Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Son-Andrew gave me a polo shirt for Father’s day – generously, unexpectedly. I wore it yesterday. It has the brand name ‘Lee’ written on it… but my name isn’t Lee! But then I had an epiphany. I shall create ‘The Lee Family’. The Mr Men have names that describe their characteristics… Mr Greedy, Mr Happy,Continue reading “The Lee Family.”

Later this morning I shall go to church. Liz will lead the service. We shall sing the songs that we practiced on Wednesday. Pastor-Lou will preach well. We shall chat to friends, come home, discuss the service, reflect on what was said, the people we met… This Sunday routine is an important part of ourContinue reading “God Of Justice”

Eighty-two-year-old Jimmy was an active teacher, involved in his local community. Now he’s virtually blind; frequently he’s confused and angry. Friends are concerned about Jimmy, and his wife who bears the brunt of Jimmy’s frustrations.   Yesterday afternoon I met Jimmy. I reminded Jimmy of good things he’d done in the past, people he’d workedContinue reading “Presenting an Alternative”

There’s been a lot of sunshine recently. For some parts of the country, yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. In the garden the birds are coming down to the evaporating pond for a drink and a bath; the flowers, vegetables and weeds are all growing – for all to see. IContinue reading “For All To See”

Yesterday… …There were preparations for the ‘First Light Festival’, to be held on the beach this weekend. Art works are being installed, marquees and stages erected, the programme of music and workshops, planned over the past year, will finally come together. …At our Men’s Shed some of the gents are preparing a float for theContinue reading “Preparing for our Tomorrows”

Dan Snow reminds me that today is the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. On 18th June 1815 the Duke of Wellington’s weak and ill-equipped army of British, German, Dutch and Flemish soldiers faced Napoleon Bonaparte’s mighty French army at Waterloo, a few miles south of Brussels. Despite repeated assaults from the French infantry, cavalryContinue reading “Facing My Waterloo”

Yesterday’s domestic news was dominated Baroness Casey’s report on the sexual abuse of teenage girls in the north of England. There was parliamentary debate… television programmes… discussion about enquiries… excuses, blame, self-justification, evasion of responsibilities, recommendations, promises… A woman, raped by grooming gangs at the age of 12, 20 years ago, told her story. Women,Continue reading “The ‘Not-Doing-What-Should-Be-Done’ Syndrome”

Granddaughter-Hannah came for lunch yesterday. She told us about her trip to Spain. She had an opportunity to work for a few weeks in an international school in Seville. She described her experiences… The little girl that I remember totally dependent on her parents, is now grown up, making decisions for herself. Next year she’llContinue reading “Out Of Control”

I’ve often reflected on Ben E King’s ‘Stand By Me’. Yesterday I learnt that King was inspired by a hymn written in 1905 by Charles Tindley… that I’d previously associated with Elvis Presley. Tindley (1851 – 1933) was an African-American minister.  His father was a slave; his  mother was free, so was born a free man.Continue reading “Stand by Me (Charles Tindley)”

At our Music for Wellbeing Group yesterday we sung the old Ben E King song ‘Stand by Me’. The accompaniment of ukeleles, guitar, accordion and various percussion produced a unique sound that expressed enthusiasm and enjoyment. We’ve been watching of The BBC One show ‘Race Across the World’. At the start five pairs of contestantsContinue reading “Standing By Me – with Ben, Tom and Caroline”