Growing up (in the mid-1970's) with 'Attention Deficit Disorder' meant that nothing could get me to focus in school or at home - that is, until I saw a magic book at the library and took it home. To say that the book grabbed my attention would be a huge understatement. I was mesmerized and I actually sat still and read, focused, and even practiced what I had learned from the book. How fun it was to be able to do something that none of my family or friends could do - and I was amazed at how the spectators seemed to enjoy being fooled. Being an Uncle at a very young age I was fortunate to have Nieces and Nephews who made for a very receptive audience which consequently made me a very popular Uncle. When I would do something magical their eyes would widen, jaws would drop and faces would beam with smiles or laughter - and I was hooked.

I remember seeing Canadian magician Doug Henning on the Tonight Show and being stunned by his talent and enthusiasm. I also remember host Johnny Carson's delight at witnessing Henning's talent. I also enjoyed a couple of amazing David Copperfield specials on T.V although big stage magic with its huge props and smoke and mirrors never had the affect on me that simple, inexplicable close-up magic did.

Fast forward twenty-five years to 2002 - with a loved one wasting away with cancer, and the stress of it forcing me to find a distraction - a hobby - anything healthier than the bottle. Aha! How could I have forgotten for all these years, my favorite childhood pastime - MAGIC! I'd been so busy working and raising a family that I'd virtually forgotten the favorite hobby of my childhood, but now I knew I needed it. With the Internet making information, props, effects and instructional DVD's about magic so accessible - I was ecstatic!

So for about three years now I've made magic a part of my life, and it's been a blast. Using money I've made working overtime has allowed me to purchase many effects and DVD's and I'm finally disciplining myself to just work on one or two effects at a time, so as to not get overwhelmed and stop progressing as an illusionist. What has not changed since my youth is my passion for close-up magic and for performing for children - which includes adults that know when and how to be childlike (like me) and just enjoy the wonder of magic that's performed well.

A huge step for me was to actually go out and perform an effect live and not just in front of a mirror. Thanks to a supportive wife and two daughters that act as my technical "advisors" offering unflinchingly honest reviews and specific advice like "Dad, we saw the string" or more general advice like "That's cool". Another big plus has been the certain guys at work who are willing victims (umm, I mean spectators) who give me the real-world experience I need to become more confident and competent in my chosen craft.

In the future I plan to become a Part-time Pro magician specializing in the Birthday Party market. What could be more rewarding than to do something you love and be paid for it? I love the incredible variety in magic, as well as the many skills involved including the psychology, acting, misdirection and of course sleight-of-hand. It's as challenging as it is rewarding. I also love that the art of magic can lift people out of their ordinary, sometimes boring and often stressful lives and make them smile, laugh or even just for a moment …BELIEVE.

Mike Bell