Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

I learnt ‘What shall we do with a drunken sailor’ as a child. I learnt a few more shanties and taught them in school – linked to pirates, adventures on the high seas, treasure island, working songs. Easy to teach, easy to learn, easy to sing…. I like: ‘When I was a little boy myContinue reading “Sea Shanties”

Marmite: At Norwich, watching the football, a man who I’d met once or twice before described a mutual friend: ‘He’s like marmite – you either love him or hate him.’ Our friend isn’t brown, smelly and sticky, but he does bring contrasting reactions out of people… And now a marmite cornetto…? Battles: Yesterday I spokeContinue reading “Pictures with Meaning?”

Today’s date (for Brits!) 4.3.21. It reminds me of a countdown… As a child I listened to and joined in with the countdown ‘10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0, ignition, blast off’ as American rockets were launched. We watched on television – and listened on the ‘wireless’… In 1966 ‘5-4-3-2-1’ was the Manfred Mann song that introduced ‘Ready Steady Go’,Continue reading “4.3.21 Countdown”

I had a weird dream last night. I don’t dream – or remember dreams – very often… I was playing guitar at a big event. I didn’t know anybody else there. We were preparing to start. Everyone was busy with their responsibilities. A woman was also playing guitar; her guitar initially had no strings. SheContinue reading “Hearing & Listening”

The recreation ground where we played as children had six swings, a roundabout … and a seesaw. One child each end… Up and down… Great fun! Life has many seesaws. Here’s 3…. The work-rest seesaw: On one side there’s activity, busy-ness, service, purpose, effort; on the other is relaxation, peace, recuperation, space, rest. The good-badContinue reading “Seesaws”

Dad organised the Christmas party for the youngest Sunday School children. True to character he ran them with good preparation, confidence, and no fuss. The children always had a really enjoyable time without getting over excited. His unique range of games, that entertained and engaged, always included ‘Follow My Leader’. In a conga-like crocodile theContinue reading “Follow My Leader”

All God’s creatures got a place in the choirSome sing low, some sing higher,Some sing out loud on the telephone wires,And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got. We emphasise differences – black or white, child or pensioner, sick or well, protestant or catholic, straight or gay, overweight or fit, wellContinue reading “A Place in the Choir”

One of my favourite Eagles songs…. City girls just seem to find out earlyHow to open doors with just a smile.A rich old man and she won’t have to worryShe’ll dress up all in lace go in style. In Los Angeles The Eagles saw many beautiful Hollywood women married to middle-aged wealthy, successful men… ThisContinue reading “Lyin’ Eyes”

Yesterday was an ordinary day… no dramas… nothing special. Ordinary but good. I contacted people – meeting them as I walked, various phone calls, emails and text messages – everyday concerns – ‘How’s the family?’ ‘Have you had your vaccination yet?’ ‘What’s the latest news about…?’   I chatted about plans for The Seagull –Continue reading “Grateful for the Ordinary”

Ethelbert (great name!) was a pagan King of Kent who converted to Christianity. Today, 25th February, is St Ethelbert’s day. Unlike other Anglo-Saxon kings he never forced his people to follow his religion. He believed that faith must be a voluntary choice; change should never come by force or compulsion. Cat made this choice. ThisContinue reading “Choosing to change”