Eeyore
Eeyore
By the end of January, most of us have had enough and are really looking forward to February: the shortest month of the year, longer days and the promise of spring. This January in particular seems to have been really heavy in terms of lowering weather and lowering thoughts which in turn leads to lowered positive feelings. All of which can make one feel a bit like Eeyore, AA Milne’s character in “Winne the Pooh”.
I sometimes think my husband Geordie definitely has a touch of Eeyore about him. For example, yesterday I told him I was off to take some videos for Instagram to which he simply commented “not very good weather” instead of “good luck” or “good idea”. Again, I let him know I ordered some wall lights and he told me they probably wouldn’t arrive for weeks, he would remain resigned to darkness.
I then have to coax him out of it, telling him that I think he is spending too long in Eeyore’s corner of the 100-acre wood and that he has to think of something nice and positive to say before he goes anywhere else. His initial positive thought is usually not good enough (I can see a little black cloud over him still) but by the end we are both laughing as is everyone else in the office.
Albert the Estate Clerk worked here for some 40 years although sadly he has now died. Before working at Highclere, Albert worked for the railways and always liked cricket and gardening. Whenever I asked him what he thought about a new idea he was 100% Eeyore. Nobody would come to an Easter Egg Hunt. In fact, on that day it would probably rain, it might even snow. Better to do nothing. He made a note of the weather every day of the year in his estate diary. It was always either windy, rainy, cloudy or too hot.
Every so often he would come out of his office and, at the opposite end of the long central estate office room, and, Geordie would come out of his. They would argue very loudly about who had made a mess of a diary appointment and then both would retreat back into their respective offices.
I was very fond of Albert and there was nothing he did not know about Highclere, especially about water and where the water pipes were and are. I have often looked at his files and the notes he put together and they remain most useful.
Some years ago, we suffered quite a large burst pipe behind the estate offices under a gravelled area. We were not sure which way the pipes were running and where to start with the digger. I had a eureka moment and found two pages of Albert’s writing giving clear directions: walk two steps towards the castle to find a pipe leading into the old coach house, ten strides forward east and three paces right and you find the ring main for the fire emergency supply and so on. My problem, it turned out, was I never found the starting point.
Undoubtedly there is a balance between pessimism and optimism, to be able to assess the lie of the land and understand what the risks are. In order to live and go forwards, we also have to find the confidence to deal with what goes wrong. It may just be mental calculations but we often think best when we go for a walk - to clear our heads or to find a friend just as Winnie the Pooh did.
After all, when Piglet, one of Winnie the Pooh’s other friends, was so worried about scary heffalumps such that he could not sleep, he then felt much better when his friends persuaded him to step outside and look up at the starry sky to see all the beautiful patterns.
- Christmas
- Community
- Dogs & Horses
- Egypt & Tutankhamun
- Entertaining
- Farm
- Filming
- Gardens
- History & Heritage
- Daily Life
- Royalty
- Cooking
- Interiors
- Heroes
- Architecture
- Cars
- Conservation
- Downton Abbey
- Events
- Gardens & Landscape
- Highclere Castle Gin
- History
- Planes
- Restoration
- Stories & Books
- Uncategorized
- Visitors
- Wildlife
97 Comments
How Beautiful.. I have had a touch of the winter blues and its not nice. I enjoyed reading this blog. Many Many Thanks Lady Carnarvon...
Thank you for your absolutely brilliant and literally illuminating commentary on such an Eeyore time of year. Your photo have inspired me to find and purchase a little stuffed donkey that I can call my own.
Edit! “Your photos…”
Oops!
Good afternoon Lady Carnavon ,
I just end the segond movie ,a new Era and what is my surprise that read that the part French of movie is do to Martigues ,a town not far of mine ,in effect i live to Aix en Provence ,i wish you a good afternoon ;here a little wind for a day sunny a real pleasure for the month of January
All my best
MMe Tallet Christine
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I enjoy your "Winnie the Pooh" references. My husband was a bit of an Eeyore last night when the football team he was pulling for didn't make it to the Super Bowl playoffs. It is most interesting how the weather can influence our moods.
Have a bright and sunny day (even if it's cloudy),
Pam
I like Eyore.
