The fact that I've not blogged in a couple of weeks reminds me of the real trick I struggle with. Beginnings are so easy - it's almost intoxicating how easy they are. Full of promise, hope, excitement, beginning a new project seems effortless, whether it's magic, writing, or any of the other creative outlets I enjoy. But then, life happens, and I use it as an excuse to avoid the real work. It's not that I'm lazy (not too lazy, at any rate), I think it's more the fear of failure when things become difficult. Any skill is hard at first, and of course, we fail before we succeed. I know this, I understand this, but it doesn't stop me from screeching to a halt when the going gets tough, using life as a scapegoat. That said, Life has thrown a big distraction at me. My wife and I have suddenly found ourselves buying a new house. We hadn't expected to when we visited the development we're about to call home, but it did feel like home, it clicked...

I've been diligently practicing (more or less).  I make sure a deck of cards is always in reach (well, nearly always).  Still, I hadn't done a trick for anyone but my mirror... at least, until 2 days ago. It's not that performing scares me, I was a Theater major and a radio D.J., Lord knows I'm a ham at heart.  But when it comes to magic... I don't know.  My heroes in the art all come off so polished and natural; even when appearing to stumble, they never fall.  I know that all comes from practice, practice and practice.  But I also know that there comes a time when you have to take the show to the people and see if all that practice is paying off.  So when I saw a chance to give something a try, I finally decided to give it a go.  However, it was one of those times when that deck of cards wasn't within reach.  On the other hand, I might not have gone for it if they were. I was having a meeting with my friend Steve at work.  St...