Please Don’t Let Them Die. Keep Your Dreams Alive!

PUSH YOUR COMFORT ZONE!

Our magic student Paul Craven turned us on to the quote above–it struck a chord! I hope it can help move you to take steps to keep your dreams alive! As a teacher, it is my job to inspire and motivate our students. I also learn and listen from the best. Today we listen to the wisdom of writer and “life-hacker” Alan Henry.

He suggests a few good steps to take to keep your dreams alive. Alan says,

“Here are some ways to break out (and by proxy, expand) your comfort zone without going too far:

• 1-Do everyday things differently. Take a different route to work. Try a new restaurant without checking Yelp first. Go vegetarian for a week, or a month. Try a new operating system. Recalibrate your reality. Whether the change you make is large or small, make a change in the way you do things on a day-to-day basis. Look for the perspective that comes from any change; even if it’s negative. Don’t be put off if things don’t work out the way you planned.
• 2-Take your time making decisions. Sometimes slowing down is all it takes to make you uncomfortable—especially if speed and quick thinking are prized in your work or personal life. Slow down, observe what’s going on, take your time to interpret what you see, and then intervene. Sometimes just defending your right to make an educated decision can push you out of your comfort zone. Think, don’t just react.
• 3-Trust yourself and make snap decisions. We’re contradicting ourselves, but there’s a good reason. Just as there are people who thrive on snap decisions, others are more comfortable weighing all of the possible options several times, over and over again. Sometimes making a snap call is in order, just to get things moving. Doing so can help you kickstart your personal projects and teach you to trust your judgement. It’ll also show you there’s fallout to quick decisions as well as slow ones.
• 4-Do it in small steps. It takes a lot of courage to break out of your comfort zone. You get the same benefits whether you go in with both feet as you do if you start slow, so don’t be afraid to start slow. If you’re socially anxious, don’t assume you have to muster the courage to ask your crush on a date right away, just say hello to them and see where you can go from there. Identify your fears, and then face them step by step.”

Read the full article:

http://lifehacker.com/the-science-of-breaking-out-of-your-comfort-zone-and-w-656426705

THE RISK OF TRAVEL:

People tell me all the time that they are “scared to travel overseas these days, with all that is going on in the world!” Too bad for them. They are walking the slow funeral march of the dead and dying dream!

A few weeks ago Eugene, Larry and I left the comfort of our homes, and we are so glad we did! The new adventures we had enriched our lives. We met new friends and reconnected with our community in the UK.

THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR–25 years of Mystery School

Jen Allen took this modern classic shot of us on the tour. Our own “Abbi” road!

THE STRANGEST BAR ON EARTH! 

Here is a photo of us entering the museum – by Paul Kieve

I’m a fan of “Cabinets of Curiosity” also known as “Wonderkammers.” A few months ago I read Viktor Wynd’s book on “oddities and curios.” Last week my longtime friend Paul Kieve took me to Viktor’s “Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History.” Yes, it’s a very strange place.

http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/museum-curiosities

THE OLD VIC THEATER

Eugene and I “trod the boards” at one of the grand old theaters in London. The “Old Vic” has a new Variety Nights show. Our friend Paul Kieve created an opportunity for us to weave our magic into the night’s production.

Here we are at the theater.

SPRING TRAINING: Take the leap from the minor league to the Major League!”

Card Magic, Close-Up & Stage 

Parlor Classics

Portable & Grand illusions

3 Unique, 2 Day Classes

May 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 2016

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

*Imagine yourself receiving hands-on instruction by some of the top experts in the world of magic.

*Learn new magic, and the correct practice disciplines that lead to a professional presentation.

*You will learn both basic and advanced techniques, suited to your skill level, and how to make your magic entertaining and play BIG in large venues.

But even more…

We will explore the hidden MEANING of these magic effects, why they are memorable and how they can touch the souls of the audience.

We will explore the symbolism, mystery and metaphors of each of these classics of magic.

COME FOR 1 SESSION OR GET A DISCOUNT IF YOU ATTEND ALL 3!

At all 3 events, we will have Greg Gleason as our guest teacher! Read more here!

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events#499

Vegas WONDERGROUND NEWS!

March 17TH  is our next WONDERGROUND. Doors will open at 7:30pm at The Olive, located at 3850 East Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV. There is a $20 admission. Only $10 for locals. The best deal in Vegas!

The Early Stage show begins at 8:00 pm. The Close-Up show starts at 9:00 pm. The Late Stage show begins promptly at 10:00pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure seating for the shows. 

