Getting ready to board my flight back home and reflecting on this year's Blackpool. For 16 years, Wendy and I have been displaying at this extraordinary convention. But this year was something truly special for me. 

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth and all the incredible support. But far beyond that, I'm so pleased that people enjoyed the lecture and close up show. I was humbled and overwhelmed be to be a part of an amazing line-up. I really can't say thank you enough. 

There's a quote I've always loved from Harry Anderson, and I've been thinking about it a lot the last few days....

"With every turn in my life I have believed in magic. What makes this moment so wonderful is the suggestion that after all these years together, magic has begun to believe in me."

Harry said it way better than I ever could.  Thank you, Blackpool. See you next year!

​When I was about 14 years old, I was walking through a flea market in Cheektowaga, NY. To my absolute surprise, I stumbled upon a few glass counters filled with magic props. I stared at them for a bit and then asked the man working there how much the Dove Pan was.

He answered, “Do you know what that is?” 
I said, “Yes.”
He said, “Do want a job?”
That’s how I met Russ Ballaro  - and how I got my first job selling magic.

Russ was one of a kind. A colorful character surrounded by a cast of equally colorful characters.  They were drawn to him like moths to a flame.  I never met a person who hustled more than Russ - selling everything from gold and clothing to gag gifts and perfume. He eventually moved the flea market stall to an actual store that I worked at into my 20s before he moved on to other opportunities. Over that time, he opened a second store, as well as having kiosks at a local mall and county fair. I worked all of them - and often on my own as Russ was on the road with other aspects of his business. I can’t begin to explain how much I learned from that experience. It paved the way for me to open my own place when I was just 22 years old and the stories from those old days could fill volumes.

I was sad to get the call that Russ passed away earlier this week. He was only in his 60s and after a lifetime of hard work, he deserved a long and restful retirement. Sadly, that was not to be. Truthfully, time off wasn’t really in his blood. If there’s a way to keep hustling on the other side – I’m certain Russ is doing it.