Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Last night’s news … Boris Johnson visiting soldiers;  Joe Biden talking about American troops… Abba’s Benny and Bjorn discussing their new album… Harry Kane, England football captain, scoring…   Famous names, famous faces; with fame often goes wealth, power, influence… When started our ‘Men’s Shed’ one of our first members was ‘Kenneth Williams’. Later ‘JohnContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”

Yesterday I had my hair cut. As usual I went to Mark. We discussed Covid restrictions, football, local businesses… A bearded gent entered Mark’s shop silently and started reading his paper. The haircut ended. As usual Mark said, ‘Do you want anything on your hair?’ Bearded gent looked up and said, ‘How about a hat?’Continue reading “The Real Deal”

Yesterday we took the grandchildren to the Hippodrome at Great Yarmouth. We watched an illusionist producing girls from empty boxes, motor-cyclists riding round inside a large metal sphere, a man juggling with table-tennis balls – blown in the air and caught in his mouth… It was a really good afternoon; wholesome entertainment. Luca liked ‘JohnnyContinue reading “‘I’m Enjoying Myself’”

I was born into a world where gender stereotypes were clearly defined. There were clear expectations of appropriate interests and activities for boys and girls. It wasn’t just that boys will be boys; boys must be boys. My Christian home and background was always strong and supportive. When I grew up as a man IContinue reading “Sexuality and Gender-Labels”

Musing on 3 English expressions… …‘Mad as a box of frogs’… I’m catching frogs in our garden, putting them in a shoe-box. Dozens of lively frogs are jumping in random directions trying to get out. …‘It’s like trying to herd cats’. I have a friend who has 5 cats. He’s taking them for a walkContinue reading “Frogs, Cats and Boats”

I know your life on earth was troubledAnd only you could know the painYou weren’t afraid to face the DevilYou were no stranger to the rain Vince Gill started this song when his friend, Keith Whitley died of alcoholism; he finished it when his brother, Bob, committed suicide a few years later. This tribute toContinue reading “Go Rest High On That Mountain”

‘Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well… Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end!…’ Alice started her adventures in Wonderland by chasing a white rabbit and accidentally falling…. We start life unsteady on our feet, falling over… WeContinue reading “Falling”

Yesterday I got it wrong. I said that Denis Law had died. Christine kindly pointed out my error. A week ago the BBC news said: ’Law, 81, who says he has Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia…’ I was mildly amused to read Denis’ words: ‘I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evadesContinue reading “I Got It Wrong”

Yesterday Hannah did archery with her family. She propelled her arrows towards the target – accurately! She pulled them out, leaving holes in the target. She won! She left her mark. Just now I was sitting in the conservatory. There was a big bang. A pigeon had flown into the window. It happens sometimes… occasionallyContinue reading “Leaving a Mark”

How many roads must a man walk downBefore you call him a man? ‘Blowing in the wind’ was an important part of my teenage years. Early 60s ‘pop-music’ was fun… about boys, girls and being in love. Here was something more serious… Up till then I had only heard serious songs sung in church. BobContinue reading “Blowing In The Wind”