Sacred Week

The week of Christmas has always felt sacred and special to me. When I was young it was filled with mystery and mysticism. The baby in the manger, angels, and Santa Claus were full of magic and curiosity. I delighted in the stories and twinkling lights and special songs. That last few days before Christmas and until New Years just felt like a space where no one could intrude on family and personal space. It still feels that way to some extent. Everything shuts down mostly, and folks focus on what really matters for a few days. It’s actually a relief in today’s world where we are bombarded with news and announcements every day. I’m not sure what still makes it feel that way for me. Perhaps I buy into the training I got from my childhood when I was taught by the culture, the church, and from my parents that it was a special time of peace and stillness. That was related to both the story of the baby Jesus and the mystery of Santa Claus. They both were powerful and seemingly unknowable. Maybe it’s because it has been a tradition going back to before Christianity when the solstice had a real effect on peoples’ psyches with the shorter days and interesting alignments. Or maybe it’s just because the days are short and the nights are long so there’s more time to ponder and contemplate life. However I look at it there is plenty of reason for the sacred feeling I still get as we approach Christmas. It does fade pretty quickly once Christmas is over though, so that is why I still encourage people to let themselves get into it while it’s here. I hope you are doing just that, and I do wish you a Merry Christmas and the best of holidays.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and it was a wild ride of Christmas cheer in every way. There were parties and special moments galore. I love getting to play for these folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing Christmas hymns, and there was so much deep spirit shared. So many of those songs are favorites and really get to that sacred quiet place that Christmas is so good at.

Friday night I played for the state legislators again at the CSG West legislative academy graduation at the Broadmoor, and it was so much fun getting to entertain these folks and then have them sing along and join me for a bunch of tunes after the graduation. I really enjoy playing for them each year.

Sunday my online show was favorites and requests, and it was a nice mix of Christmas and regular songs with even a Gordon Lightfoot song that I had never played before. It was so sweet!

——

What am I put to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities scheduled for this week although one adult daycare cancelled due to low attendance on Friday. I will enjoy getting to play for these folks in this sacred week.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas favorites on Christmas Eve, and I’m sure there’ll be some repeated songs from previous Christmas shows. This will be a catch-all of every kind of Christmas song meant to make anyone who tunes in happy and ready for a good Christmas Day. Come on out if you have the evening free and would like some Christmas cheer.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure there’ll be some good songs as we approach New Year’s Eve and all the excitement it generates as well. You’re always welcome to tune in. I will also be doing a New Year’s Eve online show, and I’ll write more about it next week.

——

That’s it for this week. I haven’t mentioned it before this week, but Jen and I do make wall calendars each year mostly for ourselves of the best of the sunrise pictures I take each morning. If you think you might like to have my pictures gracing your wall I would be humbly honored. They are printed on demand and can be ordered here - 

https://www.lulu.com/search?page=1&q=Tom+Munch+&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and are healthy and happy.

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas favorites

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Christmas Church

 I have so many memories of Christmas at church throughout my life. When we were kids I remember singing in the children’s concert at church. Each age-group got up in the front of the whole church to sing several songs, and for most of us it was our first experience in front of an audience. It was exciting to dress up and know that our parents were watching us. Then I remember getting to go to the midnight candlelight service that started at 11:00 at night and let out just as Christmas Day began at midnight. One year it had just started to snow as we left the church, and it felt so sacred. Eventually I was in the church youth choir for the early service. Our director had us learning and singing lots of new songs that were interesting and challenging. I still have one song that comes back to me from time to time about Mary and Joseph that I’ve never heard again. In high school I sometimes would sing with the adult choir at the later service as well. Then when I was in college I sometimes sang with the choir at my college church although I mostly sang on my own or in a band that was sponsored by the church. When I would go home from school I would sometimes sing with the adult choir at my home church. Eventually when I was on my own I would be asked to play and sing for different churches wherever I lived. Sometimes it would just be solo special songs and sometimes it would be leading the congregation in song. I still do that from time to time. I really love the old hymns. They just seem so special and bring back such strong memories. They are sometimes kind of stodgy though, especially in the lesser-known verses. For some reason they really packed in the dogma and church doctrine that I think went over most folks’ heads. I guess that’s just part of the charm although the big words sometimes don’t flow very well. But it’s all good. Do you love old hymns as well?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week including a Christmas family dinner party that was a lot of fun. It is so rewarding to spread some joy in this season.

