Monday, February 26, 2018

Spiritual Mornings

I’m writing from the repair shop this morning as I have regular service done on my vehicle. I normally try to exercise myself and walk our dog Beau in the early morning, but I like getting car service done early so I have the rest of the day ahead of me. Alas, I have pangs of longing as I leave the house without the exercise and walk. I really treasure the early morning as the horizon brightens and then the sun rises. I find it to be a time of renewal and awakening. My body feels light as I get the blood flowing and my lungs working. Then to see the light on the prairie and mountains as the sun creeps down and across them is truly grand. I used to not like the cold of the dawn, but I find that it’s not so bad if I bundle up and get moving. Beau is so joyful and energetic, and he is so attentive to all the sights and smells as we pass chicken coops and bunnies grazing on the grass. Occasionally we hear coyotes in the distance or have one dart across the path before we reach the house with the goat and horse that we greet daily. Sometimes neighbors are out with their dogs in their yards that we chat with and run up and down the fence (that’s mostly Beau and his friends.) But mostly it is a time of solitude and deep thoughts as I feel the earth under my feet and my muscles and bones converting angles and physics to fluid movement. It is truly an inspirational and spiritual time of the day for me that I cherish. How about you? Do you have a time and place in your day that give you spiritual rejuvenation?

What have I been up to?

Saturday was a wonderful time playing for the spaghetti fundraiser at the First Christian Church in Cañon City. I played love songs and tried to spread the spirit of Valentines Day to all the folks. I think we raised some good funding for the community and enjoyed some food and music to boot!

What am I up to this week?

Sunday at 7:00 mountain time is my First-Sunday Online Concert from our living room for March. Being that it’s March you can expect a little Irish music for St. Patrick’s Day. I really love Irish music, and there are so many stunning Irish songs that cannot be denied. I’ll mix in some other songs as well. I’m sure it will go by too quickly, but that’s as it should be - life is short. Please tune if you can - concertwindow.com/tommunch. 

That’s it for this week. I’m spinning my wheels a little bit without my regular places to play. I guess I’d better get on the horn and book a couple other places before summer. I miss playing for you all! I may do a few more online shows to fill in. 

Best,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  online at https://www.concertwindow.com/
When:  Sunday, March 4, 7-8ish pm MST

Monday, February 19, 2018

Gumption

I’ve been thinking about my life’s path and where I’ve gone. As I grow older I weigh things more in my mind than I used to. I don’t always “go for it” like I did when I was younger. Sometimes I think it’s just self doubt - not thinking I’m good enough, but I’ve been around long enough to know my strengths and have confidence in my abilities. Sometimes I think it’s making wise choices where I can see the missteps of my youth - hmmm, am I that wise? Sometimes I think it’s a little depression or weariness - settling my mom’s estate took a lot out of my sharpness and drive. Sometimes I think it’s just age - I have more aches and pains and don’t bounce back or stay awake like I used to be able to. But in the end it probably amounts to gumption - I just don’t have the same drive and hunger I used to have. A quiet night at home with Jen, the pets and a good movie appeals to me more than a drive and the logistics of a gig. Don’t get me wrong, I love making music and being wrapped up in the magic of creating as much as life itself. In fact, I think music makes love and life in many ways, but I’m seeing that there are choices to be made toward other aspects of life sometimes. But money and making a living is also tied up in making music, and so I can’t always not choose to make music. But music burns in me like a living fire, and so I’m always ready to jump in the musical river when I come to it. (I just need to live on the river, I guess.) Interesting thread of thought, huh? Let’s see where it leads me.

What have I been up to?

The Arts Center reception a couple Fridays ago was great fun with lots of friends and some fantastic art. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 My first-Sunday online concert was lots of fun too. I did more cowboy songs than usual because I had recently done a couple cowboy shows and had those songs on my mind.

Now you may have wondered why I didn’t play Neon Alley Bistro or PDubs this month. Well, the Bistro had their building rented out from under them and so are moving to a new location in Central Plaza. They hope to be open in March. PDubs wanted to take a month or so off for some changes. I don’t mind the nights off, especially during the Olympics, just so long as we can pay the bills - which we can.

What am I up to this week?

Saturday 11-2 I’m playing for the annual Valentines spaghetti fundraising dinner at First Christian Church in Cañon City. It’s open to the public, and I’d love to see you. It’s for a good cause, and it’s another good thing to do for the community. Adults get in for $6.00, and children 12 and under get in for $3.00. All proceeds go to local non-profit.

That’s it for this week. Be good to each other and loving toward everyone.

Best,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  singing and playing a Valentine’s spaghetti dinner fundraiser
When:  Saturday, Feb 24, 11 am - 2 pm
Where:  First Christian Church, 320 N 16th St, Cañon City 719-275-9644