I have an interesting observation that I haven't worked out fully, but it has some interesting implications. One of my daily exercises is on an elliptical machine. We just have a few cheap exercise machines in our house, but they work for us. I only do the elliptical for a short time in my routine to get my heart rate up, and I reached a plateau of a certain pace that I could never break without completely exhausting myself and leaving me gasping for air. My exercise position was always with my head down to read the display so I could keep track of my pace and total revolutions. One day I put my head up straight and just counted my steps. As I was completing my exercise I looked down at the display and realized I was markedly faster than usual, and I also was not nearly as winded as usual. I thought it was a mistake, but day after day I've been able to duplicate it now, and I find the same result on our other machines. Could it be that just the position of keeping my head up makes that much difference to my outlook while exercising? Is it just because my airway is more open with my head up? I know that there is very interesting communication between our minds and brains. Not only can our outlook affect how our body feels, but our body position can also affect our emotion and outlook. I think that keeping your head up is good advice for many aspects of life. It lets us be more aware of the world around us and more comfortable with our body being straight and relaxed. Just like putting a smile on your face can actually make you happy, keeping your head up can make you have a brighter outlook and enjoy the moment more. Could it be that simple? Try it!
What have I been up to?
The concert at Coyote Creek last Saturday was unbelievable! I have never played for a more genuine and appreciative audience. It was a full house, and it was a great time. Thanks to all who help put it on and all who came out!
What's up this week?
Sunday at 7:00 MDT is my next first-Sunday online concert from my living room. I'll be rushing back from opening the cabins, so I'll probably be sporting some mountain spirit and tired muscles that will make it an interesting show. I don't have a plan for what music I'm playing yet, but I'll be doing something special. Please tune in if you can - concertwindow.com/tommunch.
That's it for this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day and are thinking of those who gave their lives and sweat and tears for us.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, June 4, 7-8ish pm MST.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Monday, May 22, 2017
In the Weeds
I’m looking out the back window watching for the rain and contemplating a little noodling on my guitar. All around there are weeds popping up and gaining steam from all the rain we’ve been having, and in my guitar case there is every pick known to man as I have been experimenting with all kinds of different techniques of getting sound out of a guitar. In both cases I find myself lost in the weeds. Our daily walking path and property will soon be overgrown with summer growth, and my guitar playing is full of variables too myriad to mention. I’m not panicking although I do need to make a plan to take care of both of them so I don’t get overwhelmed. Each one also presents endless variety and possibility for beauty - with the growth there will be beautiful wildflowers and richness from the earth, and with the guitar there will be new textures of sounds and possibilities for exploration and expression of passion and excitement. Maybe being “in the weeds” is not such a bad thing.
What have I been up to?
I forgot to thank everyone who tuned into my online concert two weeks ago. It was so much fun playing for you and seeing all your comments. It’s really a neat way of reaching out sharing an evening!
Last Friday at PDubs was a blast with lots of good friends - some I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Brad Schoolland sat in for a bunch of tunes, and the beer tasted so good. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.
What's up this week?
Saturday at 7:30 I’m playing a concert for Coyote Creek Concert series in Elizabeth, Colorado, at the city park pavilion. Concerts are such a great way to play music! I get to stretch out and put all myself into the performance in a way that I don’t get to very often at other venues. If you’re anywhere in the area please come out. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
Almost forgot - this afternoon I’ll be helping to teach a class in music appreciation at Adams State College remotely. This is a cool thing. I get to share some of my experiences in music with young, budding musicians.
What's on the horizon?
Summer will be here before we know it, and I have a bunch of events coming up - Yellow Pine Guest Ranch barbecues, PDubs, private parties, weddings, Boy Scout shows, Art in the Park in La Veta, Bull Moose in Guffey, Philmont, online concerts, Feed Store Concert in Westcliffe, Royal Gorge Bridge, and lots more. Stay tuned!
That’s it for this week. Hope to see you soon!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert for Coyote Creek Concert series
When: Saturday, May 27, at 7:30 pm
Where: City park pavilion in Elizabeth, Colorado, Tickets - $12 at the door or $10 in advance at the website - coyotecreekconcerts.com
What have I been up to?
I forgot to thank everyone who tuned into my online concert two weeks ago. It was so much fun playing for you and seeing all your comments. It’s really a neat way of reaching out sharing an evening!
Last Friday at PDubs was a blast with lots of good friends - some I hadn’t seen in quite some time. Brad Schoolland sat in for a bunch of tunes, and the beer tasted so good. Thanks to all who came and made it possible.
What's up this week?
Saturday at 7:30 I’m playing a concert for Coyote Creek Concert series in Elizabeth, Colorado, at the city park pavilion. Concerts are such a great way to play music! I get to stretch out and put all myself into the performance in a way that I don’t get to very often at other venues. If you’re anywhere in the area please come out. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
Almost forgot - this afternoon I’ll be helping to teach a class in music appreciation at Adams State College remotely. This is a cool thing. I get to share some of my experiences in music with young, budding musicians.
What's on the horizon?
Summer will be here before we know it, and I have a bunch of events coming up - Yellow Pine Guest Ranch barbecues, PDubs, private parties, weddings, Boy Scout shows, Art in the Park in La Veta, Bull Moose in Guffey, Philmont, online concerts, Feed Store Concert in Westcliffe, Royal Gorge Bridge, and lots more. Stay tuned!
