Breath

I’m reading a book about breathing called “Breath” by James Nestor, and it has me thinking a lot about the way I breathe. I’m on chapter 6 out of 10 chapters, and I’m learning a lot about breathing. The book makes some bold claims about how proper breathing can improve health in many ways. It also talks about how different cultures have treated breathing. For instance, the book says that Native Americans taught breathing only from the nose as the key to healthy living. We often hear jokes about how someone who is a “mouth-breather” is lesser than. The book shows examples and scientific studies that show how breathing from the nose decreases heart rate and lessens susceptibility to disease. I’m currently trying to master this as I exercise, but I always feel like I’m choking for air. When I was in college there were different exercises for singers and for wind and horn players where we were supposed to walk a certain number of steps as we inhaled and then walk a certain number of steps as we exhaled. Just a few of these cycles would almost make me pass out, so I never did much of this. I did learn to breathe from my diaphragm which is very helpful for a singer. I’m not sure that this has made me any more relaxed or lessened my chance for illness - especially after having Covid twice in just three months. After the 10 chapters of the book there are a series of breathing exercises and techniques in the book that will be interesting to try. I’ll let you know if they make any difference in my life. How about you? We hear often about the benefits of deep breathing. Do you have any stories or experiences in your life where breathing techniques have helped? Are you interested in reading this book too?

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week, and I enjoyed all of them. I was definitely spent after some of these days with so many hours of playing - particularly because some of them were still doing high-energy Irish tunes that take more stamina. I love playing for these folks though!

My Wednesday online show was doing Spring songs since the first day of Spring was just the day before. It was very well-attended, and I think everybody had a great time.

Saturday I played a birthday party for a real sweetheart of a gal who has been at a couple different facilities I play at. Happy Birthday, Tosh! Then the memorial get-together that I played for on Saturday evening was very bitter sweet. The woman was a long-time friend and fan who will be definitely missed. Her family and friends are just the best.

My Sunday online show was back to favorites and requests after the previous Sunday’s Irish show for St. Patrick’s Day, and it was also well-attended with some old friends and new faces. These nights can really be special. You can always watch the after the show if you’re interested. They’re posted on Facebook here facebook.com/TomMunchFans/ and on my website here tommunch.com/online-concerts. 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all. We have some snow today, so sometimes it’s not as easy getting out and about to them, but that usually doesn’t stop me. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs I haven’t done for my online shows before, and I always enjoy doing what I call “never done” songs for my group. Some of these songs are real gems that are so satisfying to share. Come on out if you’d like to be part of it.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I often say how special these evening are, and I expect this week will be the same kind of high. You are always welcome to tune in too. I’m sure I’ll do a few Easter tunes as well since it’s Easter Sunday.

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That’s it for this week. I find myself think about breathing constantly through the day while reading this book. Am I breathing through my nose? Am I taking deep or shallow breaths? Do I feel relaxed through my torso and shoulders? It’s fascinating!

Best,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of “never done” songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 28, 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, March 31, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Spring

Tuesday is the first day of Spring, and that’s a marker for a change of attitude as the earth tilts - and we with it. I’ve always felt connected to the earth. In general we aren’t very linked to it though since most of us live our lives fairly isolated from the outdoors in comfortable buildings and vehicles. I’ve been watching a series of videos lately about ancient Pueblo culture ruins that has made me think much more about living closer to the earth. It amazes me how Native Americans for the most part understood how to manage the land and our involvement with it for centuries or millennia. I think that happens when you live so closely with the changes that occur in the land and weather. After all, that’s why calendars and star gazing developed - we were trying to understand our relationship to the seasonal changes we felt around us. So what do I feel in my bones this Spring? Well, I feel the beginnings of the energy surge to prepare for a busy growing season on our property and in my work. I’m always amazed how this wave comes over me and drives me to new heights. Even when I feel a little less ambitious there is something inside me with that earth connection that sweeps me up and compels me to go, go, go! I’m hopeful that it will always be there as each year rolls around. How about you? Can you feel the Spring inside you?

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and most of them really wanted to hear the Irish music I was feeling in my blood. The songs of Ireland are so engaging!

My Wednesday online show was Irish tunes, and we did a lot of them with a fun crowd. I even had a little Irish whiskey to grease my throat - as one of those songs says.

