Getting to Know New People

As you know I am endlessly fascinated by so many things in life, and this week I want to write about the interaction that happens with new people.  Jen and I got to spend time with our niece and her boyfriend this weekend, and talking with her and her boyfriend, whom we had never met before, was very cool.  There is such a give and take and even a dance that happens as you Q and A with someone you're just meeting.  It's a privilege and even a challenge to find out more about a person and how they think.  I'm reminded of the song from "The King and I,” which I was in a production of in high school, called “Getting to Know You."  What are the words?  "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you.  Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me.  Getting to know you, putting it my way, but nicely.  You are precisely my cup of tea.  Getting to know you, getting to feel free and easy.  When I am with you, getting to know what to say.  Haven't you noticed, suddenly I'm bright and breezy?  Because of all the beautiful and new things I'm learning about you day by day."  I think deep down we understand how we are all related, and getting to know what someone else is experiencing in this life helps us feel not only our kinship but also our rudder's position on our journey.  This life is such an adventure and a playground of emotion and experience, and getting to know people is such a worthwhile part of it.  Don't you think?

What have I been up to?

I have to admit that the first week of my summer season knocked me on my butt.  I hit the ground running and instantly started trying to catch up with myself.  I'm coming alongside myself now, but I'll be taking deep breaths and pacing myself as I go along. I'm going to have to replace my car because it's not keeping up with the schedule, and I'm going to need a little TLC to my feet and hands, but it'll all come toegether.

Monday and Tuesday were a blast at the Royal Gorge Bridge.  I was instantly reminded of why I've always loved playing up there.  It's such a beautiful and inspiring thing to play on the edge of such a splendid canyon for such wonderful folks as those who stop by.

Wednesday I picked up a concert playing with my friend Ken Bausano at the State Fair grounds in Pueblo.  He was there for an RV convention and put together a group of wonderful folks to play for.

Thursday was old home week right off the bat with the regulars at the Yellow Pine.  I love playing for these folks so much, and it was easy to fall right in with them and have a good time.

What's up this week?

Monday and Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I'm back at the Royal Gorge Bridge, and Tuesday I'll be on the north side on the Visitor Deck.  I can't wait!

Tuesday night I have a prvate birthday party at Navajo Ranch near La Veta that should be fun.

Thursday I'm back at the Yellow Pine 6:30-8:30 for the barbecue.  We could have handled more people last week, but not everybody called by Tuesday to make reservations so we could order enough food.  If you want to come please call by Tuesday.  I'd love to have you there at the rustic barn for some great barbecue, music, and camaraderie.

Friday night and Saturday night 7-10 I'm at the Red River Brewing Company in Red River, New Mexico.  My friend Tim Collver set these gigs up for me, and he'll be sitting in both nights with me.  It should be great fun!

Saturday over lunch 11-1 I'll be at the top of the ski resort in Red River for their "Concerts on Top" concert series.  I did one of these a few years back, and I really enjoyed it.  It's a beautiful location with good food and great folks.

Anything new?

I just picked up a gig playing in Cimarron Canyon just below Eagle Nest Lake Dam for the Cimarron River Dance and BBQ.  This is sometimes now as the Dam party in the Dam meadow.  I've wanted to see this place ever since some friends got married many years ago here, and I'm thrilled to have my good freind Don Richmond sitting in for this gig.  (He's the one who got me the gig!)  If you're interested visit thesolitaryangler.com for tickets and information.  It should be a heck of a party.

My Boy Scout gigs may change with the altered schedule at Philmont Scout Ranch with the fire that raged down there.  Stay tuned.

I guess that's all that's new for now.  Check my full schedule at tommunch.com/calendar.

I'll sign off for this week.  Take care of yourself, and enjoy each other - especially new folks and new faces.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just off the bridge and at the north side Visitor Deck
When: Monday and Tuesday, June 11 and 12, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

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

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing with Tim Collver
Where:  Red River Brewing Company, Red River, New Mexico 575-754-4422
When:  Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16, 7-10 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  Concerts on Top at Red River Ski Area
When:  Saturday, June 16, 11 am - 1 pm