OVERSLEPT!

I overslept and almost missed the sunrise this morning! I haven’t done that even when I got to bed at 1:00 am for several years. Even Beau didn’t wake me. It was still 15 minutes before the sunrise, so I headed out the back door in my robe to see what was happening. There was a little color and many glorious light-catching clouds all around, and I knew I’d missed something wonderful. I rushed to get dressed and get outside. The clouds were occluding the light in interesting ways, and I still saw some marvelous light and color. And I still got some beautiful pictures, so I didn’t miss as much as I thought. But what’s more important is what it meant to me to oversleep. I’m usually in tune with the rhythms of the earth and sky. I don’t use an alarm, and I trust that I will wake up with my purpose and intent evident. That didn’t happen this morning, and that worried me more than missing the beauty. But as I walked and saw beauty in a different timeframe, and I knew that my inner guidance was still intact - I was just supposed to see the sunrise in a different way today. I always feel that if I listen to my oneness with nature, humanity, and the energy and divinity of the universe then I will always be at peace and have purpose. It’s a way to live smoothly and in the flow. Or maybe I just needed an extra hour of sleep today! 🤪

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What have I been up to?

Sunday was my Facebook Live Concert for this COVID-19 time. I’m planning to do one every week for as long as this virus is filling our minds. I’ve seen others call these Comfort Concerts, so I’m going to call it this going forward. It went really well! It was all requests - especially from the previous week - except for a couple songs for John Prine who is in critical condition with COVID-19. I really feel that music helps ease our minds and show us our purpose and humanity during this time of crisis. At least it does for me. It brings a little joy and distraction too. People were overly generous, and that’s much appreciated at this time although I know everyone is in need now.

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What’s up this week?

Friday 7-9 Mountain time I’m doing a special Facebook Live Concert on my Tom Munch Singer/Guitarist Facebook page (facebook.com/TomMunchFans/) in conjunction with my friends Joette and Pellumb at Bistoro where I usually play on the first Friday of each month. They are doing take-out and curbside like all the restaurants during this time. The idea is to pick up food and beverages from the restaurant to take home and eat while you are enjoying a concert from me online in your home. They are doing a great menu of alcohol “curbside,” fresh and frozen meals, e-giftcards and artful challenges. I’ll be posting the menu and details on the concert event page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/229966134862555?name=Tom+Munch+Facebook+Live+First-Friday+Bistoro&event_id=229966134862555 There’s already a video I did explaining a little more about it there. Click on whether you’re “interested” or “going” and you’ll get a notification so you don’t miss it. I hope to see you there with the tastes and love of Bistoro filling your tummy!

Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time I’ll be doing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert on my Tom Munch page (facebook.com/tom.munch). I said above how important these are to me to give something to everyone while we’re all go through this time of consternation together. Please tune in if you can. There’s a Facebook event where you can click as I said above if you’re “interested” or “going” so you get a notification and don’t miss the concert - https://facebook.com/events/s/tom-munch-facebook-live-comfor/211927976568634/?ti=icl

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are well and taking care of yourself mentally and physically. Big hug to everyone!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  singing and playing a Facebook Live Concert in conjunction with Bistoro
Where:  http://facebook.com/TomMunchFans/
When:  Friday, April 3, 7-9 pm mountain time


Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing a Facebook Live Comfort Concert from my home
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch
When:  Sunday, April 5, 7-8:15 pm mountain time

Being Social

I’m missing people and missing contact.  We all are.  That’s the toughest thing so far for me about this virus and staying home.  I really felt it this morning on my walk with our dog Beau. The neighbor dogs come to their fences to greet us, and with social distancing we don’t even get to exchange sniffs and rubs with them.  I saw a demonstration on a video with a black light how bacteria and viruses can even be transferred to and from a pet when you pet them.  It rips their hearts out and mine too.  I always say how we are all one, and without physical contact it really messes up the emotions that go along with that knowledge of oneness.  My heart knows, but it feels differently than my brain.  I have to feel this in my brain too.  And with so much worry hanging over our heads we really need a hug.  I’ve proposed to friends that whenever they need a hug they should hug themselves while I hug myself.  It’s not the same, but at least we each get a hug out of it.  And this won’t be over tomorrow or the next day.  So many folks have encouraged us to reach out via phone and video to each other as much as we can.  I’ve been trying to do that as much as possible.  I urge you to do the same.  Technology can help us stay in touch if we can figure it out. 😉 So settle in and reach out as much as you can.  I’ll be thinking of you and reaching out, and you can do the same.  I know I’m not making a lot of sense this week, but I’m struggling with how to deal with this too - knowing that in the end it will all be okay and we’ll all understand.

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What have I been up to?

Sunday morning I released the first video of several songs I have written in the last year or so that are related to my blog posts.  I’m trying to give what I can to help people cope with all that is going on.  These are songs I performed at Cuchara Chapel for my monthly appearances there.  They are on my Facebook pages and my YouTube channel.  The first song is called “Every Morning.”  It lets us know us that every morning we can decide how we will face the day.

https://www.facebook.com/TomMunchFans/

https://www.youtube.com/user/TomMunch

Last Sunday was a mostly-request show on Facebook with folks I know from all kinds of places tuning in and sharing words of encouragement as we forgot our troubles for a while.