Thank you for the lovely and encouraging start to my Monday!
Nothing is ever quite as bad as it seems since there’s always some beauty around.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for being that special person who always sees the glass half-full, not half-empty! You fill Highclere with great ideas and press on despite the naysayers. Having been fortunate enough to have visited the Castle a couple of times, I can only state that it keeps getting better and more wonderful. Even Eeyore would agree!!
Hoping to return this Fall! It’s beautiful in all weather and circumstances.
Have a great week and stay well….keep walking on the sunny side of the street!!
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
So delightfully written ... Winnie the Pooh and his friends are my favorite characters and will use a similar phrase of "who's having an Eeyore Day?" when a loved one seems a bit down in the mouth. Often, it's all that's needed to bring a smile and change of perspective. Thank you for sharing your 'home' with us and such interesting insights as to life a Highclere.
Brilliant! I love your blogs and they always make me chuckle. Keep them coming! Thank you so much.
Love this blog!
I lovely Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh and did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice weekend and l lovely to visit Highcelere Castle and l am fan of Downton Abbey
This is a wonderful post, Lady Carnarvon. Thank you for the uplifting story. We can all use a ray of sunshine this time of the year! Spring can’t come soon enough!
Loved this. It so conveyed how we are all feeling this time of year.
As my husband and I are older the winters are harder. We live in Montreal and we have had our share of bad weather and cold. He is a stroke survivor and this email of yours so expresses his moods this time of year. Not being able to get out and realizing what he cannot do any longer. He definitely has Eeyore moments.
I met you while you were in Montreal. It was a wonderful afternoon listening to your talk and followed by tea. I have a lovely photo as a lasting memory.
What a lovely article. It made me smile, thank you.
Love this Blog Always
Thank you for bringing a bright spot to our day.
The cup is always half full never half empty!
Lady Carnarvon,
What a lovely tribute to “just letting it go” instead of being an Eeyore. Sometimes just stopping to take a deep breath to think about something we really like, or just going outside for a few minutes - life seems a little more settling. Bless you for speaking to Monday morning!
Martha G
What lovely information. I live in Australia and would love to come and see Highclere Castle. We are flying to London at the beginning of October, but sadly I see you are closed by then. I still hope to see the castle and “ the 100 acre woods”.
It must be such a wonderful feeling to live in such a beautiful place.
Your photos are amazing
Thank you for sharing Albert's story! May he rest in peace, in Heaven where the weather is always wonderful.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for starting my Monday with a chuckle. I am quite familiar with dear Eeyore, for my husband has a touch of him, too. We do laugh. Most recently, whilst sitting in his favorite leather chair, near the warm fire, with a cup of tea in hand, his thoughts turned to? “I need to cut my toenails.” Quite the conversation starter. I couldn’t agree or disagree, as he had a pair of warm winter socks covering the subject at hand. Next time, I shall endeavor to channel dear Eeyore in my reply. “It probably won’t work. Better to do nothing.” We will laugh, but in my head I will forever see your image of Eeyore in his comfy chair, peeking over a good book, sitting just across from me.
I always look forward to reading your Monday morning blog posts, Lady Carnarvon.
Very entertaining and also informative!
John Hanna
Suwanee, GA
USA
The Doldrums of Winter have been made tolerable by having you wonderful book to read. I am midway through it and recommend it heartly.
So true, January has been very low on all of us. The weather and so much other worries in the world. We need February now. Love your writing about how some people tend to walk around with a black cloud over their head.
Hello Lady Carnarvon.
If you were privileged to stay a Balmoral and the rain was coming sideways, you were still expected to go out for a walk. Think you would have enjoyed that. Maybe.
Nice to see the snowdrops appearing at last. God sent an angel to convert the snowflakes into snowdrops.
regards
There is indeed!
Good morning
What a sweet reminder on how to shift our Eeyore moments. Wow the photo of the star-filled sky over Highclere is breathtaking and beautiful!
Have an excellent week.
Thank you!
Thank you
Do keep an eye on the website as more dates will be released for the Autumn.
