Downtime

As the summer progresses and I hear about all the fun things people are doing, I find myself remembering all the fun things Jen and I have done in past summers. I have lately felt more of a drive to work even more than I used to, and I have always worked 6 or 7 days a week. I’m not sure why this is. Part of it is just being glad to work after spinning my wheels during the pandemic - although I definitely filled that time learning songs and reaching out to my friends and senior facilities with music. Part of it is the fear we all have of not having enough as we age and think of retirement. I’m a pretty trusting person, so this drive isn’t all that strong. I just find that I don’t know how to have downtime lately, and I am longing for it. I’ve always had a curiosity about when is enough - for everything. It’s hard balancing responsibility with pleasure, but it is key to being aware and available to friends and loved ones, and it is important for happiness and fulfillment in life. Currently Jen and my downtime is mostly enjoying an evening together watching something uplifting or engaging on TV or eating out together or with friends. Of course, music is always inspiring and relaxing to some extent for me even when I’m working, but sometimes it’s so inviting to just have nothing you have to do and nothing to think about. There are so many things you can make yourself worry about, and so many things you can busy yourself with. I’m telling myself to make some downtime, and I guess I’m telling you too! We are here to love and learn, but we are also here to enjoy what this life has to offer.

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities that it looks like I neglected to write about last week. I enjoyed them all, and some good connections were made. That’s one of the things I try to do at these shows - make a genuine connection with at least a few residents. That makes it worthwhile for them and me.

My Tuesday online show was the music of Tony Bennet and it was wonderful. I played my old Fender Strat with a jazz tone so I could put a little of that sweetness in my performance, and it was wonderfult to deliver these great standards and songs that Tony was known for. He will be missed.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was a very nice night of new and familiar faces. It went by fast as the nights are getting dark sooner. It really is a special evening, and I hope you’ll take advantage of it if you’re in the area on one of these last couple Thursdays we’re having it.

Sunday morning playing for the Cuchara Chapel services was interesting. I had a bad cord that had me scrambling to be ready to start on time, and then I forgot how one of the hymns went even with the music right in front of me, so I balked on the beginning a bit. It was all good although things like this always make me question whether I’m losing my mind. I had similar things happen many years ago remembering songs for weddings and funerals. It’s a fun profession. 🤪

My Sunday online show of requests was really well-attended, and we had some really fun requests. I just love the group that shows up that call themselves “Munch Bunchers”.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 7 senior facilities this week and I’m looking forward to all of them. Heading into August there are different seasonal songs with fairs going on and the end of summer approaching. We have a good time.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be what I call “Spin the Wheel”. We did this last summer where I just scroll through my big song list of over 5000 songs and pick a song at random. It’s usually really entertaining since we never know what kind of song will come up. Come on out and join in the fun!

Thursday will be the Yellow Pine barbecue 6:30-8. There is only this Thursday and then one more on the 10th to end the season, so book now if you want to come out this summer. We also do a “bring your own” appetizer to share and beverage party the first Thursday after Labor Day, but it’s not the regular barbecue and music event that the summer nights are. I’d love to see you if you’re in the area. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Saturday I have a private party that should be really sweet. I’m always up for private backyard parties and family events if you ever want to throw one.

Sunday morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara again. They have asked me if I’d like to be more a part of this in the future, and I’m considering it although guitar accompaniment on hymns is not always what you might expect. It’s not my forte either, but I give it a go for the benefit of the folks.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. These nights are so wonderful with good friends and a great vibe. If you’ve never been I’d love to see you. We do a before-show Zoom too for a half hour before the show that’s always fun. You can go to the Munch Bunch Facebook page to find details about that - https://www.facebook.com/groups/398664345396960

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That’s it for this week. Summer is winding down, and I always don’t want it to end, but I also yearn for cooler days and a little less intensity. Be well, and I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of “Spin the Wheel” songs

