I always try to be upbeat and positive in my weekly missives, but the truth is that I struggle sometimes to be in a good frame of mind, and I also struggle to come up with good things to write. I like to practice being loving and joyful, but this year has been a bit rough at times, and sometimes I just long to relax and zone out. So I usually write this paragraph of my blog last as I come up with what to write in a proper state of mind. Funny thing, as I write what I've been up to and where I'm headed I realize how lucky I am - doing what I do and where I do - I find that my attitude changes and I discover new energy and joy. It doesn't mean that I won't have low points in my day where everything catches up with me, but it does mean that I know where I'm bound and what I'm here for, and those worries can be dealt with or left behind. I'm here for joy and love and to experience this life to the fullest!
And this week I’m trying to do something to counter the ill-feelings in the world. Each day I’m trying to do two acts of kindness - one to someone else and one to myself. These are outside my normal routine where I try to be kind to people and myself. Just open a door or let someone go first in a way that expresses kindness, and take yourself to a movie or do something special for yourself. I think it’s a worthy way to try and improve the world. Will you try it with me?
What I have been up to?
Last week was great - so many kind people and sweet places to play.
Thursday was the Yellow Pine, and we went late playing all kinds of songs and sharing stories. There are such fine people there.
Friday I picked up a last-minute wedding rehearsal dinner for the couple I played the wedding for on Saturday. It was so clever with a sweets theme with all kinds of candy treats, custom popcorn, and fish fortunes. It was a blast!
Saturday I played at Francisco Fort in La Veta for Francisco Fort Day, and it turned into a couple hours of historical songs. I was totally open for whatever happened, and that's what the crowd wanted, so I played old songs and told anecdotes about where the songs came from and who wrote them. I love doing that!
Saturday was also the aforementioned wedding in Cuchara. It was a beautiful and fun service in the chapel with smiling children, teary adults, and lots of love. Congrats, Nadia and Rob!
What's up this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30 in Cuchara again. I always say how much I love playing this gig, but you have to be there to appreciate it. The old barn and the barbecue is amazing. There's even a great small floor for kicking up your heels if you fell so inclined. If you'd like to be there, call 719-742-3528 to make a reservation by Tuesday evening.
Friday I have a private backyard party for the mother of the bride from last week's wedding that I'm playing with a couple folks from La Veta - Dennis Mills and Trudy Price. This should be great fun. I wish I could invite you all!
Saturday I have a private party for Target warehouse in Pueblo. These are great folks and friends I've gotten to work with and play for in the past, including the folks who volunteer to help with the Senior Safari at the Pueblo Zoo each year from Target. I'm looking forward to it!
That's it for now. Hope you all have a good week!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 28, 6:30-8:30 pm
Monday, July 25, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
So Simple - You Reap What You Sow
I had a very simple epiphany this morning. In life as in gardening you get what you plant - you reap what you sow. This didn’t come to me as I was gardening (bad year for a garden here with hoppers), but it came to me nonetheless. When I look at how to approach my day and my life, I realize how important it is to put love and joy out into the world if I want them to be part of my life. This is something I have to work at - I still get out of kilter like everyone else, but I see such beauty and so much reason to be joyful and loving. I look at some of the problem areas in the world, and they are usually a result of putting discord and bad feelings out into the world. Will Rogers once said, “When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.” That’s good advice and directly in line with reaping what you sow. So put out what you want to get back, my friends, and remember to look back at what you planted if you don’t get what you were hoping for.
What happened last week?
Thursday the Yellow Pine was one of the best nights ever - lots of good folks and good energy flowing.
Friday was alternately a hot and windy day at the Royal Gorge Bridge playing with the Atomic Fireballs, but we had great fun.
Saturday was as crazy as ever playing for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance with the Atomic Fireballs, or Midnight Rain as we’ve always gone by for that gig.
The week also saw the wrap-up of the shows for the rafting scouts for the season. I met some mighty fine boys and adult leaders this year.
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30 once again, and I know it’ll be as sweet a group as ever. I’d love to have you there if you’d like to come. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations by Tuesday evening. It fills up fast!
Saturday 12-2 I’m playing for Francisco Fort Day in La Veta. I haven’t played this event in a couple years, and I love getting a chance to play some more historical songs mixed in with my regular fare, so this promises to be a special event. It’s in the patio next to the big cottonwood planted in 1878, so I’m in good company!
Saturday evening I’m playing a wedding in Cuchara for old and new friends. Congrats, you two! It’s going to go great.
