Spring can really hang you up the most

If you want a peek into my soul, listen to the instamental version of this song. I have provided a link at the end of the lyrics. It touches me so. Listen to it and feel my pain as I miss my kids. Do you get where I'm coming from? Do you get me?


Once I was a sentimental thing;
threw my heart away each spring.
Now a spring romance
hasn't got a chance.
Promised my first dance to winter.
All I've got to show's a splinter
for my little fling.

Spring this year has got me feeling
like a horse that never left the post.
I lie in my room
staring up at the ceiling.
Spring can really hang you up the most.

Morning's kiss wakes trees and flowers,
and to them I'd like to drink a toast.
But I walk in the park
just to kill the lonely hours.
Spring can really hang you up the most.

All afternoon the birds twitter-twitt.
I know the tune. This is love, this is it.
Heard it before
and don't I know the score.
And I've decided that spring is a bore.

Love seems sure around the new year.
Now it's April. Love is just a ghost.
Spring arrived on time,
only what became of you, dear?
Spring can really hang you up the most.
Spring can really hang you up the most.

Love came my way. I thought it would last.
We had our day, now it's all in the past.
Spring came along, a season of song,
full of sweet promise
but something went wrong.

Doctors once prescribed a tonic.
Sulfur and molasses was the dose.
Didn't help one bit.
My condition must be chronic.
Spring can really hang you up the most.

All alone, the party is over.
Old man winter was a gracious host.
But when you keep praying
for snow to hide the clover,
spring can really hang you up the most.

Click Here to listen to "Spring can really hang you up the most"

This is a beautiful instamental version by Ellis Marsalis

Seattle from Alki

FULL SIZE • Click Here

Cunt #1

It's interesting that my persistence in wanting to see my kids is offensive and harassing to Moira. I have never said a harsh word to her. . . stupid bitch.

Cunt #2

Cunt #3

Pics and Vids from Tuesday Nights Session

The Alki Beach Magic Posse

Nasg Fung performs "Healed & Sealed" Streaming Video • Click Here


These are Jose's new Gary Animal "Babe" cups. Just beautiful cups! I always say, "You got to like a cup heavy enough to kill a man with!"

Brian Cook Performs the Linking Rings Streaming Video • Click Here


Brian hold a mini Zarrow Shuffle Worshop

I perform a trick with a chinese coin and a string Streaming Video • Click Here

A post session email from Tim Flynn

Nice session tonight! Enjoyed watching you and Brian working with the Ball and Vase! I felt a little like I shouldn't be there, but am glad I was, it was nice seeing you two interact. I got to learn a little as well. I think Brian is a great guy to have at the sessions, I can learn a lot from him!

Gallo Pitch, Zarrow shuffle, soft hands, rings be gentle...........Awesome!

Nash is really growing into quite a performer. it is really sweet to see his smiles and youth and exuberance! He is blossoming!

Mark is a good magician as well, another young up and comer!!!

On a personal note... Thank you for the rings input, it is those little, subtle touches that help me grow! Inch by inch it's a cinch....

That bag for your table is about 22 years old, not bad eh! :) I washed it inside and out, Dale McDowell had it under his deck... remember him? You golfed with him at Riverbend with me and Mike.

Also, you don't realize how much class you have Tom, José showed you his "Babe" cups and you were very positive about them. Being someone that has cups for sale, that is a rare thing to see... Most people would have made some "put down" comment. You made me proud dude! You teach me in many ways my friend!

Later...

Tim

Busking at the Market

Photo by Brian Bern

More stuff for the Judge • From my brother

One of the greatest qualities Tom Frank possesses is his ability to love and care for his children. Tom is a dynamic whirlwind of fun and surprises and his children love and adore him. I know they must suffer to not be able to spend as much time with him as they used to. Being the product of divorce myself, I can attest to the damage of not being able to have a loving relationship with my father. The circumstances are different, as Tom is actively pursuing a relationship with his kids. I have seen Tom in action with Buster, (whom he has custody of) Max, Hope and Liam. They are quite a happy lot together and it’s a shame to deprive all of them whatever normality can be salvaged from this divorce.

Tom is many things. I have seen him go through a lot. He has made “mistakes” in his personal life. Like all of us, he is human. One thing I can say with certainty is that Tom Frank loves and cares deeply for his children and they love and adore him. It is clear, and I know this from experience, a child needs a loving father, especially during these growing up years.