My Wednesday online show was doing fun Christmas songs, and there were so many! We really had a good time, and I had a lot of people tune in.

My Friday concert at Society Hall in Alamosa with my friend Don Richmond sitting in went so well! We had a sweet crowd of real music lovers who were ready for some Christmas spirit. Thank you again to Don, Ruthie, Robear, Brian, and everyone there at Society Hall who puts on these great shows!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and we did a good mix of Christmas songs and other favorites. I love this group so much!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and this will really be the busiest week of Christmas songs and stories. I can’t wait to share these times with these folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas hymns, and this will be a very special night of wonderful old tunes that everyone can sign along to. Come on out and share a meaningful time.

Friday night I’m playing for a group that I get to play for once a year composed of state representatives from all over the western U.S. as they graduate from a week of learning to be better legislators. It’s at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and they have me come in to entertain during drinks and dinner as well as to lead some singing after dinner with western songs that everyone can sing along to. It’s always a really good time, and I’m so encouraged by the sharpness of everyone I meet there.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s always the highlight of my week as friends gather and surprise me with great requests. I’m sure there’ll be some Christmas songs as we round the corner to Christmas week. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you’re having a nice holiday season full of goodness and joy as the old song says.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas hymns

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 21, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Fun Christmas

We are now in the second week of the holiday season, and I’m thinking about all the fun things that people do at this season. There are concerts, parties, tree lightings, special treats, ice sculptures, pageants, secret Santas, gifts, and so much more. We have the capacity for so much energy and excitement and creativity. It is so uplifting to see the outpouring we are capable of no matter what is going on in the world. I think that it is the cure to all our woes and injustices. Our spirit is truly indomitable. It is an ancient drive within us that really comes out for these holidays. I love it! For myself I have been enjoying how much the music of the season brings joy and enthusiasm. There are sincere emotions of caring and magic that permeate the tunes I get to share. Of course there are lots of Christmas songs that are full of doctrine and depth that most people don’t even recognize, but there are also light-hearted songs of frolicking in the snow and sharing just plain fun. We don’t let ourselves have mirth and joy as often as we really need to, and I intend to inject as much of this pure happiness as I can this season. Please join me in making people smile, laugh, and enjoy the moments that make this season special.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and most of them were ready to hear Christmas music. That’s great, and I enjoyed playing so many sweet tunes for them including some of the Victorian and Olde World songs I sang for my Wednesday online show.

Tuesday I played for a Pueblo Newcomers luncheon for a really great group of folks. I was a little rusty on a couple Christmas tunes, but it went really well. What a genuine gathering of friends!

My Wednesday online show was playing what I ended up calling “Victorian and Olde World songs” since I played some French and Ukrainian songs as well British tunes. I think the group really enjoyed it, and I did several new songs to me that I will definitely keep in rotation.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones. I don’t think the folks were ready to hear as many Christmas songs as I was ready to play, but I snuck them in and brought a little Christmas spirit to the evening. It was fun!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, including a Christmas party. It should be a good week of bringing the holiday spirit to so many folks!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be fun Christmas songs, and there are so many! This will be a really special night of goofy and upbeat songs that I think everyone will enjoy. Come on out if that sounds good to you!

Friday night at 7:00 I’m playing a Christmas concert at Society Hall in Alamosa with my good friend Don Richmond sitting in. This should be a wonderful show with lots of good vibes and Christmas cheer. If you’re in the Alamosa area or if you’re up for a drive I’d love to have you there! 