That’s all for now. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and that you have much joy and love in your life.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 21, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Fort Francisco Day
Where: Fort Francisco, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, July 23, 12-2 pm
What happened last week?
Thursday the Yellow Pine was one of the best nights ever - lots of good folks and good energy flowing.
Friday was alternately a hot and windy day at the Royal Gorge Bridge playing with the Atomic Fireballs, but we had great fun.
Saturday was as crazy as ever playing for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance with the Atomic Fireballs, or Midnight Rain as we’ve always gone by for that gig.
The week also saw the wrap-up of the shows for the rafting scouts for the season. I met some mighty fine boys and adult leaders this year.
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30 once again, and I know it’ll be as sweet a group as ever. I’d love to have you there if you’d like to come. Call 719-742-3528 for reservations by Tuesday evening. It fills up fast!
Saturday 12-2 I’m playing for Francisco Fort Day in La Veta. I haven’t played this event in a couple years, and I love getting a chance to play some more historical songs mixed in with my regular fare, so this promises to be a special event. It’s in the patio next to the big cottonwood planted in 1878, so I’m in good company!
Saturday evening I’m playing a wedding in Cuchara for old and new friends. Congrats, you two! It’s going to go great.
That’s all for now. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and that you have much joy and love in your life.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 21, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for Fort Francisco Day
Where: Fort Francisco, 306 S. Main, La Veta. 719-742-5501
When: Saturday, July 23, 12-2 pm
Monday, July 11, 2016
“When” and “If” to Retire
My mind has been on retirement this past week. First, I had a conversation with a good friend from Bose about his retirement. Then I had my friend JoAnn from the Yellow Pine announce her retirement. I have always said that I would work until I dropped or couldn't play anymore - figuring music was something I could do well into my twilight years. I still feel that way and have no plans to retire, but I still found myself exploring the thought as my friends told me about what they were doing and looking forward to. There is always that idea that you have things you'd like to do that you will eventually be too old and decrepit to do, and if you retire before that time maybe you can do them more fully and with gusto. The worry that you'll use up your money or have a debilitating illness that will leave you with no money is also a thought, so maybe you should enjoy your health and savings while you have them both? It also occurs to me that we should do the things we want to do during our healthy years or maybe make a career out of those. I've kind of done that with my music, but there are always other things I'd like to do in addition. Anyway, it's was an interesting place to dwell in for a time - the thoughts about what I'd do if I retired and how I could live my life differently in the present to feel more fulfilled. How about you?
What happened last week?
Last week was a whirlwind - especially Friday when I had five, count 'em, five gigs.
Tuesday was a windy but fun day playing with the Atomic Fireballs at the Royal Gorge Bridge. Everything just flowed as the heat zapped our energy by the end of the day.
Thursday was a fine evening at the Yellow Pine where JoAnn announced her retirement - Congrats, JoAnn! She will leave at the end of the season.
Friday I had three nursing and Alzheimer gigs followed by playing for rafting scouts and then a private backyard party. Whew! What a crazy day of running that was.
Saturday was my annual concert at Philmont Scout Ranch which was wonderful!
Sunday was another show for rafting scouts. It was a stellar group.
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is another evening at the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30. Each week seems more fun than the last with good friends galore. If you'd like to be a part of it, then make your reservation by Tuesday evening - 719-742-3528.
Friday I'm back at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs 12:30-4:30. I'm sure it will be a great afternoon!
Then also Friday I play for another group of rafting scouts at the Royal Gorge after I'm done with the band. (I'm also playing for the scouts Monday and Wednesday.)
Saturday I'm playing 9-1 with the Atomic Fireballs for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance after the rodeo wraps up. This is always the wildest night of the year, and if you love to dance western or watch drunk cowboys try to dance, then this is the place for you!
That's it for now. I hope your summer is going well - even with all the hot weather, angst, and unrest in the air. Love and laughter is always the answer.
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Friday, July 15, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch & the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance
Where: Westcliffe Rodeo Grounds (north of town)
When: Saturday, July 16, 9 pm - 1 am
What happened last week?
Last week was a whirlwind - especially Friday when I had five, count 'em, five gigs.
Tuesday was a windy but fun day playing with the Atomic Fireballs at the Royal Gorge Bridge. Everything just flowed as the heat zapped our energy by the end of the day.
Thursday was a fine evening at the Yellow Pine where JoAnn announced her retirement - Congrats, JoAnn! She will leave at the end of the season.
Friday I had three nursing and Alzheimer gigs followed by playing for rafting scouts and then a private backyard party. Whew! What a crazy day of running that was.