That’s it for this week. Hope to see you soon!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing at concert for Coyote Creek Concert series
When: Saturday, May 27, at 7:30 pm
Where: City park pavilion in Elizabeth, Colorado, Tickets - $12 at the door or $10 in advance at the website - coyotecreekconcerts.com
Monday, May 15, 2017
Hear, Taste, Feel the Love
I'm reminded today of what makes things worthwhile in life. It strikes me that all the things that I think are excellent in this life are the result of someone putting in time and effort - great art, technology, food, music, and products. What makes them put in this effort? Well, care, I think, passion, and even love. When we love what we do and how we do it we take the time to do it creatively and to do a depth that is truly excellent! We are drawn to these things because we see that the people making it are engaged and enthusiastic, excited and resonant with life. And it really just takes the openness to explore and see the beauty in things around us to have this enthusiasm. So in that spirit I invite you to hear, taste, and feel the love!
What have I been up to?
Friday a week ago was the final evening at Magpies until next fall, and it was a packed house of good friends and music lovers. We did all kinds of tunes with lots of favorites.
What's up this week?
Friday night 6-9 I'm back at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West for some of that good stuff created with passion - good food, good brews, and good music! Come on out if you can. Brad will be sitting in again for a few tunes, and I'll be in fine form with all my new pick explorations and songs.
It's also National Nursing Home Week, so I'll be doing many, many shows for different facilities around the area all week. I don't talk about the nursing, assisted living, and retirement facilities I play at very often, but it's one of the more enjoyable things I get to do with my time for some wonderful people.
What's on the horizon?
Next week on Saturday, the 27th, at 7:30 I'm playing for the Coyote Creek Concert Series in Elizabeth, Colorado. This is a really cool concert in the pavilion at the city park in Elizabeth. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County with love. I'd be honored to have anyone near Elizabeth or around Denver come on out for it. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
That's it for this week. I hope you are gearing up for a fine summer!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, May 19, 6-9 pm
What have I been up to?
Friday a week ago was the final evening at Magpies until next fall, and it was a packed house of good friends and music lovers. We did all kinds of tunes with lots of favorites.
What's up this week?
Friday night 6-9 I'm back at PDub Brewing Company in Pueblo West for some of that good stuff created with passion - good food, good brews, and good music! Come on out if you can. Brad will be sitting in again for a few tunes, and I'll be in fine form with all my new pick explorations and songs.
It's also National Nursing Home Week, so I'll be doing many, many shows for different facilities around the area all week. I don't talk about the nursing, assisted living, and retirement facilities I play at very often, but it's one of the more enjoyable things I get to do with my time for some wonderful people.
What's on the horizon?
Next week on Saturday, the 27th, at 7:30 I'm playing for the Coyote Creek Concert Series in Elizabeth, Colorado. This is a really cool concert in the pavilion at the city park in Elizabeth. It's part of Elbert County Music and Art, a non-profit group that does lots of good things in Elbert County with love. I'd be honored to have anyone near Elizabeth or around Denver come on out for it. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance at their website - coyotecreekconcerts.com.
That's it for this week. I hope you are gearing up for a fine summer!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: singing and playing
Where: PDub Brewing Company Taproom, 181 S Purcell Blvd, Pueblo West, 719-647-8864
When: Friday, May 19, 6-9 pm
Monday, May 1, 2017
Snow Day
We had a snow day last Saturday that gave us a day at home and postponed a trip to Nebraska. The sudden free time was a surprise and had me drifting throughout the day. I had projects I could do, but there's something in a snow day that gives you permission to be as free as a bird. I love this feeling, disconcerting as it sometimes can be. So I did a couple projects, but I also took the opportunity to listen to new music and just play around on the guitar which I seldom do - trying techniques and experimenting - just letting myself enjoy joyful play. It was refreshing, and it reminded me that surprises can happen from out of nowhere that take me outside of our planned grid-work. Life is full of this when I let it be.
What have I been up to?
I had a wonderful gig for a friend's retirement last Friday. It's fun giving joy to good friends with the music you know they love. Congrats, Tom!
What am I up to this week?
Friday 7-10 is the last time at Magpies for the season, and if you've been meaning to come out this is the last chance until October. We have such fun down in the tap room with such good friends. I'd love to have you there if you're out and about.
Saturday I have a private party for an 80th birthday.
Sunday 7-8ish I'm playing another online concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch in my first-Friday series. I haven't made a songlist, but I'm feeling in an eclectic mood, so it may be interesting. I'm going to use my neighbor Mari Pretzer's quilt she made me for a backdrop. Please join me if you can!
That's it for this week. Be good to yourself and each other. Enjoy life!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, May 5, 7-10 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, May 7, 7-8ish pm MST
What have I been up to?
I had a wonderful gig for a friend's retirement last Friday. It's fun giving joy to good friends with the music you know they love. Congrats, Tom!
What am I up to this week?
Friday 7-10 is the last time at Magpies for the season, and if you've been meaning to come out this is the last chance until October. We have such fun down in the tap room with such good friends. I'd love to have you there if you're out and about.
Saturday I have a private party for an 80th birthday.
Sunday 7-8ish I'm playing another online concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch in my first-Friday series. I haven't made a songlist, but I'm feeling in an eclectic mood, so it may be interesting. I'm going to use my neighbor Mari Pretzer's quilt she made me for a backdrop. Please join me if you can!
That's it for this week. Be good to yourself and each other. Enjoy life!
Best,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, May 5, 7-10 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, May 7, 7-8ish pm MST
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)