Monday December 2, 2019 - Energy and Gumption

I’m beginning a crazy-busy month with lower than my normal energy, and I wanted to write about where energy comes from for me.  I’ve written before about the ways I try to maintain a positive outlook on life.  I try to look at simple things with wonder and gratitude.  I stop to look at the bigger picture instead of the little problems that pop up in my path.  I try to exercise regularly and eat things that don’t make me feel logy.  I fill my day with things that delight and inspire, and I try to avoid things that depress and dispirit me.  I try to give in every way I can - knowing that giving fills me in a way that is hard to explain.  I guess giving is like priming the pump of life - once it is flowing from me it opens me up to even more energy coming from the spirit of life all around me (kind of woo-woo, but it works.)  I am prone to feeling a little hopeless sometimes.  Aren’t we all?  When I was in college I would drive around town in the middle of the night.  In my later years I would get up and do a project.  Nowadays I have the whole arsenal above I mentioned to get me going in the right direction.  Ultimately I know everything will work out, and that is the final place I get energy.  How about you?  Do you have ways you give yourself some gumption and direction? 

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What have I been up to? 

Wednesday was the tree lighting and opening of ElectriCritters at the Pueblo Zoo, and it was cold but fun.  The highlight was singing all the Christmas songs for the first time this year. And I invited the zoo director Abbie Krause to sit in, which was a blast!  The display is gorgeous this year, and I really encourage you to go see all the beautiful sculptures and lights if you’re in the area. 

Sunday night was my First-Sunday Online Living Room Concert, and we did it from my brother and sister-in-law’s house in Pueblo.  Their house was decorated beautifully for the holiday, and they had lots of friends over to share the evening which made it extra special! 

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What am I up to this week? 

Monday I’m in the studio working on my “Back to the Old Country” album I wrote about last week.  It’s such a thrill working and creating in the studio, and I can’t wait to have you hear what I’m working on. 

Friday 6-9 is First-Friday at Bistoro, and I’m looking forward to seeing my favorite Pueblo folks out for an evening of good food, drinks, and music.  Come on out if you’re in Pueblo. 

Saturday 7-9 I’m doing a Christmas concert at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence.  I really enjoy getting to play in this grand old church converted into an arts center.  The folks are wonderful, and the room is magic. 

Sunday 10:30-11:30 I’m playing music for the Cuchara Chapel.  I so enjoy playing monthly for the folks of Cuchara all winter, and it being Christmastime I know that the service will be wonderful.  I just learned an old Christmas carol from Ireland called “The Wexford Carol” that I plan to sing for special music.  It’s a melody I’ve known for years and was delighted to find had words too. There’s a dandy version of it by Alison Krause and Yo-Yo Ma.  

Sunday 5:30-8 I’m in Littleton to play for A Holiday’s Evening at the Littleton Museum.  This is always a fun event in Littleton with lots fo families and holiday cheer.  If you’re in the Denver area please consider coming out for some music, hot cider, and Christmas cheer outdoors by the old barn.  Bundle up. Even though there’s always a warm fire nearby, it still gets pretty chilly in the evening in Littleton. 

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That’s it for this week.  I hope your Christmas season is starting out well, and I’d love to hear how you pump yourself up on a regular basis.  This life is an adventure and a journey, and sharing our thoughts and ideas is a big part of what makes it worthwhile. 

Best always, 

Tom 

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Details this week: 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing 
Where:  Bistoro, 109 Central Plaza, Pueblo. 719-696-9672 
When:  Friday, December 6, 6-9 pm 

Who: Tom Munch 
What: playing a Christmas concert 
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, Florence. 719-784-2038 
When: Saturday, December 7, 7-9 pm 

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing for chapel service 
Where:  Cuchara Chapel, 16400 CO Hwy 12, Cuchara, CO 
When:  Sunday, DecemberNovember 8, 10:30-11:30 am 

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing for A Holiday’s Evening at the Littleton Museum 
Where:  Littleton Museum, 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO, 303-795-3950 
When:  Sunday, December 8, 5:30-8 pm

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