Please allow Tom and his children the ability to love and grow together. Please allow his children to know that their father loves and cares for them by permitting Tom regular overnight visits with his children. It’s the right thing to do. Isn’t there already enough suffering in the world? Why deprive innocent children the love they need and that only a father can give? Tom is an amazing Dad. This is unmistakable. How many divorced fathers are as eager as Tom to spend time with their children? He is a dedicated father and devoted to his children’s well being. Tom and his children need to spend more time together. I hope the court will grant Max, Hope and Liam, the Dad who loves them, more time to cherish each other and grow together. It is so important.

If I can be of any assistance in helping to resolve these imperative matters, don’t hesitate to call.

In Spirit,

Michael Abraham HaLevy

In my "In Box" • re: Private Lesson

Tom,

Thanks for the reply. I live in Spokane, in fact I attended your lecture in Cour d'Alene last year and was very impressed by your skill. I usually travel to Seattle at least twice every year, I will contact you before my next trip to see if you will be available for a private lesson at that time. I am interested to learn or receive advise from you in the following:

Card Magic:
- Multiple shifts
- False shuffle (pull-thru or strip-out or Zarrow, I want to be able to do
one good false riffle shuffle that retains complete stock)
- Spread cull control
- Top change
others?

Close-up:
- Like you to evaluate my Cups & Balls routine, give me some finer pointers.
- Any good coin routines.
others......

Anyways, I am sure I will learn a lot from you.

Best regards!

Lam

p.s. forgot to give you a little background about me: I am currently 35 years old, when I was 12 and living in Hong Kong I was obessed with magic, bought a lot of stuff from the local magic shop and a bookshelf full of books on magic. Learned a lot of the basics at the time. Then about 3 years later, I wasn't obessed with magic anymore and but still hightly interested in magic and watch magic on TV or in a live show any chance I can get. I also do tricks which I have learned before for friends and family. Then, in late 2004 I got very interested in magic again after I was asked to perform at a children's party. Now I am a member of the Spokane Magic Club, the MAG, and IBM.

Liam Price Frank

Here's a pic a Liam when the kids were still visiting my home, before the moved 2 hours away. (almost 2 years ago)

Another notarized letter in the mail today • Lock and load

To whom it may concern with all respects,

Please accept this letter regarding the parenting ability of Tom Frank. Tom and I have been friends and business associates for over 25 years. Over the years I have watched Tom passionately participate in his family life as a devoted father to all his children. This letter is a testimony of praise for Tom as a father.

Buster is almost 16 years old and, as Tom’s firstborn son, Buster is an honor student, creative teenager and loyal son. Tom has always been actively involved in parenting Buster, and for the past three years he has had sole physical custody full time. Buster is evidence of Tom’s capacity to be an effective and loving father.

Max, Hope, and Liam are sadly missing precious and irreplaceable time with Tom. Their relationships are suffering. Tom is a loving father who deserves substantial time with these three children.

Whenever I visited the Frank home, I was always impressed with Tom’s active involvement of household chores. His cooking skills are practically culinary and he cooks great meals for his children. He also runs a clean ship with dishes washed and counters cleaned before bedtime.

Tom has an emotional roller coaster to ride like the rest of us. Despite his ups and downs, the gravity that holds Tom to the tracks is his love for his children and desire to be the best father he can be. He has made many positive changes in his life over the past several years so that he can achieve his most important desire: to establish and fulfill his custody and visitation responsibilities, and enjoy a loving and happy relationship with his children. What a great example for these children to have a father like Tom!

If you need any further information or have any questions, please call or email. Please help Tom to have his parenting rights restored.

Thank you,


Shawn Greer

Private Lesson

I taught a private lesson last Friday morning. This fellow wanted a two hour lesson to help him along. He had learned some stuff from a mutual acquaintance. He knew enough to be dangerous to his progress. He had learned a few advanced things with no real fundamentals.

He brought a few of the tricks that he performs and I asked him to do them for me. He started with the vanishing silk using the "you know what" and made the classic beginner mistakes. This was a good place to start. I taught him the Slydini technique that Cellini had taught me. as well as a few moves of my own. I emphasized the importance of the first transfer as you stroke the silk to get the gizmo in place. If they suspect off the bat. . . your done.

