Egads It's Eeyore!

"Eeyore" is a character in a very popular children's book by A.A. Milne called, "Winnie-the-Poo".

More precisely, "Eeyore" is a chronlogically-gifted, grey-haired, merry-challenged mule, technically known as Equus asinus.

Though able to read and write (only simple things), although his spelling and poetry composition leave a lot to be desired.

His biggest claim to fame is the fact that he's a little short in the self-esteem department. Not surprisingly one of his best known habits is misplacing his long tail which he is rather fond of which is only attached to him by a small nail that keeps slipping out. Missing tails do come in handy however as a bell-pull for Owl's front door.

Eeyore is a persistent personality who's willing to pitch in and help when asked, and willing to rebuild his house of sticks every time it has fallen down, been knocked down or been bounced upon.

While professional psychologists suggest that "Eeyore" may suffer from the sad-sack syndrome known as "dysthymic disorder" which can be attributed to a traumatic amputation of his tail leading to psycho-social environmental problems, (most notably, the challenge of finding him suitable accommodation).

On the other hand, members of the International People of the Pen Society suggest that he also embodies a mixture of pessimism, stoicism, sarcasm and cynicism, all qualities common to the stereotypical British character, (in other words, a real hero in the eyes of "stiff upper lip" folks).

Americans, bless their hearts, have always portrayed "Eeyore" as a loyal beast of burden, who despite his depressive nature, is a compassionate creature. (Some have speculated that perhaps their fondness for the "donkey" is due to their fondness for the Democratic political party, whose mascot is a melancholic mirthless mule).

Get a grip...this is no time to be a Party Pooh(per)!

Although Eeyore was born on December 25, 1921 in England, Americans like to celebrate in their own way on their own day thank you very much.

After all, who could forget A.A. Milne's story about a depressed donkey who thought his friends had forgotten his birthday, only to discover that they had planned a surprise party for him.

Eeyore's Birthday Party began in 1963 as a spring party hosted by University of Texas students in Austin together with an English Lit Professor by the name of Lloyd W. Birdwell, Jr.

It's a day-long event featuring contests of all kinds, live music, colorful costumes, fresh food and lots of bubbly beverages.

So, pick up a honey pot, grab your tail, and let's get cracking!

Date: The last Saturday in April

Time: 11:00 am until dark

Venue: Pease Park, Austin, Texas

For more information: Telephone - 512.448.5160

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them."

"It isn't as if there was anything very wonderful about my little corner. Of course for people who like cold, wet, ugly bits it is something rather special." -- Eeyore

"If anyone wants to clap," said Eeyore when he had read this, "now is the time to do it." They all clapped.

"Thank you," said Eeyore. "Unexpected and gratifying, if a little lacking in Smack."
-- Eeyore reads him poem, The House at Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne.

Who says a mirthless mule hasn't got a handle on how to handle life's little curve balls and calamities?

If all else fails and you've forgetten to pack your favorite pair of rose-colored glasses, remember to follow Eeyore's simple but effective advice. Who knows, at the very least, it will undoubtedly change your perspective on life!

"Some days look better upside down."

The old gray donkey, Eeyore, stood by himself in a thistly corner of the forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, "Why?" and sometimes he thought, "Wherefore?" and sometimes he thought, "Inasmuch as which?" - and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about. So when Winnie-the-Pooh came stumping along, Eeyore was very glad to be able to stop thinking for a little, in order to say "How do you do?" in a gloomy manner to him.

____________

Image Credit: http://thestylenotebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Eeyore.jpg

This writing business. Pencils and what-not. Over-rated if you ask me. Silly stuff. Nothing in it. -- Winnie-The-Pooh

No Give and Take. No Exchange of Thought. It gets you nowhere, particularly if the other person's tail is only just in sight for the second half of the conversation. -- The House at Pooh Corner

When stuck in the river, it is best to dive and swim to the bank yourself before someone drops a large stone on your chest in an attempt to hoosh you there. -- Eeyore's Gloomy Little Instruction Book