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Ami's Totally BOOK-ish Review

7/21/2021

The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber

And now for something totally different…

This issue’s totally Book-ish review is indeed that… It is an unconventional book that I discovered in an unconventional way. It is one for adults and one for kids. Quirky and funny, old but new, a fairy tale, both horrid and wonderful . Have I got your attention? This book is, of course, 13 Clocks by James Thurber.

On a not so recent trip to Palm Springs, my family descended upon a used book store. Hunting through the many books I stumbled on this novella, and even though I had never heard of it before, I liked the cover (I’m a sucker for book covers). It also came with a nice little recommendation from a famous author I recognized, and so we came home with it. I read it every night aloud to my kids after a day in the sun and pool, and you could still hear us all giggling way past bedtime.

Written in 1950 while Thurber was working on a separate novel, this fun little story is what I like to think of as a result of the writer’s mind when he or she sits back, relaxes the brain, and allows the subconscious to string the words together.

Beautiful Princess Saralinda is in the grip of a spell cast by her evil Uncle, only known as “the Duke”. Also under the spell are the thirteen clocks throughout the castle, frozen at ten minutes to five. The Duke himself is frozen, but only temperature wise, having very cold hands which requires the use of gloves “when he was asleep, and... when he was awake, which made it diffi cult for him to pick up pins or coins or the kernels of nuts, or to tear the wings from nightingales.”

Prince after Prince have come to charm and propose to Saralinda, however they have all been sent on impossible tasks in order to win her hand such as cutting a slice of the moon, or changing the ocean to wine. Alas, she remains a captive in the castle with her Uncle. That is, until a Prince disguised as a Minstrel comes on the scene. He too, is given an impossible task to complete, and if he fails? The Duke says he will slit him from his guggle to his zatch (I’ll let you figure out what that means). Clearly, failure is not an option.

So off the Prince goes in search of the impossible thing with a little bit of help from some unusual people. But what else would you expect from this unusual book?

This story is one to read to your kids and grandkids, and I’m convinced it was written to both enthrall children and make adults laugh. It is silly and wonderful, and who doesn’t need a little of that right now? 13 Clocks is a classic for your collection, and it’s on the shelves now at Totally Book-ish.

Making Magic

7/18/2021

Magic is the illusion of seemingly impossible feats. It’s a performing art, in which audiences are mesmerized by a series of tricks. Magic is effects created through the belief of supernatural means. Altogether, magic is ‘special effects meant to entertain the audience'.  It's a practiced deception.

This is the story of Norden and a hobby that became a passion and then a much loved profession.

Norden discovered a love of magic in 1999 at one of the most magical places on earth— Disneyland!  The magician stood behind the counter, entertaining the customers with tricks. Norden was instantaneously enthralled.

He watched the Master intently, paying close attention to every single move he made. Norden was determined to uncover the mystery of each illusion and figure out how each demonstrated trick was done.  Each trick had a price tag. Norden threw down his credit card, eager to learn and even more eager to master. This fascination didn’t stop in Disneyland though. Once Norden was back from vacation, he became a daily regular in the magic shops.

Magic can be mesmerizing.  Regardless of age, we can’t help but be entertained when someone pulls a quarter out of our ear or produces a colourful scarf from a seemingly empty hat. We have all fallen prey to the 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs' affiliated with the captivation of vanishing acts, escape feats, levitation and being sawed in half.

The allure of magic absorbed Norden. Channeling his inner child, as well as his inner Houdini, Norden began to amaze friends and family at every opportunity. His first show was for his nieces - Uncle Mike took the stage.

It wasn’t long before word of mouth worked its own magic and offers began to filter in, such as birthday parties, Cub Scout meetings and elementary school performances. The book ‘Seriously Silly’ changed his magic life and everything seemed to go up from there. Norden learned the power of packing small, playing big. He learned which tricks worked for which age groups and how one of his best stage props was just to be silly.

