Coincidences

I had a cool thing happy to me yesterday that reminded me of how interconnected we are.  I was whacking weeds on our front property after I walked Beau in the morning when a couple drove by and asked if I’d seen a fluffy black dog in the neighborhood.  I had not, and so they drove on.  A few minutes later they drove by again on the adjoining road to ours, and then another couple drove by and asked if I’d seen the dog.  Over the next hour and a half I saw the second couple at least 4 more times, and then I saw the first car several times and two other cars looking as well.  The first one had said they had seen the lost dog posted on Facebook, and so I guessed it belonged to the second couple.  I was surprised that so many people were searching for the dog.  I felt for the people too.  I have lost pets in the past, and I know the angst and concern that’s felt when a pet disappears.  I got ready for my afternoon gig and had lunch.  After my gig in the afternoon I got on the road for my evening gig in La Veta, and I got an email notification from the Nextdoor service that I signed up for in my neighborhood that someone had found a black dog on a road a mile south of where we live.  I copied the posting and picture and went to the Pueblo West Lost and Found Pets group on Facebook that I follow, but I couldn’t find anything about a lost fluffy black dog.  The owner must have posted it elsewhere that people picked up and shared.  This was all kind of difficult because the interstate was pretty busy going south from Pueblo yesterday with summer traffic.  But using the text-to-speech function on my phone I was able to post the post from the other service and the picture to the lost pets group, and within a few minutes I got a private message from the woman who lost the dog.  Someone had notified her when they saw my posting.  She gave me her number and got on the road to our house, and I had to tell her that the dog wasn’t at our house, and that I was trying to private message the woman on the other site that the owner had contacted me with her number.  I didn’t hear back from the person who found the dog, so I searched for the name from that post on whitepages.com and got an address I could send the dog owner.  She went to the address, and luckily it was the right person with the dog.  Success!  I called her after she picked up the dog, and she was so happy.  It warmed my heart to be able to bring joy to someone, and it reminded me not only of the coincidences that had to happen for her to get her dog back, but also the fact that our neighborhood that seems pretty spread out and unconnected really is connected.  It’s easy to miss and forget our interconnectedness in a neighborhood and beyond.  I could give you many examples, and I’m sure you could too.  Life is pretty wonderful when we’re open to it and aware of others.

——

What have I been up to?

Last Monday was a beautiful day at the Royal Gorge Bridge playing with Dennis Mills.  We had some nice folks stop by and listen, and the threatening weather never hit us.

Wednesday was a private party in Cuchara along the river with Dennis that was beyond fun!  It’s such a pleasure and honor to get to play for so many wonderful folks.

Thursday was a good group of new and old faces at the Yellow Pine Barbecue.  I can’t say enough about this cool place and sweet folks.

Friday was a party with a bunch of songwriters and friends where we made some mighty fine music.  I don’t do enough of this.

Saturday was opening for Nashville recording artist Anita Cochran at the La Veta Mercantile.  Anita knocked it out of the park, and I didn’t do too bad for my first time opening for someone.

Sunday was another fine party for friends in La Veta that was beyond fun again.  I am so blessed to have come across such great folks in my life and music.

The best part of all these gigs and also my nursing and retirement facilities during a week like this is that I get to do different songs at every place I play.  I’ll bet I played 200 different songs last week for all these gigs.  That is such a pleasure!

——

What am I up to this week?

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 12:30-4:30 I’m playing this week at the Royal Gorge Bridge with Dennis Mills.  We’re having such a good time playing at the Gorge, and I’d love to have you there if you’d like to visit the bridge.  We’re on the big stage on south side of the bridge where they do the big concerts.

Thursday 6:30-8:30 I’m back at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue.  If you’ve never been you’re missing out on a rustic evening of barbecue, friendship, music, campfire, and s’mores.  Call to make a reservation by Tuesday at 719-742-3528.

Saturday 7-8:30 I’m playing another favorite summer gig at I Love Lucy’s RV Park in La Veta.  This is a pass-the-hat concert at the cool little stage they have there.  Bring a lawn chair and a hunger for some fresh popcorn and music.  It’s always a special evening at Lucy’s.  I can’t wait.

