Mall Cops and Magic Props

I am a shy and insecure person at heart. Most people who know of me would deny that assertion, but it is true. Being a melancholy temperament puts me at a disadvantage for success, being noticed, and making necessary connections in life. So, several of my mentors taught me to find ways to express myself through my passions. I’ve been doing that since I was a young boy.

One of my most beloved hobbies is magic. Yes, magic tricks, illusions, or what I coined back in the ’90s, the “Magic Arts.” I’ve done a lot of things in an attempt to connect with other people and humor and illusions have made some of the broadest connections. For years I had a few abnormal gimmicks that I used in my impromptu magic shows or for kids’ classes and camps. One of which was the Magic Master’s Spring Animal, Rocky the Racoon. In the summer of 1988, I had the privilege of learning how to manipulate this animal from one of the founders of the company, Mike Abston. I immediately fell in love with the idea of this little animal and its possibilities.

Rocky the Raccoon is a ‘spring’ animal made from genuine rabbit fur and a raccoon tail. He has felt ears and black button eyes. I coined the adjective, “My pet Brazilian Racoon, Rocky.” It looks artificial and real at the same time, but when it is manipulated, it’s impossible to deny that there is life in this creature. I have had so much fun showing Rocky to thousands over the years.

In college, I traveled with a singing group for a couple of years and I would find myself in large circles of peers feeling very out of place. I honestly loved to just sit quietly by myself, but it never failed that a well-intended person or trio would approach and strike up a conversation. On one such trip, we ended up performing in a mall somewhere in Tenessee. I had Rocky tucked neatly in the sleeve of my jacket. As we were preparing for our performance time, we had several hours of just leisure and before I realized it, I was walking around the mall, approaching small groups, and sharing this wild raccoon with anyone who would stand still. After about 40 minutes, word began to spread.

Now, I was being pursued across this huge complex. Groups of people, teens, young adults, and concerned “grown-ups” would say, “Hey are you the guy with the live animal?” I would oblige. By the end of the first hour, I had a small circle of about 60 people watching intently as I would interchange basic walkaround effects with the occasional peek of this mysterious Brazilian raccoon. Finally, I demonstrated an entire routine with Rocky, making him run up my arms, around my neck, and even showcasing his ability to do tricks, and play dead. (This would show that he had no legs and created a deeper suspicion that this stupid thing is not real.)

As the audience would make up their mind that this thing indeed was a puppet, while also being entertained, the grand finale was simple. I thought, “I’ll just hurl this critter into the crowd as if he got away!” So, that is exactly what I did. Screams erupted, girls ran and fell, and people spilled their drinks and dropped their bags, it was a good 15 seconds of pure comedic chaos! The majority of the group rolled into laughter, holding their sides as this inanimate tube of a creature lay lifeless on the floor. I picked Rocky up, had him scurry up my arm, run into my jacket and vanish!

Within a few seconds, the tone changed. Security guards walked up along with other men in suits carrying walkie-talkies with grave looks on their faces. “Young man, you cannot have live animals in the mall. You are disrupting our business.” Happily, I revealed Rocky to the men, apologized, and then promised I would make no more trouble. The warning that I would be banned from the property rang throughout.

Well, our performing group went on, we did our tunes, and we had a great afternoon. And all throughout the day people would come up to me and say, “Hey, you’re the guy with that magic raccoon!” A moniker that I have not desired to keep.

My life is full of stories like this, where, in the attempt to entertain, outside of my personality, I have caused a bit of a stir, mostly to the enjoyment of the masses. While I do not like attention, I do love to see people smile, laugh, and enjoy life. I think it is my biggest drive in life.

What silly antic or interest has gotten attention? Have you had any times where your passions have gathered a crowd or even nearly gotten you in trouble? Our lives are not boring, but because we are unique, our stories are all one of a kind! And believe it, people do want to hear about them!

Why don’t you share one with me?