I’m thinking this morning about the games we play in life. At this stage of my life I’m finding that I don’t want to play games anymore. When I was younger I was all about clever interactions with people and ways I could get my way through sometimes almost deviant manipulation. I know that sounds sinister, but I definitely went through a time where I functioned like that. And at some point I gave it up. It could have been an epiphany of wisdom, or it might have been just laziness since it’s so much work to keep juggling all the balls in the air of different lies and stories. Either way, I find that it’s so much more worthwhile to just give people yourself without all the baggage. I remember a conference I went to a decade ago where I met many people I knew online and had chatted with often. Meeting people in person after knowing them online is an experience where all the conceptions you’ve had about a person gets realized in the flesh. Some people are exactly who you thought they were, and some are totally different. I remember in the aftermath that one of the folks said that I was exactly “What You See Is What You Get.” (WYSIWYG) I think that’s a great way to live. I don’t know why we ever develop all the layers of complexity in our relationships that we do, but try just being who you are - naked and unafraid - and see where it gets you. At least it’s a more peaceful way to live - and more honest.
What have I been up to?
Monday at the Royal Gorge Bridge was a wonderful day. Jen traveled with me, and I had some really nice folks sit down and listen and interact with me. I even did almost a whole set of Beatles music with folks singing along and cheering.
Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was a packed house with such enthusiastic friends and beautiful people. It was a treat!
Saturday the rain stopped just in time for a sweet concert at Deerprint
Wine in La Veta. I had so many friends and familiar faces come out. I did a bunch o favorites and even some 60's tunes and a little Aretha Franklin to pay tribute to her. RIP, Aretha.
What’s up this week?
Monday and Tuesday 12:30-4:30 I’m back at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the south side stage. The summer is winding down up there, but I’m still having really good crowds of kind folks and music lovers. I’d love to have you up there if you’re looking for a fun day outdoors.
Thursday 6:30-8:30 I’m at the Yellow Pine once again for the barbecue if we get enough reservations. Last week was such a packed house that I imagine we’ll have a bunch of folks who want to have some tasty barbecue and my music in the old barn at least one more time before the end of summer. It’s such a great tradition. Please call by Tuesday if you’d like to come - 719-742-3528.
Saturday 5ish to 7:30 I’m playing a new event for me. Fremont Adventure Recreation is having a Farm-to-Table 5-mile fun run and dinner at the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey to showcase growers and culinary artists in Cañon City. It’s $30 for the run with dinner and wine pairings or $25 for youth or no wine. I don’t know how close it is to being sold out, so I you'd like to come I’d suggest checking it out ASAP. There’s more info on their website http://www.joinfar.org/farmm-to-table-run.html and on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/654182721590876/. It sounds like a great time! Join me if it sounds like fun to you too!
That’s it for this week. I hope your summer has been good.
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing
Where: South side of the Royal Gorge at the Royal Gorge Bridge on the stage just east of the bridge
When: Monday, and Tuesday Aug 20 and 21, 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the Barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, Aug 23, 6:30-8:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing for the FARmmm to Table Fun Run and Dinner
Where: the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, Cañon City
When: Saturday, Aug 25, 5:15-7:30