“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”
-Andy Rooney

To my Christian friends: A very Merry Christmas.
To Pagan friends: Happy Yule & belated Solstice.
To Jewish friends: Hope Hanukkah was wonderful & you enjoyed Chinese food & movie week.
To Atheist friends who celebrate: Happy Holidays.
To Skeptic friends who don’t: Have a great weekend.
To those who enjoy Kwanzaa: I honor your African heritage & culture.
To everyone else, have a fantastic week!

For more winter holidays and festivals celebrated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims & others please read the list of winter festivals.

December is almost over, gifts have been given and New Years is on its way. Opportunities for change and self reflection always make me happy. Why? -Because they bring new challenges, new perspectives and new opportunities.

This season also tends to make me reflective and reminiscent of childhood, and I find myself filled with enthusiasm to build plans for the New Year. However, the hardest part is always in keeping the energy up to stick with them.

If gray skies are making it hard to focus on your future and you suffer from the holiday blues, perhaps you should try my short term personal cure concoction: 1 Ginkgo-biloba, 1 Vitamin D, 1 B-12, 1 Hershey’s chocolate bar, 1 can of Coca-Cola, a banana & an apple. It’s guaranteed to make you feel better 60 minutes later. Enjoy!

Now back to the resolutions.

63% of people say that they are still keeping their resolutions after two months. (Let’s be like them)

67% of people make three or more resolutions (Perhaps too many to effectively keep all at once. 1 or 2 may be best)

Top four resolutions:

1. Increase exercise
2. Be more conscientious about work/school
3. Develop better eating habits
4. Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs
   

People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.

The New Year is upon us. We must seize the opportunities to begin again more intelligently. 2011 is on the horizon and filled to overflowing with new chances and a new start. It is time to decide to actively pursue our dreams, forgive ourselves for past mistakes and take action to build the future we have always dreamed of.

“If you are not actively pursuing your dreams, you are passively empowering your limitations!”
- John Ramsey

I am so very proud to be your friend. Let’s step together into 2011 brimming with enthusiasm.

Your friend,
-Paul Draper
paul@mentalmysteries.com
801-541-2976

Websites:
Mental Mysteries
Mental Mystery (agent friendly site)

“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life.”
-Edward B. Butler (Author & Neurologist)

Cruise Ship: Holland America
Caribbean
December 3-13

Wonderground
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 15

Charity Event
Billings, Montana
December 18

Hollywood Magic Castle
Hollywood, CA
December 27 - January 2

CES
Las Vegas, NV
January 6-9

Utah Theatre Association Conference
St. George, Utah
January 20-22

Medical Trade Show
Las Vegas, NV
January 26-28

Wonderground
Las Vegas, NV
February 17

Charity Event for the Inclusion Center
Salt Lake City, UT
February 19

World Magic Seminar
Las Vegas, NV
February 27 - March 3

Medical Conference Keynote Speaker
Orlando, Florida
March 4

Crazy Cube Illusion

"Illusion is the first of all pleasures."
-Voltaire

This is a wonderful visual illusion that can be created harmlessly in your home with a roll of blue paper painter's tape and a ruler. This would be a fun family project for over the holiday break. I am going to build one in my living room.

If you put one up in your home, send me a link to the photo or video and I will post in my next newsletter.

New Years at the World Famous Magic Castle

I will be returning to Southern California December 27th - January 2nd to perform 21 shows at Hollywood's World Famous Magic Castle.

This month's performances will be held in the prestigious Close Up Gallery. Only 22 seats available per show. Please show up at least 30 – 45 minutes before show time to guarantee a seat.

Visit the Magic Castle website for more information.

The Magic Castle is a private club for members. I will have a certain number of guest passes available for each night and would love to see you in the audience. Please let me know soon if you plan to attend.

Photo by Najee Williams