I’ve been in the Mile-High Magicians Society for about two years now. I, like most, received a basic magic set when I was about eight years old. As an eight-year-old, I had many interests. Sports took up most of my time. Like anything else in life, to be good at anything, it takes a lot of practice and dedication. The magic set gathered dust.

When I turned twelve, my parents opened our family’s first retail store selling dollhouses and miniatures. The location was in Southglenn Mall, upstairs in the “Serendipity Shops”. It just so happened that there was a magic store right across the hallway. The Top Hat Magic Shop run by Mike Shannon. This perked up my magic interest again. Mike would patiently show me tricks he thought I needed (many above my skill level). I saved my earnings from the store and purchased many of the tricks he showed me. My favorites were the color-changing knives and linking rings.

Now, forty-five years later, I still enjoy watching magic. On one of my trips to Chicago for a trade show, I had the opportunity to visit Magic Inc. The salesman there was quite proficient with cards. My interest was again inspired, so I bought a few decks and books on the subject.

Many of the club members have graciously shown me and tried to teach me some of their skills. I go to Perkins nearly every Monday just to watch. I have yet to get up the nerve to perform any of the tricks. Maybe one day I will. Thank you all for your generosity and willingness to help. I do appreciate it very much!