Summer Coming to a Close -- Reflection Time

Can you believe it? Summer is almost over. Many schools are back in session already, and the rest will be in full swing by the end of next week. Where did the time go? I've been so busy that I really didn't have time to keep track.

Soon we'll be pulling out the rakes and light jackets. But before you do that, take some time and think over this past summer -- all the things you did...and didn't do but wanted to. Savor the moments you had together with friends and with your family. Be genuinely thankful for the time you've had. Life is good!!

Did you go on vacation? Did you stay home? Either way, life is good. Did you get a new kitchen? Still making do with the one you have? Life is good either way. What's important, what you will truly remember about this past summer are the relationships that you fostered and grew. The times spent just sitting on the deck with your spouse, playing catch with your kids. Family game nights, and 'chillin' with your peeps (no I really wouldn't actually say that phrase in real life). Those are the best memories from summer.

Oh, I worked a lot. This was probably my busiest summer for performing. It was fantastic to get to entertain literally thousands of people this summer. I truly loved every minute of it. It's exhilarating. But home and family is the place for refreshment. And I cherish those moments any time of year.

Having said that, school is back and this year I have an all new school show to present. Its a modified version of my library program and deals with reading and goal setting. Follow this link to read more about the Magic of Dreaming Big school assembly program.

Party Magic in Brookfield

I get asked a lot about where people can come and see my show. The truth is, outside of my library programs, I don't do a lot of performances open to the public. The majority of appearances are for private parties, schools or banquets. Someone is getting married and wants entertainment during the reception. Your company is having its employee picnic, holiday party or employee appreciation banquet. School programs, church programs, or the venerable birthday party are all typical places where I perform.

Then I also get invited to home parties for adults. I was at one of these just recently in Brookfield. I had performed a few years back for the grandchildren of this couple, and they thought it would be fun to have a magician at their dinner party. It turned out to be a wonderful time.

Some people seem to think that a magician is only for children. And as I was being introduced, one lady said "Oh, I should have brought my grandson along."  Of course this occasion was all adults, and required a more sophisticated show. Fun, still clean -- but adult. I won't go into all the tricks I performed, but  suffice to say, there was plenty of laughter, lots of audience participation, and quite a few puzzled looks at what was happening during the show. In short -- we all had a great time. I think I won over a few skeptics and made a few new friends as well. I love my 'job'.

Magic in Racine was Hot Hot Hot

This past weekend was great, as usual. While Sunday was a beautiful day -- almost perfect, Saturday was a bit hot and muggy, as usual this year. Of course I took note of it because I performed outside for most of the afternoon. One of the 'gigs' I had was for a large company picnic down in Racine. The picnic was well attended. I would estimate 500 - 600 people. Wonderful people I might add.

I strolled around the grounds and performed closeup magic for as many as I could. But this company really knew how to throw a party. There were bounce houses, clowns, face painters and even a climbing wall. Oh, and there was this great magician as well (wink). What caught my attention most was the talent they had on their stage. In addition to the stage show I presented, there were several bands and solo performers who were employees or family of employees. Some really wonderful acts -- all volunteer!  One girl named Sydney Manning played a few songs from an album she recorded. Great stuff!

It was a hot and steamy day in Racine for magic. And I loved every minute of it. I ended the day in Shorewood, performing inside of  a Culver's. That was different--but it worked out wonderfully. The manager was celebrating a store anniversary -- also with a balloon artist and a face painter. Plus he had the fire department and police there to display equipment and talk to the public. It was a great event. That's a manager thinking outside the box. I think his customers really enjoyed the whole experience. As did I. Even if I ended up loading everything into my SUV in drizzling rain. It was a great day for Great Scott.

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