My Sunday online show was also Irish music since Sunday was St. Patrick’s Day. It was so much fun, and I had a great audience to help celebrate.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I’m hoping they still want to hear some Irish songs since I’m not quite ready to let those go for another year. If they don’t that’s okay too. I love playing for them!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Spring songs since Tuesday is the first day of Spring. There are so many uplifting and beautiful songs for Spring, and I’m really looking forward to playing them. Come on out if you can!

Saturday I’m playing for another friend’s memorial who was taken too soon. I guess I’m at that age. I’m happy to lend whatever I can to help folks remember and celebrate their loved ones.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests after doing Irish tunes last week. I always look forward to these evenings of great requests and variety with my stellar folks who come out to listen and support me and each other. You’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. I did book a few more things I may not have mentioned yet. One is a concert at the La Veta Pines RV Park in La Veta on Sunday, September 1st at 7:00. I’ll reschedule my Sunday online show that week. Another is a concert at the Center for Inner Peace in Pueblo tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 4th at 7:00 although we may push it to a week earlier. I’ll confirm this week. I also got the schedule for the Yellow Pine Barbecue for the summer. We’ll start on June 13th and go every Thursday until August 8th except for July 4th. They’re not having a barbecue that night. They will also have the annual end-of-season bring-you-own appetizer and beverage evening on September 5th. I’ll have more details as we approach these dates as well as Facebook events. Thank you for your friendship and support. 

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Spring songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 20, 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, March 24, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Irish

It’s the time of year to celebrate Irish heritage with St. Patrick’s Day. I learn more Irish songs every year, and I ponder what Irish ancestry I might have as I look at a picture of my great-great-great-great-grandfather William Bell’s headstone in Quebec where he was buried in 1816. The genealogy that my mother had done before she passed in 2015 said that William was born in Ireland in 1739. He joined the British Army as a drummer boy and served in the French and Indian War in the US and Canada which ended in 1760 and then later in the war of 1812. I don’t know who his parents were or what they did in Ireland. I often think of what life must have been like for them. Were they subject to the oppression that many Irish knew and rebelled against? Were they musicians? Is that why I have such a deep affection for Irish songs, particularly the ones that get my blood up? I have no doubt that my love for some Irish tunes seems timeless and eternal. I know several versions of “The Water Is Wide” - some even with words written by me. The melody of that tune and several others like the “Mist-Covered Mountains” and the “Wexford Carol” just haunt me like no other songs. I hope to someday know more about my ancestry overseas, but for now I just imagine the lives of those ancestors and celebrate them with the music of Ireland. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Erin go Bragh!

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What have I been up to?

I had 8 senior facilities scheduled last week, but since I had Covid the previous week 2 of them cancelled to fit their guidance around Covid. I did test negative finally which is a relief since I never really did test negative in December when I had Covid.

My Wednesday online show was doing more great songs from 1971, and I had a large group of folks out to hear these tunes and reminisce about that time. It was a blast!

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests, and there were some really good songs for this show as well as a few new tunes that I really enjoyed. It was a fine audience again - love these folks!

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m having such a good time playing Irish songs for them all and telling funny Irish jokes and stories. They seem to really enjoy them.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Irish songs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I have well over 100 Irish songs in my repertoire now, and I’m just loving playing them. Come on out and join in!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will also be Irish songs on St. Patrick’s Day. I’ll probably even have a little Irish whiskey to honor the day, so it’ll be a lively show. I’d love to have you with me too!

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That’s it for this week. I just love this time of year with the chance to share some different tunes and some vibrant energy.

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs

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

When:  Wednesday, March 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Irish songs on St. Patrick’s Day 

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

When:  Sunday, March 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Sick

Well, I officially tested positive for Covid last week although it felt like a brief cold. I tested positive the day before the CDC changed its guidance on isolating and precautions. I’m happy to try to use every smart practice with disease, but it’s so confusing knowing what to do in so many situations around health. I very much respect all the science that goes on around diseases and illness, but it leaves me asking more questions most of the time. That’s unfortunate because it leads to a level of distrust around science and medicine that’s unwarranted. We have all heard the news about new science and medicine studies that we scratch our heads over when they seem to contradict a different study we heard sometimes in the same year. I follow science stories weekly and am so impressed with the knowledge and empathy that so many scientists have in their work and relationships. It really is a field where the majority are working from the right place as far as sincerity and honesty. Many even have the balance of spirituality and religious conviction to temper their science. That helps me have understanding for the perceived conflicts and confusion I see when I consider my own dealings with health and illness. I do trust that the science is always improving and giving me the best information I can get. Still I live day to day with some uncertainty, but I don’t let it bother me too much. Hey, I’m well today, and I never let my health be taken for granted.

