Thursday 15 August 2013

When You're Down






Isn't this fantastic!??
I took this photo when....
my daughter took me to Dinefwr Park
a few weeks ago!

It's the view
looking up through....
the ruined keep.. 
at Dinefwr Castle



First of all
we visited Newton House
which was built in 18th Century
by George and Cecil Rice



The approach was rather impressive





and we walked along the hall
and into the dining room



Next door
was the drawing room



Do you remember this from a post
a couple of weeks ago?






This lamp caught my eye



Upstairs was all about interactive
teaching for visiting children
and parents, of course!



The view of the gardens
the deer were far away in the park!!



The view of the ruined castle
through the trees!
It was built in the 12th Century



The walk up to the castle


So...here we are.
I have seen this castle
so many times as we have been travelling
back and fore to see my parents
and this is the first time
I have been able to go in.....




Unfortunately I can't climb around 
as many others are doing
but just to sit 
on the worn steps
and look at the view


To think of those who lived...
and probably fought...
within these walls..





Can you see Newton House,
where we were this morning.....
buried in the trees below?


There's the keep
it would have been the stronghold of the castle!
It stands proudly
even though in ruins



There were people walking up near the top.
The watchmen probably scoured the surrounding countryside from there.....
Makes you think...
doesn't it!?





so...you're probably thinking...
why the title?

I've been feeling extremely down 
these last couple of days
so down that 
I don't even feel like phoning a friend 
to ask her to go out.

What's caused it...
....I really don't know.

It could be the meds I'm on...
I know that I'm tired.
There are several other things happening
that have hit me really hard...
so
what do I do?

Well...
I try not to wallow in it...
although that could be very tempting...
I might enjoy a pity party for a while!

I have been pushing myself a lot
over these last 2 months..
and I feel that
..I really need to..!

I've tried the sitting in a chair....
resting...
and that hasn't worked for me...
so I will try...and try..
to get out 
and visit all the places that
are on my list.

I am so grateful to all those who are patiently
walking slowly with me....
through my list!

So, I'm having a lazier week....

I thought I would revisit the pictures
of places I've enjoyed
going to...
and stop
and be grateful 
for all that I can do and see.

I thought I would share some of the pictures 
with my loving blogging friends...

My first picture reminds me to look up and not down!!

So....how do I feel 
now that I am coming to the end of this trip?

Certainly a little brighter...
and I'm sure,
that when I have visited some of you
my spirit will feel even lighter!!

Yesterday, after I had told her that I was feeling down (and I don't often feel as down as this), 
one of my daughters said,

"Mum, turn that frown upside down"

I think that sounds good!

What helps you when you're feeling down??






32 comments:

  1. You know... the things that lift my spirits are rarely anything I could have planned or expected... they tend to be gifts from God when I keep my eyes peeled for them... they arrive from the most interesting spots... I'm hoping your lift arrives in a wonderful way. blessings ~ tanna

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  2. How amazing to visit such wonderful sites! I would certainly love to make a trip "across the pond" to see some of them myself!

    There is usually something I can decide to anticipate with each day - a reason to get out and about. Currently, I yearn for a visit to the public library, but have too many other directions to head first!:-) A change of scene is helpful for giving a new outlook, too. I hope your "doldrums" are fading.

    Hugs,
    Nellie

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  3. This is such a lovely post - I adore castles and your photographs are perfect!

    I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling down and hope you'll get through it soon.
    Outings always work for me, so keep doing what you're doing I say.

    Keep your daughter's words in your mind. They'll help keep your spirits up.

    Have a good day,

    Yvonne : )

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  4. Blogging helps me - without a doubt!!!
    I remember that last post - you taught me how to pronounce DINEFWR, remember?
    And I remember the posh tea - where you cast a furtive glance all around and turned the saucer over to read it's marks LOL !!!
    What a magnificent place - thanks so much for sharing
    Is your frown upside down yet?
    Much love from across the miles
    and tons and tons of extra smiles.................
    xxx

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  5. Oh Joan there seems to be a lot of that going around. You my friend are not alone and this post made me smile and I truly thank you for that.Beautiful place with a history that will keep intriguing people forever. Look up not down I like it. HUGS Hugs. B

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  6. What an awesome castle Joan. The photos are wonderful!