Sunday 6-8 I’m playing for the free Summer Party at Cuchara Mountain Park at the resort above Cuchara.  They’re doing activities 12-4 too like nature hikes, duck races, disc golf, and many others, as well as serving hot dogs and ice cream.  It sounds like it’ll be great time.  Come on out if you can!

____

That’s it for this week.  I’m just swimming to stay ahead of the wave in this fun summer.  I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am, and I hope you’re staying aware of those little coincidences that are always there that show our connectedness.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch and Dennis Mills
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge Bridge on the big stage
When: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, June 24, 25 and 28, 12:30-4:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, June 27, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing an outdoor concert
Where:  I Love Lucy's Place RV Park, 226 W. Grand Avenue, La Veta. 719-742-3252
When:  Saturday, June 29, 7:00-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  Cuchara Mountain Park at the base of the old Cuchara Ski Area
When:  Sunday, June 30, 6-8 pm

Be Yourself

I had an interesting thing happen Saturday. Jen and I went down to La Veta to hear Bob Livingston play a concert. Bob is one of the great Texas folk and western players who was part of the scene in the early ‘70’s that many of my favorite players came out of - players like Michael Murphey, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn, and many others. The show was great! Bob is a superb entertainer and writer. Even Murphey came out to hear Bob and sat in and did one song that knocked us out. After the show I wanted to say “Hey!” to both Bob and Michael. I’ve talked to Murph several times before, but I’m never sure he remembers me. I got a chance to talk to Bob, but it was awkward as I was nervous meeting someone I revere. I must have seemed over-anxious because he didn’t talk to me for very long. Murph was talking to other people, so I didn’t get a chance to talk to him. So, of course, I beat myself up for being a doofus, and I realized I forgot why I’m here and who I am for a while. I’m a part of the universe like everyone else - no more and no less. All I have to do is be who I am and share what I have. When I am authentic everything flows. Bob reached out to me the next day and said he hoped we could play together sometime. Maybe I was more authentic than I thought.

——

What have I been up to?

Monday was a perfect day at the Royal Gorge Bridge with Dennis. The weather was amazing, and the summer crowd is building with some really nice folks.

Thursday was the first night for the Yellow Pine Barbecue, and it was a fine one with some good friends - old and new. We had such a good time!

——

What am I up to this week?

Monday 12:30-4:30 I’m back at the Royal Gorge Bridge for my weekly gig with Dennis Mills on the big stage. We’re tightening up our sound and having a really good time. Come on out if you’d like to hear some fun tunes in a beautiful space. The Gorge has some great activities including “Via Terrata” - rock climbing!

Wednesday is a fun private party in Cuchara with Dennis Mills in a beautiful cabin along the river that will be a blast!

Thursday 6:30-8:30 is the Yellow Pine Barbecue for our second week. This is such a good time! The valley is green and beautiful - almost eye-watering - the barbecue is tasty, the vibe is warm and inviting, and my music fills the space. If that sounds good to you, then make a reservation by Tuesday at 719-742-3528. I’d love to see you there!

Friday is a private party for a gal who I did some writing and recording for this winter with some really fine musicians that I’m looking forward to.

Saturday at 7:00 is a big event getting to open at the La Veta Mercantile for Nashville singer Anita Cochran. I’ve never opened for someone before, and to do it for a star like this is a thrill. You can find more about this show at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Live-Music-Venue/La-Veta-Mercantile-557609451272484/. I’d love to have you there!

Sunday is a private party in La Veta for some great friends who even play a little music themselves. They have a beautiful covered party space that is really fun. I’m looking forward to it!

——

That’s it for this week. This will be a crazy fun week, and we’ll see if I make it through to next Monday. Be yourself, and I hope to see you soon.

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch and Dennis Mills
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge Bridge on the big stage
When: Monday, June 17, 12:30-4:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, June 20, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  opening for Anita Cochran
Where:  La Veta Mercantile (The Merc), 300 South Main Street, La Veta 719-742-3387
When:  Saturday, June 22, 7-9 pm

Family

I’m writing today about family. It’s such an interesting concept/institution, and every family is different. Of course, I’m part of my family composed of my siblings and my parents - both deceased for several years. Next I’m part of my wife’s family with her siblings and parents - her mother passed several years ago. Then my wife and I have our own family made of the two of us and our pets. I also consider some of the places I’ve worked and some of the groups I’ve been in as a type of family. The thing that made me want to write about family was my experience of playing for an elderly friend’s birthday party over the weekend with her extended family. The love and care we pour out for each other in a family was on display in a powerful way at the party, and I felt honored to get to be a part of it. One of my favorite explanations of life says that we choose whose lives we will be a part of before we come to this realm. In some religions they believe that we are reincarnated, and that the same people reincarnate with us repeatedly and choose different roles. I find these concepts intriguing, and it makes me appreciate those people in my life even more when I think that we chose together to be a major part of each other’s lives. It’s all a part of the wonder of this life!