Saturday was my annual concert at Philmont Scout Ranch which was wonderful!
Sunday was another show for rafting scouts. It was a stellar group.
What am I up to this week?
Thursday is another evening at the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8:30. Each week seems more fun than the last with good friends galore. If you'd like to be a part of it, then make your reservation by Tuesday evening - 719-742-3528.
Friday I'm back at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs 12:30-4:30. I'm sure it will be a great afternoon!
Then also Friday I play for another group of rafting scouts at the Royal Gorge after I'm done with the band. (I'm also playing for the scouts Monday and Wednesday.)
Saturday I'm playing 9-1 with the Atomic Fireballs for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance after the rodeo wraps up. This is always the wildest night of the year, and if you love to dance western or watch drunk cowboys try to dance, then this is the place for you!
That's it for now. I hope your summer is going well - even with all the hot weather, angst, and unrest in the air. Love and laughter is always the answer.
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Friday, July 15, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch & the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo dance
Where: Westcliffe Rodeo Grounds (north of town)
When: Saturday, July 16, 9 pm - 1 am
Monday, July 4, 2016
Longing for the Wild Places
It’s the time of year when my heart turns to the mountains and I long for the wild places. I spent so many years in my youth hiking and exploring in the peaks, and I’m always so busy with gigs in the summer that I don’t get time for more than brief dalliances with them. There’s just a grandeur and majesty that really speak to me and it reminds me of how wonderful the universe is. My mind goes to all those John Muir and Thoreau quotes. It’s a great recharger of peace and meaning in life. I’m playing at Philmont in New Mexico this Saturday, and I’ll get a little shot that I’ll thoroughly enjoy. I’m going to journey to the Wild Lands!
What have I been up to?
Last week was another whirlwind although I thought it would be a little easier.
Monday and Wednesday I did shows for the rafting Scouts which were very worthwhile.
Thursday was a large group of folks at the Yellow Pine.
Saturday was an even bigger group at the park in La Veta that was a blast, and then I also played a retirement party for dear friends with the La Veta band that was great fun.
Sunday was Jelly Jam in La Veta that really kicked with lots of guest singers and players.
What am I up to this week?
Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m playing at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs on the south side of the bridge. I haven’t played with the Atomic Fireballs in quite a while, and I always enjoy seeing the guys and playing - especially at the Gorge.
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue in Cuchara, and I’m looking forward to so many friends and new acquaintances. Plus the food is SO good. Call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Friday I’m playing for rafting Scouts and then a private party in Pueblo that should be a lot of fun.
Saturday I’m playing for Philmont Scout Ranch again during the staff reunion in New Mexico. This outdoor concert is one of the highlights of my year each year, and this one will be especially poignant since last year’s concert was the last time I saw my mom before her stroke.
Sunday I’m playing for a group of rafting Scouts again. This is very rewarding work.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe and laugh much! Oh, and Happy Independence Day!
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Tuesday, July 5, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch
Where: Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM
When: Saturday, July 9, 8:00-10:00 pm
What have I been up to?
Last week was another whirlwind although I thought it would be a little easier.
Monday and Wednesday I did shows for the rafting Scouts which were very worthwhile.
Thursday was a large group of folks at the Yellow Pine.
Saturday was an even bigger group at the park in La Veta that was a blast, and then I also played a retirement party for dear friends with the La Veta band that was great fun.
Sunday was Jelly Jam in La Veta that really kicked with lots of guest singers and players.
What am I up to this week?
Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m playing at the Royal Gorge Bridge with the Atomic Fireballs on the south side of the bridge. I haven’t played with the Atomic Fireballs in quite a while, and I always enjoy seeing the guys and playing - especially at the Gorge.
Thursday is the Yellow Pine barbecue in Cuchara, and I’m looking forward to so many friends and new acquaintances. Plus the food is SO good. Call 719-742-3528 by Tuesday evening for reservations.
Friday I’m playing for rafting Scouts and then a private party in Pueblo that should be a lot of fun.
Saturday I’m playing for Philmont Scout Ranch again during the staff reunion in New Mexico. This outdoor concert is one of the highlights of my year each year, and this one will be especially poignant since last year’s concert was the last time I saw my mom before her stroke.
Sunday I’m playing for a group of rafting Scouts again. This is very rewarding work.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe and laugh much! Oh, and Happy Independence Day!
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch and the Atomic Fireballs
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge
When: Tuesday, July 5, 12:30 am-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert at Philmont Scout Ranch
Where: Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM
When: Saturday, July 9, 8:00-10:00 pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)