I spent some time talking about the value of secrets and the importance of effective and productive practice.

We started with some fundamental concepts like "The larger motion conceals the smaller motion."

I showed him my tri-fold practice mirror and talked about the differences of working with mirrors vs video.

Next I talked about routining and logical sequence of effects.

We talked about card tricks and made the distinction between self working and sleight of hand.

I taught him a self working cutting the aces. (I wanted to give him something with some immediate gratification).

Again I stressed the importance of the fundamental building blocks of our art.

While he had learned to do some card manipulations and could split fan, but he had never heard of a DL, so we spent some time learning the DL with and without a get ready. Strike, Push Off etc. . Different ways to turn/ flip the card over with an injog and without.

He wanted to learn the Sybil Cut but I said no.

I showed him some easier cuts and false cuts.

I stressed the importance of proper terms and discussed the proper way to break a deck in.

We talked about more fundamental card handling like the overhand shuffle and jog controls. Proper finger positioning for a standard riffle shuffe as well as some tricky shuffles (wink wink).

We moved on to coins and discussed different palms, Classic, Finger, Downs, Back, Goshman Clip

I taught him Tenkai Pennies (with quarters) just like Sol Stone taught me so many years ago.

We walked through some vanishes and reproductions. Discussed coin sizes, angles and using various parts of your clothing.

I think he had a good time and learned a lot. I know I did.

Video du Jour - From the Archives

Here I am a few years back working on Mike Gallo's Ball Vase Rountine. I'm using props made by James Riser.


Gallo Ballvase Routine Clip • Click Here

Max & Dad Busking at Bumbershoot 2004

Now he won't even talk to me. . .

Hello Dali

Spring break visit?

Max & Hope are on spring break this week in Ellensburg. I have been begging for a couple of full days with my kids or even one full day on either side of the mountains. My ex wife Moira yesterday finally said that I could see the kids from 10AM - 4PM on Wednesday. Fuck her and her control games. I'm not playing. Every time we go in front of a judge, her and her slut lawyer always say how they encourage any and all contact with the kids. Yeah, as long as it on their terms. Just a shame. I want to be a part of their lives but I'm sick of doing it on 5 hour increments. Stupid bitch.

Liam is the only one who will even talk to me on the phone. Max and Hope refuse, based on the crap Moira is feeding them. I can hear it in my mind. "Your dad doesn't want to visit you. . . you don't have to talk to him on the phone."

Let go! Can't giver her the power to upset me. It's just hard when the kids are the ones to suffer. I hope she's happy spending her fathers life's savings. He must be spinning in his grave.

What a shame

Will any of this matter at the trial in August?

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is in regard to Tom Frank, my nephew by marriage. Over the past 36 years I have proudly witnessed Tom’s growth from an endearing young boy, into an adoring husband and father. He has matured into a man who makes his entire family proud.

Having been a teacher of children with disabilities for 35 years, I am accustomed to observing how parents engage and interact with their children. I must say I am truly impressed with Tom’s parenting skills. It is truly gratifying to see that the carefree young man who had spent much time with us for a summer, many years ago, has become such a wonderful father and family man. One example of this was when I had opportunity to spend a few days at a resort with Tom, his family, his sister and half-siblings, their spouses and children, and his father and stepmother. Tom was often the center of attention, entertaining everyone with his magic and stories.

During this vacation, Tom sought my advice about his oldest son, John, who had been experiencing some difficulty with Math in school. Tom asked me for some advice and if I would sit with John to try to assess what his problems were. Knowing that I was experienced in teaching students with learning deficits, Tom wanted my "expert" opinion and validation that he was approaching his son's school difficulties in the correct manner. Back then, as he does now, Tom showed much concern for John’s academic success.

In May of 2003, I spent time with John at a family wedding that Tom was unable to attend. At that time, John resided with his mother. I mentioned to him that his father had e-mailed me John's claymation movie, and how much I enjoyed it. Although we don’t get to see one another often, Tom is diligent in keeping the family updated on all of the achievements of the children. John confided to me that he made the movie in hopes that his father would move home to Cincinnati! He also expressed disappointment and sadness that he might not get to spend that upcoming summer with his dad in Seattle because of difficulties that had arisen between Tom and his stepmother, Moira. I am pleased to say that John now resides with his father, and Tom and John’s mom have been very successful in engaging in a healthy relationship that supports John’s success. The results of their efforts can be seen in John’s excellent school achievement since he moved in with Tom.

