Lucky to Be Alive

Well, we had a very exciting happenstance this Monday morning.  My wife and I had driven our dog, Kai, to Colorado Springs to be checked for a lame foot at the vet specialist (we’re not sure what the problem is yet with him), and were on our way back just after the twisties in the middle of Colorado Springs by the car dealerships when we suddenly saw two huge semi truck tires bouncing our way in our lane.  My first thought was that if they hit the windshield they’d come right through and kill us, so I braked and swerved and luckily missed them both.  The guy in the new Corvette behind us wasn’t so lucky - they smashed the right side of his car, but at least they missed his windshield.  In the confusion I really didn’t see if anyone else behind us got hit.  I expected to see something on the news or on one of the TV websites later about it, although I didn’t.  The truck that the tires must have fallen off of (I assume they were being transported on his flat bed) was pulled over on the shoulder a few seconds past.  So of course we felt a huge rush of adrenaline and were thankful to be alive and unhurt when we noticed that our 80-pound collie had slid all the up against the front seats and was wedged between the folded back seat and the front seat on the passenger side.  We were able to pull off on an exit and get him back up.  He seems okay, but he was frightened and I’m sure a little bruised up. (We may have to start using the car halter for him again.)  So once again I’m impressed at how precious life is and how fleeting this existence can be.  The words of Crowfoot are ringing in my head:

What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

Make it a good day, folks.  It can always be our last.  Today just wasn’t our time.

So what am I up to this week where I can share my new-found joy in life?

Wednesday I’ll be performing the Song of Pueblo oratorio with El Pueblo Ensemble at the El Pueblo History Museum 7-9.  If you haven’t seen this show, this will be an extra-special version with the debut of our new song about the Slovenian community around the old Eiler’s Smelter in Pueblo called “Bojon Town.”  As I think I mentioned before, the Song of Pueblo has gone independent this year from El Pueblo History Museum and History Colorado.  It will be a good thing in the long run although it means we will have fewer public performances this year while we regroup.  We also have a new member of the band - Alan Polivka. Alan plays a mean electronic accordion that allows him to play accordion, piano, strings, organ, trumpet, and several other great sounds. He has been heard in many fine groups around Pueblo, and we're lucky to have him. We dearly miss our good friend, Lind Amman, but all good things come to an end, and we wish Linda well in her future endeavors. If this show is not sold out, it will be soon. (719) 583-0453 or El Pueblo History Museum store for tickets.

Thursday I'm at the Yellow Pine for the barbecue 6:30-8:30. We didn't do last week due to the ranch being rented out to a private group, so I have two week's worth of great tunes stored up to play. Come on out if you have a hankerin' for great barbecue and my music. (719) 742-3528 for reservations.

Friday I'm back at the La Veta Inn 6-9. We had a wonderful night under the stars last Friday with a bunch of great friends old and new, and we even had some great young men with a band from Turkey who played some great music! You never what may happen, and I never thought I'd hear a song sung in Farsi at the La Veta Inn.

Saturday I have a wedding I'm playing on solo guitar. Wish me luck as I bring out my classical chops on Bach and Beethoven.

Sunday I have a rare afternoon performance at 8 Mile Bar and Grill 2:30-4:30 by the Royal Gorge. I really like playing at this venue, and my good friends, Steve and Laura, who came out last week said it just may be their favorite place place they've heard me play. They said it has everything - good food, good beer, a beautiful outdoor location, and my music. Come on out for some afternoon fun!

So that's enough excitement for one week. Be well, and come say "Hi!" if you have the chance.

Best always,

Tom

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch with Johnny Watson, David Enke, & Alan Polivka
What:  playing, singing, & telling the history of Pueblo at the Song of Pueblo oratorio
Where:  El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union, Pueblo.  (719) 583-0453
When:  Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing at the Barbecue
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara.  719-742-3528
When:  Thursday, June 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing & singing
Where:  La Veta Inn, 103 W. Ryus Ave, La Veta.  719-742-3700
When:  Friday, June 27, 6-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch
What:  playing and singing
Where:  8 Mile Bar and Grill, 45000 W. US Hwy 50, Cañon City.  (719) 275-1558
When:  Sunday, June 29, 2:30-4:30