piano is my drum

jack franks fundraiser breakfast 2008

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:55:06 GMT

Bobby in the arms of IL. State Rep and hopefully our next govenor Jack Franks

Bobby and Dad in front and Mom and Eric in the back

This past Saturday was the breakfast fundraiser for Jack Franks.
He is our State Rep and a great guy.
It was a donation and whomever you brought along.
My p's, Eric and I went to the breakfast.
Which meant getting there early to get a good table.
I ran a little late even though I got there around 8am
because my silver subie's car battery died on me.
So I had unload and re-load everone in my green subie.
Eric was already there looking mighy handsome.

It was at Bull Valley Country Golf Club House in Woodstock.
I took a newer route to get there and I swear google maps
are mighty ODD.
It turned out to be a really quick way and no traffic.

It was downstairs in the lower level hall, had to sign in
everyone, get name tags, give 'em our donation.
Get a table in the front.
Sign Guestbook and stand in line for the buffet.
Which wasn't too bad.

Part of the reason I went was because I like Jack.
Who doesn't like Jack!?!
Plus the star of the show was Circus Boy
and who doesn't like Circus Boy!
He was on top of his game that day.
Although the low ceiling didn't help, I'm sure.
But it was better than the last time I saw him.

He recognized my p's in the audience and a few good
words about me too.

Since I knew how he was going to end the show
I was ready in the back with my camera.

Bobby sorta picked on Brian Sager a bit, he is afterall
the mayor of Woodstock and we are in Woodstock.

Including many of people in attendence was the
Spring Grove Village President Mark Eisenberg.
Which I didn't know 'till Jack mentioned him and about
the Fish Hatchery.

I gave Jack hello's from Barbra Walters and Ed Varga.

It was a fun time.
Afterwards, Eric drove back to my house where we got
my battery, got some Stade goodness, and drove him
home so he could change. We did yard work that afternoon.
Took a nap, watched some TV before he left to check on
a couple of stores.

I was super tired (as was he) by the time he left that when he called
me to let me know he was home safely, I was dozing off.

This Saturday is the SSEEO conference.
The four of us are driving down to Hoffman Estates for the all day thingy.
Which means another early morning.

More funny fotos under cut.

LINKS: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/jack+franks+breakfast+2008/

LL Bean Grand Opening and 10 other tidbits....

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:52:53 GMT

It seems to take me forever to get an entry done.
But a week later isn't soo bad.

So last Friday I woke up super early, I really
wanted to wake up earlier but couldn't get my ass
going like I want.

Got out the door before 7 am.

However, Barrington is like a suffocating
traffic hell hole. Couldn't go around or thru.
Its like no matter what time of day it is,
you are stuck in goddammn traffic.

We arrived in S. Barrington 8:05 am.

And the end of the line already went around
the building and doubled around to the corner
of the sidwalk.
Even after arriving the line just got longer and longer and longer.

I am not sure if that makes sense but it was caraazzzy.

I'll let the pictures do the speaking:

you can see the people on the other side of the building, not far from
where started at originally.

When we finally got through the doors we went straight for the footwear area.
I promised dad that I would buy him brand new wooly socks.
Bought two pairs. One @ $8 and one @ 8.50. Them not cheap!!!!
They are super nice though.

We then proceeded to the fishing area.
We had plans to meet Dan Basore, a writer and fishing historian.
Through a mutual friend, we met. He comes from the same circle
of fishing friends from the years when my dad was active in fishing.
Dan also collects lures and in fact has one of my dad's creations
in his exhibit and on display at the Bass Pro Shop in Boilingbrook.
Dan has the "Minni Missle." Similiar to the Minnie Rocket seen here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7361371

The fishing area has a lot of guys from the McCounty area.
McHenry, Crystal Lake and such. Very odd I thunk.
I made great contacts there and I hope that my connections
can help with sponsorship for the fish hatchery restoration.

So talking with Dan was really fun for my p's.
And he took everything in.
I was wondering around the store with such wonder.
Especially the fishing area, of course.
I tried out all the new graphite rods and the reels.
It was too much fun.

After about a two hours there, I got some coffee and then we
went for some lunchies. Then headed home so I can get my body
bag and such in the car and ready for N&P that evening.

One of the guys was doing some fly tying demonstration
and dad sat with him and they talked about tying and fishing.

Dad sat with one of the guys who ties flies

The outdoor mall is huge, and 1/2 the stores are not even open.

Horsies statue

photo tags: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/LL+Bean+Grand+Opening/

That evening was an odd evening at N&P.
I think part was the oncoming rain.
It was quite humid that morning.
I was tired and silly.

BTW, we didn't get a gift card. We were probably about
50 people short. But then, as I wrote above, the point
of going was not to get a gift card. It was to meet Dan
and buy wooly sockies.

The next day was the Art show in Volo and it was pouring.
I only stayed until 1pm and made my money back.
We then went to the SGR Chamber Expo where I made
some contacts. To Castle Gardens to get some mushroom
compost and they had harvet fest there.

Sunday morning I transplated 7 trees and shrubs.
I was soaked the rest of the day I milled around the house.

This past week as been busy with so much to do
Just an overview of what's been up but I'll get more into
detail next week with photos.

Basically Monday I don't remember what I did.
Tuesday I was double booked.
Wednesday I can't remember.
Wednesday night went out with Eric to MVP.
Thursday prviate concert.
Thursday night we cut some shrubs and trees around the yard.
Today I just sorta cleaned up around the yard and worked
with mom what we are placing some of the stuff at.
then got readyfor another art show tomorrow.
Not sure what's up the rest of the day.

