MM on Nan, Nazis and Nuns........

Yesterday my brother 'Reathamrocks' and I took our Nan to watch the Sound of Music at the Palladium. A combination of nuns and nazis is a recipe for any good yarn in my book. (In the traditions of Muxloes Musings I'm pleasing my fans with a 'sound of music' inspired fluffy animal photo). So successful was the day that at the end of the show Nan cried and later told Reathamrocks she'd 'remember today as long as I live'.

Top three revelations of the day, in no particular order, are;

1. Nan had a welsh soldier 'friend' during the war when Grandad was away fighting for King and Country!

2. Controversially we grandsons will not be entitled to any of the glass-ware in the cabinet in Nans living room.

3. Nans current favourite TV programme is Torchwood, as she has a thing for the handsome Captain Jack ('did you know that in real life that John Barrowman will be getting married next year?' Nan didn't used to approve of civil partnerships but now thinks they are 'only fair')

What revelations have you learnt about any of your elderly relatives? Answer in a comment please. (remember folks you don't need to be a member to comment.)

MM on Little

One of my favourite people in the world, and source of many of my anecdotes, is my good friend Little. He stopped by last week fretting about the trip he was about to embark on, racked with nerves about the next 6 months in Brazil. A trip that will involve 'trying to buy some land, learning portugese, playing guitar, practising surfing and getting to know my son.' Oh dear, what a tough life you lead Little. If I had to nominate anyone to push through such a pain barrier it would be you...keep on keepin on!

(picture shows Little and Muxloe next to the eco shed we constructed - as featured on bbc 2s 'escape to the country' - rock n roll!!!!)

MM on the torment of suffering for ones art

I've been neglecting the musings recently with my mind trained on writing more of the masterpiece 'The Elephant Orphanage'. Sunday's Observer ran a profile of Thomas Harris - author of the Hannibal Lecter books. One paragraph which dealt with how much of a 'torment' he finds the process of writing could have been written about my existence in recent weeks........
"He remains reclusive, but is seldom morose, even though he is so often alone, working in quite an isolated setting.....he sits for days at a time not even writing a word. Its the intimacy of the details he's after.'

If they had written it about me, which no doubt they will in time, a similar paragraph might read;

"he sits in a garage at an argos desk, in a woolen hat and several layers of clothing for days at a time hitting the roof with an old 9 iron to scare of the squirrels who ruin concentration, switching the small heater to 'max', wondering if it is acceptable to take a break to watch neighbours, listening to 'mundanes' on the Xfm drive time show, losing at 'freecell', tearing his hair out, dreaming of the house he will buy in Primrose Hill and wishing he was with friends in india, madrid, canada, the alps or brazil."

One has to suffer for ones art, but that Primrose Hill house will be mine!

MM on missing Mama Muxloe.........

Today marks the 6th anniversary of our Mum's passing. A girl of the 60s her favourite Beatle was Paul. He wrote the following words about losing his own Mum, they sum up my feelings today;


"though the night is cloudy
there is still a light that shines on me
shines until tomorrow...."
Let it be, The Beatles.


Never forgotten. Always missed.

MM on manners maketh man.......

I was brought up to believe that 'manners maketh man'. It seems that manners need to brought up to date, its not just about holding doors and ‘please and thank you’s. On Sunday evening I went to see the Arab Strap farewell tour – very good it was too. For those of you who don’t know Arab Strap their music can be moody and atmospheric, which is why some songs were ruined by people chatting about a mate who can’t decide whether he should be an Arsenal or Pompey fan. As far as I’m concerned that is socially unacceptable behaviour and just plain rude. So here are my top three suggestions for 21st century manners which people should adhere to

1.Don’t speak at a concert especially if it’s of an atmospheric or hushed ambience.
2.Please have your ticket ready when reaching the ticket machine at the tube, don’t rummage in your bag for it at the last minute (especially those regulars at Balham station)
3.Dropping litter, especially in sight of a bin, is unforgivable.

Rant over. Any suggestions on other forms of etiquette or manners which need to be brought in to the 21st century are very welcome in a comment…. Those of you who have logged in for photos or footage of fluffy animals contain yourself. Muxloe has other musings to get off his chest first, but keep checking as you'll be amply rewarded soon especially if I deign to reveal photos of dogs from India and Sri Lanka!