Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Yesterday I watched Liam Manning’s weekly press conference. Manning’s the Norwich City head coach… discussing different players – injuries, fitness levels, players returning from international duties. It’s pretty boring – unless you’re a Norwich fan. Talking about the coaching and development of Ben Chrisene, our exciting young left back, he said: ‘When it’s not aContinue reading “When it’s not a ‘Wow’ Moment…”

On yesterday’s news… …The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, is the worst in the country. League tables of 134 English hospitals have been published. We’ve often heard of QEH’s crumbling building, ceilings held up by thousands of props. Action’s required! We’re told ‘immediate steps are being taken to address the issues’ including reducing longContinue reading “Action’s Required!”

In her introduction to ‘I Thought There Would Be Cake’, Katharine Welby-Roberts says: ‘I remember as a child wishing I was grown up… Being an adult looked like a party where there was shed loads of cake. And then I grew up and was very disappointed. I found there was a lot of other stuffContinue reading “Misunderstandings Great and Small.”

For many families, last week was dominated by the start of a new school year. On social media we’ve seen cute pictures of little children about to start primary school, and eleven-year-olds looking ‘grown up’ starting high school. Younger teenagers are starting school exam courses; older teenagers are starting college life or returning to university.Continue reading “Beginnings and Endings”

Yesterday our church was full. About 200 people witnessed Laurence and Andrea making their marriage vows to each other. For months family and friends had been preparing dresses and suits, flowers and cakes for the big day. The service had been carefully put together – readings, prayers, promises… And we sung this for our openingContinue reading “King Of Kings”

For many years The Eagles’ song ‘Desperado’ has been one of my favourites. It’s about an aging cowboy who’s struggling… He’s currently choosing independence and freedom over connection and love. The singer tries to persuade the cowboy to change… My friend Jack reminded me of the lines: Don’t you draw the Queen of Diamonds, boyShe’llContinue reading “Queen of Diamonds, Queen of Hearts”

Yesterday Jack and I were discussing politicians and celebrities, who, after many years in the public eye, ‘fall from grace’. A secret flaw is discovered; they make a bad mistake. Their fault discredits any good they’ve done. Jack reminded me of Mark Antony’s speech from ‘Julius Caesar’ – that I learnt at school: Friends, Romans,Continue reading “Bad, Good and Balance.”

At Men’s Shed yesterday a robust discussion included sweeping generalisations: All young people today… All immigrants deserve… All who are unemployed should… All religions are… Later I read of Chuck Colson enabling American politicians to meet prisoners, ‘…changing the stereotyped image of prisoners as evil, violent and dangerous individuals. Some are… but the majority areContinue reading “Prisoners, Rainbows and Two Small Coins.”

Yesterday afternoon… We went with the grandchildren to the Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth. Built in 1903 it’s Britain’s only surviving circus building. This year’s ‘Summer Spectacular’ included acrobats, jugglers, aerial stars, motorbike stunt riders, together with the children’s favourite, Johnny Mac, a mad Scottish comedian. With children about to return to school and the weather unpredictableContinue reading “Part of the Crowd”

Yesterday… …Pictures of Saturday afternoon’s wedding appeared on social media. I’ve been reflecting on the months of preparation… dresses for the bride and bridesmaids, suits for the gents, guest lists, invitations, church service, hotel, meal, disco… And then the day itself, friends and family turned up – best clothes, best smiles, best wishes… great service,Continue reading “Perfect Planning… Or Not”