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What have I been up to?

I had 6 senior facilities last week, but when I tested positive for Covid I cancelled 3 of them Thursday and Friday to be safe and follow guidance. I surely missed the folks, but I’m happy to consider their safety first. I’m right at the start of playing Irish tunes for them!

My Wednesday online show playing songs from 1971 was so much fun even though I had to stop to mute and blow my nose a few times. (Sorry about that!) 1971 had some super songs. We still had a blast, and we’ll do it again this week!

My Sunday online show was doing favorites and requests as always, and I had a wonderful group of folks with some great requests. I busted out my Irish guitar, and it sang like a banshee.

——

What am I up to this week?

I have 8 senior facilities this week although one cancelled to follow their guidance around Covid, and I’m waiting to hear back from 2 others whether they need to cancel for their guidance too. I love playing for these folks, and I’m happy to keep them safe although I’ll miss them if they have to cancel.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be another batch of songs from 1971. This was a great year of music, and I’m really enjoying reconnecting with these tunes. Come on out and join in with my great music folks.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and after last week’s banner evening I don’t know if we can top it this week. But I’m willing to try! You’re always welcome, and I’m happy to do a request for you.

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That’s it for this week. I’m so happy that my illness was short-lived and not bad at all. I hope you are well and happy too!

Best always,

Tom

——

Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1971 again!

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

When:  Wednesday, March 6, 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, March 10, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Drive

I was in the middle of four gigs last Friday when someone in the audience said I was really “on” that day. I told him that I had four gigs that day, and I was pouring all my energy into every one of them. It was true statement, and then I wondered where I got the drive to push so hard. I often think about this same thing when I’m in the middle of my exercise routine in the morning. Sometimes we humans just seem to have a fire within us that isn’t dependent upon caffeine or angst or a desire to succeed. Sometimes it’s just a joy to be in the moment and giving all we have. It seems to be a trait that is just part of being alive. I know that not everyone feels this, but I think everyone can with the right outlook and awareness of just how special this life is. So here’s to giving your all every day in every way. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 13 senior facilities last week - a lot of music and a lot of good folks to see. It was a wonderful week. 

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from my albums and new songs I’ve written since my last album. Unfortunately my computer crashed just before the start of the show, so I had to scramble to change my setup so I could do the show from my phone. I was about 15 minutes late, but we still had a great time, and I really enjoyed playing songs that I love and don’t perform all that often. I’ll do another night of album songs soon. 

My Sunday online show was requests and favorites as always, and it was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve had in a long time. I had so many nice folks tune in, and in reminded how much I like doing these online shows. 

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What ask I up to this week?

I have 6 senior facilities this week, and it seems like a vacation after having 13 last week. I know they’ll all be wonderful. I’ll start doing Irish tunes this week too as we approach St. Patrick’s Day. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1971, and there are some great ones. This is the era of music that really represents my style of music with all the folk rock artists that were popular then. Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it should be another sweet night of tunes and friendship. I love these evenings so much! Come on it and share it with me. 

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That’s it for this week. The weather is really changing here, and I’m starting to think about spring and summer. I feel the drive building inside me!

Best always,

Tom 

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs from 1971

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

When:  Wednesday, February 28, 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, March 3, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Albums

