.  It has happened to
practicly everyone in every circle.  Often times there is one problem area for
that person to improve.  Possibly it is a temporary condition in the person's
life, that when complete, will allow more time, energy, health, or whatever,
and thus enable the person to do the "job" of that order in a fuller manner.
(Sometimes it is the reverse- "If we dont't do this now, it'll be X months
before (s)he can do Y.)
   All the circles need input, however.  Approach a member and let your opinion
be known, but don't expect to be given information in return that is supposed
to be given in the confdentiallity of the circle.  Pick one or more that you
respect AND that are currently active.  (If I'm not going to be at the next
circle, it won't do much good to tell me.)

Sometimes they just quit playing.

   Yes, sometimes they do.
  I think I have seen more harm to the Socity as a whole by too early or
inappropriate elevation (Why the *&%$  did they do THAT!) than by delay.  I
found out years after I was knighted that my own knight held me back for
several months as I struggled with the thought that Iwas already :good
enough".  I finally decided that what mattered most was my heart, & in my
heart, I was a knight.  I would go out every day & do the job (in the SCA &
"real life"), living up to the code of chivalry as best I could.  My standard
changed from "good enough" to perfection.  (With the acknowledement of
impossibility, & my limitations.)   Those that supported me were wonderful, but
they didn't see the distance from perfection that I did.  I learned to forgive
myself for shortcommings, try to recognise my limitations, & feep trying.
   I'm not a finished product.

Sir William of Weir

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