Looking Back

It’s that time of year when we look back on the year gone by and try to make sense of what happened, put a bow on it, and bid it adieu. My year has been relatively good. Of course there has been angst in the country and the world with so many changes politically. I don’t talk about politics here though. We lost a lot of good people in the world, and many of those were people who were making their mark in my formative years. That affects me a lot because they were people I looked up to who were examples of excellence and creativity. They will be missed. My health has been okay although every year adds a couple more aches and problems that remind me that I won’t be here forever. I didn’t have any big career milestones, but I wasn’t looking for any at 64. It was enough to be able to sing “When I’m 64” with authenticity. I do tend to forget lyrics more easily and to get lost in the middle of a song though. Sometimes that’s pretty comical when it’s not scary. I like how we can settle into a comfortable state in later years with some wisdom and calm. I’d hate to think that there should be panic at this point. I wrote several years ago about purpose and living your life based on that. My purpose in life has changed over the years. I still think I’m here to provide peace, stability, and encouragement to others with music, but I think the relevance of that is changing as music is more readily available. This past year has shown me that people still appreciate live music and what I’m doing. I do think that having joy in everyday moments is very important, and this past year has shown me that I could pursue that even more. It takes very little  for me to find joy. When I was at Yosemite this summer to attend my nephew’s wedding nearby I definitely found joy in pushing my physical endurance to hike like I haven’t in years to enjoy some unbelievable beauty. I find joy in our pets and in shared moments too. Life can be very uncomplicated when we let it be so. So was it a good year looking back for me? Yes, with some consideration for the bad things that happened too. How about you?

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What have I been up?

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and it was a wonderful week of Christmas songs and smiles for the most part - even the day after Christmas where people were still in the spirit. One of my facilities did have Covid in it, and that put a damper on family visits there though. I had hoped that wouldn’t happen.

My Wednesday online show was a meaningful night with lots of great Christmas music. Many more people than I expected were ready to share their Christmas Eve with me singing songs and stories. It was so special!

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some really good ones including some surprises. Folks were ready to move past Christmas songs, and I really enjoyed the comments and spirit.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week including 2 on January 1st. I sometimes take New Year’s Day off, but this year I thought it would be fun to share a fun and uplifting morning and afternoon with my seniors. I’m looking forward to it!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a New Year’s Eve party of upbeat and exciting songs. I’ll have a countdown clock that will hit 0:00 at 8 o’clock mountain time to ring in the new year in style for those who don’t want to stay up until midnight. I always do a fireworks background with bursting colors and beauty to complement the wild songs and atmosphere. Come on out if you’d like to celebrate with me.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’m sure there’ll be some great songs to start the new year. This group is so honest and engaging, and we always have a good time. You’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. I can’t believe we’ll be starting the year 2026. I never would have pictured that it would be like this for good and for bad. What a wild world we live in.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of party songs for New Year’s Eve

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

When:  Wednesday, December 31, 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, January 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time