I think Monday & Wednesday I worked on deconstruction of the yard.
Which is what we have been busy with within the past week.

oy.

I do feel strong from all my hard work!

That's all for now.

o/o

13 things of what is goings on

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:43:33 GMT

Just a quick rundown of what is happening.
My micro-blogging is more up-to-date than this.
But its spurts of thoughts that happen while
being in communicato with others on twitter.

Anywho.

1. I had to do a system recovery on my laptop.
It took 3 hours for a complete system re-install.
For some reason I lost my dialer and then Firefox
would open. Who knows what else. Nothing would
re-install correctly. When indoubt recover it.
Yes, I did back up everything before doing so.

2. I really did watch the Olympics. And
I loved it. I loved it because I'm partial and I'm 1/2
Chinese. The only big problem I had with the opening
ceremonies was seeing Lang Lang. He's got
to be the worst classical concert pianist
of our generation that is popular. I said the same
thing about Evngy Kissin, and he went bye bye.
Lang Lang needs to go bye bye. He doesn't deserve
his own line of Adidas sneakers.
Now if only Poland ever had the Olympics
I would be thrilled. I do hope Chicago gets the bid
for the 2016. That would be fantastic. Who knows,
Maybe I'll get to be part of the festivites. Never know.

Speaking of which.

3. I am going to Jack Franks breakfast hoe down.
Partically because Circus Boy Bobby Hunt is performing.
And who doesn't love Bobby. I certainly do. And he's up by
my way. Plus I want to smooze with a all of civic and business
leaders from the state. This is my opportunity to get on my soapbox
and talk about my POV on many things that need attention.
Of course important in my little world:
VA, ADA, Handicap, Medicare Penalization, AHA/ASA and Evironment
type of stuff.

The rumor is that Blagojevich's father in law would like to see him
out of office so bad, that he's willing to raise $1 mil for Jack to
run for govenor. I tottaly can see Jack as Goveneor.
Wouldn't you?
Don't know Jack?
Well get to know Jack!

They know me all to well at his office anyway with my handicap
rants and raves.

4. There's a lot of ranting about Prop Rentals in the
magic community.
I have my own opinions about them to, however, instead of forwarding
it all on Darlene's email list, I decided to email Paul and Steve
direct. I do thank PT Muprhy for calling me a sweetheart and
thanking me for the help. I hope I don't look like such a meanie
to many of you in the magic world.

5. I changed the format for my book for the 3rd time.
This is going to be super better. I thinking of just going for it
and if those people don't want to submit their stories than that's
their problem. I am going to offer a text only version of the book
than the entire thing with photos and graphics later on.
Details are still being worked out. I've started to completely
re-work my outline and TOC.

6. I am busy with private concerts and corporate events.
However I do have some public shows. My schedule @ Caffe Luna
is yet to be determined, but I am playing at the Starbucks in Gurnee
and Grand & Dilley's on October 29th. It's right next to a Krispy Kreme.
If you don't want to buy a CD from me, or tip me in change, you can
buy me a donut from there instead.

7. I'm working on more Shakey stuff. I've written music to
a little more than a 1/4 of the 154 sonnets now. I suspect that by
next year I should have 1/2 of them done. go me.

8. I'm finally getting the short short film to score from
Bryan soon. I must say, I'm excited.

9. I can't wait to get my author signed copy of Kaimira: Sky Village
Book One!!!

10. I finished watching SGA s4 in just 7 days. It would have been sooner but
time is the essence. I also watched seasons 1-3 of Battlestar Gallactica. I will say,
that SGA is much snappier than BG. I am not happy about the cliffhanger. And I don't
want anyone spilling the beans about the s5 opener. I'm not happy about it being
cancelled but I'm looking forward to what is to come. SGU should be interesting tho.

11. I'm now a huge fan of Whiskeytown more than ever now.

12. I recevied medium size kisses direct from Hershey, PA from Ed when he
went on vacation a month ago. It has taken a while for us to hang out.
I ate one and its quite difficult to munch on. I have two more and willing to
share a kiss with anyone who is willing to take an adventure with me.
heah.

13. We are dealing with a tiny property dispute among the 6 neighbor's
who live around the park. This is becoming tiresome and a mess. I wish people
would stop speaking for other people. Its quite petty. More on that later.

14. I want to meet Vince Vaughn. I think it could happen if I keep
my fingers cross and keep up with the hard work I'm doing. Just go with it.

15. Tomorrow:

LL Bean has a grand opening in S. Barrington. I'm going to get there as early as I can.
It will take about an hour to get there if there is medium traffic. Less hopefully.
We are meeting with an a mutual acquaintance who is a writer and historian on fishing.
This is going to be awesome and will fill you in next week.

Tomorrow night is N&P ... Be there if you can.

16. .Finally.

I have been making felt lettering sayings on bags and hoodies.
So if you see someone in a pink hoodie that has the words
BOX JUMPER on the back.

That is me.

Don't ignore me, come up to me a say hi.
I won't bite.

that is all I can think of for now.

'till then,
disperse.

o/o

from twitter

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:05:49 GMT

my twitter

18:59 the weather has cooled down very nicely outside...hmmm. think i'll go out to Antioch to walk around Super Wal-Mart...odd, yes, i know. #
20:08 decided to stay home, and finish watching the "John Adams" mini-series.'Peacefield' was heartfelt the best, and now watching the documentary #
21:29 there was a plane that crashed in fox lake...i didn't hear anything. #
21:37 @ons WHAT?!?!?! a dozen donuts for $10?!?! It better be great baker's dozen for that price! #
09:03 Magic Cruise 2009 sounds like fun,but if the MCA weekened coincides,i'm going to spend my money and time with the history/collector lunatics #
15:48 @cksthree, google chrome is good, equal or better than FireFox? #
15:51 !!! THERE IS A TWITTER CLIENT THAT FEED TO MY LIVEJOURNAL! yay! !!! #

Automatically shipped by LoudTwitter

Bookstores with Magic Sets

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:45:28 GMT

When you get a magic brat and close up magician hanging
out at bookstore.

