A five-year-old's birthday party was the setting today for one of my close-up magic shows. After my dismal performance a couple months ago, I went in with a new attitude. Deciding to bring the young people close -- yeah, I know, it should have been obvious since I'm doing "close-up" magic -- I was able to hold their attention for about 35 minutes.

When the grownups compliment you after the show, and when they pay you cheerfully, that's when you know you've succeeded.

My show still needs improvement, but I feel like I'm back in the game again.

Thanks, Partridge Family!