When I was a young teenager my grandfather taught me how to play Poker (he played me for my allowance money). While looking in the games section of the library (internet before the internet), I came across a book on card tricks. I practiced and practiced every day on one particular poker trick. When I was finally good enough, I brought that trick to the table the next time I played my grandfather. I slowly won all my allowance back, and even wound up with a little more. The last time my grandfather and I played, he looked at me and said, “Bottom or second deal?” – a key part to the trick.

I was floored. How did he know?

I said, “Bottom deal.”

He then told me to never try this with anyone else or I could get in serious trouble. He told me the reason behind his winning my allowance from me was to teach me that ‘A fool and his money are soon parted,’ and if I was going to play these kinds of games do it for fun and not for profit. 

Needless to say, I was hooked. As I learned more card tricks and other magic tricks, it was not the idea that I was better at something that propelled me. Nor was it the fact that I could do something others could not. I learned that what made magic so special to me was the excitement and bewilderment in the expressions on everyone’s face when they saw what they believed to be magic.

I now am a magician for hire. I also volunteer my magic, like at our Child Development Center Fall Festival, and at a benefit for a women’s shelter.

Magic is my Spark.

It is what I use to bring a shy child a voice, even if it is just a, “Whoa!”

So, what can you bring to the table that makes other people go, “Whoa.” What can you do which lights a little flame inside someone else? I have learned it doesn’t have to be magical…all it has to be is momentous. The time you spend with people, is it momentous or just a moment? The difference is in the quality of that time you have with people. Do you give them your best you? No one needs a magician. Everyone needs to talk…and share time…with friends. Be that friend.

Be that listener. Be that moment.