We are enjoying some “time off” between performances in Southern California. Monday was very overcast and cool but things changed dramatically on Tuesday – warmer temperatures and sunny days. We are almost done with our Spring 2008 tour and ready to get back to Virginia. Life on the road can be challenging sometimes and you miss the connection you have with friends at home. But life on the road also has some wonderful benefits – and building relationships with people who don’t live in your backyard is one of those. Yesterday, Cindy and I had the chance to spend the day with two people who make us laugh, think, evaluate, and enjoy life and treasure friendships – Jim Steinmeyer and Frankie Glass.
We had a great time just talking, sharing stories, and relaxing at their place. They gave us some great ideas of places to see and things to do during our upcoming trip to London and Europe. Frankie is from Scotland and knows the territory very well – Cindy picked up a few shopping ideas that I know will make her happy! Jim and I had the chance to explore some of his new illusion ideas for our show and talk magic. But by far the greatest part of the day was just spending time with friends and feeling “normal” in the midst of a somewhat “abnormal” way of life. Perhaps abnormal isn’t the right word – unusual and different. But they get it and that makes all the difference in the world.
They took the time out of their busy schedules to prepare an amazing dinner for all of us! It’s the first “real” food we’ve had in a long time and it was awesome. Conversation continued well into the night and it was later than we thought when we finally checked our watches. Time flies when you’re having fun!
The day reminded me of some words I once read, “Those who live passionately teach us how to love.” I am passionate about many things – my love for my wife, my relationship with my family, doing my best in each performance, building meaningful friendships, and living life to its fullest. As a Christ-follower, I believe it was His passion for people that made Him so unique – and that passion carried over into every aspect of His life. His life exemplified those words – live passionately teach us how to love. I hope my life reveals that same kind of passion – genuine and sincere. Yesterday, spending time with Jim and Frankie, was one of those moments where passionate people teach us how to love….to love life, people, friendships, and special times.
Those of you who know me know that Doug Henning was a huge influence in my career. He was an amazing performer and really transformed the art of magic in the 70’s and 80’s. In so many ways, you can still see his influence in the art. Unfortunately, he passed away several years ago at only 52 – but his legacy lives on. I had the chance to pick up a tiny bit of that legacy yesterday – one of his most famous costumes that embodies who Doug really was.
