Comfort Food

I’m standing here writing you while I eat a “comfort food” lunch of pinto beans and green chiles.  I have lots of comfort foods and lots of times and reasons I eat them.  My main comfort foods are popcorn, chips and salsa, black licorice, chocolate, and milk.  I eat one or more of them sometimes after a gig, or when I’m having a bad day, or when I want to feel that everything is right with the world, or even when I just want a little special treat.  Most of these are things I have eaten my whole life, so they may even remind me of childhood or special moments throughout my life when I ate them and was around friends and family.  Why do I feel I need these?  They just make me feel “on center” - which is a good place to approach anything that’s next on my plate.  I don’t have them every day, in fact I only have some of them once a month or less.  But I think they are an important touchstone to remind me that life is good, and that being happy and fulfilled is worthwhile.  So how about you?  Do you have certain comfort foods that you turn to?

Okay, I’m done with lunch.  What were the highlights last week?

Friday night I got rained out of the patio at the La Veta Inn.  I brought an umbrella and set up on the patio - only to have it start raining just as I was starting to play.  I waited a few minutes and hoped it would stop, but alas it didn’t, and I had to pack up my wet gear and set up inside.  But I had a great group of folks come out to hear me, and I played some oddball sets of mixed music that hit just about every style you can imagine.  It was fun!

Saturday night I had the private party I told you about last week in the Springs.  The weather was beautiful, and the recently-finished back yard patio and deck was amazing for the fine people I got to sing for AND with under the stars.  I can honestly say that I’ve never played for a more appreciative and engaging group.  It was a blast!

Sunday Jen and I drove up to Westcliffe to hear my good friends the Rifters (Don Richmond, Rod Taylor, and Jim Bradley) play at the Feedstore Park for an afternoon concert that was picture-perfect.  They never cease to amaze me with their fine spirit, good humor, and easy-going style.  I wish you all could have been there.  I even snuck up on stage to play a couple with them.  Always great to see those guys!

Great week!

So what’s up for this week?

Friday I’m back at the La Veta Inn to see if the weather gods will allow one more special evening on the patio.  It looks like we’ll continue these Friday evenings for at least a couple more weeks.  Come on down if you can.

Saturday I have another private event that I can’t tell you too much about because it’s a surprise for someone special, but if you happen to be anywhere near the Nature Center in Pueblo you may hear my voice drift up out of the trees and the rolling waters for a couple songs.  That’s all I can say.  I’m excited!

That’s all for this week.  I hope to see you out and about!

Tom

Details:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 29, 6-9 pm

Write It Down

As I grow older I’m amazed at how my mind and habits change over time.  I’ve always delighted in pushing myself to new boundaries both mentally and physically.  I used to intentionally switch methods of doing things in my routine just for the mental stimulation.  This extended from the habitual way I used my computer or devices to the way I brushed my teeth and did other routine daily activities.  We make mental maps and lists of the way we do things, and these are important to our thought processes and our organization.  I think I may have done this too many times though in my life, because I notice now that it’s pretty easy for me to confuse myself with a change.  I even find that I have a harder time remembering things.  I know this is common as we age, and so I’ve taken to writing everything down that is important.  It’s easier with today’s tools - smartphones for example where you can write a quick memo or even record one.  But even if you just carry a small pad of paper and a pen you can capture all the fleeting important thoughts that cross your mind - things you need to get done and important names and places.  I sometimes think that I use these tools too much, and that depending on these tools has reduced my ability to remember.  That may be so, but it also frees my mind to be creative and spontaneous when I don’t try to hold onto these fleeting thoughts and todos.  So how about you?  Do you depend on writing things down or are you able to hold it all in your brain?

So what were the highlights last week?

The final Yellow Pine barbecue of the season Thursday was a really nice evening. We went long with a little sadness over closing the season, but it was warm and inviting. Friday night at the La Veta Inn was also wonderful - starting on the patio with a full house and ending up inside after a light rain chased us in. The energy of the rain spurred me to play some rock 'n' roll and let my hair down a little bit. It was fun! Saturday night's wedding was an unexpected treat. The couple were an accomplished and delightful duo from Brooklyn, New York. I'll be surprised if they don't go far.

And what's up this week?

Friday I'm back at the La Veta Inn 6-9 or as long as I last. I had thought we might not go through August, but last week was such a good crowd that we're going to give it a shot. Come on out if you're in the area!

Saturday night I have a private party in the Springs that should be a lot of fun! I'm sorry I can't invite you all.

So the season is winding down and I only have those two gigs to tell you about this week. Take care of yourselves and enjoy life.