It means trouble.

Especially in the bargain section where there can be a couple of
them in assorted sizes, items by different manufacturers.

Last Friday, we were at Borders and my friend, Joe and I
were talking and walking in the Bargain section when we.
came upon a magic set.

Of course we are going to open it.

Then we saw 5 other boxed ones across from there. So
we moved over there.

There was the following:
~ Liquid Magic
~ Magnet Magic
~ Birthday Magic
~ Something else magic ( I forgot)
~ and lastly Food Magic

Yes indeed.

So Joe and I immediately opened it.
It was crazy fun.
The squeaking pickles.
The disappearing egg (not sure what the actual name is)
etc

These are made by Scholastic
and are actually quite nicely made.

All for $3.99!

yeah. totally cheap.

They are accompanied with a DVD and a book.

I am looking through the book and I approach the back.
And I recognized the one person in the three with his
infamous purple jacket.

Yeah, Danny Orleans.

We took all the boxes to the table by my parents.
Just opened 'em all and just had fun with them.

My mom loved the egg bag. Not the same thing my
dad did, but close enough. And she was doing the
effect while loudly saying "ALL GONE!.

Totally funny. Dad was having fun with the chop chop
cup and other little tidbits.

It was a blast.

Aside from that...

Wednesday night we met up with Danny who is in until
Monday from Branson and a mutual friend Jim Krzak,
who both are magicians. Went to MVP where Joe was
doing close-up and there are 25cent chicken wings.

We hadn't seen Jim in a quite a while. And he brought
a couple of photo albums, and we caught up. Did
some table magic and then we dispersed.

Fun night. Dad really enjoyed himself.
You can tell that the magician is still within him.

i was going to write something humourous

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:47:10 GMT

and about magic and sorts.

but that was sidelined do to the passing of a friend today.
who was a magician and escapist.

Bob Brown passed away due to a fall that injured his heart.

its not a joke.

he really did damage his heart.

He had 15% lung function and he had an aneurysm in his aorta.
it was a matter of time.

He's in this video I posted on myspace a year ago from
Wild Chicago where he performs the Cups
and Balls, the bit of thumb cuff magic and chats a bit.

He used to teach magic at Magic, Inc.

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=8776211

I will write my funny magic stuff tomorrow.

Everyone cries when they're stabbed, there's no shame in that

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:43:02 GMT

First off, I need a new mouse. This one is driving me nuts. I'm going to for a wireless this time.

One of my favorite lines from S&A.
I can watch the show over and over.
Its truly a gem that needs a s4
goddaammiiitt!

I think the future of New Burbage is in jeapordy with Darren in charge.
Something has to give. But I suppose if a S4 is to happen, we'll have to
wait out the ultimate and fantastic writing team of Mark McKinney,
Susan Coyne and Bob Martin.

*wishing*

Welp, yesterday we went down to Schaumburg. This was our 3rd trip in
a month since May. I made sure that I got all my work done on MOnday
(or as much of it, an artists/business' works is never done) so I can free
my day. Of course one thing takes all day...

We got to IKEA for their 99 cent breakfast which was our brunch. We did
not go to shop there this time. We planned to visit an old friend who is now
at Friendship Village.

Ken Madsen a friend who goes way back with my mom and dad, used to do
a magic dog act with his brother Roy. If I'm thinking right, it might have been
the very first or at least the earliest intergrated dog magic act.

While sitting there listening, I finally clued it and realized The Great Andre
was really the dog! I'm so slow at times. Andre was a standard sized poodle.
Which is large...I do not have the dogs dimensions.

The three and I talked about a lot of things, and how Ken and Roy were able
to intergrate magic with their act. To the thanks of Aunt Frances & Uncle Jay
(Marshall). They appeared on WGN's Bozo Circus. So for any of you who
grew up in Chitown, might have seen them. I don't think I have.

Hopefully we can get some of the Mazda's together and watch some videos
and have some fun times with Ken. He's a really happy guy. And really enjoyed
spending the time with us.

Of course, I took some photos!
TAG LINK: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/with+ken+madsen/

Near the "living room" type room we were talking to Ken was a bird
habitat type of thingy. It was of parakeets I think. Not really sure.
They were quite loud and noisy but I loved it. There were some babies
and they were sitting in the nests and the houses. And some were just
flying around making lots of noise. Of coruse I took photos of it too:

TAG LINK: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/birds+%40+Friendship+Village/

Afterwards we stopped at the new 'bucks on barrington & higgins.
FYI, it doesn't have WIFI.

We met up with the cous' and talked for a while before going home.
I wanted to stop off at The Peirogi Place in Rolling Meadows, but
we did not take the route home. I did stop at a Polish Deli in
Wauconda but they didn't have many left.

Onwards...
Its amazing what digging up old business cards and google can come up with.

One of my audio engineering friends I met in college has been MIA for a while.
Lost touch probably 6 years ago or so. So I came across his card and decided
to google him and this is what I found:

http://aremka.org

I'm not sure how current it is, but its definitely him.

Late last night before going to sleep I recieved an email from my friend Jeff Hobson.
He's magic comic who works in Vegas. Known him foreva.

