Through my life journey so far I have discovered that I am definitely not star material and don't even desire to be such. I am a workhorse that pushes myself as much as I can and pulls on as many threads I can find

I can relate to this. I started writing poems at age 18 just for the love of it and continued overtime because of the support I got. but looking back at some of those poems I tell myself: 'no way you could have written something as horrible as this.' it only shows that something has happened over time with practice--i changed; I became better. the same thing happened when i started written short stories. I think hard work can make up for lack of talent. it only takes practise and consistence and sometimes, as you mentioned, being innovative by thinking outside the box.