You can find more about it and buy tickets here - 

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/societyhall/1946076?brid=DONwkUJc6TIkezIyuc878g

The show will also be broadcast live on their Facebook page if you would like to watch and listen but can’t be there in person - 

https://www.facebook.com/societyhall

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and as we near Christmas Day I’ll be mixing in more Christmas songs with the requests so that we get all the great Christmas songs in at least once. I’d love to have you in the audience if you’re up for it!

——

That’s it for this week. I can’t believe how fast the season is flying by. I hope you’re enjoying it and drinking in all the fun and excitement the season brings.

Best,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Fun Christmas songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch with Don Richmond sitting in

What:  playing a Christmas concert

Where:  Society Hall, 400 Ross Ave, Alamosa, CO

When:  Friday, December 12, 7:00 mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 14, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

'Tis the Season

It’s the start of the holiday season, and I’m ramping myself up for all it brings. Every time it rolls around I get caught up in it if I let myself. I always say that the season is here and gone so fast so you have to dive in head-first and enjoy it before it’s gone. And this morning I was reminded to experience it with joy as I watched my old dog Beau gallivanting across the prairie with giddiness this morning as we walked for sunrise. He doesn’t know it’s the holiday season - although he does know what Christmas presents are, and he can sense the excitement that fills the air. I think he was mainly excited for the smell of coyotes and rabbits in the area, but he reminded me what it’s like to live in the moment no matter what season it is. I can always use that reminder. I try to pace myself so that the spirit lasts all through until Christmas Day. We don’t do as many traditional activities and put out as many decorations as we used to, but we like to watch holiday movies and get to the mountains to cut a tree if we can. I’ll play as many Christmas songs as I can. (I have about 225 when I can remember how they all go.(-;) This year I am learning some older Christmas songs from Britain and Europe. I love these historical songs that reflect a different time and traditions. I like to see what the solstice traditions are too. I even wrote a song called “Winter Solstice” last year that picked up on these ancient celebrations with the rhythms of the earth. So I hope you are starting the season out well, and I will write more as the season progresses.

——

What have I been up to?

Last week I had 9 senior facilities scheduled, but 3 had to cancel due to illness or lower census the day after a holiday. I was sorry that folks had to deal with illness over a holiday. I hope they heal well. I enjoyed spreading a little thankfulness to those I got to play for, and they seemed to be grateful for it.

My Wednesday online show was playing thankful songs, and there were some really good songs requested and played that put us in the Thanksgiving spirit. It was loads of fun.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was a really neat show with lots of variety and most of the regulars who are so kind and suppåortive.  I love these evenings!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week, and I’ll be playing Christmas songs if they’re ready for them. I know it takes some people a week or so after Thanksgiving to get in the spirit, but as I said above it’s important to get in that spirit and enjoy the season. I know that some folks are a little down at this time of the year too, so I’m always sensitive to that.

Tuesday I’m playing for the Pueblo Newcomers group lunch as I have done many times before. This is a wonderful local club dedicated to introducing folks to the community and giving them activities to do in the area. We’ll get to do some Christmas caroling and special tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing British Victorian Christmas songs. I wrote a little about these above, and I’m anxious to get to play them for everyone. They’re fun and inspiring. Come on out if this sounds like your kind of Christmas music.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be playing favorites and requests as always, and I’m looking forward to seeing what songs everyone is in the mood for. There are a few December songs that I always love to sing, and I’m sure there’ll be some Christmas spirit thrown into the mix too. This is the time of year that I don’t mind repeating favorites. I’d love to play for you too if you’d like to tune in.

