I posted this in Secret Sessions to no reply, and I realize Justin is on the road, so I'm hoping someone in here can help with this... I'm having some trouble with the timing of the move on the first vanish. Either my fingers aren't positioned properly or I'm trying to execute the sleight too soon. PM me if you have any advice. Thanks!

Hard to answer that here. Might be better to just wait for Justin to come back. He'll be back soon. -MB

It is both timing and misdirection that hides the vanish yet if your fingers are in the wrong position you will bind up when the moment happens.

Can you explain in more descriptive text what is going on ...either here or in a PM and I will try to do what I can to help.
I think the timing on the second vanish is more of a trouble spot because your doing several things at once but it is really fun once you get the knack/timing of it.
Later,
Mobius

Yeah, that 1st vanish happens literally while making a "point." It's all misdirection really, and what Justin is "saying" at the moment has as much to do with it as the actual vanish itself. Mobius is right, about he "timing" of it all. It happens in a real rhythm, movement of the hands, body, facial expressions and gestures. Just a beautiful effect in totality. Keep practicing rutabaga, it'll become clearer and clearer. -MB