I’ve been reading some “how-to” type books about magic and it got me thinking. When did I really get interested in magic? It feels like I’ve always been fascinated by magical things, and I can’t ever pass up a magic show, whether it’s on the corner of a street fair or at a birthday party or in Las Vegas. If somebody wants to get my attention, they just need to whip out a pack of cards and tell me to pick one.

But when did it all begin? Well, I’ve mentioned the magic show my mother took me to way back when I was a little girl. I was probably about five or so, because the memory is very dim, as if most of the lights are out in that particular room of my memory attic. I remember bits and pieces of the show. I think he may have pulled some animal or other out of a hat…maybe a rabbit, maybe a dove. I know I remember the rings because they glittered and fascinated me. But the best–and worst–part of the show was the end.

All the little kids had been told to pick a carpet square to sit on in the front of the audience. Normally I was a timid thing that wouldn’t have wanted to leave my mother’s side, but I had done it for this show. I wanted to see the magician and his beautiful assistant up close. I think the carpet square I selected was tiger striped, but my memory may have added that. I know I was sitting stage left.

For the finale, the magician announced one of us was sitting on a magic carpet and his assistant would come down and get us and help us make the carpet fly. Of course this was very exciting to a room full of children. Who was the lucky one? To my childish amazement, the assistant came directly to me, led me onto the stage and handed me over to the magician.

He probably asked me some questions. I can’t really remember. I’m sure he asked my name and how old I was. I think he asked me if I wanted to fly. I do remember he lifted me onto a carpeted table and told me to sit very still and close my eyes. And not to open my eyes until he told me I could. Of course I obeyed. I was no rebel. I’d been taught to behave myself and listen to adults. Of course, if I’d opened my eyes, I might never have believed in magic again, because I probably would have seen the trick.

And that’s the real magic I remember from that day. Of the fifty or so kids in the audience, how did he and/or his assistant know to pick me? I might have been the only child out there too timid to do anything other than what the adults told her to. Most kids would peek. Most kids would open their eyes unless you duct-taped them shut. My daughter would. But I would never have thought to do such a thing, and so I sat still, eyes tight shut while I heard the audience ooh and aah and clap. And then the magician, smiling in triumph no doubt, helped me down and told me to take a bow.

That’s not just my favorite magic memory. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories, and it’s definitely the beginning of my lifelong love for magic.

On to the announcements.

You may notice some slight changes to my blog. On the right side of your screen, you’ll see a lovely new JPEG announcing my virtual book tour in June. Watch this space for my blog tour engagements. I’ll get them up soon.

Also, I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be hosting fellow romance author Donna Steele, who’ll be discussing her newest release and writing and whatever else she takes a mind to this Friday. Meanwhile, I plan to insinuate myself into her blog over at SteeleStories.com and blab about magic and Close Up Magic and whatever I can get anyone to listen to. Hope you’ll check in both places and say hey!

Finally, a reminder! You can still enter to win the Kindle Paperwhite. Enter as often as you like. You can enter by tweeting about Close Up Magic and tagging me (@michellegflye), liking the Close Up Magic Facebook Page, posting about Close Up Magic on your Facebook page and tagging me or the Close Up Magic Facebook Page, blogging about Close Up Magic…etc. I’m doing my best to catch every entry, but go ahead and make it hard for me! I like a challenge.