Photo montage by Sebastian Navarro

We will have a new look and feel to the parlor and close up magic this month…come in and see!

MARCH 17, 2016 Schedule

8PM       Host – Tim Wise

Michael Mirth – Classic Enchantments

Ariann Black – A Sophisticated Sorceress

Clyde McBride – Direct from Ireland

9PM     Host – Christian Diamond

Ariann Black – Beautiful Deceptions

Steelfyre – The Enigmatist

Jeff McBride – With an “eye-opener!”

Peter Woerde – The Grifter

Lion Fludd – Mind-Blowing Mysteries

10PM    Jeff McBride MC

Kevin Hall – The Halls of magic

Xavier Mortimer – A Musical Magical Interlude

Circe – Scintillating, sensual amazement

Clyde McBride – He’s back again!

PLUS: Bar Magic with Zack Pattee and Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, and Randilyn. Photography with Sheryl Garrett. The NWR-Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and Suzanne and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!

www.vegaswonderground.com

See you on the road or at a class in Vegas!

Magically yours,

Jeff McBride

Music, Breath, Love & Magic

It seems that the human race has lost a great deal of the ancient science of magic, but if there remains any magic, it is music.  Music, beside power, is intoxication. When it intoxicates those who hear, how much it must intoxicate those who play or sing themselves! And how much more must it intoxicate those who have touched the perfection of music and have meditated on it for years and years. It gives them an even greater joy and exaltation than a king feels sitting on his throne.

– Hazrat Inayat Khan

Today, our Museletter comes to us from Abigail McBride.

Greetings Magical Friends,

Abigail here, taking a break from practicing my music, and writing from the House of Mystery in Las Vegas. I would like to invite you, right here and right now, to slow down for a moment, to give yourself the gift of a deep, gentle breath, and pause for a moment in your day.

So often, we are rushing from one moment to the next, pursuing our dreams and fulfilling our responsibilities, so caught up in the “Oh, and then, I gotta remember to…” that we nearly miss the moments we are actually in.

So, here, then, is a gentle reminder, a whisper across the pixels and through the web, for you to simply breathe for a moment or two, and come back to this moment, with all the gifts and lessons it has to offer.

I’ve heard it said that the breath is a metaphor, and how we breathe reflects a great deal of how we live, how much we really allow ourselves to receive and to release in any given moment.

The other day, I was reading an article that suggested we “drink air,” meaning that we sip in all the air we can with each inhalation, learning to completely use all of our lungs, and noticing the effect that more air moving into and out of our bodies has on us, as a whole.

In the same article, I read the suggestion to “breathe water,” meaning to keep a glass of water nearby, and to sip on it throughout the day, maintaining our hydration and keeping ourselves “in the flow.”

“Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice.”

-Anonymous

I am deeply fortunate to have such a wonderful man to practice growing in love with. This August will mark 15 years that we’ve been married, and we continue to deepen and grow more in love each day. Saying “I do,” to him was one of the best choices I’ve ever made; one I am grateful for, every day.

I continue to deepen into my various practices, of music, meditation, and dance. I am also putting more energy into giving and receiving appreciation, tuning into gratitude, and becoming ever more mindful of the simple things, like eating, drinking water, walking and breathing.

May it be so, for you, too.

Your friend in magic,

Abigail

#1 Things That Matter

FOCUS POKUS!

Dear Friends:

Last month, I shared my thoughts on goal setting. Now, we move on to the next step: realizing those goals. Our resident wizard and manager, Tobias Beckwith, recently shared this inspired quote about focus.

Meet Leo Babauta. He is a writer and modern day Merlin; a real wizard at synthesizing ideas. Today we learn from him “HOW TO FOCUS.”

• Read about your goal as much as possible, on websites, blogs, books & magazines.
• Post reminders on your wall, refrigerator, and computer desktop.
• Send yourself reminders using an online calendar or reminder service.
• Tell as many people as possible about it, and post your progress on your blog.
• Have a time each day to work on the goal, with a reminder in your schedule each day.
• Maintain your focus on your goal, and you’ve won half the battle in achieving it. Read Leo’s full essay here:  http://zenhabits.net/the-magical-power-of-focus/

One of the keys to success and happiness is sharing time with “the right people.” Positive influences and great teachers are two of the main ingredients to a successful career. My core team is Tobias, Eugene, Larry, and Abigail. There are a few other teachers and friends who have also changed my life for the better!  You can meet our extended team here:

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/teachers

In fact, you can meet all of us when you visit. It is our joy to share our wisdom and experience with you! We have a few new ideas for you. Here is one we are working on this spring:

MAGIC & MYSTERY SCHOOL SPRING TRAINING

“Take the leap from the minor league to the Major League!”