I am so pleased that you are enjoying the book!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You make my Monday mornings very bright here in whitefish montana USA
Thank you very much. ‘Tis a very cold morning here: 3 degrees F. But as January comes to a close I see that the forecast calls for warming temperatures. And yes, February is a short month giving us promise of springtime weather. Who said, “If winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” Hmmmmmm…..
Sandie Carpenter Whitefish, Montana USA
This message is so perfect at this time of year !
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
First I have to say I love the pictures. The long months of winter can be very difficult to get through. I live with depression and realize how hard it can be to keep a upbeat attitude. Laughter is so important. Sunshine is also important. A walk with friends on a sunny winter day is uplifting and on your Estate it would marvelous. I imagine walking along the sheep paths in the picture above would help anyone's mental health. One thing Pooh showed us is friends are very important and should be accepted for everything that makes them who they are.
I am sure you miss Albert. It is hard when someone with such a wealth of knowledge is no longer with us. Lucky for you and Lord Carnarvon he left such good notes.
Thank you for taking the time to write your blog every week.
Take care
Susan
I have been feeling like Eeyore because I do not know if it when I can ever go to see England. We had tickets to tour Highclere on May 6, 2021 but Covid prevented our trip. I love reading and enjoying all of your stories. This year will be impossible to travel to England because I have so little vacation time. To soak in the atmosphere of England I will need more than 5 days obviously. So therefore I am feeling rather Eeyorish
Poor Eeyore. Very much a 20th century donkey. Can you imagine his observations of the 21st century?
"Global warming.
Another pandemic.
Oh bother."
Things *will* look better in the Spring, right?
I also struggle about this time of year with the "gray days of winter". My Monday's are quite brightened with the blogs from Lady Carnarvon...and especially today as I'm homebound because of sleet that froze on the roadways overnight. I am grateful for my two dogs to keep me on my toes! Cheers!
Dear Lady Carnarvon: Yes, I must admit that I'm getting excited that the daylight is longer at the end of the day. My favorite character in "Winnie The Pooh" is Tigger. I just got your new book the "Earl and the Pharaoh". After reading the first biography written by a woman about George Washington, I'm starting your book. I unfortunately can read only one book at a time.
Hello Lady Carnarvan!
The picture of Highclere took my breath away. How beautiful!
Oh yes, we are in the “bleak midwinter “ and it’s hard some days to be cheery. I love your positive attitude! For the end of January, things are pretty good here: temps have been mild, no snow (yay!), my Eagles won the NFC championship and it will be hitting 60 degrees today.
Groundhog Day is coming up. We’ll see what that little critter has to say. But for me, spring is nearly here.
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you for the gentle reminder Lady Carnation. For me, color can help with emotions. I put on a new lavender fuzzy sweater (jumper...I'm learning English..ha) and it makes me anxious to see the daffodils I planted in the fall that are peaking out today at 21 degrees. I've visited Highclere and it is one of my most treasured memories. The daffodils remind me of that time and your lovely naturalized yellow sparks of hope. We hop to visit again in December if you'll be having any events. We look alike too. Happy spring!
Thank you I look forward to hearing what you think!
A cheering Gin and tonic? ? Highclere Castle o course...
I suspect you may be in the USA - I have no idea why you don't take proper holidays !!!
Yes and No (re Albert and his notes..)
We are preparing our Christmas events now!
This is my most favorite entry of your writings to date. Thank you!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was taught a “trick” some time ago from a wise therapist. Whenever a negative thought enters my mind or escapes my lips, I am to IMMEDIATELY say three positive things. No delay, immediately. This helps to switch off the blue attitude and turn my head towards the sunny side of the street. It works! I thought I would pass this on to your readers and your darling Hubby.
From a very cold Chicago,
Roberta
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it
Lady Carnarvon,
I will admit that it made me laugh when you were talking about how your husband reacted to your comments. I can just hear your husband saying, like Eeyore, "I'll just stay here and be miserable." It is really tough when both husband and wife are Eeyores for the day!
