Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

My opinion about wasps has been unchanged many years: wasps sting, scare people and are pointless. Bees sting, but they pollinate flowers, make honey and look furry and friendly. Wasps just look evil. University of East Anglia researchers have compiled evidence from 500 academic papers, concluding that wasps contribute to ecosystems, helping the economy ,Continue reading “Wasps, Marsh Harriers and Lewis Hamilton”

After weeks of waiting, Willow has had 5 labradoodle puppies. Abi put the picture on Facebook. The picture led to comments: ‘Gorgeous’, ‘Cute’, ‘Adorable’, ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Aww…’ Willow and her puppies have the ‘Aww-factor’ Henry the poorly hedgehog came into Kim’s garden. Tiny, under-weight and starving he was fed and watered. Kim’s story resulted in:Continue reading “The ‘Aww-Factor’”

To dream the impossible dreamTo fight the unbeatable foe News yesterday included ‘Who paid for Downing Street refurbishments?’ and ‘April had too much frost and not enough rain’. More important news came from Norwich City: ‘…it’s time to give our popular mascot an exciting new look ahead of our return to the Premier League.’ AContinue reading “Impossible Dreams”

Yesterday Lisa announced that her son Levi had been successful with tests and interviews. In September he will be off to Bristol to start an engineering apprenticeship with Skanska. Proud mother and son here… Dad Mark will be pleased too… in a more measured way. Yesterday Alicia was interviewed at a local doctors’ surgery. TheyContinue reading “The Interview”

Repeatedly throughout our lives we review and reform. We look back in our rear view mirror and re-view what we have seen before – our story, our situation, our habits, our lifestyle. We look around our present situation – who we are and where we are. In some areas we may choose to re-form, toContinue reading “Re-view and Re-form”

‘In our own woundedness, we can become a source of life for others’. I’ve been reminded of Henri Nouwen’s ‘Wounded Healer’ several times recently…. We have high expectations, hopes and dreams, We must have success, independence, popularity, financial security and self-confidence. We need to get a good job, be an exemplary parent, be a faithfulContinue reading “The Wounded Healer”

Lord, I hope this day is goodI’m feelin’ empty and misunderstoodI should be thankful, Lord, I know I shouldBut Lord I hope this day is good It’s a start-of-the-day prayer. I have been given another day to live – to enjoy, create memories, serve others. I can’t bring back yesterday either to re-live the goodContinue reading “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good”

Darcie Richards, a 25-year-old bricklayer from Attleborough, works with her brothers for her dad’s building company. Inspiring women to go against stereotypes, ‘it’s a man’s job’, and work in the construction industry Darcie says: ‘If you want to be a plasterer, electrician or carpenter, do it and don’t care what people think.’ …Delightfully unexpected. Norwich’sContinue reading “Tales of the Unexpected”

I was sent this yesterday: ‘Colin the Caterpillar facing the sack after nude photos appear online’. It was predictable that with all of Colin’s recent publicity there would rumours and accusations about his private life – when he’s not on public display in Marks & Spencer. I fear that just as mud sticks so chocolateContinue reading “Accusations, Convictions & Consequences”

Last night on BBC1: Garden Rescue showed a family with a tired, neglected garden. The experts produced a design and skilfully landscaped paths and seating areas; beds for a variety of flowers, shrubs and trees transformed the garden. The family were delighted. The Repair Shop included a 17th Century painting, a grandmother’s ring, a well-travelledContinue reading “Transformed, Repaired, Created”