Get In Your Own Lane

Dear Friends:

Late Breaking News! Jeff McBride is hotter than ever. Just back from a tour of China and Peru, now he will be featured on the top two magic shows on TV during the next two weeks. Don’t miss him tonight (Sept. 1) on Masters of Illusion on the CW network, and then again next week (Sept. 7) on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, also on CW. Check your local listings for exact times. These are memorable performances you won’t want to miss! Please help us spread the word.

This week’s article is from our friend Bryce Kuhlman, an amazing serial entrepreneur in his own right, and wizard of all things digital for the Magic & Mystery School. Enjoy his words of wisdom!

From Bryce:

I remember years ago…

A friend called and asked if I wanted to take over the online sales and fulfillment for a big celebrity (CDs, DVDs and so on). I’ve been in eCommerce for over 20 years and have helped build many successful companies. But, my expertise has always been in the online part… creating and optimizing the systems, digital delivery, increasing revenue and conversion rate, etc.

Now I was being asked to build a fulfillment house. We’re not talking a few boxes in a closet, and a couple of trips to the post office every week. They were sending hundreds of boxes a day. That meant warehouses, inventory management and unskilled labor.

I was tempted by the challenge.

But I also knew it was pretty far outside my wheelhouse, and was going to take a lot of work… and not the fun kind.

So I did what I would always do when I had a big decision to make:

I called Eugene.

He answered my question by posing one of his own:

“Is that the business you want to be in?”

I only had to think for a second before responding “not really!”

That was 15 years ago and I still ask myself that question on a regular basis.

So many people that strike out on their own think they have to do it all themselves.

“Chief cook and bottle washer,” as the saying goes.

And magicians seem to be some of the worst. They try to be performer, graphic designer, marketer, prop builder, director, etc., etc., etc.

One of my business partners has this great saying: “Get in your own lane and stay there!”

I’ve added to it:

“… and surround yourself with others who are going in the same direction, but in their own lanes.”

There was a time, not too long ago, when it was hard to find people to help. Even if you lived in a decent-sized city, the Yellow Pages wasn’t exactly user friendly. And, even if you did find people with expertise in other areas, how could you know if they were going to be a good fit for your specific needs?

Those days are gone.

We now have entire communities of people that legitimately want to help (and can deliver the goods).

So I urge you to take a hard look at all the things you’re doing and ask yourself a few questions:

• Am I really good at this?
• Do I LOVE doing it?
• Is there someone else out there that does love doing it?

We all have TO DO lists.

I want you to create a TO DON’T list.

Then reach out. Ask your colleagues and mentors.

Ask us. I’ve been involved in The Magic & Mystery School for over 25 years. Many of the things I’ve accomplished in life would not have been possible without the support, and connections, that have come from this amazing community we’ve built.

Pick up the phone. Send that email.

Do what you love and partner with people who love what they do.

“Anything is possible – if you dare to ask!”

The Aladdin Factor” by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, authors of the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series

Heads Exploded! Minds Blown!

You haven’t seen it yet, but in the next week or two, it will happen on TV.

Jeff McBride performed his famous “Rainmaker” piece on “Fool Us” for Penn & Teller.

Millions of viewers around the world witnessed Jeff McBride on Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us“. Were they fooled? You’ll have to watch to find out. Now, magic lovers around the world are wondering where and how they can study with Jeff to learn his wonderful magic.

The McBride Masterpiece Series

More info here:

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/masterpieces

A personal note from Jeff:

Many people from around the world just can’t get to Las Vegas, so I created a new program to help those who really need expert magic training. I call it:

“Jeff McBride’s Inner Circle Mentoring”

This is a one-on-one class. I am only accepting a few students, like you, who are reading this now.

It will be just you and me, working on your ideas, visions, routines, business needs, career and dreams.

We will focus on setting your goals, and on to ways reach them.

Here is the basic info, and below is a list of the areas we can work on.

https://www.magicalwisdom.com/shop/p/product/skype-mentoring-package

Due to a very full schedule, I am only accepting a small number of students into my Inner Circle at this time

New Skype Mentoring Sessions: Take a look at  Victor’s testimonial!

If you are just joining my Inner Circle now, and are ready to really take your magic to the next level, contact Abigail to schedule your sessions.

We will be starting up again in September.

Important: Please contact Abigail (Abigail@mcbridemagic.com) to get scheduled for your sessions, or with any questions.

We are thrilled to be part of your success, and one of our greatest joys is to help you grow in the art of magic.

We hope to hear from you soon.

3 steps to YOUR new life

Do you really want to live your magic dream life? I can make this easy for you!

