Passionate about Magic?

A question that I have to answer for myself. I guess for a lot of you… you’ve just graduated from Project SMILE class. And you do have a genuine interest, but not sure if it’s just a phase or will it be a permanent part of your life.

I’ve been teaching magic alongside my dad since 2002. (At that time I was just his assistant) And I’ve seen many people who picked up magic and like us… have made it a permanent part of our lives. My brother Daniel & my cousin Chris are no exception. I guess Magic does run in the family. *grinz* Apart from family members, many others have caught the magic bug. It might sound strange… but learning and performing magic becomes a way of life.

For example, Over the weekend I met Kenneth & Jonathan from the recent Intermediate Magic class I am teaching.

Kenneth was attending the S-L class on Saturday, which I was there as a facilitator. He & I were doing the same thing – we were both carrying around our manipulation ball and were keeping our fingers occupied by constantly twirling it around our fingers, trying to keep them limber and agile.

On Sunday, I met Jonathan at church. (No surprise there since Eileen – Jon’s wife and I are from the same group.) Anyway, the first thing that he said to me was… “Can you show me again how to turn the ball in this manner?”

I was psyched that I wasn’t the only person obsessed with practicing magic. I’ve been carrying my multiplying balls with me EVERYWHERE and practicing all the time. What do I practice? Well, nowadays… I’ve been intent on working on my ball manipulation. Not just the multiplying portion but general sleight of hand. So I try to palm a ball when doing all activities. (well, except for when I’m typing with both hands… the ball is small but not that small.)

I remember that Jeff McBride once told me, “MAGIC = PASSION + PRECISION”
He is right! (Ohh… that sounds like an entire topic itself. Will develop more about that) My dad loves magic, and he watches at least one new magic DVD everyday. Till now, that itself amazes me. He is so busy constantly, but he always makes time to watch and learn new magic. He has made learning magic both a passion and a key priority in his life. I envy his passion.

It must be great to be so passionate about something. I’ve still been developing in this area. I enjoy watching magic, but for that to be a form of relaxation… I dunnoe… still skeptical.

As for me, I do like magic. But like us all… we get contented with what we do would and find ourselves in our own comfort zone. I have been very contented to doing illusions and performing the same card tricks, same close up sleights that I already know. BUT, you all inspire me. As you desire to learn more magic, I too want to continue developing my magic and move out into my comfort zone >> Develop more magic routines, learn new technique… a basically grow together as a community. *yeah!*

This is what I am working on now – A good multiplying ball routine. I hope to perform in when I am in Shenyang at the end of May. And will definitely perform it at the next Magic Circle meeting. Seeya all there!!

! Reminder !
Next Magic Circle Meeting – 8 JUNE, 7:30pm
(open only for Project SMILE graduates)