I was also able to play for folks at one of my senior facilities over Facebook last week too.  Most of my facilities have required folks to be confined to their rooms, so I haven’t been able to play for them.  I know they could use the music, but for the time-being we’ll have to make due however we can.  I’ve let them know that I’m available to be one-on-one over video for any resident if it would help.  I want to help.

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What’s up this week?

Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time I’ll do another Facebook Live concert.  I plan to do these as long as we are dealing with the virus.  I enjoy getting to sing for you all, and folks say it really helps them get through the days.  Please tune in if you can.

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That’s it for this week.  Take care of yourself.  Stay at home.  Reach out to all you can.  Meditate and pray.  Try to stay informed, but remember love is the most important thing in all the universe.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:


Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing a concert from my home
Where:  online at facebook.com/tom.munch
When:  Sunday, March 29, 7-8:15 pm mountain time

Conflicting Thoughts

I’ve been in deep contemplation as most us have been about all the things surrounding COVID-19. Every upheaval in our world opens possibility for all kinds of reactions - anger, sorrow, reflection, giving, sacrifice, love, loss, and so much more. Things can fall apart quickly if we let them, but we can also come together in strength and love. We can seize this time and decide we can do this. I know this situation is different because we’re isolated physically, but we have ways of communicating that are very powerful. We have become divisive and quarrelsome in the last few years, but if we follow our better angels and look for our common needs and oneness we can come out of this crisis better than when we entered it. Look for ways to encourage and help each other - especially those who are different than us. Give of yourself and try to leave each day and each interaction better than you found it. Be open and ready to encourage and contribute. We can do all of this even when isolated by communicating with each other in the many ways we have available today. Finally, we can use this opportunity to better ourselves - read, spend time in thought, learn a new skill, do a project, take a walk, write a journal, call or write a friend or family member, volunteer your time, reach out to those who lead with encouragement. We can make our world a better place. Every challenge comes with opportunity. Look for it and embrace it.

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What have I been up to?

Last Monday I was in the studio finishing the tracks for my old country album. All that’s left is mixing, mastering, and laying out the artwork.

During the week many of my senior facilities were canceled, but I was still able to do a couple, and I also set up my office so I can do online shows easily for my seniors, and I did the first one on Friday. It was very well received, and it brought a lot of joy to folks who have been cooped up and in need of some encouragement.

Saturday I did my last concert in person in Florence at the Bell Tower to an appreciative crowd. They limited the audience and suggested people maintain social distancing and use good hygiene. The step dancers did a wonderful job, and I enjoyed my part immensely as well.

Sunday I did an impromptu Irish concert on Facebook Live to forget our troubles and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It was really fun, and so many people tuned in. I’ve decided to do Sunday night concerts each week until the virus is over.

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What am I up to this week?

I’ll be trying to do as many online shows for my facilities as I can. Where they are confining the residents to their rooms I’ll work with the staff to sing from room to room on a phone or tablet. This is important work to let these folks know they are loved and not forgotten.

Sunday night I’ll do another Facebook Live Concert at 7:00 mountain time. Please time in if you can. facebook.com/tom.munch

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are doing okay and staying positive as much as you can. I know my ideas above are simple and may seem idealistic to some, but I believe we are really all one in the end, and I will do what I can to encourage and spread love wherever I can.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:


Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing a concert from my living room
Where:  online at facebook.com/tom.munch
When:  Sunday, March 22, 7-8:15 pm MST

Panicking

I’m writing this week for myself as much as for anyone else. With all the confusion and angst around the virus outbreak it’s easy to not know how to feel and not know how to deal with it personally. If you have read my blog you know how I always feel that everything will be okay. Well, this time it has me shaken up a bit beyond my usual calm. I’m not sure whether it’s because I know it will affect those I care about and who are not as calm, or whether it is because it has me scrambling a bit to know how to best use my music during this time. First, I do not fear for my own outcome. Yes, if I disappeared from human form I would leave some unfinished things that I’d like to finish and some holes I’d like to have filled, but I think I know my purpose so far and my place in the universe. So back to those two points I mentioned. I know that some folks I love are fearful for the next few months. I won’t say that the biggest thing we have to fear is fear itself because it’s possible that some folks could really suffer some loss and could have some heartache. It’s not a light thing. It takes deep thought and real soul-searching to deal with existential realities. That’s part of what we’re here for - it’s not supposed to just be easy. But realizations about our place in the universe and our relationship to life, death, eternity, and each other are priceless lessons. It’s okay to go through them and to come out the other side with real change and growth. Remember that love is the most important thing. Back to the second thing above, I may not be out and playing for folks as much over the next few months - especially my senior facilities where they are more vulnerable and don’t need to have a lot of folks coming and going and exposing them to all kinds of new germs. But even the nicest place can feel like a prison if we don’t have freedom and beautiful experiences to enrich and encourage us. Music does that in very meaningful ways, so I’m trying to figure out different ways I can provide music remotely through online broadcasts or pre-recorded concerts. It’s a fun challenge that I’ve already tried and enjoyed through my online concerts over the past few years. I’ll let you know how this progresses. And how about you? Are you finding that you are not quite sure how to deal with the angst over this moment in our world? Everything is an opportunity for growth if we keep love at the forefront and temper our fears.

