Monday, June 6, 2022 - Helping

I’m thinking today about those who help and what prods us to help. Helping is usually a selfless act, and as such it is good for the giver and the receiver. There is no doubt that, even when the helping is hard work, there is a satisfaction in being there for someone else. It is also gratifying for the person being helped if they can accept the giving without feeling any obligation. Two examples happened this weekend and one coming up. First, on Friday I noticed a nail in my tire while driving through Kansas. I didn’t dare pull it out and have it go flat on the spot, so I googled a tire shop and drove a short distance where I explained my problem. A minute later a guy pulled out the nail and said it didn’t cause a leak. I offered to pay him, but he wouldn’t take it. It occurred to me as a drove off that I probably insulted him by offering to pay him, and then the lesson hit me that a grateful thank-you is sometimes better than money. Second, I spent the weekend in Nebraska playing a couple gigs and staying with my sister and niece. It was great to see them, and I usually try to be handy and fix things around the house for them if I can. (My granddad used to do this when he and grandma used to visit back in the day.) There were some frustrations in fixing some of the things (as there often is), but it felt so good to help. I know that it meant a lot to them as well. Lastly, this week is the birthday of Bob Deskin, one of my most-valued Munch-Bunch supporters and friends. Bob helps every chance he gets, and it is such a pleasure having his help and working with him. He started the map of the Munch Bunch and also made the playlist spreadsheet of all of the shows since the fall of 2019 including weekly updates. So I encourage you to help when you can. It’s good for you and them! Just put some good energy into the world! 

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What have I been up to? 

I had seven senior facilities last week. They all went very well even though one of them was on outbreak status, and I could only sing for them “unplugged” in the halls.  

My Thursday show was doing songs about states and was loads of fun! We actually didn’t end up doing songs just about states, and there are so many songs out there that we’ll do another show.  

On Saturday I did a short and a long show for the Good Sam’s RV Nebraska State Rally in Hastings, Nebraska, and it couldn’t have been better. The theme for the rally was “Camping at Christmas”, and it really felt surreal seeing Christmas decorations and costumes although my shows were a mixture of all kinds of music including Christmas songs. So much fun! Great group of folks! 

My Sunday show was done live from my sister’s house, and I did the show on my iPad to simplify the connection and the setup. It looked and sounded quite different, but everyone really enjoyed it. Maybe I should simplify more often! 

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What am I up to this week? 

My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be doing songs about states again. We only scratched the surface last week, and everyone really enjoyed it. So this week we’ll do some more great songs about different states. 

Saturday 8-10 I’m playing a concert at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for staff and visitors. I always look forward to playing at Philmont, and Ellyn Washburn will be there and will sit in and be featured as well. It should be a great time! 

Sunday 12-3 I’m playing a private party for a good friend and Munch Buncher that should be wonderful. I’m really looking forward to it. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’ll be rolling in from my earlier party, so there should be some great energy in the air. 

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That’s it again for this week. There’s so much going on every week this summer, and I hope you have as fine a time as I hope to have.  

Best always, 

Tom 

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Who:  Tom Munch  

What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about states 

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

When:  Thursday, June 9, 7-8:30 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, June 12, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

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