Gift of the Novi(ce)


A funny thing happened to me yesterday...

Let me put things in context here, if you haven't been keeping score.  It's been over 35 years since I did a complete magic show.  In front of humans.  Those who might have witnessed my performances back then might argue that I've never done a complete magic show, but I digress.

All of that changed yesterday... a change that was the result of a series of changes that I've gotten into in past blogs and won't replay here.  Suffice to say, I went from "getting serious about magic again" last March, to performing my first (paid) magic show this very week.  How did it go?  Let me give you the long version...

I began teetering on the shoulders of giants some time ago.  The first was Jay Sankey.  I wrote music for him, he supplied me with effects and tons of great advice.  Through Jay I began to learn that solid tricks are important, but selling them, really bringing on the show and entertaining, is so much more important.

Kenton Knepper, my Brutha K, was the second.  His enthusiasm and incredibly deep magic knowledge have been gifts he has shared with me time and time again.  Brutha K convinced me that I not only could begin performing again, but should!

Though both of these gifted wizards, my magic family grew.  I added another Brutha and a Sister in Ed & Karen Underwood, two of the most talented entertainers I've ever met, who have offered advice, instruction, and encouragement every step of my journey.

Last October, I discovered my magic home away from home at Magic & Meaning.  Jeff & Abbi McBride, Dean Larry Hass, Tobias Beckwith, and everyone at the Magic & Mystery School welcomed me with open arms.  They are all gentle, loving teachers... to simply share a room with any of them will mean leaving with more than when you entered.  And while Eugene Burger, the wonderful soul of the Magic and Mystery School passed before the event, I felt that I "met" him through them all.

It was at Magic & Meaning that I became part of a Tribe, a "pair of 3."  Michael Mirth and Jonas Cain are incredible talents, and we just all seemed to click, then and now.  A day rarely goes by that I don't check in with them, and they've had invaluable advice as I've worked the show.

Honestly, I could list everyone who attended Magic & Meaning, because I learned so much from them all!  Luna Shimada has become like a sister to me, offering advice from a literal lifetime in the magic world.  Lupe Nielsen is another sister, who is always quick to offer encouragement and smile.  Barry Fernelius, a true card wizard, has been quick to teach, and even faster to encourage.  The list goes on and on... and ON!

Then there are the non-magicians who have stepped up and believed in me.  Kelley and Theresa Bassett, owners of Heart+Hammer, my employers, who not only supported my efforts, but suggested that their Christmas Party be my first show (for the record, it was Theresa who asked.  Kelley might have feared I'd saw him in half or something...).  Their friendship and belief in me has been staggering.  

My parents, who always supported any of the performing I've done in my life, and ate 100's of bowls of cereal so I could collect boxtops for my first magic set. 

My wonderful children and their spouses, who have all checked in this past year, concerned about my progress and cheering me on as I worked on the act. 

Most importantly, my wife Lori, who continues to believe in me even when I give up all hope on myself.  Lori allowed me the time and space to work on this dream, and was my first audience prior to the party, offering wise input, just as she always has with any of my work.

All of these people I consider gifts in my life, and each has given more to me than they themselves probably realize, especially this past year.  Without their wisdom, strength, and faith, there would have been no show yesterday, and my magic would've continued to be performed in the bedroom in front of a mirror.

How did it go?  I hope I did them proud.


Comments

  1. Jonas CainDecember 20, 2017 at 11:07 PM

    You're amazing, Trent! I'm inspired by your dedication and resilience. Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trent RentschDecember 21, 2017 at 9:38 AM

      Thank you, but you, Sir, are the amazing one!! :)

      Delete

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