I have been struggling with this very problem for a better part of my almost 64 years. I am working to come OUT of it and this article gave me a boost. I just finished reading "Unsinkable" the story of Robert Gause one of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis from WWII. It was inspiring and uplifting. This man prayed to God EXPECTING to be rescued and he was one of the survivors. Do I expect good things to happen or do I expect to be disappointed? I fear, I have lived in the latter far too long. My next book is waiting to be read. It is yours, "The Earl and the Pharaoh". I have been to your home twice and standing behind the castle on the hill towards the carved soldier memorial is where I find it easiest to breathe. I know my home is in England even though I am a born American. I feel most alive in the UK. Your books bring me back to the lovely soft grass on that hill right outside your door. Thank you for writing and for your weekly posts. I look forward to them every week with an attitude of gratitude which I am working to make a part of my daily life.
Thanks Roberta, I'm in Ontario Canada and I'll give that a go!
Heather
Ditto! My smile is no longer upside down.
I smiled when I began to read todays title Eyore. He is my favorite character in Winnie the Pooh. I once saw a doctor to help me with depression. At the end of my visit he said "You're an Eyore!"
I have two beloved Eyores. One in his pajamas and a nightcap!
When things look really gloomy, I put on my earphones and listen to Tyler Collins sing 'Eyore's Lulliby'
It calms and soothes my nerves.
Spring is just around the corner.
Lady Carnarvon. Our Eeyore season started in September with the death of my brother. Then came a 20" blizzard in November and another in December. Now things are beginning to lighted with sunny days...even though it was -11°F this morning. Your writings are so thoughtful and a joy to read.
Sorry to hear about Albert. A talented person like that is hard if not impossible to replace.
Well said! Thank you from Arizona :)
Eeyore 's pessimistic outlook is well shown in an encounter with Piglet, who cheerfully says "Good morning!" And he answers "Well, I suppose it is...for someone...".
In the end , I think that, if in heaven they have decided that something must go well, it will go well. We remain in God's hands
It's a very chill and gray day even here in South Texas and easy to relate to your story. Then the first photo, showing your meadow full of sheep, made me smile with evidence of life and renewal.
Thank you for your very uplifting thoughts Lady Carnarvon, it made me think of my late step-father who would always say "from every negative, look for the positive" he had a great outlook on life. Your photos of Highclere are beautiful, I had the thrill of visiting Highclere five years ago on a beautiful sunny day, a treasured memory.
From a very sunny Greece...easy to look on the "sunny side of the street" when we had "Summer in January" until last night :-) Well, some places along the west coast of Greece suffered from storms, but otherwise we have had no winter doldrums, no need to turn on the heating...until last night. I stay optimistic, and enjoy seeing your misty castle (in photos) or snow-on-the-mountain-tops only (not as it piles up high in my ol' home town: Chicago).
Also love seeing Eeyore reading "the Earl and the Pharaoh", it is a very good read and nice to imagine the warm and sunny Valley of the Kings during the cold winter days. Thank you , Lady C., for this lovely winter's day blog, stay warm and happy.
Oh Dear. I really like Eeyeore and so wanted to read this blog. But it had so many words. Not sure I could read it all. Though it is a cloudy day, what else do I have to do. Ho hum guess I will give iy a try even though my eyes will probably strain.
Winnie the Pooh is a wonderful story for all ages. Thank you for sharing your "Pooh and Highclere" adventure.
Alison
How very kind - thank you
Thank you !
I do try and be positive
That is a sweet Piglet thought!
I do think music is such a help
He was amazing- I can see him and hear him now
Tell me what you think of the book - and please share !
Your Monday EEYORE blog is a delightful reminder to count our blessings when things seem low and gray. Here in WA state after a very stormy January we are enjoying a couple days with some clear skies and beautiful sunshine. What a treasure to have 40 years of Albert's notes kept on file!
Oh how I'd like to visit Highclere again. I recall the beauty of spring all around your home during my May 2019 visit for my 60th Birthday. There was a small yellow wildflower blooming in the fields west of Highclere. I wish could remember its name.
Greetings from Mountain View, CA. I loved this one, Lady Carnarvon! You surfaced what I have been feeling and added a touch of humor and hope, as you always do. I enjoy your posts and fondly remember our visit to Highclere and chats with you and Geordie. Sending you warm thoughts.
Thank you!
It may have been the cowslips?