——

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget that I’m playing a Christmas concert with my good friend Don Richmond at Society Hall in Alamosa of Friday the 12th at 7:00. That’s going to be a very special night that I’m really looking forward to. You can find more about it on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AxX92v7Nb/

I hope you are healthy and happy,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of British Victorian Christmas songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, December 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, December 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Thankfulness

It’s time once again for the holiday that goes by too quickly and is almost unnoticed - Thanksgiving. It is a great holiday though since it encourages us to try to understand what being thankful is all about. I just went through all my Thanksgiving blog posts for the past 7 years, and I realize that I still don’t understand true thankfulness. I don’t think that I have ever been in such need that I felt the overwhelming gratitude that someone feels when they are rescued from poverty or a calamity. I’m not saying that I want to be rescued like this so that I can understand it though - sometimes we get what we ask for! We each have different paths to hike in our lives, and for some reason mine has been relatively easy - or at least that’s the way it seems. I have had very strong optimism for my whole life. Part of that comes from being raised in a mostly stress-free way without a lot of need, but it also comes from my childhood when I had an experience that I have written about before where I almost drowned and somehow gained an understanding that this life is not all there is. As such I’ve never really feared life or dying. That has been a blessing, but it also removes the impetus to push hard when difficult times come. I think that everything happens for a reason, but I’m not sure what this experience meant for me. As it relates to thankfulness, it makes me feel part of something bigger which gives me wisdom that thankfulness is at the core of our existence. Feeling thankful has been a learning lesson for me though. I’ve had to learn to say “Thank you!” and “You’re welcome!” as a reflexive thing even when I don’t have the emotion of thankfulness. I’m not saying I never feel thankfulness, but sometimes I’m deep in thought and have to break out of it to be in the moment and show my gratitude. I’m kind of like the kid who has to be reminded by his mother to say “Thank you!” when he or she receives a gift. But I keep trying to be in the moment and show my thankfulness. Now you won’t believe me when I say “Thank you” for reading my musings and listening to my music and for being part of my life. I really do mean it. I don’t say it enough, but I do understand how much the giving and interaction of every person in my life has blessed me and buoyed me up. I try to do the same for everyone I meet. How about you? Do you say it often and understand thankfulness in your life?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 14 senior facilities last week, and I played thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs for them all. It’s a good purpose to encourage the folks with these kinds of songs. Everyone needs it in their lives.

My Wednesday online show was songs about dancing, and it was so much fun! I was dancing as I was playing, and I know that many in the audience were doing the same!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some songs I haven’t played in a long time as well as a new Kris Kristofferson song. I really got into it although for some reason I was struggling with getting the words right on many of the songs. Oh well! Just an off night, I guess. We still had a good, if goofy, time.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week. 2 have cancelled with either Covid or not enough folks coming in to an adult daycare facility to justify my coming. I will do some more thankful songs and Thanksgiving songs to help celebrate the holiday.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be thankful songs. This is a fun group of songs to do with such good spirit. I really look forward to it, and I hope you’ll join me if thankful songs sound like something you’d like to hear this week.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I have another new song to learn that was requested to do as well as starting to get into the winter and holiday spirit. Come on out!

——

That’s it for this week. Once again I need to mention that I will be doing a special Christmas show with Don Richmond sitting in at Society Hall in Alamosa on December 12th at 7:00 pm. You can find more about it on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AxX92v7Nb/

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I hope you are healthy and happy.

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of thankful songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Dancing

Dancing is one of the most wonderful things we do as humans in my opinion. There is something primal and spiritual about moving your body in a rhythmic motion that expresses joy and connection to the earth and spirit. Going all the way back to our ancient ancestors there are instruments, drums, and traditions of group and individual dances. There is just something innate in our being that makes us want to move in a rhythmic and repetitive way to a beat. I do it unconsciously when I play music. It seems to hook me into the very ground I stand on. I know that some religions do not see it as proper, and I guess I understand why they say that, but to me it is a very lovely and even holy thing. I can’t say enough of how it makes you feel like you’re plugged into life. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s just tapping your toes to couple and group dancing, every form that moves you is enough to trigger that joy.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and they were all very sweet. I did songs for Veterans Day, and thankfulness, and the Edmund Fitzgerald (since it was the 50th anniversary of its sinking on the 10th). The folks really appreciated it.

