Just logged another 15 minutes working on my sponge balls. This past week I've completed 6 sessions for a total of 95 minutes. Really starting to like these little guys! I am also starting to get confidence in the techniques and the overall routine.

Hudson

Welcome the group Hudson and Chad!

Hudson, sounds like you have an excellent system with the training log and clear goal in mind. Glad to hear you are making steady and visible progress. I actually use a training log for my workouts (running, swimming, etc.) and it makes a huge difference. I'm not sure why I haven't created a log for magic as well.

Chad, hope you were able to have some productive sessions over the holiday weekend.

Mary, good luck getting back into the swing of things and good luck with the library show prep.

Jim, how is your outdoor prep practice coming along. I can only imagine the differences when working in an outdoor setting. Hopefully the humidity won't be too bad. Are you performing in a Columbus festival? How are the new sleights coming along?

Laurie, hopefully all is going well.

I've had some trouble focusing on practice due to the intense summer session. Every time I practice, I feel a bit guilty that I should be working on my group Ready School journal article or 21st Century Schools presentation. Luckily the past week, I began working on the overhand shuffle techniques while watching TV and when hanging out with my wife and friends. This has killed two birds with one stone. I don't feel guilty and I am working on performing the techniques while my attention is elsewhere. I still was able to put in 3 10 minute practice sessions where I focusd on the finer points. I've also performed some Convergence run throughs and am starting to feel comfortable with the effect.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend!

~ Nathan

Thanks Blue Owl. Funny you should mention work out logs -- that's what I started with! I've kept a workout log for the past 5 years; with this thread I thought it would make sense to create a practice log for magic. It does keep me focused -- and if you are used to logging your workouts, might be a benefit for you too!

Good luck with the practice,

Hudson

Nathan-

Thanks for asking! The CAF was this past weekend, so I am now in relaxation mode for awhile to recuperate.

The weather was challenging. Rained so much Saturday that we had to move to a new location. Then all the electricity went out. Threatened and stormed all day long. Sunday was sunny, but with gusts to 40 mph. So, had to really load up the finger flasher 'cause the wind literally blew the flash away. Also had to dump the Mona Lisa picture illusion as it cost too much to lose to the wind.

Had nice crowds, really huge for the Sunday PM show, and really enjoyed the specs. All in all, great fun, and I would take this over sweltering any day.

Now what? Back to some serious coin work. Also, attended a Kosmo lecture, man is that guy good! He has me all jacked up about busking, and I learned some really important busking tips from him. I have always been intrigued by the busking side of magic as I feel it has some serious benefits. Anyone who does scheduled gigs knows exactly what I mean...

Hey Mary, how's it going?

Chad, welcome to our group! Wow, Metamorphosis is some serious exercise- good on ya', you must be in great shape!

Hudson, I am ON the log idea also!

Keep punchin' folks, it works wonders...

Regards,

Jim

Howdy all,

I performed News Flash for the first time at a show on Sunday. GREAT response for a so-so performance.

I just did it silently to music. The effect is so strong that way that it'll be hard to move on to a pattered performance but that is the eventual plan. Gotta say I love the Trick.

The third tear is still hard but thanks to lots of finger strengthening exercises I did do it without a knife or scissors (or too much of a grimace).

I also performed PN for the first time in a show on Saturday and it also went over very well. I know it seems odd that I've never done it before but since my partner Tom does it and we used to work together more I just never took it up. I have very good patter for that one (Tom's for now).

The Library Shows start in about a week so I'm still working on that. News Flash and PN are both a part of the new show.

Hope all is well with everyone. I'll catch up more after the next couple of weeks.

- Mary Mowder

Hello all,

I did my first Library Show. The Magic itself went well. My next spate of practice will be with my sound system.

I have a Happie Amp and the Sound Cue system but I'm not conversant in checking sound levels or smoothly going from one thing to the next. So, blocking and Sound work for a while. NOT as much fun as Magic but that's what the video tape says is needed.

How is practice going for you all?

- Mary Mowder

Hi, Mary!

I had a real tome for you but, as happens on the green monster, I hit a wrong key and it is all gone- GONE! And it was world-class stuff...

I have an Anchor amp I got cheap on the sale thread, and I love it. I use it now for anything more that 5 specs. Hope you find the same with Happie!

A device to hold back water, ain't it fun to perform? I just love it. I just attended a Kozmo lecture, so am off to the streets! Just gotta try this.

How's practice going? Really well! It is getting to be habit now, and I am finding I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would. The other thing I am noticing, is that now I can work on timing- the real secret to magic vs. trick.

So good to hear from you, and good on ya' for your performances!

Rock on, lady! Hey, just for you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXvdxO6XYP0

Regards,

Jim

Hey, thanks for posting that clip, Jim!

I've got a few festival performances I'm getting ready for. So practicing with the animals and some others. Also working on sorting out a restaurant repertoire. Doing much reading. Got another book this week and one's in the mail on its way to me: The Annotated Magic of Slydini!!! Been trying to find a copy of that one for a bit. Will be in my hands shortly. Rereading Siegfried and Roy's: Mastering the Impossible right now. Still working on the okito and the cups... the okito might be ready to film...

