This past week I rolled 2 routines into my act for the first time. It's always a little nerve-wracking the first time you perform a trick in front of a live audience. No matter how much you rehearse, it's a bit scary performing it in front of real people. Fortunately, both tricks were well-received, and I expect to use one or both more in the future.

I am always surprised at how quick some magicians are to want to add a new piece to their acts; they buy them, and in the next week, they're performing them. Of the 2 tricks I added this week, one I bought/learned 2 years ago, and the other about a year ago. For me, it takes a long time to figure out all the particulars of where a trick should be in the act, and more importantly, why it needs to be in there. The fact that this past Friday was Friday the Thirteenth made the inclusion of one trick a natural fit, so I decided that would be debut day. Having the justification in my mind made its performance much more natural for me, and I think added to its successful presentation. Now I have my own hook to hang it on in future performances.