I’ve been thinking about albums lately. I haven’t made a new one since the beginning of the pandemic. That album started as a collection of original songs that I put on the back burner when I didn’t have enough songs written as my studio time came up and finished as a collection of favorite old country songs. I love the creative process, and I love writing and recording songs. Being in that flow of music and creation is just about the best thing I’ve ever been involved in. But it does cost quite a bit to make an album even though my good friend Don Richmond who owns the studio I record at (Howling Dog Studios) has always been more than fair with me on studio time and generosity of spirit and playing chops. (He can play anything I can play and so much more! We’ve even collaborated on a few songs.) But since the demise of the CD and other forms of physical recordings, the main way musicians make money is through performing and merch. Streaming music revenue is very small unless you have millions of listens. Performing is the main way I have made my living although album sales did help for a while. I’ve considered making more albums just for the joy of creation and the buzz of having something new out, but I honestly can’t afford it anymore. I never did like selling things anyway. I’m the last person to promote my stuff, and I never did get into other merch like books, art, and t-shirts. It just never felt right for me. Maybe I was never hungry enough. To make an album you have to have something you want to say or a drive to create something new. During the pandemic I was too busy trying to provide music to support my audience and my own psychic stability at a time when no one knew what tomorrow would bring. I’m still pretty busy doing that with online shows even though the emphasis has changed quite a bit with life assuming a more normal posture. I have written a few songs, and I’ve put most of them on my YouTube channel so people can hear them. I should probably record and release what I have written recently even if I don’t ever sell much of it. It’s funny how music over the last 150 years has been released and how musicians have made a living. At the beginning of that period you either made money by selling sheet music or by performing live. When recording technology became available it was possible to make the majority from selling recordings although most musicians loved to perform live too and would promote their recordings through those performances. Nowadays it really is mainly through performing again since streaming is not a viable means of income for most. I think our society still values music. It is very easy to access now with the internet and streaming, and it is much easier to create it especially as AI becomes better and more prevalent. I don’t think that music and that form of creativity will ever not be part of our culture although the world is swiftly changing. (Was that a pun on Taylor Swift?) Anyway, these are just my thoughts as I contemplate playing songs off my albums at this upcoming Wednesday’s online show.

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week, and it was so much fun doing Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day songs for them. The folks really appreciate music and the good vibes that come from it.

My Wednesday online show doing love songs was better than I could have hoped for. There was a huge variety of love songs, and I had a wide-ranging audience from all over the place.

My Sunday online show of favorites and requests had some great requests and a couple new songs to boot. I love doing these online shows for my wonderful audience.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 13 senior facilities this week, and I’m really looking forward to all of them. Following the holidays of February I will do different kinds of shows with just a little leftover love songs and some anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs off my albums as I wrote above. I may include a couple new songs I have written since the albums too for a little variety. It’s surprising how little I really play some of these album songs even though they are old friends. There’s just too much music out there to play! Come on out!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and I’ve been trying to take the time to learn at least a couple new tunes every week for this show. My audience is just the best, and I would love to have you join in. 

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That’s it for this week. The weather seems to have shifted here to a warmer pattern, and I’m starting to feel a little Spring in the air. I hope you are well and hearty and enjoying life.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs off my albums

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

When:  Wednesday, February 21, 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, February 25, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

What Is Love?

Deep question this morning - what is love? It’s a word we throw around a lot, but it has so many shades of meaning. Last year I did a couple different shows so I could do some general love songs as well as some romantic love songs. I learned a song by Peter Mayer called “What Is Love” last year that expressed love as an even deeper meaning - making love a force in the shaping of the universe. I’ve thought of it this way too, going back to my church upbringing when I first heard that God is love. Maybe the force that we see as all the interworkings of the universe as an intelligence that may be God or the physics of dark matter and gravity is really love at its core. I know it’s a little simple, but I like that simplicity myself. I have this sense that things that we complicate with science and study in this life may be really easy to understand at some point, and I’ve always felt that this is really what love is. So if love is that big, is it still something that’s applicable to romance and love in general? Absolutely! It’s all related to our experience in this life in our interaction with everything and everyone we meet. It’s easy. All you need is love! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week although one was cancelled due to miscommunication. One of the downsides to a lot of senior facilities is high turnover, and this has often led to scheduling changes for me over the years as people move on and facilities change ownership or management. It’s all about spreading some encouragement to the people I get to play for though, so I roll with the punches.


My Wednesday online show was playing Mardi Gras songs, and it was a blast. I guess Jen and I will actually have to go to Mardi Gras one year to drink in all the excitement and history that I feel in the music.

