Paul Long's Ramblings

Just got back from visiting some church neighbours to invite them to our Christmas BBQ. Met a very nice couple ... friendly and were happy not just to take my invitation leaflet but wanted to chat etc. Told them they made my day as it was so nice to have people willing to chat with me (a stranger). Their response? I also made their day by being willing to actually go door to door and speak with strangers and invite them to a BBQ. And the husband made this comment: "You made my day also. It's so nice to see that neighbours exist!" :-) They were surprised too (and also impressed) that as a church we did not charge people (not even a gold coin donation). It was so refreshing to talk about our jobs, our coming to NZ (they have been in NZ since 2000). our thoughts on community etc. And hobbies too ... did my trademark sponge ball routine which was much appreciated. :-) It is interesting that this couple sees the value of my magic in that it is a great way to break the ice an...

Some photos of parts of my magic show performed for our church's Light Party 2011. Thanks Liann for taking these photos! settling down for the show after games The Light Party theme for the year was "Under the Sea" One of my favourite opening games that I had not  done for 2 years Using my magic box that stores my magic for a show and doubles as a table and a close up mat if needed due to time constraints, I cut out a few effects. This is the part I love the most - picking a volunteer :-) I love this part too when I somehow "escape"  after "messing up" :-) decided to add on to my cups and water trick with  balloons Teaching how to make a simple balloon octopus Yeah! Nothing popped :-) Still surprises me how many children want to volunteer despite the fact that they could get very wet because they want a nice balloon sculpture Part two of the trick Setting up my version of a new trick added to my ro...

Have not blogged for quite a while. Usual reason ... busy :-) Busy with responsibilities (especially the period of 2 weeks when my wife was away for her parents 50th wedding anniversary). Busy with ministry ... church is growing, needs are growing and lots of new challenges to add to the mix. Very exciting .... But also that quite a number of things are simply not appropriate to blog about ... And generally my sleep patterns have been terrible and I wake up every day feeling tired and yawning. Then it's just  a lot of effort to get the adrenaline flowing so I can focus on the tasks and responsibilities ... and after each task or meeting, my body kind of crashes. But it is getting better and I have resorted to returning to a morning cup of coffee. But nothing with caffeine from the the late afternoon onward. Still working on my garden - but not much time and energy. Is looking pretty decent - at least the vegetable boxes are ...will post some photos one day ... Anyway bloggi...