Older and Wiser

so.. I'm not one to get all soppy (English term, google it) but sometimes life throws you a nod, a wink and an ironic tip of the hat that stops you in your tracks. I think it's important to recognize these and wink back. But also to breathe it in and contemplate.

Last night I met the music legend Alan Parsons from... Wait for it.. The Alan Parsons Project. We talked for quite a while, he's a great dude with a passion for magic as well (all the smart ones have)

Alan was kind and funny and real. It got me thinking about how important music is to us throughout out lives and how you never know who you can help or touch with your creativity. Whether it's music, magic, humor or just a kind word.

Case in Point: in 1980 I was a mere kid (yes I was ) but the APP had released an album called Turn of Friendly Card, a terrific piece about the dangers of gambling addiction, The TV commercial had a magician doing some slick stuff with a deck of cards, I loved it And tried to duplicate the tricks, one of many inspirations in my journey as a magician, it turns out that I had met, years later, the magician they'd hired for the shoot and I didn't even know it... Weird.

But here's the thing, in May 1983, my dad Bruce, suddenly died of heart attack. It was shocking for us, and for a teenager who was just beginning to know his father, devastating. I would lock myself away in my room and blast The Alan Parsons Project, the music helped me deal with it, and especially the song Old and Wise, a gorgeous piece that was as if my dad was speaking directly to me. Even now when I hear that song I feel his presence. The power of the music and lyrics helped this pimply, skinny, lost, boy get through a brutal time.

So.. Talking to Alan last night brought this all rushing home. It's May, and dad died 33 years ago this month .

And today I blasted Old and Wise.
And I felt my father in the room.

We never know who we touch with our work. There is no such thing as a small kindness. A casual compliment or a little help. Everything we do in this life can be so important for someone else.

Thank you Alan.
Steve