The Hands They Were Dealt

Sometimes events are just great all around.  While I was paid to do walk around magic for the guests in attendance, I definitely wasn't the focus here.  But that didn't stop people from gathering around my table.  

Once the gala started rolling, I'd have the occasional walk-up spectator who is curious about seeing magic up close for the first time.  From that point on, in was a fun avalanche of eyeballs staring from just far enough to make sure this was their focus.  I had people in red carpet style gowns and suits, eccentric costumes that you'd see in LA or NYC, and even casually dressed millionaires just engaging with the personal touch you can only get through live magic.

There was one woman who stood out in her candy apple red dress who basically hung out near my table almost the entire night trying to figure out what I'm doing and how.  As we talked, we found that there were mutual life experiences we shared.  We both, at different times, had worked as performing artists for Disney World in Florida and were still keeping busy in the arts beyond our tenure there.  It was a really pleasant experience to have been able to talk with someone about something from over twenty years in my past.  

Another woman was so enamored with the magic, she left the event to go get her daughter from gymnastics to come see it up close.  When I tell you this kid had a smile from ear to ear, it's only partly an exaggeration.  As I got to know this family through the tricks, it turns out that the kid has a real interest in learning the art of what magicians do.  I take each situation with a positive supporting demeanor because I know how kids can jump from one interest to the next.  But the mom had told me a story about when she received her first toy magic set and brought it to school with her, day after day.  The kid basically planted herself to the side of my table specifically because she wanted a different view of my moves.  That said everything!!  So, I connected with the mom about possibly mentoring and expanding her appreciation of the craft.  

You really never know what your gonna get when you do events like this.  Sometimes you get people who want to be smarter than the magician and try to "peek" at what you're doing.  And sometimes, events are just great all around.