Pondering as always today. I’m thinking about the complexity of human interactions, and I’m wondering what drives us. One thing I always come back to is that I believe in the inherent goodness of people and the world in general. It’s always been part of my view of life. I know that many religions and philosophers don’t agree with this. They believe that because of “human nature” we will always choose the selfish course or the destructive way. I think that is a copout. I think it excuses bad behavior. I think it makes us distrust each other and look for ways we can cheat other people. I tend to be overly idealistic when I view the world. I sense that there is a way we can live where we support each other with kindness and helpfulness. I’ve found that when I do that it invariably helps me as well - both in spirit and in fact. Good begets good. Positive energy put out into the world attracts other people to us, and in the end everyone benefits. I’m aware that negative energy can have the same attractive quality in some ways, but in the end it causes distrust and pain - eventually falling apart. I don’t think I’m writing about morality per se, but a deep feeling of purpose and destiny. It’s just my two cents added to the conversation on this new day. Are we good?
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What have I been up to?
My Tuesday show playing campfire songs was more fun than I thought possible. We did some pretty corny songs, but those songs took us to a place of memory and joy. We’ll have to do that theme again!
Thursday at the Yellow Pine Barbecue was also a fine ride - different than other weeks, but special in its own way. I sure enjoy these Thursdays! I love it when the kids fill the dance floor with smiles and dancing!
The memorial on Saturday was very sweet. I have never been to an event where there were more deep and genuine friendships expressed. The song I learned - “Moment of Forever” as sung by Willie Nelson and written by Kris Kristofferson - was a song I will cherish. Playing at the following reception with Dennis Mills on bass was also very enjoyable.
Sunday morning playing for Cuchara Chapel was nice seeing old friends and sharing some of my instrumental songs. Leading a group in singing is always a challenge for me, but I did okay even if I did pitch a couple songs very low for the sopranos. :-) I sang a very old song for a solo that my Grandpa Bell taught me called either “Morn Amid the Mountains” or “Murmur” depending on what old hymnal from the 1800s you have on hand. It’s a very obscure song.
My Sunday evening show playing favorites turned in to a “mush bunch” as one of my friends called it as we ended up doing several sentimental songs. They didn’t mind, and it was nice exploring a little different overall tone for the night.
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What am I up to this week?
My Tuesday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be playing sun songs. I thought this might be a fun theme for summer since our lives are so dominated by the sun. Please come by for a listen if you can.
Thursday 6:30-8 I’m at the Yellow Pine for the weekly barbecue. I’m seeing so many friends that I only see at the barbecue, and I really enjoy them! If you’d like to come we might be able to fit you in, but call by Tuesday morning at the latest of the week you want to come. 719-742-3528
Friday and Saturday I will be busy at the wedding of my sister Jane’s son Ian and his fiancee Kate. It should be a beautiful event, and I’m really looking forward to it! Wish them well as they start their life as husband and wife. I’ll be singing a favorite song of theirs at the wedding and providing sound for the dancing.
My Sunday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be favorites and requests as always. I’m not getting time to learn as many new songs and requests as I was last year at this time, but that’s because I’m working so much more. It’s all good. The folks are so good to be with, and we have a great time! Come on out if you can.
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That’s it for this week. I wonder what everyone thinks about the goodness of humanity and the world. Whatever it is, I’m glad to be in this world at this time with the folks I love.
Best always,
Tom
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Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing an online concert of sun songs
Where: facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts
When: Tuesday, July 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain time
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing at the barbeque
Where: Yellow Pine Guest Ranch, Cuchara. 719-742-3528
When: Thursday, July 15, 6:30-8:00 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, July 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time