My favorite book as a child Lady Carnarvon . How dear of you to write this particular blog. Brings me back to childhood Thank you for truly enhancing my day in flooded snowy California
Xo Laura Getman
Oh, how I feel for you! I, too, am married to an Eeyore - a fine man, a wonderful husband and father, but oh my, I see the rose and he sees the thorn. We do balance each other, I suppose, so perhaps that’s why we’re happily married for 42 years. Love the photos you included here!
That is a wonderful metaphor!
It is a great story
Sending love and sunshine to all your readers whether they are Eeyores or Pollyannas. We are all walking this road together.
But once you find the "starting point" his plumbing maps will make so much sense.
What a lovely post. And I agree wholeheartedly that once you're outside on a walk, and even though it's blustery, damp, cloudy, drizzly, misty, or muddy, everything seems brighter.
Your blog reminds me to ‘make use of time and let not hesitate slip’, to paraphrase Shakespeare. Seizing the day and living our best life maybe a challenge to remember every day. We may not live on a heritage estate, but we have to make the most of what we do have, always.
From Washago, ON, Canada
I have just told my Eeyore husband that he has this new name whenever he is negative. Hope it works! Thank you!
That has cheered me up no end ! So Inspired! Will read Winny the Poo to my grandson! You are so brilliant at writing this blog! Never stop
I loved your story yesterday as my husband was spending his 4th day as Eeyore. He has balance issues (age 82), and I asked him to read your blog, which he did, and he even read the comments (mine among them). Later on in the day we were standing up talking, and he began to slowly lean backwards, but the bureau was behind him and he started smiling and said, “I’m glad that’s behind me!” (A double entendre, I s’pose!) In any event, on an otherwise Eeyore day, he laughed and has seemed to shed Eeyore and become a Piglet. Thank you for encouraging me to continue to encourage him. Many thanks! My coffee cup is half full this morning!
Martha G
I am pleased that you were both able to laugh!
If you are feeling like Eeyore l have the antidote If you are able take a dog but Labradors are best and a ball to your nearest field or beach Throw the ball a few times the feeling will go quickly
I am always refreshed when I read your writing. No matter the content, it is always thoughtful and up lifting. After reading or listening to the news, your blog is a cozy place to find humor and calm. Thank you for taking the time to share your literary talent as well as your life there at High Clear.
Rachel
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Lady, Carnarvon, so looking forward to Spring. I always feel reborn every Spring time. What a great feeling. Cheryl.
Eeyore has always been a favorite of mine and I love how you wove Winnie the Pooh characters in your winter blah's blog. I so look forward to your emails announcing another fascinating read.
Cheer up!
January is over. Your lovely location spares you the desperate chills and snows of the nothern states of America. I escaped all that years ago by moving to California. Very hard to move a castle though!
Perhaps a troupe to some warm island? Or join us in Palm Springs?
P F Walsh
Author "The Velvet Abbey" series.
Lady C,
You could have written this specifically for my husband….the parallels are spot on!
Julia Hubbard
I love the Eeyore. I did enjoy your latest book as well. Are the podcasts still being updated?
Good morning Lady Carnarvon. Eyeore is my favorite ! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us. When you describe things it is like I am actually there! I always look forward to opening your emails.
Shannon Brewer
Tennessee, USA
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for your Monday blog.
I was sorry to read of the passing of Highclere's Estate Clerk, Albert. I am sure that he will be missed by everyone. How fortunate the Castle is, that he left behind a diary and many useful handwritten notes. The same have already come in handy.
Here in the United States, our 'Eeyore" moment was fast approaching. On Ground Hog's Day (02/02/23) Punxsutawney Phil (the well-known foreseer and sage Ground Hog) will determine whether or not there will be an early Spring. He will be pulled from his log and hibernation. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early Spring. Unfortunately, Phil saw his shadow, so there will be six (6) more weeks of winter. At the moment, it is very hard to have optimistic thoughts, biut I will try.
So, until next week, keep looking up at those starry skies.
Perpetua Crawford
Oh dear. I’m afraid this is me..quite Eeyore-ish. Thank you so much for reminding me to look up to the stars.
Martha from Massachusetts