Blue and Gold Magic

Cub Scouts are a great group. I have the greatest respect for the Scouts of America and the history of the organization. So in February and March, I get the privilege of performing my scout-themed show for cub scout packs around Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

One thing I've found is that that most respectful scouts have the best pack leaders--every time. I've been to some great Cub Scout packs this year so far. The kids love to see magic. But the one comment I always seem to hear from the parents is "...and we enjoyed it to!"  That's good, because there are often more parents than kids at some of these events. So my show is designed to entertain the whole family--but the scouts always want to sit at the front.--and sometime try to peak behind the curtain. But that's the nature of youth - always trying to learn--especially if its supposed to be a secret!

This past week I received a wonderful note from a pack who enjoyed one of my Scout shows.

"Thank you very much for the Great Scott show!  A couple of my kids were still talking about it this morning when we were getting ready for the day, and last night I heard several kids and parents reminiscing and laughing about different pieces they really enjoyed as they were heading out.

I appreciate you putting in the effort and fun into such a nice show for the boys.  I think it really means a lot as they celebrate what they have worked on this year. . .

Thank you again!  I look forward to seeing more of your performances in the future."

     --Marie Hagerstrand

Thanks Marie for the note. And thanks everyone for reading this post. Until next time.

Waukesha Janboree Magic Shows

It has been a very busy 2013 so far, performing shows all across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.  Though each event is special, I performed three shows for Waukesha's Janboree back on January 25 at the Waukesha Public Library. About 200 people attended each show - creating a standing-room-only  event in the room.  I enjoyed being a part of the event  as people of all ages braved the semi-cold, somewhat-wet conditions to explore and experience attractions all across Waukesha.

A photographer from Waukeshanow.com was on hand and took this picture which wound up as one of the pictures of the week.

http://www.waukeshanow.com/multimedia/photos/188340051.html

Wisconsin Dells Gospel Magic

This past weekend, amidst other shows, I had the pleasure of presenting a Gospel illusion show for officers and their families of the Salvation Army. There were actually two divisions gathering in the Wisconsin Dells that evening. However, I only presented to one of them.

This is an organization that I truly admire, though. The people are top-notch and have a level of commitment that is exemplary. They work hard meeting physical and spiritual needs. On top of all that, they were a lot of fun.

MilwaukeeMagician.com Gets a New Look

New Look for Milwaukee Magician

I've been working on a new website. It's definitely a work-in-progress, but I thought I'd open it up to the general public. If you are looking for magicians in Milwaukee, then take a look at the site. If you would just like to critique my work, feel free to drop me a line.

Several years ago, prior to going full-time as a magician, I worked as a technical writer. As part of that position, I designed and maintained a couple websites at a large company in Milwaukee. My skills as a website designer are a bit out of date. So, in my spare time, I've been attempting to learn more in this area. It would seem that my hobby has become my career, and my career has become my hobby.

Decorating A Magic Birthday Party

I ran across the following page on Pinterest. You might like to check it out if you are planning a magic birthday party. http://pinterest.com/slabelle/magic-party/

Then, be sure to visit my website and complete the party by booking Great Scott to come to your child's magical birthday party.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving day is almost here. It's a day that sort of gets lost in the rush toward Christmas and all the shopping, hussle and bussle. So I would like to encourage you to, along with me,  take a little time and consider all that you have to be thankful for. It's been a full year. Some things have gone my way. Some things haven't. I've had some disappointments...and some triumphs.

If  I'm to be honest with myself, I'd rather not go through the 'down' times. But it is also those very times that provide the perspective that brings me true thanks. In fact, that's what Thanksgiving is about. Consider that first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. It had been a long, hard 10 months getting that colony established. Months filled with struggle and no-doubt  some fear. That's why they gave thanks when the harvest came in. They had some perspective.

Consider also that first proclamation for a National day of thanks from Abraham Lincoln. The country was in the midst of a civil war. However, there was hope. That is what that proclamation was about.

Last Week in October

Here it is, almost November. Where is the time going to? This whole month was busy, but more so in the last week. I've been in several child care centers performing my Goofy Monster Magic show. Most of those were evening shows for their fall parties. These are fun events where the kids and their parents come and enjoy an evening of fun, along with a meal and in my case, a Great Scott magic show!

There were several private house parties as well. Halloween seems to have grown through the years. Now parents and kids get involved and get dressed up in character. I think many of the parents enjoy the costumes more than the kids -- if the truth were known. But it's all in fun. Case in point -- at one party last night, the host had dressed her dog in a pumpkin costume. Yes, its name actually is Pumpkin... My kind of humor.