My Wednesday online show was playing songs about flying, and it was a fun one. Who knew there were so many great flying songs? Everyone really enjoyed it.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was another really fine show with great requests and a couple new songs. I love this group so much!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 14 senior facilities this week, and I think I’ll be playing mostly thankful songs for Thanksgiving. There are so many nice tunes about being thankful, and a healthy dose of gratitude is a good thing to keep in our minds.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about dancing, and I’ve been pulling songs out of my list for a couple days that really fit the bill. I’m up to 58 so far. This includes songs where dancing is the major part of the song’s topic to songs that are traditional dance favorites. It should be a blast. Come on out if this sounds like a good time to you.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure it’ll be very nice like it often is. These Sunday nights are always very special with lots of good folks in attendance and good tunes in our ears.

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you are making memorable holiday plans and that you are healthy and content.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about dancing

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 19, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Flying

I’m doing a show Wednesday on the theme of flying, and that has me thinking about flying on planes, in dreams, with birds, and in metaphor. To start with I’m not a good flyer on a plane. When I was a kid I loved flying. I flew with a school group to Washington, D.C., for the bicentennial and also with another school group to Europe a couple years later. Both those trips were great fun on planes without a lot of drama, but at some point I rode on a really bumpy flight down the Front Range of Colorado that permanently messed up my equilibrium. I’ve never been the same. Now when I fly I am dizzy and disoriented for almost a day after I settle back on terra firma. Maybe I’ll get over it. I’d like to. Then there’s flying in dreams. I used to have dreams on a regular basis where I would fly. Sometimes it would be flying over an ancient snow-covered mountainous landscape at night with the cold wind in my face. Sometimes it would be simply lifting off in a crowd and floating by the ceiling. Sometimes it would be holding someone’s hand to help them lift off as well. I never made much of these dreams other than loving the free and weightless feeling although I know some spiritual writers say that this is some sort of spiritual evolution. On flying with birds I mean mostly the thrill of watching birds soar on the breeze so graceful and effortless. It is so wonderful to watch a bird ride a thermal updraft or dive at high speed. Mesmerizing! Lastly flying has always been used metaphorically to symbolize the ultimate feeling of freedom and grace. I guess it is because humans are earthbound without the help of wings. I’ve always felt that the sky and the expanses of the universe are our true home. I love when flying is used in poetry, literature, and songs to express this longing for timeless peace and happiness.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. I mostly did songs for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving - thankful songs. Those are really fulfilling to play. I know it was meaningful for the folks.

My Wednesday online show was songs from 1945, and they were so neat to do. I love singing these oldies, and I don’t get as much chance to do them as I once did. I know the group liked them. They had a contest to see how many they knew.

Friday I thought I might be playing at the Garden of the Gods Club, but they decided to not do any music for November and December and the slower months of the year. I have mixed emotions about that. I enjoy playing instrumental tunes on the guitar although it’s really not my forte. We’ll see if and when I’ll be back there.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and it was a good one with lots of great requests and a couple new tunes. This is consistently the most meaningful night of the week for me with the great interaction and tunes.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and I’m sure I’ll be playing more songs for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving - especially since I’ll be playing a veterans breakfast on Veterans Day as well as a couple other tribute shows that day. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be doing flying songs as I wrote of above. This is going to be a nice mix of songs about all the elements I wrote about - planes, dreams, birds, and metaphors. It ought to be a blast. Come out if you can.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I always say it’s the highlight of the week because it is. The songs and camaraderie are just great. Tune in if you’d like a relaxing evening of friendship and music.

——

That’s it for this week. I do have an exciting concert coming up in December in Alamosa. My good friend Don Richmond has asked me to play a Christmas show at Society Hall on December 12th from 7 to 9. Don will be sitting in on all the instruments he plays, and it should have a lot of the elements of my Christmas album that we recorded together almost 25 years ago. I don’t know the ticket price yet, but I know the sound and the vibe will be great if you’d like to come up to Alamosa for this show. More details to come. 