Enjoy three exciting NEW Classes- 3 Unique, 2 Day Classes

May 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 2016

Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Cards: Close-up, Parlor & Stage

2. The Classics of Parlor Magic

3. Grand Illusions & Portable Illusions

http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events

Imagine yourself receiving hands-on, personal instruction by some of the top experts in the world of magic.

Drop us an email when you visit Las Vegas. Stop in for a Private session. Did you know that we that we now offer daily, weekly, private and small group sessions?

For more information, please contact Abigail at (702) 450-0021 or Abigail@McBrideMagic.com

World Tour News

Our friend, Jay Fortune, is arranging a great 2-day FOCUS CLASS near London. Join us in Hertfordshire, UK

Mario Morris and Veronica will produce our ONLY 3-DAY MASTER CLASS in Glastonbury, UK. Join Eugene Burger & Jeff McBride for a life-changing event!

https://www.schoolofbusking.com/3-day-master-class-copy/

Vegas WONDERGROUND NEWS!

February 18th is our next WONDERGROUND. Doors will open at 7:30pm at The Olive, located at 3850 East Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV. There is a $20 admission. ONLY $10 for locals. The best deal in Vegas!

The Early Stage show begins at 8:00 pm. The Close Up show starts at 9:00 pm. The Late Stage show begins promptly at 10:00 pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure seating for the  shows. 

Here are the fabulous artists and performers you can expect to see at this month’s WONDERGROUND!

FEBRUARY 18TH, 2016

8PM       Will Bradshaw MC

Iam Creed – Radioactive magic

Jac Hayden – “Jac the Grate”

Tim Shegitz – A Slicker Trickster

Adam Flowers – The Master of Mischief

Jason Bird and Melanie – A Magical Story

9PM       Christian Diamond MC

Tim Shegitz – Conuring with comedy & style

Scott Steelfyre – The Enigmatist

MonDre – His hands are quicker than your eye

10PM    Tim Wise MC

Les Contortionettes – TWO of a kind..but really ONE of a kind!

Sonny Fontana – Our friend is back in action, come support his return!

Adam Flowers – Mischief with mystery

Randilyn – Queen of Escape

MonDre – Las Vegas Magic Star

PLUS: Bar Magic with Zack Pattee and Scott Steelfyre, Iam Creed, and Randilyn. Photography with Sheryl Garrett. The NWR-Tribal Belly Dance Troupe, Psychic Sideshow with Alan Scott, live art with Areeya and Suzanne and many more surprises and special celebrity guests!!

Magically yours,

Jeff McBride

Dear friends:

Our guest author this month is Lynn Miner. Many of you know him already, but for those who don’t, we are extremely happy to have him with us. Lynn has been the driving force behind our efforts to form a non-profit “Institute for Magic Education,” which will help us raise funding for more scholarships, and for several new forms of outreach to the wider community, and for other magicians around the world. It will serve as a kind of magic service organization which will help magicians everywhere reach out to serve the communities in which they live. Lynn will be President and Director of Development for the new organization.  I know you will, as we do, find Lynn to be a wonderful addition to the team.

—————————————

From Dr. Lynn Miner:

As a former university professor and graduate school dean who is now heavily involved in the Mystery School, I know a “School” when I see one. I look at four features: the faculty, the curricula, the dissemination strategies, and the students.

Mystery School Faculty

The core teaching faculty at the McBride Magic & Mystery School – Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Tobias Beckwith, Bryce Kuhlman, and Abigail McBride – have a cumulative 223 years of experience in magic. They’ve published 17 books and 33 DVDs, plus numerous articles and magic effects. Their bookcases are out of shelf space housing domestic and international awards. They practice what they teach by performing in all kinds of venues, ranging from stage, parlor, close-up, street, and television.

