The magical part— Synchronicity—
See Roger Cohen in this journal on January 15, 2009 and, on the
same date, Jesse Jarnow on Bob Dylan in The Jewish Daily Forward .
The realism part— Cohen's "smart power" and IQ tests involving pattern blocks.
The above quilt pattern software (both versions) is by Jarnow's father Al.
For a realistic approach to such patterns, see Blockheads in this journal.