Since Tom and Moira have been apart, Tom has suffered deep emotional pain at not having adequate time to spend with their three children. He loves them dearly and is very interested in their wellbeing. This is evident from the loving photo journal he shares with family members, his efforts to be included in their academic progress, and his constant expression of overall concern that he cannot be more involved in their daily lives. He rightfully fears for the negative impact this will have on their future.

I am certain that Tom Frank is an excellent father who idolizes his four children. I know he loves his family and deserves to continue to be an integral part of their lives. In my experience as a teacher in a large urban setting, I observed the negative effects of dysfunctional families, and the resulting impact on children who do not have their fathers in their daily lives. On a more personal note, as a stepmother to a child whose mother made every attempt to deny or limit visitation, I can attest to the fact that no good comes from such revengeful, hostile efforts. Denying or impeding visitation benefits no one. The obvious losers are the children and their father.

Tom Frank deserves to share custody of his children, and at the least be granted more liberal visitation rights, including overnight stays. He has more than proven he is a responsible, devoted father to his son, John. Kindly grant Tom extended visitations and allow Tom to be the great father he already is to his other children, for his sake, but more importantly, for theirs.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Janey Frank

Suicide King

Not a coincidence that it's the king of hearts

Site du Jour

New Paul Harris Fan Site • Click Here

Another day on the streets

FULL SIZE • Click Here

St. Patrick's Day

This was the 3rd year in a row that I've worked the Met for their St. Patrick's Day Bash. Always a good time had by one and all.





I worked the Fenix later that night and had a couple of hours to kill between gigs. I noticed the long lines going around the block to get in Fado and the Owl & Thistle, both irish pubs on opposite sides of the block. So, I worked the line for an hour made some extra money then headed to the New Orleans for a cocktail or two before the Fenix.

I met some nice people there who I entertained while they bought me drinks.

More World Magic Seminar Pics

Well, I don't guess I'm ever going to finish my story about the convention. Life is just going by at the speed of life.


Chris Kenner, Tom Frank, Geoff Latta & Mike Gallo


Lee Asher and his Dad

One of the highlights of the convention for me was the the AOI Film Fest. Hosted by Chris Kenner. Great evening with a special inspiration award given to Lee Asher.


John Cornelius & Roger Klause


Dave & Jamie Womach with Bian Cook

Video du Jour - From the Archives

Jason Wethington is a talented magican and a great guy! I was lucky enough to have him work for me for a few years at my shop in Cincinnati, The Carew Tower Magic Shop. I shot this footage at the Payhouse in the Park as part of their ABRACADABRA Show.



Jason Wethington Performs Shadow Coins • Click Here

Moisture Festival • Click Here

The 3rd annual Moisture Festival returns with a comedy/varietè showcase of local, national and international artists. Aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, musicians, clowns, comedians, magicians, and more!– The festival once again transforms the Hale’s Brewery warehouse into the enchanted Hale’s Palladium. Built among the kegs, the Palladium is a wonderfully relaxed 225-seat theater space where you can have a drink, eat well and enjoy act after act of the world's finest comedy/varietè performances.

We are very excited to add the Moisture Festival's new traveling theater in 2006. We've named it "The Liberty" and it will be located in Fremont Studios magnificent performance space at 155 N. 35th in Fremont. It is the building where the out door movies are shown and also the location of the parking lot where the first Moisture Festival tent show happened. It will make a great new venue for the delicious collision of comedy/varietè and burlesque. With only two Burlesque shows happening, it's a good idea to book early. These two late night shows are the only shows happening at the Liberty. All other varietè shows are happening at Hale's Palladium. We look forward to many fantastic shows at the Palladium and to christening the new Liberty with all of you.

