Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Yesterday’s news included the new indoor skatepark that’s opened at the 15th-century St Peter Parmentergate Church in Norwich. We saw the enthusiasm and skills of skateboarders and heard their passion, dedication and determination to be successful. Skateboarders and the local authorities think that is the best use for the building. Faith communities and historians mayContinue reading “What’s Best?”

Yesterday I wrote about ‘nitty gritty’. Several concerned friends contacted me… The London Evening Standard (May 2002) stated: ‘…expressions such as “nitty gritty” are increasingly being banned by Britain’s police forces because of their racist overtones… the phrase originates from the 18th century slave trade and refers to the detritus left behind in the holdContinue reading “Offended and Upset”

I’ve heard this phrase used several times recently… One dictionary definition: ‘If people get down to the nitty-gritty of a matter, situation, or activity, they discuss the most important, basic parts of it or facts about it.’ I’ve been reading about ancient Jewish sacrifices… If you broke the Jewish law it might have been accidentally;Continue reading “Getting Down To The Nitty Gritty”

Jason often upset teachers in school. It wasn’t that he caused trouble, he just couldn’t be bothered to work. I chatted with him one day about his talents, the importance of education, the opportunities that he had… He explained… His parents and grandparents had never worked. In his young eyes they’d done OK. He hadContinue reading “Leading By Example”

If you’ve been walking the same old roadFor miles and milesIf you’ve been hearing the same old voiceTell the same old liesIf you’re trying to fill the same old holes insideThere’s a better life… Zach Williams was brought up in a Christian home but rebelled against his parents’ faith. He made bad decisions… there wasContinue reading “Chain Breaker”

Monday was cold and raining. I cycled to our Men’s Shed and got soaked. Something was odd… things looked different. ‘Are you OK?’ asked John. ‘I think so,’ I said; I knew things weren’t quite right. I asked myself, ‘Are you OK?’ John and I had both asked the wrong question. The question should haveContinue reading “Asking The Wrong Questions”

Reading Exodus 26 – the instructions for making the tabernacle – the portable house of worship – a symbol of God’s presence with Israel. Skilfully woven blue, purple and scarlet curtains with pictures of cherubim worked into them were hung on wooden frames with silver bases and crossbars made of acacia wood…   Musing… ‘crossbars’…Continue reading “I Need Crossbars”

Yesterday’s paper told of 90 year old trucker Brian Wilson who’s been driving HGVs for 70 years. Last month he passed his annual medical; he still works 5 days a week. The headline was ‘Trucker, 90, puts the ‘age’ in haulage’. Tuesday afternoon I was reading with cup of coffee in my hand. I noddedContinue reading “Putting the ‘Age’ in ‘Haulage’”

The blurb says: ‘This simple 6-cube storage solution allows you to display your favourite ornaments with pride.’ I assembled one for Pete’s bedroom. He now has a ‘storage solution’ to display his bits and pieces. Personal treasures on display. I’m reading ‘Treasure Island’. I’ve never read it before. The young hero, Jim Hawkins, discovers theContinue reading “Treasures & Children”

George worked with ‘Tin-leg Smiffy’ on the Lowestoft trawlers. Smiffy went to Grimsby by train to work on a trawler. He decided not to pay – and so jumped off the train as they were getting into Grimsby Station. A train was coming in the opposite direction and Smiffy lost his legs – becoming ‘Tin-legContinue reading “Sometimes I Just Don’t Know…”