Mystery School Curricula

This is not your “I’ll send you a great DVD and you can call me with questions” pedagogy. No siree. The Mystery School has a solid curricula of nine established courses, conferences, and seminars:

1. Magic and Meaning Conference
2. Master Class for Mentalism
3. Focus on Street Magic
4. Hypnotic Wizardry
5. Three Day Master Class
6. Magic for Speakers and Presenters
7. Medicine and Magic Seminar
8. Focus on Platform and Parlor Magic
9. Seven Day Master Class

These nine classes are offered on a regular schedule. In addition, special topics courses are offered periodically, such as Building Your Business as a Magician (how to get your career in gear) and Mask, Mime and Magic. All classes are taught by our team of experienced core faculty who provide extensive individual attention and coaching. What students learn is a strategic blend of theory and practice. You are encouraged (but not required to) present your own ten minute act, which is videotaped and then critiqued by the Mystery School Faculty. Where else can you gain the constructive critique of world-class professionals in a safe, non-threatening environment? It doesn’t matter where you are in your magic career – novice, amateur, part-time professional, or full time pro—the Mystery School will take you to the next level – and beyond.

Mystery School Dissemination Strategies

The Mystery School recognizes that its students of all ages have different learning styles and available time to refine their magic skills.  Accordingly, the Mystery School disseminates its vast reservoir of magic knowledge in multiple formats.

Beyond the regularly scheduled classes (listed above), individualized training is available in person or online. Additionally, a one-hour TV program is presented every Monday night at 7:00pm (PST). Further, bi-weekly Museletters (electronic Magic Newsletters) keep magicians up-to-date on the latest trends and happening in the field.

Mystery School Students

The success of students is the ultimate litmus test of the quality of any school. The Mystery School shines in this department.

Mat Franco: 2014 AGT Winner	Recent students have fooled Penn and Teller and won America’s Got Talent. They’ve performed at the world prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. In sum, over 15,000 students from the U.S. and 34 different countries have seen the Mystery School transform their magic – and their life. We continually ask our students about their experiences at the Mystery School: “What did you get out of your Mystery School experience?”
Penn and Teller: Fool Us TV Show	Student answers cluster into five categories. Lifetime Inspiration: “I received inspirations that will last a lifetime” Community of Collaborators:  “I loved this community of magic collaborators.” Creative Thinking.  I now can think much more creatively. Professional Development.  I am now much more professional as I develop my magic skills. Transformational Experience. My class was an incredible transformational experience.
Suzanne Fooled Penn & Teller and Performed at World Famous Magic Castle	While people attend the Mystery School for many different reasons, the one constant outcome is change–personally and professionally. This has been the constant mission of the McBride Magic & Mystery School since 1991, namely, to deliver a transformative magic education experience in a safe environment that fosters discovery, achievement, and serious play. In essence, the Mystery School can transform your magic and your life.

Mystery School Scholarships

Some students are financially postured to underwrite their Mystery School tuition and travel expenses. Other students find the total expenses are beyond their financial boundaries. Accordingly, they apply for need-based scholarships to help underwrite their total school expenses.

Scholarship application forms are available at http://www.magicalwisdom.com/scholarships. To date, over $30,000 scholarship dollars have been awarded to students experiencing financial need.

If you have questions about Mystery School classes or scholarship, feel free to contact me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com. As Director of Development at the Mystery School, my role is to serve as a facilitator between you and the School. How can I help you right now?

Mystery School Scholarship Funding

At present, the majority of the scholarship funding comes from the annual membership subscriptions and donations to the McBride Magic & Mystery School. While those funds are most welcomed and appreciated, indeed needed, they have not kept pace with the growing requests for scholarship support.  We are experiencing a spiraling gap between our requests for financial support and our available resources to honor those requests. As a result, we will soon be launching a new initiative to strengthen our financial footing. But you can help – NOW.

1. Do you know individuals or organizations with a demonstrated interest in supporting performing artists?
2. Do you or someone you know have a linkage with a private or public grantmaking linkage?
3. Do you know individuals with a philanthropic bent who might be willing to support performing artists?

Whether it comes to booking gigs or raising philanthropic dollars, developing networks and linkages are key. You can help the Mystery School systematically expanding by suggesting referrals. Who do you know that might share our “values glasses?” Call me (Lynn Miner) at 414-352-9312 or email me at Lynn@McBrideMagic.com

Quite simply, your help is needed to create even more magic educational options and opportunities for performing artists of all ages. Fortunately, there are endless big and small ways you can help. There is literally a job for everyone. The McBride Magic & Mystery School has come a long way in the last twenty-five years and we thank you for joining us in this unrivaled cause.

P.S.  My answer to the headline question: “Yes, because of its faculty, curricula, dissemination strategies, and students, the McBride Magic & Mystery School is THE premiere Magic School in the world.”