My Sunday online show was a special one at my friends Matt and Deann’s house - doing a bunch of love songs that Deann picked out for many folks in our audience. It’s always fun having a live audience for my online shows, and this one was really special. Even though it was up against the Super Bowl I still had a good group of people in attendance who sang along and shared the love.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 10 senior facilities this week, and they should all be wonderful. The time I get to spend with these folks is irreplaceable.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be love songs for Valentine’s Day, and I plan to do all kinds of love songs and requests as well as maybe the song I wrote about above by Peter Mayer. Come on out if you can!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be back to favorites and requests this week. I had a couple neat songs I’m working on that were requested in the last couple weeks that I think you’ll really like. I’ll add some other favorites and take some new requests too, so it should be a great show. You’re always welcome to join in!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re still pondering what love is - just as I am as I wrote above. It’s a big concept that deserves some thought. Have a great week!

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of love songs for Valentine’s Day

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

When:  Wednesday, February 14, 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, February 18, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

Mashups

I’m thinking about Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day happening back-to-back this year. I’ve been trying to do shows that have some New Orleans music and some love songs, and the two don’t always mix that well. That has me even doing songs together in a mashup kind of context. A mashup is not something I do very often. The concept is an interesting one - mixing things that don’t necessarily go together. It has a broader context in life of course. There are so many surprises and compromises in a mashup that sometimes make the combination better than the original individual parts. We all know that differences sometimes make our life so much more interesting and fun. We just have to take the time to see how they can mesh together to make something beautiful. This sensitivity and insight into the finer points of how things work and how they can fit together like a complicated puzzle takes a lot of work, but it can pay off in enjoyment and learning. There is a lesson in everything in life, it seems. Vive la difference!

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What have I been up to?

I had 6 senior facilities last week including one I haven’t played at in 10 years. One of the residents there was a wonderful woman I had worked with at the Royal Gorge Bridge many years ago. It was so good to reconnect. There are little joys every time I play for one of these facilities!

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 1974 again, part of my 50 years ago annual series. It was so much fun revisiting these great songs from my teenage years, and the audience was right with me.

Saturday I did an online show for my Philmont friends, and it was also a great time. Some of the online tools we have to connect with people now are so amazing, and it’s so easy to take them for granted. Big thanks to my friend Jason Mascitti for sponsoring the show with Thrivent.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and there were some wonderful tunes as always. This group of folks always impresses me with their deep requests and regard for each other. Life is good.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and I’m looking forward to them all as always. I can’t express enough how meaningful and fulfilling doing these shows is.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Mardi Gras songs. There are so many fun and exciting songs for Mardi Gras, and I love celebrating the event even though I’ve never been to it. So come on out and celebrate with your beads and masks!

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be a special show of love songs from my friends Matt and Deann’s house. I like doing shows at their house, and it always pours a lot of energy into the show having a live audience in the room for my online shows. Deann will make the playlist for this show, so I won’t be taking requests. Come on out and enjoy some love music. (I’ll do another online love show on the next Wednesday on Valentine’s Day where I’ll take requests.) It’s good to enjoy some love songs. Please tune in!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you are doing well, and I hope you’re enjoying this life as much as possible. Thank you for reading and coming along for the ride.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Mardi Gras and New Orleans songs

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

When:  Wednesday, February 7, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of love songs from Matt and Deann’s 

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

When:  Sunday, February 11, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Delights

I’m going to borrow an idea from my Philmont friend Dawn Chandler today, who wrote over the weekend of a book by Ross Gay that she loves called “The Book of Delights”. In it the author wrote about a different delight every day for a year. It opened him up to much more joy in his life even amidst the pain and fear that we all experience. I find that I like to do this too as I go through my day even though sometimes I have to make myself notice things that delight me. It is akin to object writing which I have also practiced to wake myself up to creativity in my writing and songs. Object writing is where you pick an object and write for 10 minutes about how it appeals to your senses. For instance, you take a pencil and write about how it looks, feels, smells, sounds, might taste, and how it makes you feel to use it. This exercise awakens your mind to creative words and phrases and ways of seeing. Seeing delight in your daily life can do this too. Without going down a rabbit hole you can appreciate how your computer keyboard clicks or how the texture of your shirt feels against your skin. It just takes you out of the race for a moment to appreciate the simple delights of your daily life. It can even be a simple memory that makes you smile. Just grab something in your life occasionally that gives you delight and lifts you up for an instant. 

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What have I been up to?