He sent an email to everyone, in which I replied, I'm not everyone.
heah.

His son Ian, project for inclusion into a competition at United Studios
of Self Defense) is a commercial. He's a 11 and just earned a brown
belt. And the video is really good and his son is adorable.

How did that happen?

j/k

Go here to view:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDpoUA7rRgw

That's about all for now...
Just keep on truckin' and my nose outta troublesome stuff.
Tonight is Joe @ MVP.
Danny is in town thru labor day.
Maybe he'll drop by too.

'till then...

33.

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:11:04 GMT

pictures of being.

Thank you to everyone for all the Watermelon Day and Birthday Wishes.

We had some of the most beautiful weather I can remember ever having
at this time of year. Normally its like a big heat wave...but it was quite
perfect. Not hot at all. Warm summer days and cool nights.

My mom asked me if I felt any different being a year older.
I said nope, just tired.
I was born tired!
nah...i just don't feel any different.

As usual we celebrated the 9th.
This year, my friend Brian was in from Australia for a while.
And his p's were having a gathering for him.
Some people I haven't seen in a while were there.
It was nice.
Knowing I was going to be seeing Brian was going to make
it a memorable day...and it sure was.
He's moving to New Zealand to work for WETA.
Yeap, that'd be Peter Jackson & Co.

I will definitely say I miss Brian very very much.

So...

This was a week where I was supposed to be doin' nuthin'
but nuthin' became sumthin'. Humble G said I should
really start to plan more nuthing for weeks ahead,
because I'll get busier. I think he might be on to something
there.

Tuesday night Humble G, my p's, Kelly & Dale met up
at the Raue for the Blue Sky community concert.
Saw Bill, Gabe, Peter who introduced me to the exec. dir.
Peter talked to me about the art train. Might be fun.

I got booked for a corporate event on Wednesday
evening. Which was low-end but in my opinion
hi-end. It was an outdoor event under a big tent,
with a chandiler. Nice spread of food, and each table
had a nice table cloths, runner and center piece.
and then me. I played my usual fare and this old man
comes up to me and say's "What do you call this
kind of music you play? and I say "It a genre
I created call Alt-Clas...(a puase) do you like?
and he shook his head and said "No, if I want to
listen to classical I was to hear familar stuff. and
I replied "Well, you're not going to hear Mozart, Chopin
and Beeeeetooooven...all I play is original music I wrote."
Everyone else came up to me (and while I was talkikng
to him) that they loved my music. Ah well, can't please
everyone!

Thursday was a Women Health Expo @ Key Lime Cove.
The new indoor waterpark resort in Gurnee. Fun time.
Made some business contacts too.

Friday I stopped @ N&P where Terry hosted. Humble G
was on playing when he broke a string. And he did a super
ad lib in acapella about breaking a string. Terry got everyone
to see Happy Birthday. I really need that paper bag over my head.
He gave me a candy necklace. And joked that if a guy was necking
with me (as he said) that he would stay longer to eat the candy.
yeesh.

Humble G wrote a sentimental and very sweet note with a WD 150G
HD with 80G's of music from his collection which only touched the
surface. Some rare stuff to go along with some very awesome stuff.
It included Will Kimbrough's Goodnight Moon which just
blows me away. Such a beautiful heartfelt piece. Its going to take me
a while to filter thru it all.

Saturday of course was WATERMELON DAY!
and we did our family thing.
Went to a rummage sale.
Mom went to the Scribes Writer's Group @ the FL library.
Then lunched at Whistlestop Cafe.
Yummy.
Along with some 'bucks in hand ...
picked up some watermelon to eat later and just did a few
other things before going home to crash.

A few days earlier, I received sheet music for a rag/2step called
"Watermelon Club" from my friend Bill...after reading it and
playing it 15 times, I decided to record it and let y'all d/l it:

You can download the rag "Watermelon Club" here:
http://mai-ling.net/mai-ling_watermelonclub.mp3

As usual low-key. Just time well spent enjoying the day.

The morning of, I recieved my Red Evelope from my wonderful p's.

Did some things around the house and painted.
Goofed around with photos and my asian paper umbrella that I
got for $2 @ the heritage fair a couple of years ago.
I need to repair it.

Before heading off to see Brian.

Which as I said made 33 a memorable day.

It was relaxing and enjoyable. The weather was perfect, it did get
a bit chilly later. My dad behaved. When the music came on some
of it was a mix of older and current music. He held my mom's hand
when some of it triggered something...'twas cute.

Had cake. Before leaving, played volleyball. IN which I was the only
girl who played...! I wasn't going to do any un-necessary diving,
spiking or aggressive playing cuz I had a skirt on. I wasn't going to
find myself with my ass up in the air...

Then it was off to home.

Taking in everything, reflecting on the past year and the future year ahead.
Like a fiscal period. I sound so accountanty (i was going to become one at
one time...i can't even do math, I have to use my fingers. I knew they
would come to good use for me.)

What a week.
Other than being out and about so much, I took in some new music by
Kevin Montgomery which made me want to move to NashVegas.
Whom I'm hoping if all works well, will do a co-bill with in October.
(crossing fingers)
Royal Wood in which it makes me feel he is calling my name to
the great north of the border. Along with Melissa McClelland.
Also listened to I'm From Barcelona or meet my friends, whatever their
name is...Along with some Ryan Adams to keep me a float.
(no I did not burn photographs either!).
According to Tribune's horrorscope yesterday (not the bday one)
I'm just about to get very lucky.
whatever that means!

And again to all those who called, emailed or messaged me at myspace
or over IM thanks for the wishes. You're all very special peoples.