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

When:  Wednesday, August 2, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, August 3, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, August 6, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 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, August 6, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Sincerity

I’ve been thinking a lot about sincerity the past few days. It first came to me when I heard that Tony Bennett died. The first word that popped into my head was sincerity. When he sang a song, especially in later years, you always believed the words he sang. They seemed to be coming from him personally and authentically. Then I was thinking about sincerity as I had conversations with friends and acquaintances this week. Some people were so available and aware of what was happening around them and in the conversation. That’s the kind of conversation I like to have. I think about sincerity when I watch people in all kinds of situations. When there is no hidden agenda or place the person would rather be, then there is usually sincerity. I love that. Of course I’m reminded that some people are pretty good actors with sincerity. Chuck Pyle liked to say, “My mother told me to always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.” I think you can usually tell when someone is not being sincere though. I encourage you to take the time to relax into a situation and find the true course within yourself to be sincere.

What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities this past week, and they were all very sweet. I get more out of these than I put into them - for sure.

My Wednesday online show was about boats and the sea, and there were some great songs requested and played. It was a small but appreciative group.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was fun as always, and I got to see some old friends once again. It’s always a magical evening in the old barn.

Sunday morning I played for services at Cuchara Chapel, and one funny thing happened. I knew a different tune to one of the hymns I was leading at the first service, and when I realized it was different than the printed music I panicked a little as I listened to the sermon. So I led just two verses of it with the melody I knew, and I threw off those who could read music. Oh, well. I learned the melody out on the printed music before the second service. I think they forgave me. It was great to see some of the folks I only see at the chapel.

My Sunday online show was requests and favorites, and we had some wonderful requests and a good crowd as always. I love these Sunday evenings.

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What am I up to this week?

My Wednesday online show will be on Tuesday 7-8:45 mountain time this week so I can play a luau on Wednesday that I play at one of my assisted living centers every summer. So on Tuesday we will do a show in tribute to Tony Bennett with many of the songs that he made popular. It should be a very sweet night. Come listen!

Thursday I’m back at the Yellow Pine Barbecue 6:30-8, and I’m sure we’ll have an enjoyable evening of barbecue, music, dancing in the barn, and roasting marshmallows and s’mores by the fire. These are always memorable nights, and I’d love to have you there. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come too.

Sunday Morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara, and I’ll make sure I know the hymns this week with no misreads of the music. I’m still embarrassed that happened to me! If you’re in Cuchara then come on by!

Sunday night my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and I’m looking forward to it. I just couldn’t ask for a better group of friends and good music on these evenings. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I’m still thinking about my topic above and of how much you can feel it in Tony Bennett’s music. Give him a listen and tell me what you think.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Tony Bennett songs

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

When:  Tuesday, July 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, July 27, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, July 30, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 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, July 30, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Still Got It

Last week was so busy, and for the most part I was able to keep up and even perform above my energy level. Part of it was by pushing myself, and part of it was by riding the energy of the people, the music, and the moment. I can’t deny that I am slowing down. I write about it every year when the summer season is really whirling around me. This is the first year since the pandemic that I’ve really felt like things are back to normal. The mind-shift that we went through during that pandemic time made me wonder if things would ever feel the same. But things really do feel pretty good although there is a gulf of memory from those years. So I pushed myself really hard last week, and several of the gigs I just let myself flow with the music. You know what? Everything came together, and I was totally lost in the moment and feeling good and centered in every way. So I put in the title above that I “Still Got It”, but in the end it’s not me, it’s just that I can still let go and completely immerse myself in the magic of this life. I hope you can too, and I hope you get some little encouragement from this acknowledgment.

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I really loved seeing the folks and interacting with them with music. 

For Wednesday’s online show I ended up doing almost all songs about sailing, and it was really fun. But we skipped a lot of neat boat and ocean songs, which is why we’re doing more of those songs this week.