Happy Veterans Day, and I hope you’re healthy and happy.

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of flying songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 12, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Choosing

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we approach our lives on a daily basis. There is so much going on in the world and our individual lives at present - and always. It’s so easy to wake up and immediately see our lives as a chore and the world as a mess. But we have a choice. No matter what is going on in our lives we have a choice every morning in how we approach it. It’s not just about being positive, but it’s about whether we smile through our struggles and joys. It’s about seeing the beauty of something simple in the midst of tragedy. It’s really about choosing to love each moment no matter what is going on. It’s about not letting anyone tell you how to feel about anything. I’ve seen so many people in my life who are really living hard lives with physical problems and hardships who are so loving and caring and always smiling. Many of them aren’t deeply religious or involved in any real reason to have this attitude. They just choose to make the best of every moment. It’s as simple as that. Just choose to smile and love. What else is there?

——

What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was so much fun playing Halloween songs for most of them. I only had one facility where they thought the Halloween songs were too spooky and dark. I sometimes see them that way too, but I try to play mostly fun songs. I love these folks.

My Wednesday online show was playing Halloween songs again, and there were some really good ones. Mostly they were fun ones although I did a couple favorites that were hair-raising. It was fun!

Friday I played instrumental tunes at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant for a smaller crowd. I think a lot of people were home for trick-or-treaters or going to parties. It was still a good time, and I did several arrangements of Halloween songs.

My Sunday online show was favorites and request as always, and it was a wonderful night of requests with a couple songs about time thrown in for the time change on Sunday. What a great group!

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and we’re far away enough from Thanksgiving that I probably won’t play songs for Thanksgiving although I do have a good list of thankful songs. Hmmm…maybe I’ll do more of those since they’re very uplifting for the most part.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1945 to continue my series of doing songs by 10-year increments in the past. We’ve done 1975, 1965, and 1955 so far. I thought about 1985, but I really don’t know enough songs from that year. 1945 was a great year for music - especially once the war was over. Some of the songs are timeless, and I love playing them. I think you will really enjoy it!

I may be at the Garden of the Gods Club on Friday 6-9. The schedule hasn’t been finalized as of this writing. Contact me if you’re thinking of coming out to verify I’ll be there.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and request as always. These are always very special nights of friendship and music. Come on out if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. I’m looking forward to the holidays although I’m definitely not ready for winter yet. It’s supposed to be in the mid-80s today which just seems wrong. I’ll probably stay inside although I did do some yard work this morning (it’s Sunday as I’m writing this). There are always branches to pick up and something to be done outside. I hope you are healthy and happy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1945 songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, November 5, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  possibly playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, November 7, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Ghost Story