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 22, 6-9 pm

My Cat Understands

I've been writing about pretty heady subjects of late. I guess I’m trying to be wise and learn from all the reading and living I’ve been doing. Funny thing is, my cat seems to have more wisdom than I do sometimes - especially in the morning. She waits until she knows I’m rushing to get something done, and then she comes to me for affection. I usually try to pick her up and cuddle her for a while, and of course this has a wonderful calming and loving effect on both of us. It also reminds me that there are more important things in life - giving and receiving love and caring. The most interesting thing she shows me is when I’m not totally present there for her. She gets annoyed and will bite me. At first I thought she was wanting to play or was being mean, but I more realize that she is actually teaching me to be in the moment and to let other things go. When I do that and talk to her, then she doesn’t bite or get annoyed by me.  Now I suppose I could see this as a cat being selfish, but I don’t think so. I think that she is more in touch with the meaning of living here on earth - wanting to enjoy each moment and putting the passion in everything that life is really about. So I say, “Thank you.” to her, and I hope you get these moments, however brief, in your life to enjoy.

What were the highlights from last week?

I had a wonderful night Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue - again seeing old friends and making new ones.  It’s always so magical there. I only have one week left unless we decide to add one more, so each week is more precious as the season ends. Then Saturday and Sunday I played Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista to some of the best audiences I’ve ever had. It’s always beautiful there in the park by the lake and the waterfall, and the days couldn’t have been more perfect!

So what’s up this week?

Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the last barbecue of the season for the Yellow Pine (unless we decide to add just one more next week stay tuned.) I’ve had a great summer at the Yellow Pine, and every week is a gift of great memories. If you’d like to come, then call before noon Tuesday - 719-742-3528.

Friday I'm at the La Veta Inn 6-9 - hopefully on the patio.  The season is winding down for the summer at the Inn as well, but I hope to have at least one or two more great Fridays there, and I’d love to have you in my audience if you can make it.

Saturday I have a wedding in Pueblo West.  It’s funny, I hadn’t played a wedding in several years until this summer, and now I’ve played almost a half dozen.  This one is at a house and looks to be a beautiful event.  I’m looking forward to it!

So that’s it for this week.  Be good to each other, and I hope to see you out and about.

Tom

Details for the week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, August 14, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, August 15, 6-9 pm

What Are We Here For?

I've been thinking a lot about life (as always), and I've been doing a lot of reading about different understandings of our purpose on earth. I know that's a pretty big topic, but it breaks down to very practical ways of approaching every day. I don't know if most of us think of this much as we live from day to day, but I find that it helps me see the bigger picture and gives me peace of mind that really helps. One of the books I have been reading and re-reading this year has been Anita Moorjani's near-death-experience story called "Dying to Be Me."  I have read other books like this, but in her book she has some very practical reflections on daily life. Some of you may have doubts about these experiences, but I am willing to entertain these ideas, and at the very least the people who have these experiences are able to look at the world with a fresh perspective. Anita has an interesting way to look at our time here on earth. She says that our time on earth is the "big show" where we beings want to be, and that the reason we chose to be in our bodies here on earth was to live our lives fearlessly with the passion and emotion that we can only experience in this body. I know that kind of talk sounds a little "sci-fi", but it puts a new spin on our time on earth - instead of slogging through this life trying to make the best of of an inherently sinful and evil situation, we are here to love and dance and sing and passionately pursue joy and meaning in our chosen field and relationships. I like that. It makes sense to me, and that is how I think of life. And it fits into my daily life. If I'm starting the day in fear of something I need to do or feeling like I can't plug myself passionately into whatever I need to do, then I either adjust my attitude towards my tasks with a look at the big picture of how it fits into the world or else I change my plans. This doesn't always make my tasks passionate and fearless, but it helps me remember that I am striving towards this goal.

So how about it? Does this ring true for you?

What were my highlights from last week?

Thursday the Yellow Pine cancelled the barbecue due to a conflict. Friday at the La Veta Inn it was chilly and threatening rain, so I played inside. I had some really nice folks out for the evening. Saturday I had a wonderful evening playing the concert and sing-along in Cuchara I wrote you about. It turned out to be very enjoyable, and the people were wonderful. I may have to do another sing-along soon. Sunday was a relaxed evening at 8 Mile Bar and Grill where I got to reconnect with a friend from high school who was in Colorado on vacation. I was in the mood to play some songs from high school, so I fired up the '70's and had a good time reconnecting. Had some history buffs start up a good conversation about Zeb Pike.

So what's up this week?

Thursday I'm back at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue 6:30-8:30. There will be some returning guests that I'm looking forward to catching up with. If you’d like to come, call 719-742-3528 fro a reservation.

Saturday and Sunday I return to Buena Vista for Gold Rush Days 11:00-3:00 each day. I've been playing for this event for 15 years, and I have such great respect for the people of this rugged mountain town. A lot of folks come from Denver and Colorado Springs for the day, and I've made friends with several of the vendors selling their crafts and yummy treats. If you feel like making a drive into the mountains this weekend, please come out to Buena Vista and cheer me on!  I’ll be at the south end of McPhelemy Park at the main light in town with my little white EZUp tent.

That’s it for this week!

Tom

Details:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, August 7, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at Gold Rush Days
Where:  Buena Vista at McPhelemey Park (on the west side of the highway in the center of town)
When:  Saturday & Sunday, August 9 and 10, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm