Monday, August 8, 2022 - Clutter

Jen and I watched a TED Talk on clutter a day or so ago, and it has me thinking more about clutter. Some of the points in the video were revealing about why we have clutter in our lives - from unexpected events leading to taking in stuff or breaking our routine of organizing and getting rid of stuff. But there is more to it for me. Often I have clutter because I don’t have the time to deal with stuff or the place to put stuff. Every project of going through things that have stacked up on a desk or accumulated on a shelf takes a block of time that is often hard to find. I’ve always liked the idea that you can just do a few minutes of going through stuff, but often it means spreading stuff out and stacking it in piles to take the next step. If you take time for that then often you don’t have time to finish and have to leave some of those piles out, and I can point to several of those piles over the years that lasted for weeks or months. And for me the organizing of my stuff has also made a map in my brain that corresponds to where everything is in my office or whatever space I’m going through. As I age those maps become fuzzier as my brain gets fuzzier. I’ve definitely gone to buy something I needed and then realized I already had one on the shelf I bought a couple years ago. My space is actually pretty well-organized at present where I mainly work, but I confess that there is storage and drawers that I could go through. I’ve heard several friends mention in discussions about this topic that a good fire would cure their woes. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone though. I have made rules at some points of my life to help me - like: 1) If I haven’t used it in 5 years, then out it goes, or 2) If it doesn’t fit in this keepsake box then it goes to charity. Sometimes those help, but not always. Such a struggle! So how about you? How do you deal with clutter? 

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What have I been up to? 

I had 7 senior facilities last week, and only one was affected by COVID. At that facility I had to play in the halls because they couldn’t gather residents together for an event. I enjoy playing for and interacting with these folks so much! 

My Wednesday show about campfire songs was really fun. We even sang “Kumbaya” if you can believe that - and enjoyed it! There is just something about gathering around the campfire (I had one on the screen behind me.) 

Thursday at the Yellow Pine barbecue was a great group of folks, and it was good to see them all!  

My Sunday show doing favorites and requests was wonderful as well. We settle into such a nice rhythm of give and take in our group that it is a joy to just be a part of. 

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What am I up to this week? 

I have 8 senior facilities this week, and I only had one cancel for COVID. I hope everyone at that facility does okay and recovers quickly. 

Tuesday will be my online show 7-8:30 mountain time with the theme of songs about songs and singing. My good friend Deann came up with this theme idea, and there are a lot of good songs to be sung. Come on out and see what we come up with! 

Wednesday 7-9 I’ll be playing another free dance at the Cuchara Community Center with my friend Dennis Mills on bass for the community. These dances are always fun, and hopefully we won’t have a rain storm just before the dance that scares away the dancers this time. If you’re in the area please come out and enjoy the evening with us! 

Thursday 6:30-8 will be the final barbecue of the summer at the Yellow Pine. I’m always sad to wrap these up, but I know we’ll do a special potluck and BYOB night the first Thursday after Labor Day at the Yellow Pine, so I’ll get to be there one more time even if it’s not the regular barbecue. I’d love to have you come out if you can so we can make the last night a gangbuster event! Call for reservations ASAP at 719-742-3528 if you’d like to come. 

Friday 5-7 I’m playing poolside at the Pueblo Country Club, so if you’re a member or member’s guest please come on out and enjoy the evening with some music. 

Sunday 11-12 Im playing outdoors for the Cuchara Chapel in the park next to the chapel. The chapel has struggled with many members getting COVID this summer, and so they’ve had hardly any services. This one will be outdoors so at least we can get one service in before the season ends. Please come out for this special memorial service in you’re in the area. 

Sunday my online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I cherish these evenings of interaction with my wonderful friends and followers. Come on out if you have if you can. 

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That’s it for this week. I’m looking at the clutter on my desk and contemplating whether I have time today to deal with any of it!  

Best always, 

Tom 

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Details this week: 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert of songs about songs and singing 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Tuesday, August 9, 7-8:30 pm mountain time  

Who:  Tom Munch and Dennis Mills 
What:  playing for a free dance put on by the Cuchara Valley Recreation Program 
Where:  Cuchara Community Center, Cuchara 
When:  Wednesday, August 10, 7-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing & singing at the barbeque 
Where:  Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528 
When:  Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing for the Cuchara Chapel virtual service 
Where:  In the park next to Cuchara Chapel, Cuchara 
When:  Sunday, August 14, 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 14, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

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