STEP #1

Watch this TED talk on the “5 second rule” by Mel Robbins. This is the short version.. you might want to watch extended versions.

STEP #2

Go here and choose the VERY BEST class for you… yes, you can do this!

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events

STEP #3

Last step: Go here and fill out the scholarship application form and send it in!

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships

The next step is up to you… I’ve opened a path to the heart of my magic and invite you to join us!

Jeff, Abigail and all your friends at McBride’s Magic & Mystery School 

Las Vegas Magician of the Month:

Mondre

From the moment he takes the stage, it is obvious to see why Mondre has been called one of the smoothest practitioners of the Art of Magic.

Mondre is the first and only African-American Magician to win the prestigious Grand Prix Magiques de Monte Carlo, an invitation-only magic competition sponsored by Prince Albert and the Royal Family of Monaco.  In addition to this historic winning, he is also the winner of The Siegfried And Roy Bronze Lion’s Head Award.

His performance is sure to excite, delight and mystify the senses. Mondre….A Truly Magical Artist For The Ages! See Mondre live in action at the August WONDERGROUND.

WONDERGROUND August 17th

This is our greatest night of the year

The day after Magic Live.

The “Glitterati” and “Celebutants” of Las Vegas will all be here…

…so we have planned ahead, made MORE space for guests, expanded our room, and have our BEST line up of the year!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.VEGASWONDERGROUND.COM

AUGUST 2017

7:30 PM   Strolling magic with the entire cast:  

Payne, Henry, Klause, RJ & Tim

Jaysin and Nikki Nightengale will be greeting and giving out wristbands. Thank you for your support!

8:00 PM   The Comedy Magic & Variety Shpw 

Abigail McBride is your MC

Jarol Martin – Illumination

Master Payne – Master of Mirth and Mystery

Henry Vargas – Direct from Brazil

Scott Land – The Puppet Man

Mondre – Extraordinary magic with the Ultimate Cool!

9:00 PM    Vegas Magic – Close Up & Strolling

Alberto Lorenzo

Henry Vargas

Taylor Lloyd

Steelfyre

Master Payne

Tim Wise

10:00 PM   The Stage Extravaganza

Tim Wise is your MC

Klause – Tango Trickery

Master Payne -  Marvels & Mayhem

Tim Wise – A Man on Fire

Henry Vargas – Award Winning Enchantments

Scott Land – The Puppet Master

RJ Cantu – The Laser Man of Illusion

PLUS:  Photography by Sheryl Garrett, Bar Magic with Zack Pattee, Scott Steelfyre, Corey Rubino, Taylor Lloyd, New World Rhythmatism Belly Dancers, Guest Belly Dance Stars, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya – and many more surprises and special celebrity guests

The Bottom Line:

take the next step: www.magicalwisdom.com

Reflections On Our Beloved Eugene

Photo by: Michael Caplan

It is with heavy hearts that we, friends of Eugene Burger, inform you that Eugene has passed away in Chicago at the age of 78.

Eugene enjoyed a long, healthy life, but was very recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Even so, his death today came more quickly than expected, and we are deeply shocked and saddened by his loss.

We know that in the days, weeks, and months ahead, countless things will be written and said about Eugene, and we will share more information, too. But for now, we want to tell you that Eugene embraced his situation with great clarity, humor, and peace of mind. As he said one day, “Now I am on the way to the ultimate capital M Mystery of life.”

Please join us in remembering and celebrating Eugene, a rare and wonderful person who has meant so much to us and to magicians all over the world.”

Below are some beautiful reflections from some of the faculty of the McBride Magic & Mystery School. We hope these words will help bring you all comfort.

Jeff McBride

My teacher for over 30 years and my best friend taught me how to live, grow old gracefully, and how to die with dignity. I have shared more time with this great man that any other man in my life. Every moment was a blessing and his spirit lives on in his students and his works.

Eugene’s life was brighter than 10,000 suns.

Dr. Lawrence Hass

Eugene Burger was my dear friend, mentor, collaborator, show partner, co-author, advisor, co-teacher, and constant companion in my 25-year explorations of magic. His impact on my life was immeasurable, and he was the wisest, most vital philosopher I have ever studied. Heart fully broken today but also full of deep gratitude for his extraordinary friendship.

I want to thank the thousands of you who have posted so respectfully and lovingly today, and who reached out to me personally. My heart and condolences go out to you, too, because Eugene was so beloved by so many.

Tobias Beckwith

Tobias, Eugene, Jeff, Abbi and Larry

I feel so sad that Eugene is gone, but so blessed to have been his friend. Eugene had a way of really seeing you that made us all feel better about ourselves… and better for having him as a friend. His life was a gift to all of us.

Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz:

One night after the Full August Moon, my friend, mentor and sage found meaning, mystery, and transformation as he, peaceful, embraced a vast eternal sleep.

Simone Marron

As I contemplate the first day on this planet without Eugene, it comes to me that he has not left us. He has left a piece of himself in every one of us. As I read the comments and posts from those who grieve for him, I realize that we all have a common bond. Eugene has touched and impacted every one of our lives in a positive way. Nothing can take that away from us. He will always be with us. He was all about wisdom, love and kindness. Please remember to be kind to those around you. Eugene would have wanted it that way.

Abbi McBride

Jeff, Eugene and Abbi

Tears of grief will turn to sweet memory. These feelings will not last forever, and it will not always be as painful as it is right now. This, I know.

Mostly, I am profoundly grateful to have shared 28 years with The Master. My guru, teacher, guide and friend will never pad down the stairs in his bathrobe again to hug me good morning. I will never hear his resonant voice reciting poetry or giving “words from the dean” to the classes here. I will never be making him breakfast again, or going out to dinner, or sitting with him by the fire….

It’s the little things that break your heart open.

At the corner of my eye

From the edges of a dream

In the center of the space inside my heart

I remember…We remember.

And all that we have loved is always here, now.

All that we have loved is always here.

 

Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself

Dear Friends:

Katherine Rettke has been a wonderful friend to the Magic & Mystery School for many years now. Just a few years ago, she was kind enough to accept our offer to become our Executive Assistant, handling many of the details of organizing and sending those “month out” and “week out” letters to students attending our classes. She handles at least a dozen “behind the scenes” jobs at the school, and I really don’t know what we would do without her! She takes such great care of all of us, I think her subject here, on ways you can all take care of yourselves, is most appropriate!

WAYS TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF – A LIST FOR MAGICIANS

Many of you know me as the Executive Assistant to the Magic & Mystery School, but when I am not supporting the school, I work as a psychiatric social worker in an emergency room.  As you might imagine, self-care is critical to social workers. When I am taking care of myself, I am less likely to become physically sick or emotionally burned out. My own personal list of what I do to take care of myself is in some ways unique to me.  Here is an example: I read uplifting books when I am reading for enjoyment, and I avoid sources of entertainment which depict graphic suffering. Other areas of self-care which I follow apply to anyone in my field. This list includes basics, such as frequent hand-washing, following safety procedures, and keeping up with ongoing professional training.

Experiencing how important self-care is in my own life has helped me to become more aware about the importance of self-care for everyone, regardless of profession. Consider thinking about your own list of ways to take care of yourself. In this Museletter, I want to share a few ideas for those working in the magic profession that I hope you will find helpful and “healthful!”

• Take steps to keep yourself healthy. This means getting rest, eating healthy foods, and protecting your emotional health. This also means keeping up with your own medical and dental care. Who knows how much longer Harry Houdini might have lived if he had gotten medical care early enough to treat his appendicitis. When it comes to your own health, please don’t be like Harry Houdini.

Want to learn more?  There is a wonderful blog written by Kerry Hishon with practical health tips especially written for stage performers: https://kerryhishon.com/2014/11/16/self-care-for-performers-5-useful-tips/

• Learn about ways to protect yourself from injury and accident. It is important to become vigilant about everything you are using in your shows and bringing into your home and performing venues. Are your props in sound and working condition? Are any dangerous items, like knives or flammables, secured so no one could be injured by them? Do you carefully review your backstage areas to make sure you won’t get hurt as you navigate them?

Want to learn more? There is an organization called Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety. This is a not-for-profit corporation that provides health, safety, industrial hygiene, technical services, and safety publications to the arts, crafts, museums, and theater communities. You can visit their website at: http://www.artscraftstheatersafety.org/

• Find opportunities to seek out magical experiences in your own life.  If you are providing magical experiences for others, but not for yourself, ask yourself why that might be. There are so many ways in life that it is possible to take care of others around you and yet neglect yourself. I believe that the experience of wonder is yet one more area where it is possible to be good to everyone but yourself. Look for magical experiences that allow you to reconnect to your own feeling of being enchanted. These magical experiences can include educational opportunities and magician conferences.

My own personal favorite magician conference is the Magic & Meaning conference put on every year by the McBride Magic & Mystery School. This year, the conference takes place from October 18 – 21, 2017, and will include events designed to create the experience of wonder and magic for the attendees.

Want to learn more?  You can find more information about this conference at the McBride Magic & Mystery School  by visiting this link:  http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#521