Had a nightmare evening last night.

Just about to leave for a show, and I get a call that I'm supposed to be there already 15 mins ago. So, I'm in a hurry and haven't dealt with parking lots since cash was an option. I've been told the restaurant validates.

First, I do a U-turn in the wrong parking lot next door (customers only BofA). I still don't know the ramifications of that.

About 30' farther is the right entrance. I park and go. There is a sign saying "Paying by phone? and a QR code. I figure, I'm late, I'll deal with that when I get back.

10 people are at a dinner party, and the kitchen is trying to close. I'm performing Parlor at one end of a table for people just receiving dinner in an open restaurant, empty except for the bar.

The Show went really great! And the 15 minutes of Close-Up after great as well. Go figure !?
After the show, I have time to check my Email confirmation and three texts (with two thumbs up response to one of them) that back up that my version of the correct time was communicated clearly.
(But clearly it would have been better if she HAD booked when she thought.)
I told her privately that my texts and email showed I was right (I did not say it that way. LOL). Anyway...

After the show, the waitress brings out a QR code to scan for parking validation, and I'm told that I should have scanned the QR code in the lot BEFORE I left for validation to work. D'oh!

I was forced to link my bank with a new pay system, on the phone, in a public place, at night, to get out of the lot.

I never felt so old and paranoid in my life.

The client sent a nice text after the show saying everyone loved the show and She'd be calling me again.
No mention or acknowledgement of her error on the time thing.
I would have liked it addressed for my peace of mind.

Showing up late and this kind of Tech confusion are nightmare triggers for me. Thanks for letting me vent.

- Mary

Sounds stressful Mary! Glad the show went well though!

Thanks Pete!

What is missing here is the ability of Mary to "meet the expectations of the dinner guest and owner" despite unexpected obstacles,
misinformation, change of timing restraints/venue and more. This "skill set" did not come from YouTube or watching videos.

Yes, years of performing before LIVE audiences make a difference, plus active participation in local Magic Clubs with other magicians - again "in-person."

Plus, her "presence," "confidence" and "charm" come from sources other than "performance magic for entertainment."

My grandma said, "To know life, you must live life." That is a different magic.

Kudo's gal! I sure miss the Sacramento magic environment.

Thanks, Ken,

Sacramento has changed a lot with the loss of Steve Johnson's Grand Illusions Magic Shop (although you may remember Rose's closing as well).

We still have IBM & SAM and Dale and Elaine Lorzo's epic yearly Holiday Party to keep it together.

Of course, I'm all that LOL, but a great audience doesn't hurt.

I've noticed that sometimes, when things are awkward (and this audience knew something was up) and you don't fall apart, the audience gives just a little more to try and save the event. This can make for a real save and a great experience.

It's good to remember that the audience wants and needs you to succeed.

- Mary

Yikes! I'm glad your performance went well, even if nothing else did...

As Ken (more or less) said, not everyone could have turned this situation into even a partial win, so kudos!