Happy Friday! The other day K looked at me and said, “I don’t know why, Mama, but I think your spirit animal is a donkey.” At first, I was thrown off because Eeyore came immediately to mind.
Later, I did a little research and I think I’m in love with donkeys. Did you know that contrary to common perception, donkeys are extremely intelligent? And that they’re not easily startled and are super strong? They have a well-developed sense of self-preservation (which accounts for their stubbornness) and are incredibly curious creatures. After examining quite a few photos and sketching a couple of donkeys, I now know that they’re adorable. Maybe not as glamorous as horses, but quite beautiful in their own way.
I marveled at K’s wisdom. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to be a horse and battling a nagging (ha) sense of unease about it. All this time, I was actually a donkey, an animal that I had discounted as somehow lesser. Which of course, it’s not. I feel like there’s a life lesson in there somewhere.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! I’m embarking on making another pair of jeans tonight — I’m so excited!!!!
Alas, I’m a lass
granted a spiritual ass
hee haw hee haw hee
Aww, that’s lovely. Donkeys are my favourites, they always seem so calm and dependable!
M tells me I’m calm and dependable all the time! The more I learn about donkeys, the more I’m convinced that K hit it on the nail :-).
When you travel by road in Haiti, you know it’s market day if there is a full “donkey parking lot” at the entrance of a town. It’s the cutest thing!
Oh, that’s awesome Delphine. I love that visual!
Awww! So sweet! I love driving around here in NE Tennessee and admire all the donkeys!
I didn’t know there were so many donkeys around in NE Tennessee! I haven’t seen any in Washington yet, but they must be around…
Super post!!! I happen to be good friends with two donkeys who protect my friends herd. They are very smart and one always gets upset if I spend too much time talking to and petting the other. It’s very cute and funny 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Wonderful, Tracy! Donkeys seem like they would make excellent friends :-).
The haiku is really great!
Haha, thanks Greta! Some fun wordplay there ;-).
That is great! My MIL has three miniature donkey and they are so cute! One thing I love about donkeys is that they carried Jesus into town on Palm Sunday and what is cool is that they have a cross on their neck and upper back if you look at them from the top. So cool!
I wasn’t aware of the spiritual ties until you commented about it, Kristi! Donkeys are also considered humble and are often political symbols too – donkeys are everywhere!
Great haiku
🙂 thank you, Rhoda! I love making up haikus!
That haiku is brilliant!
At least you were only demoted from horse to donkey 😁 imagine if you’d fancied yourself as a unicorn!
So true…or maybe my spirit animal is the little known unicorn/donkey hybrid — a donkicorn!! 🙂
Very wise of you. I love your donkey sketches. I wonder what my spirit animal is? My daughter asked if I identified with the tortoise or the hare. I said that it seems cooler to be the tortoise, but unfortunately I may just be more the hare type. I start many things and finish very few. I brag a lot about my greatness, but I lack the knockout punch. Upon which my husband exclaimed that, yes, indeed I may be right! About like the time I said that I thought I was more like Professor Snape and my husband agreed too. …
I admire donkeys very much!
I’ve been known to start many a project and abandon them quickly too, Max! I suspect that it takes someone far more in tune with the magical world (like kids) to properly identify spirit animals ;-).
She is brilliant, your daughter:) I love this post so much! Haiku too. What pleasure to visit you on line tonight!
Humble is good. I think I’m an owl. A small barn owl.
Thank you, Annelieke! I think she’s brilliant too 🙂 I can totally see you as a wise owl!! xo
I love K’s bright observations- it’s obvious she’s inherited her mama’s keen eye and sense of humor. My spirit animal is definitely a donkey, too, as my husband will surely tell you! I’m never sure if it’s meant as a compliment or not, but secretly I feel proud of my slow, steady, and (ahem) stubborn nature.
I’ve been searching my email for your contact but have somehow lost your address- I wanted to tell you thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! for your wonderful and inspiring book. I feel like such a lucky girl to have received this beautiful gift in the mail. Your talent blows me away, and I’m excited to make the projects as soon as I get the chance. I love that you’ve envisioned a book that is so accessible and undaunting for beginning sewers like me. And of course your personal story is the best part- I absolutely adore your down to earth approach to conquering obstacles that stand in the way of your dreams and happiness. Feeling grateful for all that you do, for your generous heart and indomitable spirit, Sanae. Thank you!!!
Oh, I’m so glad it reached you Sheila!! I was so pleased to discover that you were one of the giveaway winners. Hope all is well, and thank you so much for your sweet words!!