More photos here:
http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/33/

TOMORROW IS WATERMELON DAY!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:04:00 GMT

... and I will share the story of what WATERMELON DAY is.

so have yer watermelon ready to be eaten.

:D

too mo' days

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:57:15 GMT

UNTIL H20-MELON DAY!

whee!

sOOOn

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:44:59 GMT

It will be
WATERMELON DAY!

in like three more days.

I have something special for y'all on that day too.

You have to wait until Saturday though.

:)

not much longer

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:37:07 GMT

4 more days until...

Watermelon Day!

Tonight we are going to a community concert where
the artist who is performning has the same family name.
We are few and far inbetween...so would be awesome ...

/ more laterz.

5 more days

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:57:23 GMT

until watermelon day!

let the countdown begin

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:39:59 GMT

EIGHT MORE DAYS UNTIL WATERMELON DAY!!!!!!!!!

next week abbott's starts.
i would like to go the last two
days and spend my bday in
michigan...and maybe take a
trek to Stratford or just Windsor.
i sure have an itch to visit canada!

Original Embarrasing Moment Story that wasn't published

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:57:13 GMT

I've had a couple of people ask me to post the original story since
the book was released. After reading Michael Claxton's review,
I feel like I should now more than ever.

I only submitted one story...trust me, I got a plenty plenty more.

Here is the original story that I wrote up for the compiled book
"Most Embarrassing Moments" overseen by Celeste Evans.

I don't think this was Celeste's fault, who ever edited it didn't
do a great job, and I think cutting too much isn't really a good
thing.

(Honestly, I didn't even read mine in the book...I can tell it was
severely mowed)

My main objections was this:
~ I wasn't too thrilled how much was cut out.
~ I certainly wasn't thrilled that the original picture could not be adjusted for the book.
~ I certainly wasn't pleased the photo that was used, was not on the cover.
~ I was extremely UNHAPPY that my first name was spelled wrong...
yes, they made me a boy. Obviously, I am not a boy!

This was the original photo I submitted:

I have one from the CNE (yes the Candian National Exhibition for my Canadian friends)
from 1980, but I don't have it in the gallery. Should upload it...

Embarrassing Moment on Stage
Frances Mai-Ling
www.mai-ling.net

It was 1982 and we were booked to play Edmonton’s Klondike Day’s.
A fair that celebrates the gold rush.

A beautiful drive to the Canadian west that included passing through
Minnesota, South Dakota. Where you stop off at Wall Drug and get yourself some free water, and to the Corn Palace where a new theme made of corn is seen. Wyoming, Montana with lunch at Yellowstone National Park and several visits with Old Faithful before a stop at the Calgary Stampede. Where one can have the ultimate cultural submersion of 10 gallon hats, cowboys and chuck wagon races.
Then on to Edmonton where you are taken back to the 1850’s where gambling, duels, miners and women of ill repute dance away like they are doing the can can.

For me, these were adventures that are burned in my mind forever. For my parents,
It was my dad’s second time working Edmonton since my birth year. My mom could not come along due to my arrival being close. For my parents, visiting the Stampede was a joy, as they worked it the year they married

We were performing the International Stage with an act from Australia called the Four Kinsman. Which I believe they were on the 4th farewell tour, when I last spoke with George, he’s the lead singer. There was an assortment of taste testing tents for Coke and Pepsi products that I remember frequenting.

It was the first of several dates and we were planning to do the same routine as usual. No need to rehearse right?

We get to the doll house AKA “The Temple of Benares” (side note: there is no temple in benares) and I get in to do my thing; and all of a sudden I couldn’t fit in it. I tried, and my dad tried to help and my mom was baffled because I should still be able to fit in it…but alas I could not. We gave up when we realized there was no way I could fit in the illusion at all.

A Growth Spurt!

Well, this was embarrassing as a family because:
1. We should have rehearsed to avoid the situation
2. I was seven years old and growing
3. We could have inserted another illusion
4. Could have avoided what happened.
5. Something we’ll all remember

We learned out lesson. My mom helped me out and dad said a few funny words and that was that.

I think that was the point my father realized I wasn’t going to stay so little and that if he wanted to keep the zig zag in the show, he was going to have to devise a way to grow with me…I wasn’t always going to be the littlest illusionista as Wayne Roland eloquently phrased it.

keep my spirits lifted on this day forward

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:44:19 GMT

So today is the 10th anniversary of dad's massive hemmoraghic stroke.
I am thankful and happy that he is with us.
He is now 10! Into his double digits.
But the erie feeling of the things that changed everything, good and bad,
happened on this day.

Yesterday we went to IKEA and Mitsuwa with a stop at Ben and Jerry's.
On the way home, I thought I was going to lose it.
But I didn't.

Normally this is the time of year where I go into my emotional whirlwind.
until my birthday. They usually say turning 25 or 30 is hard and those were
the easiest birthdays. Turning 23 was the most difficult. I expect turning
33 will be too. But I'm hoping that I won't think of it since I have so much
goings on right now keep my mind of it.

However, you never know.

I'm trying to keep my spirits happy and think of all the wonderful good
things that have come our way.

Friday my dad had his yearly exam and it went extremely well.
When the doctor asked my dad what he had to say for him self.
He exclaimed with a big smile and loudly said,
"I'm happy, healthy and horny!"
Which the doctor I think took pretty well and maybe a bit surprised,
and said..."So the three H's."

His BP was excellent and overall everything else is good shape.
He's 82 and with a 10 years post-stroke, not bad.

Sunday was the N&P 3rd Anniversary picinic that Karen and I organized
at her beautiful house in Richmond. We had a cozy turnout with lots
of wonderful dessert's. As it was a Dessert potluck.