——

What have I been up to?

Last Monday was the first day of the summer at the Royal Gorge Bridge which I’m playing with my friend Dennis Mills this summer. We had a great time and are polishing our songs in the great outdoors.

Friday was a good crowd at Bistoro of friends and new folks. I do enjoy the folks at Bistoro.

Sunday was the afore-mentioned party for my friend Blasa where we even had some song-along fun and lots of hugs. Happy Birthday, Blasa!

——

What am I up to this week?

Monday 12:30-4:30 I’m at the Royal Gorge Bridge once again with Dennis Mills. We’re getting to know the stage, and we have a beautifully grassy lawn where folks can enjoy beer and barbecue and relax for a while.

Thursday is the first day of the season at the Yellow Pine Barbecue in Cuchara that runs weekly through August 15th. This is one of my favorite places to play. We set up in the 100-plus-year-old barn with so many good friends, music, and barbecue. I’d love to have you come and experience it with me! If you want to come please make reservations by Tuesday each week at 719-742-3528 as they order food based on the reservations. I can’t wait!

——

That’s it for this week. I’m having a blast and ramping up to full speed. Stay tuned!

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch and Dennis Mills
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge Bridge on the big stage
When: Monday, June 10, 12:30-4:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, June 13, 6:30-8:30 pm

Getting Better All the Time

A Beatles lyric came into my head that made me think twice about my life “getting better all the time.”  I’ve always tried to constantly improve in my life. I’ve always thought that was a worthy goal. I’ve tried to do it in my mental sharpness, my music chops, my songwriting, my relationships, my general health, and my love and caring for the world and those around me. I won’t beat myself up and say I could do better although I always could. Age seems to help some since experience builds wisdom, and wisdom gives the patience and knowledge to better hone in on improvement. Of course, age also has me slipping as my mind and body fail me sometimes. (There are only so many mnemonic devices and bodily reps we can rely on.) Throughout it all there is a love of life that drives this desire to improve that comes from an understanding of my purpose on this earth and the talents I was given to share. We all have this purpose and talents that we bring to this life. Sometimes it’s hard to get enough perspective to see them, but they are there, and the understanding that comes from them will bring peace and harmony with all.

——

What have I been up to?

My first-Sunday online concert last night was great fun! I did a bunch of fun songs for summer and songs I’m working up to play with Dennis Mills at the Royal Gorge Bridge. I even played some electric guitar, which was a thrill.

——

What am I up to this week?

Monday (and every Monday through Labor Day) 12:30-4:30 I’m playing at the Royal Gorge Bridge with my friend Dennis Mills on bass at the big stage on the south side of the Gorge. The first day of the summer to perform at the Gorge is always exciting and challenging. It’s great to see all the folks on vacation and be in the great outdoors. Come on by if you need an outing or are visiting or showing friends and family around the area. In addition, we’ll be there some Tuesdays and Fridays this summer. Check my schedule for the full lineup - http://tommunch.com/calendar.

Friday 6-9 I’m back at Bistoro in Pueblo. Things have been so busy that we haven’t gotten to stop by for lunch to check in on Joette and Pellumb there. I miss them and can’t wait to share their food and ambience. They and their food are the real deal. Come on out if you can. I’d recommend making reservations as the tables often sell out - 719-696-9672.

Sunday I have a private party for good friends that I’m really looking forward to.  I can’t tell you more as there’s a surprise element involved!

——

That’s it for this week. I have a lot of fun dates this summer, and I hope I see you somewhere down the road. Enjoy the summer, and keep on getting better!

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch and Dennis Mills
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge Bridge on the big stage
When: Monday, June 3, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  Bistoro, 109 Central Plaza, Pueblo. 719-696-9672
When:  Friday, June 7, 6-9 pm