It’s Halloween again, and I’m thinking about spooky and fun memories over the years. Let me tell you a ghost story that happened to me when I was 18. It was towards the end of summer while I was working at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Philmont is a huge ranch in the mountains that is owned by the Boy Scouts that I have mentioned before. It has dozens of camps set over a 50 mile or more stretch of mountains that is dedicated to all kinds of activities that the boys and girls with their leaders can participate in as they hike over what is usually a 10-day backpacking trek. The activities range from riding horses to building railroad tracks to climbing logging poles to climbing rocks to riding mountain bikes to tying flies and fishing and on and on. Some of the areas are very historic, based on mining or ranching or railroading and more. The camp I was working in at the end of my 18th summer was in a mining district that boomed and busted around the turn of the century. Thousands of people had lived and worked around Baldy Mountain and the ore it produced, and one of the mines on the north side of the mountain, the Aztec Mine, was being used for mine tours at a nearby camp that had been owned by a Frenchman named Henry. The camp was called French Henry, and it consisted of a few old cabins and concrete foundations of the old mining operations that took place there. The camp was unlike other camps on the ranch in that it didn’t have campsites for the scouts to stay in. We were only a place to stop and learn about gold panning and to take a tour of the mine and mining foundations after they climbed Baldy Mountain. The accepted tradition at that camp was that old French Henry still walked the hills of that area as a somewhat friendly ghost that many staff members over the years had seen or heard. I was a ranger that summer who guided the crews of scouts and their adult advisors for the first couple days of their trek until they had the necessary training to be turned out on their own. Many of the seasonal staff could be shifted around at the end of the summer as the season wound down and staffers went back home for school or jobs. I was offered at the end of the season to work at French Henry for a couple weeks as the crew-load slowed down and scout crews were on the trail and not needing rangers. One of the first nights I was there the other 2 staffers at the camp loaded the burros with their panniers to head over at the end of the day to pick up our food allotment for the week from the camp on the south side of the mountain where the commissary truck would drop it off for us. I stayed behind since I wasn’t needed for that. The other 2 guys had worked the whole summer at our camp, and as they left they told me that they had seen and heard French Henry that summer a few times, and that I shouldn’t be afraid as he was friendly and wouldn’t bother me if I didn’t bother him. So I was settled in at the table in the cooking cabin with my guitar as I was working on some new songs I was learning. The cooking cabin was a rectangular building with a porch across the front of it with steps coming up that sat on a hill a few yards from the stream. It was one room with a dividing wall with an opening across one end that housed a storage area for our dried food and cooking gear. The main part of the room had a table and sink and wood stove that we cooked on. There were 2 doors on the cabin - one on each end with a screen door attached. One door led to the storage area and one to the main part where I sat at the table. The other 2 guys had been gone a half hour or so when I heard the footsteps of someone coming up the steps and across the porch towards the other door into the storage area. Since we didn’t have any campsites for scouts to stay in I figured it might be someone who was lost, so I called out, “Who’s there?” There was no answer, and the next thing I knew the screen door was opening into the storage area which I could see clearly through the opening in the wall into that area, and then the door closed by itself and the footsteps continued deeper into the storage area. I saw no one! Well, you can bet the hair stood up on the back of my neck, and I said timidly, “Is that you, Henry?” There was no answer again, and so I pondered what to say or do next. I remembered that the guys said that he would probably not bother me, so I said, “I won’t bother you if you don’t bother me.” Again there was no sound, and so I went back to playing the guitar quietly to break the silence while I continued to listen intently for any sound. It was probably 10 minutes later when the footsteps again sounded across the storage area to the screen door which opened and closed, and then I heard the footsteps sound across the porch and down the steps and into the night. I sat there frozen as I thought about what had just happened. I didn’t see or hear him again while I was there for the remainder of my time that summer. Now it’s possible that the guys who went to pick up the food with the burro had rigged a string to the door and had doubled-back and were tapping under the porch and the storage area just to mess with me, but I choose to believe it was the ghost of French Henry since the guys did return later at the proper time it should have taken with the allotment of food on the burro. So that’s my ghost story. I haven’t been back to that camp since then although I’d love to someday. Pretty spooky, huh? I don’t doubt that there are spirits who have unresolved dealings in their lives who probably hang around this plane of existence although I sure hope I won’t feel a need to do so when I’m gone. All this is to prime you for a fun and spooky Halloween. I’m doing a Halloween show online on Wednesday which I’ll talk about below.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities last week, and I did Halloween songs for most of them if they were in the mood. It was loads of fun with a little spookiness thrown in for good measure.

My Wednesday online show was Halloween songs, and it was just a hoot. I had a good group of folks out, and we did some classic Halloween songs as well as some unexpected ones. I think everyone had a good time.

My Sunday online show had some wonderful requests and new tunes, and it was so gratifying to provide an evening of meaning and enjoyment for a great group of folks. I love this group.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week including one in Colorado Springs where I haven’t played in many years. It should be a good week with many more Halloween songs and even a Halloween party on Friday that I’ll dress up for.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time this week will be Halloween songs once again. I have about 80 more songs on my Halloween list that we haven’t gotten to that are either creepy or kooky. It’ll be a blast. I’d love to have you if you’re in the mood for some Halloween fun.