I made peach cobbler.

There was cheescake, cherries, assorted fruit, tamales (yes, i know not a dessert),
wine, mike's hard lime and lemonade, cup cakes and more.
We played croquet and the bean bag toss.
Enjoyed the cool breeze from her big pond, some good talk, and a relaxed afternoon.

Greg and I played the bean bag game and ended up juggling with them.
I was doing it it one handed while I had my drink in my hand.

I also played one handed croquet with Greg. Where we were just being silly.
The kitty came out and started chasing the balls. My back was being watched
by two board members of the Animal Control and one is also Chairman of the
McHenry County Health Department. They were telling me, Don't hit the
kitty! and I almost did, but when the kitty runs after the ball what am
I suppose to do!

I did learned playing croquet with two hands so much easier than one.
However I did well...

You know my mantra "I don't drink."

I still go by my mantra of "i don't drink" because I don't think
about it nor do it on a regular basis. and unless I'm around the
people (social drinking/smoking context) and alcohol which I can
choose. Preferably sweet wines or most recently at the Martini
bar a resiling. I don't think about it. Therefore, I don't do it.

However, I had my first Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade ... wooohooo.
I nursed it for the better of the 3 hours. Of course me being silly and goofy
when I'm 100% sober, Ed took a photo of me being so silly and goofy.

It has kept me highly amused throughout these fine days I've had thus far.
Hopefully keep it going.

I hope it gives you a laugh too.

As Kelly proclaimed me as THE ANTI-LUSH
Which is very true!

Bud and I

Kelly beautiful display of her cupcakes and kumquats.

More photos:

More photos from Eddie:

PHOTO TAGS: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/N%26P+3rd+Anniversary/

Anywho...

My VCR bit the dust last week.
So i'm off to buy a DVDr-VCR combo.
I wish it happened back in March when my DVD bit the dust,
cuz I'm not spending twice as much money for another.
Oh well.

Othwerise...

Send happy thoughts my way and post something funny to keep me laughin' and smilin'.

<3

IBM/SAM combined convention starts today

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:22:25 GMT

runs until Saturday.
Then Sunday is the auction.

I wish I was there...

atlas sound rocks my music world!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:04:28 GMT

my swivel's thread was stripped from all the shows I've been doing.
my boom stand isn't that old, maybe 3 years.
however, with it moving around in my body bag, it has
suffered abuse from be loosened and tightened over time.

I have two atlas boom's.
one for my project studio ; which has an extra long bar
and
one for the road ; which is shorter and also has a black bar.

so i was going to try to fix with loctite but decide before going that
route, i would call atlas and find out if they have a replacement
part before I spend any money or time.

These boom stands (minus the base) are not cheap by any means.

Since Atlas is based in Illinois, calling durign CST was a cinch.
I got a name for a lady in TX where they have their parts I guess.
And I asked her what I needed last Wednesday.
She had a couple of them laying around and sent one out to me.
NO CHARGE!

It just arrived not long ago.
I'm happy has a bee!!!!!

I love the new swivel.
Instead of a bar that can go either way, it has a regular knob.
Plus the boom adjuster is better too.

I have decided to keep the counterweight off when its in my body bag,
and put it on when I'm set up. that extra weight with it moving
around doesn't help.

I also put teflon tap on the threads this time around,
per Ed's advice.

YAY!

Now I need to save up some money to buy:
1. a super fantastic road mic from Shure
(similair to my BETA 87A without the phantom power so I can use it with my 150)

2. The Shakespeare Experiement.
(i would like to buy that for myself, for my birthday)

for those who are for obama

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:52:52 GMT

Ed and I were just chatting about Barak Obama,
he realized that instead of chanting "Barak" or
"Obama"

Make it easier on yourself and just say

"B...O!"
"B...O!"
"B...O!".
"B...O!"
"B...O!"

wierd magic news

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:57:00 GMT

..following the genii forum has its advantages...

1. Jason Scott, 33, dies

Jason Scott, mentalist, who worked in the Vegas died of
unknown causes. He was 33.

I met Jason a couple of years ago, when he was doing a
tour with an artist from somewhere. It was some big
shindig, with body guards and such. He painted martini's
with happy olives. His name is Michael Goddard.

Jason was a nice guy. We came out to the entire event
because there was a magician there. Even though the
event was soured by the people who run the gallery
(aka the thoughtlessness shop), and we were asked
to leave because of my dad being in a wheelchair
taking up too much room. I was able to tak Jason
aside and talk to him, and walk outside the venue
to meet my p's. He was very interested in meeting them.

Review incident here
Genii Forum Link

Voicing your opinion can get you sued

Brad Henderson, a writer/reviewer for MAGIC magazine was
recently in court over a lawsuit over a effect by a man
Bill Nagler.

Who's every thought that your opinion can get you into court?

Read about the case here
Genii Forum Link

Vagician

Todd Karr in a recent interview with David Regal called women
who do not possess skills as a magician but look good on stage
as a Vacigian.

Ed and I are going to name our co-write team "The Vagicians."
Therefore if it is to be offensive, it will be on both a man and
woman's level. I don't.

I read the other words that Todd and David came up with out
loud to Ed, and my mom was listening in the background. She
was laughing.

Personally, I happen to agree with Todd on this. Because there
aren't any spectacular women magicians out there.

But that's my opinion.

I should be careful, I might get sued for voicing my opinion now.

Read other amusing words by Todd @ Genii Forum here

The Frances Gap

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:03:48 GMT

AKA :: the lack of all lack there of updates
(therefore appropriately using "the sock gap" avatar)

::Warning:: Long Entry
Some repeatativeness from locked entires too.