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What have I been up to?

Last Friday I had a beautiful night at Bistoro. Between old friends and new faces it was just very special. I did a bunch of Irish tunes as well as a variety of other songs, and people were even clapping and singing along. I can’t wait ‘til the next time!

Sunday morning I was at Cuchara Chapel, and the song leading, instrumental noodling, and special-song singing went swimmingly. I sang a new song I wrote about giving and the flow of love that springs forth from us when we give.

Sunday afternoon was playing and singing with my friend Don Richmond at a benefit for our good friend Johnny Watson who suffered a stroke in January. Johnny was there and looked and sounded very good considering what he’s been through. Don and I sang some songs we’ve written including the new one I released “Part of All” and some old favorites that we’ve sung with Johnny in the past.

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What’s up this week?

Saturday 7-9 I’m playing the second half of the Celtic concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence after the step dancers impress us with their brilliant traditional dances. I’ve really enjoyed playing for this annual concert for several years now, and it lets me celebrate the Irish spirit with some touching and rambunctious tunes. It’s always a blast! Come on out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re dealing with the concerns over this virus in your own meaningful way. Angst can be a great teacher if we understand it with love.

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for a Celtic Concert in Florence, CO
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, 719-784-2038
When: Saturday, March 14, 7-9 pm

Giving

I’m in contemplation mode again this morning. I’m writing a song for chapel this Sunday, and I’m thinking about the topic of giving and how it affects our lives. I’ve written about this before. We are beings who are meant to be part of the flow of life. When love flows through us we are fulfilled and beneficial to everyone around us. Often that love is expressed through giving - especially of ourselves and our time. We can’t know this until we are actually in the act of giving. And it is karmic, but that’s not the reason for doing it. I think that instead of receiving externally after we give, we actually draw on the well that flows and grows inside us with the giving. I often use the analogy of priming the pump, and I think it is actually that - the more we love and give the more we have within ourselves to love and give. So instead of giving because you expect something in return, give because it opens you up to joy and more giving from within. You see, I think we actually draw our strength from the flow of energy from our perception of God, the universe, or the field of spirit that we all share and are part of. It’s a great reservoir of consciousness that we are all part of unawares. The act of loving and giving taps us into this energy. It is truly what drives the whole universe. So I encourage you to give whenever you can, and be confident that you will not be depleted but filled instead. Then expect and accept the joy and love that will overflow you and make your life more fulfilling and meaningful.

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What have I been up to?

Last Sunday was my online concert on Facebook Live. I had a great turnout, and I did a mixture of favorites for old friends and Irish songs for St. Patrick's Day. It was a blast! Thanks to everyone who tuned in. If you missed it you can always catch it on my Facebook page. You may have to scroll through my latest morning-walk photos to get back to Sunday’s date and video on my profile page. I link to on my artist page too.

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What am I up to this week?

Friday 6-9 I’m back at Bistoro for our first-Friday evening. I have such a wonderful group of folks who come see me at Bistoro. Joette and Pellumb have created a wonderful atmosphere of creativity and love with their food and presence that draws remarkable people. My music fits right in, and the folks I draw enrich the pot. It’s marvelous. Come on out if you can.

Sunday morning I’m at Cuchara Chapel 10:30-11:30 to lead music and sing the song I’m writing that I mentioned above. I know Reverend Eileen will have a special message that will lift folks higher. Come on out if you’d like a little inspiration in the beautiful mountains of Colorado Sunday morning.

Sunday afternoon I’m sharing the stage with Don Richmond at 3:00 to benefit our good friend Johnny Watson who had a stroke in January and is in recovery. The benefit is going from 1-7 at the Pueblo Federal Building Ballroom, 421 North Main Street. They have silent auction items, lots of good music, and tasty treats and beverages. There’s more on the event page on Facebook. Please come out if you can.

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That’s it for this week. There are lots of fun things coming up. I’m doing an Irish concert with Celtic step dancers at the Bell Tower in Florence on 3/14.  I’m playing a concert with Daniel Market at the La Veta Mercantile  on 4/10. I just contracted with the Royal Gorge Bridge to play all the Mondays between Memorial Day and Labor Day and also three weekends with my duo partner Dennis Mills. And there’s much more. Best to you, and I hope you get as much from giving as you can.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

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

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing for chapel service
Where:  Cuchara Chapel, 16400 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO
When:  Sunday, March 8, 10:30-11:30 am

Who:  Tom Munch and Don Richmond
What:  playing and singing to benefit our friend Johnny Watson
Where:  Pueblo Federal Building Ballroom, 421 N Main St, Pueblo, CO
When:  Sunday, March 8, 3 pm