It seems that all my hobbies tend to go on a ‘revolving’ basis… that is, I develop an interest, learn all I can, find another interest, drop the first one, develop the second interest, go back to the first, etc. All the while frustrating my understanding wife in the process. After all, it’s hard to be supportive when you’re not sure of what folly this day will bring.
The one positive quality I see in this is that life is never dull and as long as I continue to follow my rule of hobbies must be financially funded with the ‘allowance’ I set a side for myself, I will not financially jeopardize my family’s well being.
Magic has always gone along with my performing. When I was young, I used to dream about performing the big illusions ala David Copperfield, but today the things that really fascinate me are the small things done with cards, coins, cigarettes, finger rings, safety pins, etc. There’s something more personal about an illusion you actually see done 6 inches away from your eyes that the big things just can’t compete with in my eyes.
Woodworking is an interest that has grown naturally out of my ventriloquism and music. I have bought or drawn plans for all kinds of puppets, figures, musical instruments, and magical effects and someday I hope to have the time to really work steadily in my shop, but at this point it seems everything I learn about technique has to be relearned the next time due to the long time between projects. Current projects include 3 ventriloquist figures, two modifications for other ventriloquists, 2 ventriloquist novelty effects and cleaning out the shop!
Anyway, if you have any of these interests, drop me a line at gkoepke@bellsouth.net and we’ll compare notes and stories.
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