Interesting concept today - Free Won’t. It’s the choice to Not do something that crosses our thoughts. I heard it on a podcast I was listening to this past week. We tend to think that we are somewhat controlled by our thoughts, and we tend to react very quickly most times instead of remembering that we have a choice not only to do something, but also to Not do something. I think this is also tied up in habits. We like habits because they allow us to follow an established path, and that oftentimes is easier and takes less thought. But I’d like to propose that we have a choice in everything we do. That’s Free Will. But we also have a choice to Not do something as well, and that’s Free Won’t. If you can stop for a second to consider the outcome of your choice you can control the flow of thoughts and events that follow, and you can also set yourself free in the moment from your automatic habits. Try it!
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What have I been up to?
Tuesday’s online show was doing the music of Nanci Griffith, and it was so rewarding getting to dive into her music again. She was a fine songwriter who could express so many emotions in stories not only about other people but about herself as well. She will definitely be missed, and it was a walk down memory lane for me Tuesday over the past 35 years.
Thursday we found out that a friend of ours had tested positive for COVID, and we had spent time with her on Tuesday and Wednesday. So we had to read up on precautions for vaccinated folks who are exposed to people with breakthrough COVID. We found that we needed to wear a mask indoors for the next week and also get tested anywhere from 3-7 days after exposure, so we did a Rapid test after 5 days on Sunday, and we’ll do a PCR test today. The Rapid test was negative, so that’s good news. Our friend was pretty sick over the weekend, so we still want to take caution until we get the PCR test back just to be sure. My Saturday show I stayed away from folks and wore a mask except when I was onstage performing. We are both feeling fine.
Saturday’s show at Hoobler’s in La Veta was so enjoyable. We had a good crowd, and I did mostly songs off my albums. It was a perfect night outdoors on the beautiful stage the Jim and Peggy Hoobler built on their yard. You can see pictures of it on my Facebook and Instagram. Thanks to everyone who came out.
Sunday’s online show was also wonderful with a few new songs and our genuine group of friends and fans. I can’t express enough how thankful I am for such warm and caring people who have joined in with me and my music.
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What am I up to this week?
My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 will be doing songs from the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Don Everly passed a week ago, and so I wanted to honor the memory of Don and his brother Phil with a few of their tunes. I thought Buddy Holly would be a good compliment to their music, so we’ll combine the two for a rousing show. Come on out!
Wednesday 6-9 I’ll be at the Gold Dust Saloon in Pueblo out back on the patio. Our first outing there a couple weeks ago went very well, and I hope this week will be just as fun. Since it’s outdoors I can still maintain a good distance and safety with folks if we haven’t gotten back a negative PCR test yet. I’ll cancel if we test positive, of course. I have agreed to do the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays going forward. We’ll move them inside to the balcony as weather dictates. Of course this is all dependent on how things go with COVID.
Saturday 11-1:30 I’ll be in Westcliffe performing for the street fair in front of KLZR radio station. This was originally scheduled on Sunday at the Feed Store Amphitheater, but they moved it to be part of the party on the street with all the cars and food vendors and excitement. It should be a good time, and there’ll be seating and lots of stuff going on. Come on out if you’re in the Westcliffe area!
My Sunday online show 7-8:30 will be doing the favorites and requests that make for such a fun evening each week. I said it above, but we get such a great group of friends with so much support for each other and the music. Please tune in if you can!
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That’s it for this week. It was kind of a whirlwind with the COVID scare for us this week, and our friend is still pretty sick, so we definitely have an even better understanding of the risks that we all are still part of with this virus. Take care, my friend, and we’ll all get through this. My thoughts about Free Won’t definitely apply to how we think through this every day.
Best,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of Nanci Griffith songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Tuesday, August 31, 7-8:30 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Gold Dust Saloon, 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo
When: Wednesday, September 1, 6-9 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing for the Street Fair
Where: on the street in front of KLZR Radio, 103 S 2nd St, Westcliffe
When: Saturday, September 4, 11-1:30 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of favorites
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Sunday, September 5, 7-8:30 pm mountain time