Friday night 6-9 I’m back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. Since it’s Halloween I’ll be playing Halloween songs on the guitar mixed in with my regular instrumentals. It should be a great time, and I’d love to have you there as well if you’re up for a tasty meal in a beautiful location. Reservations are at 888-994-3156 or you can usually sit at the bar or at the small tables near me in the bar.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I know it won’t disappoint for good music and good friendship. Come on out if you can.

——

That’s it for this week. It’s getting cold in the mornings here and I’m looking forward to the time change on Sunday (don’t forget to fall back) when there will be a little more light at 5:00 for my morning walks and picture-taking with Beau. 

Best to you,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 29, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing instrumental guitar tunes

Where:  Garden of the Gods Resort and Club in the Grand View Restaurant. 888-994-3156

When:  Friday, October 31, 6-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, November 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Making Music

I’ve been thinking a lot about music and performing. I’ve been playing professionally now for 45 years or so, and I’m realizing that the kind of music I play and like will probably not be created much longer - at least not like I do it. It appears that much of live music at the top levels is helped by pre-recorded tracks and at least partially lip-synched vocals instead of sung live (and probably has been for longer than I realize). The music in the studio is also so thoroughly corrected for pitch and tempo that it’s not very organic anymore. It appears that a lot of new music will be written and performed by Artificial Intelligence as well. All things change, so I’m not surprised, but it does make me realize that my method of performing and writing will be irrelevant fairly soon. I’m sure I can still do most of my performing online and for my senior homes for the near future, but I don’t think it’s worth recording and pursuing much new music. That’s okay. I had kind of given that up during the pandemic. Truth be told, I’m very glad I’m not starting out doing music now. Even before AI and so many advances there were becoming less ways to make a living from purely recording and performing. I think that music will always have some importance in our culture, but I don’t know if it will be as homegrown. It has been more controlled by copyright and lawyers over the last 100+ years than most other forms of creativity. I’ve tried to stay away from that as much as possible. I suppose I’m really sounding like a curmudgeon today, but I guess I’m just a little worn and threadbare. I’m having a harder times keeping all the balls in the air as I juggle my day and as ai perform. Jen keeps talking about our lives and how we need to travel and do some of the things we’ve always talked about before we’re too old to do them. I think that’s part of my current outlook. So as much as I love making music, I think I probably won’t make as much over the next few years. Don’t fret though if you’re a fan. I’m not doing anything immediately. I’m just mulling over how to make music today.

——

What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and I had fun doing either Halloween songs or some of the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs I was doing for my Wednesday online show. It was really fun because these songs are so lively and exciting. 

My Wednesday online show was doing Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson songs, and they were very enjoyable. They’re so short that I was able to fit in 32 songs in the evening instead of my usual 20. I think everyone really got a kick out of it. 

Friday I was back at the Garden of the Gods Club in the Grand View Restaurant playing instrumental guitar tunes. It was as packed house, and I played Halloween songs and a lot of singer-songwriter songs that drew a good reaction. 

Saturday I played an online concert for Philmont that was really rewarding. The night just seemed to click in every way, and the audience got into it with reminiscences and great requests. 

Sunday night my online show was as wonderful as always with lots of kind and supportive folks and plenty of good songs. This group is very special.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and they’re going to be a blast with the Halloween tunes I have planned. I’m brushing up on some of the songs I’ve learned over the last couple years, and I’m looking forward to seeing the folks. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Halloween songs, and I’m going to do 2 shows for this Wednesday and next Wednesday. Come on out if you would like to hear some goofy and spooky tunes. 

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ll say it again, I love this group and these great requests. You’re always welcome!

——

That’s it for this week. I hope you are making some fun Halloween plans even if it’s just Trunk or Treat at your church. 

Best to you!

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Halloween songs

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Wednesday, October 22, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 

Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  

When:  Sunday, October 26, 7-8:45 pm mountain time