I'm Andy and I am 58 years young. I was involved in magic back in my teens and early twenties. I now have a nine year old grandson and am getting back into i.\t.

I enjoy close-up magic with everyday items.

Welcome altmagic,

I'm not sure what "i./t." is.

Getting into Magic for or with your Grandson sounds like a blast.

Anything that instills the habit of practice in a young person makes success that much easier no matter what path they take.

Have fun.

-Mary Mowder

Hi "kid"!! (I can say that cuz I'm 81 (hee hee)

In the circus we would say, "He's got sawdust in his shoes!" --meaning he can't quit and become a "civilian" (towner, non show biz person,etc.). Not only did I get sawdust in the shoes, I also got ____________ (darn! I guess there isn't that colorful an expression in magic!)

See what happens when you "learn" even one trick? It's a bit like eating one potato chip!

So, welcome! You didn't mention how deeply involved you were thirty years ago. If it was just a surface involvement, you might find Martin Gardner's IMPROMPTU MAGIC" a book of real interest. It's an A to Z book of tricks with everyday items like APPLES (to) ZIPPERS. A good prop investment (relatively inexpensive) would be a TT--and a booklet on how to use one. This "universal" item, has uses "...on behond Zebra." (a quote from Dr.Seuss)

Although I did a stand up platform program (mostly in schools) for well over 40 years, whenever I spent any time in Chicago, I would get bookings for close up work in places like Hospitality Suites, and an occasional Trade Show. I much prefer (and preferred) working with common everyday props also. e.g.: cards, coins, rope, etc., so I can readily appreciate your point of view.

Thanks Dick and Mary.

I was pretty involved. Worked at a magic shop in San Francisco for awhile and was the opening act at a bar for the bands that played there.

I was amazed to discover how much I had missed it once I got started again.

Hi Andy!
BUMA BURGERS??

I haven't been in San Francisco since the '90s. I used to hang out in Sacramento with Jim Jayes,Dale Lorzo,Mary Mowder, and some "guy named TOM!!" when I toured for National Assemblies.

Back in the '80s, I even worked the Wharf one night, just to see if I could still cut it! (I was running a phone room in Davis, for Stanley Kramien, and came to town for a weekend.)

Time for breakfast! See you down the road!

Welcome to the Café

Welcome to the Café! You will enjoy this experience!

Hi Andy Welcome to the Magic Café, it's a great resource! Lots of wisdom in these pages!

Hi Andy,
Let me welcome you to our beautiful Café. As you have noticed it is one of a kind;unique.Absolutely the best the best place about magic ever.You will find this as a invaluable source that you can not buy even with money. The people are so friendly as well as being helpful.The Café is such a the unique place for Magic. It is ever expanding and has over 52.000 members throughout the world. It will make a great contribution to your magic perspective. Do not forget to post often. You will find many new friends and many new ideas here. I predict you will like the Café.Please grab a chair and begin to type your next post while you have a cup of strong Turkish coffee on my bill.
We are glad that you have joined us.