Hello. The Café looks to be a highly informative, enjoyable, thoughtful, enthusiastic place, thanks to all of you. I look forward to participating.
About me: I once had a journalism professor who advised never to begin an autobiography with where you were born. Unless it was someplace interesting. Like jail.
So, no birthplace. But I did begin my magical life early, at the age of 4, in the act of my grandmother, "Lightfingers Ida." Started out as a production prop, produced out of a flat cardboard carton. My grandmother also introduced me to Tannens and magic conventions and generally nurtured what has become a lifelong interest in magic. Did the kids' show circuit as a kid myself. Now I watch all I can, collect old books, learn and perform close-up, and try to instill the same interest in my kids (with uneven success, but that's kids for you). I'm a writer by profession. All best -- Mark.

Hey! (as "they" say, down south!

THAT's an intro!!

Welcome Mark!

Welcome Mark Levenson,

What an intriguing way to get into Magic. Your Grandmother sounds like an interesting lady.

Tell the Kids your Magic is secret and they should stay out of it. You'll find the Kids with the drive and interest pretty quick. The others can enjoy the Magic as Spectators.

I'll see you in the Close-Up fora.

-Mary Mowder