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  7. I'm sorry you're feeling down. I have this problem from time to time...especially in the Fall. It helps me to get out in the sunshine...go to the park and walk. Of course, that's not what I WANT to do when I feel like that. I'm like you....I don't even want to talk to anyone. But if I make myself get dressed in colors that make me feel good and get out and about, it helps. Take your camera and take more photos! Oh, and visit me and my sillyness today! haha! BIG HUGS my friend!

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  8. Oh Dear One, I'm sorry that you have been feeling down, and it has been bothering you. But maybe, it's just a time needed by you, of not doing much?

    I'd certainly call my doc though, and check out the meds and health angle. Our body tells us, when things are out-of-whack. Then we need to learn what our body's message means... We can use a doctor's help with this, sometimes.

    Best wishes to have your mind set change, and soon. But do help it along, please. Call your doc...

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa~

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  9. Joan, I also struggle with depression. I have been taking meds for years. Sometimes they stop working and you need a change. Talk to your doctor. Don't accept depression as the status quo.

    I find that taking a walk often helps me. Of course, there is always baking! I love to bake (unfortunately, I also love to eat)!

    I will be praying for you, my friend!

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  10. I hope you feel better soon. I have had a little experience with depression, much more with anxiety, and I understand not feeling right. I'm sorry you've been down. I think this looks like a fascinating place to visit and I'm glad it helped bring your spirits up. Hang in there, we're all thinking of you. :)

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  11. Sometimes we all go through times when we wonder if it is worth it at all---but of course it is---whatever it is. I lost all last year due to knee surgeries and staph infections and ick! stuff but here I am wanting to do more. I still get down but usually going for a ride through the valley, spotting birds and the workings of the farms---close to harvest now--it does make me feel better. We are going (easy) hiking on Monday. Mainly a short hike a do some agate hunting.
    I would like to see the old castle I seem to love ruin. LOL

    My maiden name is Pringle which I was told means pilgrim in Whelsh. Is that right? MB

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  12. When I am feeling down, it helps me to go out with my camera. Praying also helps. I am sorry you are feeling this way. It may be part medicine and part the things that have been happening. Your pictures are so good, and my favorite is the first one, so artistic, the sky framed by a castle! And it is nice that they let you take pictures inside. So many places here make you pay a lot for tickets, then tell you NO pictures. I think if you pay, you should be able to snap; no flash if they want.

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  13. Down? Grab a piece of chocolate Dear! It works wonders!
    And yes, you are quite right, all you can do is get back in the swing of things no matter how troubled you feel. The only comment I can make is that it is OKAY to feel as you do!
    We all feel a bit down sometime, nothing wrong with that and so glad you reached out and shared with us!
    God bless,

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  14. Joan, When I get the blues, I pray. Sometimes I have a little cry...then pray. I like Noelle's suggestion. I do make a cappuccino some times too. I am sending hugs to you. Some times we need those more than anything. Blessings. xoxo,Susie

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  15. I'll join your pity party and we'll cry together. After all, that's what friends are for... right? Cyber hugs for your mood to lift and the only blue you see is the blue sky above you!

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  16. What lovely photos Joan! I do hope you return to good spirits soon.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  17. Sorry you're not feeling too chipper. When I'm a bit down I re-read a light fluffy favourite book - like a Georgette Heyer Regency - almost never fails to improve my mood! Good luck

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  18. Aww so sorry things are getting to you lately. I'm not surprised though. When I get discouraged I watch a movie or a mini-series that I adore or I read a funny book (or watch a really funny show). Distracting yourself is the key. By the time the distraction ends, you won't feel so badly anymore!

    I'm glad you managed to get away xox

    ps my fave mini-series to watch is Downton Abbey :) Maggie Smith is HILARIOUS.

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  19. Sometimes these feelings seem to hit us without warnings, Joan. I have also felt them at times and then stop to take time to myself and other times, I call a good friend and talk out my feelings. You have been kind enough to share your feelings with all of us and know we are all keeping you in your thoughts and hoping your spirit will soon be uplifted. Please keep us posted, Joan.