Majority of my entires, as of late, have been friends only entries.
Small doodles to long babbles of inconsistant repetition...i guess.
I haven't had the opportunity to write a proper public entry in
quite some time. Tidbits here and there are just not enough.
No excuses...
However, I do have one!

But first...

In case you forget what I look like (just in case) here's a photo
taken with my mighty laptop's webcam from the 4th of July.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday. Dad decided he wanted to invite his
long time friend and (the closest living) magician, Jim Sommers. He came
over for dinner and to talk magic. Since Janine's passing, we haven't talked to
him much, let alone drive out to see him. Saw him on the Friday of
the MCA weekend, talked a couple of times on the phone. Dad has plans to
build magic...for me. As some of you know where I stand on that issue.
But it keeps my dad's brain working, and you know he's thinking of improvements
on things. Ultimately, he has a plan.

Memorial Day, my laptop ceased to power up. The battery was not charging,
and there was no power to the laptop in either way. I was completely at lost.
I have had countless issues that started from the beginning of year...and
so many fixes and replacements, that it was pretty much brand new.
I thought it was the power jack, even though I had it replaced in January.
Found a guy who does micro-soldering. He found that the points were solder
quite tightly and solid for that matter. He then looked into the adapter to
check the voltage. He found that that it hit 19V for a couple of seconds
before going to 0. So with my help, found a vendor that sold an "averatec"
compatible adapter. It was $60. Granted, that a month had already passed
by. It arrived last week. The adapter he received didn't allow it to keep a
charge at all. After talking with him, he gave me an option of a place in OH,
that can do a diagnostic for $45 in three days, with a repair in three days.
Since I'd already paid for the adapter I said go ahead. He had to check to
make sure they work on averatecs. Turned out they don't, but he did call
averatec in CA and the guy gave him some ideas to check out. One of which
includes a fuse that is in that series. So knock on wood, its the fuse that needs
to be replaced. I would like to keep this laptop as a back up. After a month
of not having a decent working laptop. There's only so much I can take using
the 10 year old one. I finally bit the bullet and bought my replacement.
I bought a Toshiba because I felt it was a worthy company from my past
experiences. I would rather have bought a Mac, but I know I wouldn't be
happy unless I dropped $3,000 for a Mac Pro. Because it is in my preference
to go with something I know can do every god dammn thing I need to do
on it. However, I don't have that kind of chunk of change. And the replacement
gift card from CC had to be use with whatever they had. Worried that the
business woes of CC were unstable, I figure I had to do something in the now
and thus did so. I am using Vista, and with confidence, it works with my Dos
based programs I use with my VS DHW. YAY! Which was extremely
important. Makes working on my demos much easier now with computer
based mixing and mastering.

In the end I only spent $586 for this new laptop.

Now I have no excuse for my journaling, networking communications and
lack of email newsletters to go awry.

yeesh!

Here's what the what when been happening since mid-May.

Fairest Flower Mock CD

I made a one and only copy of a mock CD layout of Shakespeare songs
and a couple of inde film inspired songs called "Fairest Flower." It was
a promise I said I would make for Dave, whom I met at the MCA weekend.
Cardstock backing and hand threaded. Its really purty. Here's the cover
photo from the CD concept:

cover

out take

To view images of the mock CD can be seen here:
http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/fairest+flower/

FIA Luncheon Concert

I did a fabulous concert for Faith In Action's Luncheon on May 21st, to celebrate
Older Adults Month. The full house was receptive in the most amazing way.
They were relaxed yet full of attentiveness. I played a 13 song set
which equals out to my usual 50 minutes. Concluding with a Q&A session
and A free raffle. They were curious folk, full of joy. Many came up
to me after the conclusion of the concert to talk to me.

My mom took a few photos:

Link: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/FIA+concert/

You can see Hokey J Pokey on my body bag in the background.

This was the day I was double booked. I normal never do double bookings.
However, I took this an exception. I was called the week before to play for
a private open house. I was referred by a previous open house I did a month earlier.
It all worked out for the right reasons. This reception was so high class, that
it will take a lot to top it. By the end of the evening I was dead tired.

More photos from the MCA weekend

I received two more photos from the MCA weekend taken by a great friend
Jerry Sharff. He's like the photographer for every magic related event he attends.
This time around he had brought his old polaroid film camera. This was a
sooperdooper interesting piece of photography history apparatus.
BTW...I have a small collection of antique cameras.
That was a lot to say! He has some of the most interesting cameras; Including
a 3D camera. I never got those photos come to think of it.

I look so innocent!

My p's and me

I just received another one from Anne Myrce James but I can not scan it in
since my all-one-printer ain't a scanning. This is a replacement printer. Will
post it when printer situation gets straightened out.

Also, check out Michael Claxton's review in MAGIC magazine of Celeste Evan's compilatiion of
magicians most embarrassing moments. I did not purchase a book and will not get into the
reasons why right now. I will say, my story was lawn mowed. I will post a separate entry about
it and the original story with the photo soon.

During the time I did not have a decent working laptop, I busied myself with a lot
other things including:

- Read "The Glorious Deception" by Jim Stienmeyer. A 400 + page
book about William Ellsworth Robinson aka Chung Ling Soo. I very interesting life of a
man at the turn of century. I've been wanting to read it for quite some time. This is
probably the one I will read this year. I'm thinking of, if I can find the time again, to
read the book on Alexander by David Charvet. These men of corrupt values interest me.
His Willard book is to be relased soon. From the presentation I attended at the MCA
weekend, it sounds like another great book. All these books are worth the time, and for
me especially, because I found it even more inspiring for my own writing project.
I am working through the Charles Fort book...still.
I'm a slow reader.