Laurie

Hi everyone,

Slydini is amazing to watch, thank you for the clip Jim. Let me know how the Annotated Magic of Slydini is Laurie.

Glad to hear your shows are going well Mary, and hopefully you are able to fine tune the sound system in short order.

Jim, sounds like you really got bit by the busking bug. Where do you plan on hitting the streets at?

My practice is going well. I now have the overhand shuffle and run comfortable enough to practice during free time (watching TV, relaxing, etc.). I'm currently working on Convergence and CAANDY.

Have fun practicing everyone!

~ Nathan

I enjoyed the clip Jim.
I never work the streets (my mother told me not to). I have done walk-around at fairs (with a large pouch of magic and small juggling stuff) and it was wonderful fun (and I didn't have to "pass the hat").

Laurie, are you doing all Close-Up at the festival? I really enjoyed the Siegfried and Roy book. I also recommend King of the Conjurers by Robert Houdin, great read.

Blue Owl, if your overhand is good you are ready for the jog shuffle which is super useful.

55hudson, some of the repetitious practice can take on a zen feeling which makes it easier to fall into the details. It also makes it harder to insert the move back into a real routine so be sure to incorporate whole effect practice.

Ade, how did the wedding go?

Chad, I'll bet you're seeing the difference in your rope work. My last project was with ropes and boy did it help me.

Happy practice,

- Mary Mowder

Thank for the advice Mary. My practice session typically includes running through the entire routine twice and then practicing a two key moves 10 times each. I'm feeling pretty confident now and ran through the routine with a couple of magician colleagues the other day. Comments on skills were positive, with some structural suggestions (e.g., start with holding out one in each hand rather than both in one). Overall I'm happy with the progress made over the last month. Later this week I take off on vacation with my sister and brother-in-law -- tough audience (she's my older sister!) and I feel comfortable and ready to share. WIll let you all know how it goes. And then off to a new effect to master!

Hudson

All close-up at the festivals, Mary, yes.

Laurie

Sweet!

Posted: Jul 3, 2010 9:17pm
Working on PN counts and Misers Dream. Also working with the sound system. All is well.

- Mary Mowder

Happy to report that my sponge ball routine went over very well with family & friends on our vacation. Practice paid off and I'm now very comfortable performing the routine. Thanks for all the encouragement!

Now what next to work on ...

Hudson

Congratulations 55Hudson,

Not even 2 whole months and you've got a piece of Magic that will last a lifetime!

Think of the places you'll go!

- Mary Mowder

Thanks Mary. Two months doesn't seem like a long time ... but the repeated 20 minute sessions really grinds the routine into your mind and body. Still need to keep practicing and sharing -- love the expression on the faces when two balls turn into many!

How are you coming with your practice?

Hudson

Hi, folks! How is the practice going? Keep checking in because I find inspiration in your accounts of practice and success!

Hey, Mary, you may (or not) like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcAdOV1eDDI

Hudson-

If you don't already have it, look into issue #4 of Reel Magic. Bill Malone shows one sponge ball sleight that is a MUST for your routine- you will not be disappointed, this I guarantee...

Regards to all,

Jim

Hi 55Hudson,
Other than a set back with my Ring and Rope (my Ring broke) all is well. I'm making friends with the Happie Amp and my Sound Control system.

mandarin,
I loved the clip. I can see I have a long way to go with the Miser's Dream.

- Mary Mowder

Jim,
Loved the video of Al -- all of us have a lot of work to do! I will check out Bill Malone in Reel magic -- love those sponge balls!

Mary, Sorry to hear about your Ring ... oh well, it happens!

Hudson

Hi everyone,

I have to admit, I basically stopped practicing during the Summer Session II at UD. I got a few solid card sessions in, but nothing consistent. I would like to say I was so focused on my projects that I didn't have time, but the truth is I didn't use my time effectively. To combat this I've decided to schedule practice sessions. I thought taking advantage of free stretches throughout my day would work, but I need to be more purposeful with practice. Also I've purchased a small notebook to use as my "training" log.

Jim - Thank you for the video. I love watching artists express themselves through their craft. How is your coin work coming along? You mentioned you loved your Kozmo lecture, so I searched out an interview he did with Dodd Vickers. It was insightful and fun to listen to. Also, I've now decided my birthday wish to my wife will be, a subscription to Reel Magic Magazine.

Mary - Sorry to hear about your ring breaking. Are your library shows still going well?

Hudson - Your sponge routine practice has really paid off! If want to continue to add some moves and nuances, in addition to the Bill Malone move, you might want to check out Scott Guinn's "Peanut, Butter, & Jelly," as well as the Gary Darwin portion of Penguin's "Sponge" DVD.

Laurie - How are your routines coming along?

Chad - I know you haven't checked in in a while, but I curious how your illusions turned out.

Hope everyone has a fun weekend!

~ Nathan