Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

What’s wrong with the world, mama?People livin’ like they ain’t got no mamasI think the whole world’s addicted to the dramaOnly attracted to things that’ll bring the trauma The Black Eyed Peas song ‘Where is the love?’ was on ‘The Voice’ last night… …Meghan and Harry… Either they’re spoilt rich kids causing trouble; with noContinue reading “Where is the love?”

…In, out, in, out,You shake it all about.You do the Hokey Cokey and you turn aroundThat’s what it’s all about… If the Hokey Cokey is what it’s all about…. What is it all about? …In, out, shaking and turning. Life’s varied – in and out, up and down, close and distant; shaking things about –Continue reading “The Hokey Cokey”

When a knight won his spurs in the stories of oldHe was gentle and brave he was gallant and bold.With a shield on his arm and a lance in his handFor God and for valour he rode through the land. There have always been battles and wars – so this metaphor is well used andContinue reading “When A Knight Won His Spurs”

Yesterday our grand-daughter Hannah was 16. The usual presents, cake, balloons… sadly the family could only join on Zoom. Hannah’s ‘growing up’…!…? Last week I read ‘Pinocchio’. The book’s not like the Disney film about a cute little boy. Like other 19th century children’s books it’s a mixture of weird nonsense, talking animals and aContinue reading “Hannah, Growing Up, and Pinocchio”

Yesterday Elspeth was sitting in her dining room. Out of the corner of her eye she saw something gold that seemed to be moving. On the floor was a goldfish that Scampi, the cat, had brought in. Elspeth put the fish in a bowl of water. The fish was still alive! Guessing that Scampi mustContinue reading “A Fresh, New Start”

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742) was the 25th of 25 children. She was encouraged to think for herself, hold opinions and speak her mind – especially regarding politics and religion. She married Samuel, her clergyman husband, when she was 19 and spent her life in poverty and hardship. She had 19 children; 10 survived childhood. Musing onContinue reading “Susanna Wesley”

Today’s Malachi’s 16th birthday. Mum, Lisa, took him to swim in the sea early this morning. Yesterday was Mothering Sunday. Cards, flowers and chocolates were given on a day of affection and celebration. We’ve recently thought of ‘royal’ mothers – Queen Elizabeth, Lady Diana, Kate, Meghan – their joys, sorrows, complex relationships… We’ve remembered mothersContinue reading “Mothering Sunday”

Safe in the Father’s handsWe are safe in the Father’s handsThough there may be thingsWe don’t understandWe’re safe in the Father’s hands I make no apologies for this children’s song for my ‘Sunday hymn’ … Life gets complicated. Stuff happens. People, family, uncertain health, delayed decisions, unresolved problems, damaged relationships, the growing ‘to-do’ list… allContinue reading “Safe in the Father’s Hands”

You can’t make old friendsCan’t make old friendsIt was me and you, since way back whenBut you can’t make old friends It’s been a week in which I’ve been in touch with a number of ‘old friends’. Because they’ve known me for 50 years or more they’re ‘old’ – even though they might not admitContinue reading “You Can’t Make Old Friends”

Yesterday we remembered Dave Hughes. We joined friends and family on-line at the crematorium. Later, by zoom, we celebrated his life with many others in a Thanksgiving Service. I first met Dave nearly 50 years ago; since then we’ve met occasionally. He and his wife Katie were about the same age as Rachel and I;Continue reading “Dave Hughes”