I was talking to a hobbyist who was asking how he can perform more, to get more experience and just get better in general. He has no desire to become professional or do any gigs as such, but wants to get more flight time.
It is an understandable dilemma, once one has exhausted the generosity of friends and family you need a new trick. Which is a shame, not least because you may have some way to go before you have got the effect truly honed, you may love the trick and want to perform it more and it makes magic an expensive past-time.
I often sit by the river and have a coffee in the mornings before work. I’m not alone, it is a beautiful spot and the café is very friendly and I feel like I am on holiday. There is a mix of regulars and tourists.
I dwell on magic getting put away after just a few performances and I remember a story from Kurt Vonnegut.
“I tell my wife I’m going to buy an envelope.
Oh, she says well, why don't you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I'm going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope.
I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babes. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is.
And I’ve had a hell of a good time. I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you any different.”
This morning my coffee spot yields a middle aged couple dressed head to toe in Mountain Warehouse, a boy hunched over, bored while his parents make plans for the day and the friendly staff of course.
You just need to be brave enough to fart around in this world.
A quick trick is all and you can make someone’s day different, give them a story to take home or to the office. And you will be getting more from your magic and getting that little bit better.