Thursday night at Yellow Pine was the biggest barbecue of the season to date. It was such a crazy night. At one point we even stopped as a huge wind and dust cloud came up the valley and threatened a massive storm that ended up passing east of us. 

Friday afternoon I played a memorial service and reception in Cuchara for Frances Staniforth, and it was such a warm and beautiful family time. She will be missed, but we sent her off well.

Friday night I played a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass, and we tore it up! We had so many great folks come out to dance and share in our energy, and it was a blast.

Saturday night I played a private backyard party in Pueblo that was really cool. There was dancing, and kids singing along, and such a great vibe.

Sunday night we had a wonderful crowd for my online show with sweet requests and such a nice feeling. I love playing for these folks.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 12 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a continuation of last week’s theme as we play songs about boats and the sea. There are so many good songs around this theme!

Thursday night 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue, and it promises to be another big week. These nights are pretty special, and I’d love to have you in the audience if you’d like tasty barbecue in an old barn in the mountains with my music. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Sunday Morning 9:30-10:30 and 11-12 I’m playing for the church service at Cuchara Chapel in Cuchara. I always love playing these services in this log cabin chapel.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as you’ve read before. These nights always take on a life of their own that I cherish, and you’re always welcome!

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That’s it again for this week. We’ve just passed the halfway point of the summer as I see it, and there’s so much fun to come. 

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of boat and sea songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, July 20, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel services

Where:  Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara

When:  Sunday, July 23, 9:30-10:30 am and 11 am - 12 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, July 23, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Sailing

One of my favorite memories of childhood and young adulthood is sailing with my dad. He had gone to a summer camp when he was a teenager that had sailboats, and he fell in love with sailing and then passed it on to us kids. He got a boat that we sailed with him for fun and in many regattas (races). I still have a Laser sailboat behind our house that hasn’t been used in many years. There is something about sailing that is hard to describe. It’s a communion with the earth and the wind as you align yourself to the forces of nature to propel you through the water. It’s exhilarating and so freeing. There is an art to it in the way you react to the movement of the boat, and there is a science in it in the way you trim the sails to optimally use the wind. In every second you can feel the give and take of the wind and water, friction and motion. It’s really something! I can’t think of anything I’ve ever done that makes me feel so connected to the earth and nature. I should probably write a song about it even though I haven’t been sailing in decades now. It’s that strong in my memory. Have you ever sailed?

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all - especially the ones I played for on Independence Day. It’s a blessing for me and I hope a blessing for them to interact and share music.

Monday I was at Philmont Scout Ranch playing music all afternoon and evening with several old and new friends. It was beautiful day.

Wednesday’s online show was mountain songs, and it was just super. I forget how much I love songs about the mysteries of the mountains, but I sure drank it in with everyone else. It was a stellar night.

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was the biggest yet with lots of folks from the community and the ranch. It was so much fun! You’ve gotta come to one of these if you can.

Friday I went back down to Philmont to see the Silver Sage award be given to Doc Walker, an old friend from many years back and to play some more music. It was even more fun than Monday. It was a time I will hold dear in my memory for years to come.

Sunday I played the offertory at the Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo to an appreciative crowd. I played the version of “The Water Is Wide” with the words from Oliver Wendell Holmes that I’ve sung before. It’s such a wonderful tune, and the congregation really liked it.

My Sunday online show had some great requests and a very nice group of friends in attendance. These Sunday nights are always so special.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I know they’ll all be very sweet. It’s an honor to play for all these fine folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs about sailing and fun on the water, and I hope to bring that joy and awe that I wrote about above to the show. Please come out if you can. It should be a night to remember.

Thursday 6:30-8 is the Yellow Pine barbecue once again, and I expect it’ll be a busy one again with lots of laughter and fun with good food and music in the old barn. I’d love to have you there if you can make it. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Friday afternoon I’m honored to play at a memorial and reception for Frances Staniforth, one of the matriarchs of the Cuchara Valley who passed earlier this year. It should be a very warm and memorable community sharing. She was really something, and the room always lit up when she entered.