As I mentioned to Gabe. To someone who can read 2-3 books a week...I can listen,
really listen, to 4-5 CDs intently in a day. That means, not fowarding through, or
picking and choosing what I like, or skipping around. I mean listening one after
an another all the way through. That includes listening to all details that take in
for a production of a CD. Like those who read books.

- Watched three seasons of "The L Word" ; in which some of my friends
probably believe I might have turned into one during that time. But I did not.

- Worked on some new songs. Couple of them for Mungbeing, even though I didn't
get one of them recorded for the "Migration" issue.

- I caught up on some gardening and some resting. As I caught a stoopid cold
early June. And currently still have that fucking lingering cough! ugh! I'm OK.
Really.

Friends

Nikki's parents finally closed on the house in Cary. Even though she was not
finished with her projects yet, they left. She finished them up in early June
and was going around saying her good-byes. Her send off party was actually
in April @ The Curtis Gallery.

Here's the photo of Nikki & I @ the Curtis

She stopped by the house the day she was tying up all loose ends to leave for
Texas. We spent a couple of hours hanging.

Here's Nikki haning in my bedroom talking to Ryan on the phone

Here's me just talking while she takes a few photos of me...I look dopey.
There's a replica of myself that is part of an illusion in my room...
see if you can spot it. To me, its a piece of art.andyou

She is doing well down in the big state. We talk regularly.
I miss her greatly.

Other Happenings

June also brought the opening of our very own Chase bank in our little town.
That meant, no more pedalling to Fox Lake to see Ed (the lovable moron of my life)
or McHenry to see (the love of my life) Adam. Which is fine. I was tired of
pedalling around just to do my banking, as well as, other things to make up
for the horrid gas prices.

The Grand Opening wasn't as great as other ones, but it was adequate.
I met Dave Evans, who is another amazing latex twister. He made me a penguin
and my mom a bunny or such. They were all on a stick. Everything is better
on a stick, as it is so told...or as I say soo...see:

penguin on a stick

Me being silly :: photo by jenny

The new 'bucks in Volo opened also. Friends and I dubbed it "The Home Depot 'bucks."
I'm been enjoying the free wifi that I'm able to get when I'm there. I checked in
to make sure, for sure, that I can not get the wishcome wireless. And as of
yesterday, I still can not. I would need a huge attena to get anything. I live
in a 1 tier valley below Main St.

I also found myself spending a bit of time at the Martini Bar in Richmond with Ed.
The first time we went was a spur of the moment thing. My cousin in a distant
relative way was playing there with his trio. and it was a perfect excuse to go.
I don't drink...so I wasn't going to have a martini. However, Ed had never had
one. And of course, this is the year for Ed being a bad ass...Thus he had a
Purple Knee-Hi. Some of course, have really funky names.

Photo with 'badass' Ed

Photo with his hermaphroditic drink as he said.

The drink drew up conversations of threesomes. It was just the fact we were
both tired and were getting silly. And the power of the purple knee-hi.

Saturday we went back joined by Kelly and Dale. Whom I've also been spending
a lot of time with over the course of the month. Dale has had some things going on.
With all the stress, he looked really good that night; as did Kelly.

Kelly & Dale

We all had great conversation and it turned out the guitarist of the group had
worked with them @ motorola a couple years back. So that was a nice surprise.

Last Sunday I went to A Day at Petersen Farm, which was mighty fun. We arrived
early before the crowd and left before the rain. It was super morning. Dad didn't want to
go at first, but I knew he'd enjoy himself towards the end. Since he spent time on a far at
the age of 15. This an old pioneer farm. It was part of the Preservation Partners 19
sites to get part of a $1 million dollar grant. Out of our county there were only two.
Petersen Farm and the first fish hatchery in the state. I was voting for the fish hatcher.
Which won 9th place in voting with $65,000 in grant money. The nine that did not
make the top 10 spots received $5,000; that included the farm. Which was fairly distributed
at least. Since I've been involved with the fish hatchery meetings, I wanted to
go and see what the event had to offer. I love these kinds of things anyway.
They had exotic chickens which were the Polish, Frizzley and Silkie. A big turkey,
cattle, goats, piglets, horse and pony, and alpacas. They had folk crafts including:
seweing, quilting, weaving, spindling wool. Farming the land, washing clothes,
tractors, making apple pie. It was really lots of fun.

I really enjoyed the chickens (of course!) and the alpacas.

Alpacas..that are so adorable and only 10 months
pharaphrase quote: "alpacs are worse than magicians to hang out with"

Polish, Silky, Frizzly

polish!

GOBBLE!
LINK: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/peterson+farm/

So that is what's been up with me.
I do have one last public show for the summer this Saturday @ Caffe Luna.
Lori Valus photography art show reception from 1-3pm.
As always fun.

Lots of other creative things I'm busy with.
Some new songs, writings and etc. etc.

Otherwise, that's the goings on in the Frances Gap.

More to follow...stay tooned.

To All My Canadian Friends!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:35:38 GMT

Happy Canada Day!

penguin on a stick

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:52:24 GMT

thanks to Dave Evans

just so y'all know, yes... I'm still alive...

little agnsty frncs

Mon, 19 May 2008 19:46:58 GMT

Who'd a thunk how cute was at four...

look at my face and hands...
i look like i'm ready to punch someone....

AFTER:

no punchin...just fucking with your mind.

tags: http://pics.livejournal.com/mai_ling/tags/angryasianfrncs+before+and+after/