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  20. I think sometimes we never know what is going to get us "down". I am pretty lucky that I am not often down-when I am I force myself to get outside of the house and do something/anything. I tend to avoid people and go for drives all by myself with a favorite radio station playing.

    Your pictures today are wonderful- I love them ALL! Hang in there, Joan- tomorrow will be a brighter day- xo Diana

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  21. Your photos are lovely - I can't imagine living in the 12th century in those cold stone castles, but the views and gardens are so amazing! Love that first shot - so intriguing!
    I read one time that an easy way to pull yourself out of a 'funk' as I call it, is to do it slowly by finding one little thing you love to look at and focusing on it and why you love it. Then find something else and keep going, little by little until you start to feel some happy feelings and memories and shut out the unhappy ones by saying, 'No, I won't think of that now, maybe tomorrow.' It works for me - hope it helps! xoxo

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  22. I love to see castles and getting first hand information from you is just great! Your pictures are just beautiful. When I feel down, I know I need to reach out to people because I tend to isolate. Talking to people, getting out of the house makes me feel better.

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  23. FANTASTIC photo out that port hole . . . happy you are looking back up after doing the post. I get "down" moments too . . . sometimes when I do too much, go out and about too much i feel "down.". I am a loner and my spirits seem to be in check the most when I honor my "loner self." I tend to read more, create more, listen, watch, follow the birds and seasonal happenings when I am taking time with my "self" to enjoy just the simple things.

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  24. Joan, can you just imagine all the history that castle has seen? It stands proud as ever meeting the challenges of the day. I am sorry you have been feeling a bit down, I swear I have too, there are many reasons and then again not that many that I should let things get to me. I am taking the day to recharge my batteries, hope you are too.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  25. What beautiful photos! My daughter and son-in-law used to live in the UK - in Otley. We went to visit a couple of times and it was charming. So sorry to hear you're down but looking up was good advice from your daughter. We do have so much to be thankful for and I'm so glad you popped in to visit me! Come back again.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  26. Beautiful photos, and although I live very far from there (US), I felt like I was with you. Can't wait to see where you lead us next.

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  27. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place. I spend time with our grandchildren when I am feeling down, they make me smile just thinking of them. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care.

    Wanda

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  28. Thanks Joan for this post... I love old castles and that one is so interesting. I have a friend who has been working on her family history. She has dated some of her family back to one of the old castles in England.. I think she even visited the castle once.. That is just so fascinating... The Newton House is so pretty... And I would love those gardens. So glad you got to go there.

    Sorry that you are 'down'... Hopefully, my blog post helped somewhat. Even during the bad times in life, we somehow have to find that positive --and keep on moving forward. Good Luck.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  29. Dearest Joan, I'm sorry that you've been down; I think with all you've been through the last year or so, it isn't surprising! I love the old castles of Ireland and Scotland and am hoping that in four years max we will be there to visit them. For me, if I'm feeling blue I try to find a favorite movie that makes me laugh and smile(Mama Mia is one I always turn to). I'm so thankful to see your homeland here-please keep it up.
    Lots of love,
    Noreen

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  30. I do hope all these lovely comments from people who care that you're down have helped put that smile back on your face. Hugs from North Wales x

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  31. Oh I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so down and tired. I think everybody goes through that at some point. I wonder if it would be worth your while mentioning it to your gp maybe they can reduce the strength of your tabs or even change them if that is what is causing it. It's much easier said than done to be happier when you don't feel like it.
    I think you are doing the best thing by getting out and about and enjoying the fresh air. Your pics are lovely of this castle, I always find castles interesting.
    Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better real soon. :)

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  32. First off, those are the most amazing photos and the most amazing places. You have no idea how lucky you are to actually see them in person. I can only dream of such places.
    I am so sorry for your mood. These come and go through life. Turn over whatever it is to God. Life it too short to carry something around that you do not have to. You are not alone- for He is always there.
    Pray your sadness away. Look for at least 5 good things a day in your life. IF you need to, make a list, keep a journal. Just 5 things a day that you are thankful for and that make you smile. Sometimes all we need to do is clean our glasses so we can see things they way they really are. You will find there are more good things than bad. Looks always for the good. Pain slows us down. Makes you look closer at the things you pass by when you are in too much of a hurry. ;)

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