I don't think that many people will read this blog because I confess I deserted the blog for the video camera and my regular readers will have drifted off. Thoughts and tricks now turn up on my channel on YouTube rather than on here. That is a terrible confession from someone who, when teaching magic, recommends reading rather than DVDs. Times change, sometimes not for the better.
In real life terms I am afraid I haven't had much to blog about. Most of my time has been taken up with plotting and planning and making sure my Mother is OK. She is doing amazingly well considering what she has been through and had to put up with. At 96 it can't be nice to be pestered by nurses and carers when all you want is peace and quiet and your independence.
As some of you know I have been hosting Magic Days (see elsewhere on this web site) and they have been wonderfully successful with great responses from those who have been to the sessions. Yesterday, however, the Magic Day took a different turn.
After being pestered by so many people I said I would do a day for absolute beginners. It was great, not just for those who attended but also for me. I had to go back to my own beginnings and found that those so called 'basic' tricks not only worked but baffled and amazed and entertained. OK, I am no longer the raw youth (except in my head) and the basic effects were embellished with knowledge of how to turn them into entertainment pieces but I was constantly so pleasantly surprised by the reactions.
Magicians, I think, tend to forget that stuff and the magic life gets more and more complicated as we seek so called better methods. As an example, yesterday I did a very old mind-reading trick using what is technically known as the Centre Tear. Simple. Easy. It blew their minds. Stunned amazement was the reaction.
I did a Book Test that uses no technology or added gimmicks at all, just two straightforward books. Same reactions.
Magic is a great hobby and it is a pleasure to pass on the knowledge.
Blog? It's nice to be back
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14 comments:
Please keep the blog coming! I find it a fascinating read and enjoy reading all your thoughts. I hope things improve for your mum too.
I love ur knowledge whether it be in video or Blogger pity can't afford your days sure there worth every penny tho. Roy
Paul, yesterday was fantastic. Well worth the money and the hours of driving!
I learned more magic, and about magic, yesterday, in the first 2 hours, than I've learned in a lifetime of watching it, trying it out of books, silly kits, and watching YouTube!
I was seriously impressed. You were a brilliant host - we were all rapt, and for an entire day. I haven't concentrated so hard for so long since I started learning picking locks a decade ago, possibly longer!
Not just the magic, which was amazing, but the stories you wove around the tricks, the history, and, of course, the hands-on learning.
Thank you. And if you ever need a lock sorted, you've got my email!
I love reading your blog. Can't be bothered watching videos tho cos I can read faster than I can watch . . .
I think you're on to something there Paul. The more we want to be entertain the further away from the beginning we get.
It's like music, taking a step back to listen to the roots of the band you love can bring great rewards, and in my writing I try to read both new and old styles, often find technics and 'tricks' not used in many a year. Which have the same effect as you described.
The reason we love magic, music and stories in the first place is because of these simple yet pure elements.
Keep the blog.
Funny, this morning I was thinking about writing up an old, faithful routine that dates back 30 years, and still plays well.
You guys are all far too nice to me, but it is truly appreciated. Have fun. PD
Miss your blogs keep it up thanks Tim
Hello Paul
Just discovered your blog and spent a very pleasant hour or so catching up with your views on life, politics, your travelling, magic, death, gall bladders and power saws !!
You come across as a man of humility and realism - so happy to read that all your hard work has given you a good life - shame the younger generation do not appreciate their lives and are content to take the dole and spend all days in front of a computer playing games.
Keep up the good work you are doing and spread the "magic" word - hope to read more of your work on this site, rather than "rude tube". Take care, best to the OH and keep on living your life as you want to
regards
Michael (ex York)
Being a magic and body building lover, I always respect you Paul from the core of my heart. I feel the same like you do on magic!! wow! thoroughly enjoyed this post. You are a wonderful human being and magician Paul.
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is magnificent, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article.
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Eyup Paul, love the site, and the Blog. A real entertainer who's worked the circuit, besides being a master magician.
It sounds like you continue to touch the lives of people on your Magic Days, that in itself is Magic and such a great legacy. Me and my Son were watching your electric chair routine, the other day, still one of his favourites.
Thanks for the photo the other day at the service station with me and my Son. typical, I nip out in my scruffs to pick him up from school and bump into you both, thanks again though, we were both dead chuffed.
Keep up the great blog, and being the great couple you are.
Shane & Reece Kenny
Hi Paul. When are you and the lovely Debbie coming to Cheltenham? There are four of us sat here reading an article about you in the well known publication 'Inapub'. We would very much like to see you in action but feel that the £17.50 price plus £1.50 booking fee and the cost of petrol to our nearest venue (Burnham on Sea) is a little hard to justify. We would, however, consider paying somewhere in the region of £6.83 per person. Any chance? Please write back.
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