I had 9 senior facilities last week, and it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that a few had Covid outbreaks. I guess I’ll stop writing about these outbreaks since they happen so frequently. With having to wear a mask I have committed to wearing glasses instead of contacts now since I need to tuck my mask underneath my glasses to keep it on when I sing. It is a definitely a new normal in our lives. I still love playing for these folks even when the situations are awkward or not ideal. I make the most of them to support the folks.

My Wednesday online show was doing songs from 50 years ago in 1974, and it was so much fun that we will do more of these songs this week. I had a much larger group come out than I expected, and the memories were really flowing.

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests, and it was also well-attended and a blast. These nights just continue to outdo themselves with good vibes and good music.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 6 senior facilities this week, and I am looking forward to them all as always. I always have a few less on a fifth week of the month since most of my facilities are monthly-repeating gigs that fall in weeks 1-4. 

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be the songs of 1974 again as I wrote about above. There are just so many great songs from that year, and they are so much fun to play and reminisce about. Come on out and join in if you can!

On Saturday night 7-9 I’ll be doing an online show for my Philmont friends and acquaintances. If you’re one of these friends I’d love to have you tune in and join in the fun and friendship on my Tom Munch Philmont Songs Concert Facebook group. My Philmont friend Jason Mascitti is sponsoring me as an extension of his Thrivent business. He does financial planning for many Philmont folks, and it’s definitely a service we can all use. Check him out at connect.thrivent.com/Jason-mascitti.

My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always, and it’s usually a fine time of songs and camaraderie. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. Coming up I’ll be doing my Sunday night show on February 11th at my friends Deann and Matt’s house as part of my Valentine’s Day music. I look forward to that! I’ve also just booked July 6th in La Veta for Art in the Park again. Fun times coming up! Hope you are well and happy.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1974 songs AGAIN

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

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

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of Philmont songs

Where:   facebook.com/groups/1176893032692370 and tommunch.com/online-concerts

When:  Saturday, February 3, 7-9 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, February 4, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

50 Years Ago

My online show on Wednesday will be songs from 50 years ago in 1974, and that has me thinking about what life was like in 1974. I was just a teenager, and I was just starting to play stringed instruments - starting with my sister’s soprano ukulele in 1973. My dad was stationed in Nebraska with the VA, and so our lives were fairly simple compared to life on the coasts. We didn’t have a lot of angst although we saw the mid-‘70s turmoil on the evening news like everyone else did. Folk rock was what interested me although our local AM radio station played a little bit of everything. I loved playing the songs of that era on a baritone ukulele which was basically a guitar without the two lower-pitched strings. I picked most of them up off the radio or from songbooks. There were so many songs that were based on acoustic guitar, and I loved the intricate picking patterns and cool sounds in these songs. I can’t remember all the events of 1974. I guess that was the year that Nixon resigned. Gas prices were higher with the oil embargo. My sister Jane graduated from high school that year. It was an interesting time. I think I was mostly just a dopey kid who was interested in music. It has been fun going through the songs of that year and bringing back memories. Where were you and what were you up to?

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What have I been up to?

I had 12 senior facilities, and they all went so well! Many are requiring masks with Covid outbreaks. I’m actually used to wearing a mask and singing now. I have to wear glasses so I can tuck the top of the mask under my glasses to keep it on, but it all works fine after all these months of doing it.

My Wednesday online show was winter songs, and there were some really good ones. I had a really large group of folks come out to celebrate the winter and enjoy each other and the tunes. 

My Sunday online show was favorites and requests as always, and I had picked out a great variety of tunes for my regulars in addition to the fun requests that were made at the show. I love playing these evenings so much for my fine friends and supporters! 

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and they should all go very well. My amp has been giving me trouble lately, so I may have to switch up to a different one this week. I always want to give my very best to these folks.

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be songs from 1974 as I wrote above. There are so many great songs I know from this year! I’ve already gathered 90 of them, so we may have to do another week of 1974 songs just so we will not miss any favorites. Come on out!My Sunday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be favorites and requests, and it’s always the highlight of my week interacting with folks and doing some real gems of music. I love this group and this night. You’re always welcome!

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That’s it for this week. I’m really looking forward to all the songs and good vibes this week will bring. I hope you are well and relatively happy. Life is good.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 

What:  playing and singing an online concert of 1974 songs

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

When:  Wednesday, January 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, January 28, 7-8:45 pm mountain time