No Place Like Home. I spent much of August in China, touring with a magic show. (More about that to come.) It’s so good to be back in Peekskill, which seems like a fairy land after China. In Peekskill, foul odors are usually fleeting, and using the restroom requires zero athletic ability. In Peekskill, I can cross the street without dozens of two-, three- or four-wheeled vehicles coming at me from all directions. In Peekskill’s restaurants, the entrees don't stare at me from tanks as I walk in.
What a culture shock. Coming this direction, it’s most pleasant. It’s lovely to look out my windows at my old, familiar Peekskill view – buildings, trees, blue sky. Our clean, fresh air is something I’m not taking for granted. (Safe-to-drink tap water is another.) The church bells and train whistles have been surprisingly welcoming and comforting. It’s been wonderful to simply walk around town, greeting friends and strangers on the street, in typically relaxed, laid-back Peekskill fashion.
Another thing greeting me all over town is a poster – of me!! I’m giving my combination book talk/magic show called "Memoirs of a Magic Queen," based on my book, "Adelaide Herrmann - Queen of Magic." It's tomorrow afternoon (Sunday 9/15 at 2pm) at the Peekskill Museum. It's the story of vaudeville star Adelaide Herrmann (1853-1932) – the world’s first great female magician. A contemporary of Houdini, the once-famous Madame Herrmann was forgotten until her long-lost memoir surfaced in 2010. Adelaide Herrmann is my magic idol and greatest inspiration, so it's always a great honor and pleasure to be able to tell her incredible story. I'll also perform a little magic, inspired by her groundbreaking, feminine style of conjuring.
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Later, a time capsule that was buried in the Museum’s cornerstone in 1929 will be opened. I wonder what's in it? Then another time capsule will be buried with things from today. Please come! It’ll be lots of fun.
I guess I’m really back! (I love Peekskill...)