His rubber chicken, Rufus, definitely got Norden some media attention and it was through this magical partnership that he caught the attention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.  Connecting with like minded individuals took his magical talent to a whole new level and Norden became club president the following year.  Norden began the Fraser Valley International Brotherhood of Magicians in 2013, with 65 magicians, and is currently the Vice-President.

Norden has been the recipient of the Children’s Entertainer of the Year not once, but thirteen times. Though predominantly known as a children's magician, Norden possesses an artistic talent and a unique sense of humour that proves to keep adults equally as enchanted.  There is no one as humorous, charming, funny and magical, all at the same time.

The last year has been a struggle. The restrictions implemented due to the COVID-19 outbreak have forced limited gatherings and the cancellation of parties and festivals around the world. The art of live magic has almost vanished in a puff of smoke.

A magician’s job is to give the audience the illusion that absolutely nothing is impossible. The pure wonderment of magic works to make your worries disappear. That’s what this talented magician is set on accomplishing.

We can’t let the art of magic become a vanishing act.  To learn more or contact Norden,  visit www.magicshows.ca.

Written by Joanna McBride of McBride Designs.

Gold Bin

7/17/2021

In 1979 Robert Mackovic came to beautiful Mission B.C. to raise a family and establish his first business: The Gold Bin, a jewellery and giftware store. He knew the odds might be stacked against him, but the warmth of the community of Mission gave him reason to dream. Over 40 years later, he is now one of the oldest businesses in downtown Mission.

The customers of Mission have been so loyal and supportive throughout the years, driving the success of The Gold Bin. The business is now selling to the grandchildren of initial customers, referred by their grandparents.

Believing in the power of united small businesses Robert became president of the Downtown Business Association for 4 years, as well as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and various other boards of downtown Mission.

The Gold Bin’s product selection is designed by Mission, refined by the desires of the community over the past 40 years. It is a store like no other, with unique pieces selected to bring a special feeling to their customers.

True to the name, The Gold Bin has traditional gold jewellery, but you will also find Celtic jewellery including Keith Jack’s Celtic jewellery and Petrichor jewellery, precious and semi- precious stone jewellery, sculptures, wall art, centre pieces, hand blown glass, Disney figurines, apparel and accessories such as purses and wallets, umbrellas, mugs, and many other unique finds. As often as possible these products are sourced from BC or Canada. Taking pride in the roots of BC, The Gold Bin also has a very large Indigenous influence, carrying Indigenous jewellery, wall art and centre pieces, as well as Indigenous designs on everything from apparel and accessories to home decor.

From the very beginning The Gold Bin has been a family business. Robert began the business with his wife Kathy, and they raised two daughters, Chelsea and Brie, in the Mission community. On any given day it’s not unusual to find all four family members working together in the store.

Although one daughter went off to university to become a naturopathic doctor, and the other to get a MSc in theoretical quantum physics, the girls have always stayed involved in the business and have a desire to carry on the legacy of The Gold Bin one day.

The Mackovics feel it is a privilege for The Gold Bin to watch the Mission community grow and share in their special occasions!
The Gold Bin. 33221 First Ave., (604) 826-7336 Online Store: thegoldbin.com

This Mission Business Spotlight brought to you by:

Announcing the 2021 Mission Folk Lineup!

7/5/2021

We’re thrilled to announce the roster of artists and groups taking the virtual stage at the 34th Mission Folk Music Festival — Folk at Home.

Join us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, July 23-25, 2021.

This year’s exciting roster includes Canadian music legends, the best of Scottish folk, global sounds, a feisty powerhouse of a singer from PEI, the magic of kora flamenco – and so much more!

There are activities for wee folks and families, an exciting Festival Choir project coming up, and a fabulous new festival store full of cool things to buy.

And it’s all FREE!

Whether you are home or around the campfire, alone or safely hanging with friends, relax, tune in — and Folk at Home with us!

For the full list of 2021 artists and groups announced today – read on:

From left: Devin Cuddy, Jim Cuddy, Sam Polley; Leela Gilday