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.
——
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”.
——
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
——
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
——
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