Friday night 7-9 I’m playing a dance at the Cuchara Community Center with Dennis Mills on bass that should be a hoot. If you have some dancing shoes or boots and you’ll be in the area then come on out. It’s a free event for the whole area, and Dennis and I always have a blast playing together.

Saturday night I have a private party for some fine folks I met at Bistoro before the pandemic who’ve wanted to put something together since way back then. I’m happy that we’re finally able to make it work.

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it should be a good night of fun and friendship.   These nights are always so inviting and engaging. Come on out if you can! It’s just a click away.

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That’s it for this week. This summer is really kicking my patootie, but I’m hanging on and enjoying every minute. I hope to see you soon.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of sailing and fun water songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, July 13, 6:30-8:00 pm

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills

What:  playing for a free dance put on by the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program

Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara

When:  Friday, July 14, 7-9 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, July 16, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mountains

I’m heading to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico today to host a music event all afternoon and then play a concert this evening. I’ve written about Philmont before since it had a big influence on me in my formative years, but it’s part of a bigger involvement for me with mountains and wildness. I was listening to a podcast this morning with Doug Smith, one of the principal people involved with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park, and he was telling some stories about wild encounters with wolves and other creatures and how it affected people. I’ve had many of those with wild animals myself, including one just yesterday morning when a spike buck almost ran right into Beau and me on the trail but instead stopped and looked at us before he pogo-sticked off across the field. I’ve also felt that same amazement and wonder and spiritual connection to mountains and their wild majesty and rawness. It has always given me a deep connection to the land and my animal nature as part of the earth and the other animals with which we share the earth. I believe that spending time in wild places rejuvenates us and aligns us to our true selves. Of course, many people have written and mentioned this in books and films from Thoreau to Grand Canyon. It’s why I walk at sunrise every day and post pictures of the land and sky. I believe we all need this connection. And for my Wednesday online show my theme will be mountains. How about you? Do you long for this connection in wild places?

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What have I been up to?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed them all. One had just gotten over a COVID outbreak and was requiring a COVID test and a mask. It seems we will have this for a while. 

My Wednesday online show doing dream songs went really well with some songs that might surprise you. You can check out the replay on my website at tommunch.com/online-concerts. 

Thursday night at the Yellow Pine barbecue was wonderful too with lots of new and old faces. This has been such a great event for so many years. 

Saturday in La Veta at Art in the Park was pretty special too, and it taught me that people still want to have CDs. Thank you, everyone!

My Sunday online show was very nice as always. We have a spectacular group of folks who are so supportive of me and each other, and it’s a joy to play and sing for them. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week including 2 on Independence Day. Seniors really have an appreciation of Independence Day, and they know all the words to the patriotic songs! 

Monday I’m at Philmont Scout Ranch as I wrote above as part of the 50th anniversary of the staff association. I’m helping/hosting the afternoon Philstock concert, and then I’m playing a concert that evening as well. It should be a great time! If you’re part of the reunion/homecoming then come on over to PTC to listen to some great tunes.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be mountain songs as I wrote above. This will be a fun exploration of some fantastic tunes about the mountains and their mystique. I’d love to have you in the audience.

Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine barbecue, and I’m looking forward to it! We have such a good time with good food and music on these evenings in the old barn. I’d love to have you there as well if you’re in the area. Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528.

Sunday I’m playing for the offertory at Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo at the 10:00 service. This was set up by my good friends Carol and Mark Rickman. If you attend church there then come on out!

Sunday my online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. This is often the best show of the week, and everyone really contributes to the camaraderie. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Just had to throw that in to remind us of our wonderful founders and the promise of this country. Be good and be safe.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of mountain songs

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch

What:  playing & singing at the barbeque

Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528

When:  Thursday, July 6, 6:30-8:00 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, July 9, 7-8:45 pm mountain time