money can't buy happiness...

Money can't buy happiness, but it can by enthusiasm. Well not money, but new material does help make you enthusiastic. I've just returned from Wivenhoe Comedy Club where I often perform close up magic before the main acts. Today I used this time to test drive "White Star" a trick lent to me from a friend.The effect floored everyon e. It's bassed on the Titanic. People chose pictures of people at random, and one will have chosen all survivors whilst the other will chose people who died. The method is staggeringly simple. IT does however require  showmanship to sell the effect. Judging by the strong lead for a gig I'd say it worked. it felt good working with new material again. Looking at my bookcase I have a lot of material I can be learning so maybe I really do need a challenge. Maybe one week one new effect (from my existing library, not bought)

 is it better to learn lots of material, or focus on a little and get it perfect? I think you can do both, learn new but don't ignore the old. Methods learnt in the new material may compliment existing skills to help you perform older material better. As with all things this is a balance act, and the only way to get the balance right is to experiment.

A life less organized.

Over all things are great. Since the last blog I've performed for Haleworth Library, Colchester Invasion and a private party with kids and adults. I've also gone back to visit MEMS for the first time since I hurt my foot (which I've also had fixed up since the last blog, simple quick operation, I'll need follow up work but nothing major). Mems welcomed me back with open arms being one of the hand full who show up to an AGM has that effect). I told them about not getting into the Circle, and explained that not getting in didn't bother me, but being treated the way I was by the Examination Sectary did. Every agreed the behaviour was shocking. This made me feel a lot better, I think sometimes we just need an outsider to say "yes you'r right that sucks".

So what next?  A new set of Cup and Balls, and then major study. I want to spend at least an hour a day on my audition. Well more a case of study for the sake of improving my magic, but now  have a clear aim. MEMS will also be holding more tutorial evenings, with a  challenge cup to aim for. Incentives and a structured learning system, hopefully this will help push  my magic skills and improve them.
SO things I want to do?

New non card magic:
Spounge Balls
Cups & Balls
Rope Magic

Card- More quick impromptu effects

I've got the learning materials for all of this already. Now I just need to focus and crack on.