2006 Performers

Berlin's Hacki Ginda
Circus Contraption
Stickleback Plasticus
Magical Mystical Michael
Frank Olivier
Waldo & Woodhead
The Aerialistas
Chairboy!
The Bobs <> Karen Quest
Tom Noddy the Bubble Guy
Rhys Thomas Jugglemania
Fyodor Karamazov
Canote Brothers
Henrik Bothe
Charlie Brown
Lelavision
Nanda
Tamara the Trapeze Lady
Godfrey Daniels
Kevin Joyce <> Martha Enson
The Dangerous Flares
Artis <> Baby Gramps
Jim Page <> DuCaniveaux
Flordigan Can Can Girls
The Fremont Players
The Peculiärs <> Dusty Rodz
The Valone Sisters
Widow Twankey
Dr. Calamari and Acrophelia
Charlie Holland
Sam Williams
Linda Severt
Curly Burly
Christian Swenson
Savannah Fuentes
Esther Edleman
Janet McAlpin
Madame X
David Godsey
Joey Pipia
Buttrock Suites
The Zebra Kings
The Fremont Philharmonic
Orkestar Zirkonium

Lining up my ducks. . . hoping it will matter

June 14, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in support of my nephew, Tom Frank, who is, in my opinion, a terrific father. For the two summers preceding their move to Seattle, I had the pleasure of spending a week with Tom, his wife, Moira, and their children. During my visits I observed Tom interact with his children and can attest that he is a devoted, loving father.

Each morning he awakened the children and made them breakfast. He then drove them to school, when applicable, before going to work himself. At the end of the day, when he arrived home, he spent time playing with them. It was a joy watching him engage in games of pretending, and it was obvious they truly enjoyed and looked forward to their time with their dad.

In the summer of ‘02, I helped Tom and Moira build a room for Tom's son, John. Although John lived with his mother at that time, he liked spending time with his dad, stepmother, and half-siblings. He was clearly an integral part of that family.

In 2003, I visited with Tom’s son John at a family wedding and he expressed concern and sadness that he might not get to visit his dad and family in Seattle that summer. It was evident that he missed being with his father, who raised him, alone, the first several years of his life. He really idolizes his father, and has even followed in his footsteps by pursuing magic, like Tom.

I can’t help observing the pain Tom is experiencing by not being allowed adequate time to visit his children. I, too, was divorced from my first wife and lived a good 3 hours away from my daughter. Although I made every possible concession to ensure an ongoing positive relationship with my daughter, including 6 hours of travel every other weekend and holidays, my ex wife did everything in her power to sabotage these visits, including making unreasonable demands, refusing to share the travel time, and making false accusations. The related stress impeded the quality of the time my daughter and family spent together, and caused irreparable damage to my daughter’s psyche. As I observe the cooperative effort Tom and his first wife make to give their son John a feeling of stability and love, I can only hope that Moira will realize the damage that is being done to the children by not being able to spend regular, extended visits with their dad.

I am confident that Tom Frank is a fit, competent, responsible father as well as a great father and family man. He is a devoted parent who loves his children and who is adored by them. I would hope that nothing is allowed to alter that relationship. They need their father, and he needs reasonable visitation time.
Thank you.

Sincerely,


Jim Frank

Sunday Night Rock n Roll, Honky Tonk

Went to the Little Red Hen tonight for some more fun and dancing. Saw a bunch of people I know from the Owl and Thistle and got in a few dances. It was strange dancing to a very different set list. I never thought I would see the day where people were swing dancing to The Who's, "Squeeze Box". What I learned was, you can dance to anything if you know how. Sadly. . . I don't know how. Guess I'll just keep faking it.



The band was "The Davano's". Jerry (the guitar player) also plays with the "Dusty 45's" He wails on the guitar! To hear a bit of what they sound Click Here. Enjoy!

Tip du Jour

Had a decent weekend of street performing at the market. As I was counting my cash I cracked up when I saw this dollar bill in my hat.

Wednesday Night Honky Tonk

Too many nights in a roadhouse
Too much wine, women, and song
Too many days on the highway
Then I run around all night long
I take a good look in the mirror
In the cold gray light of dawn
Too many nights in a roadhouse
Run a real good boy wrong.

Sound Bite • Click Here



Wild night of dancing. Was a regular mosh pit of swing dancing, two step'in and cha cha's. Got to dance with most of my favorite girls.

Going to the Little Red Hen this evening for more of the same.

But now, I'm off to the Seattle Film Institute to be in a student short film. Should be fun. Then off to the market for an afternoon of busking. Spend some time with Buster this evening before the evenings festivities.