As always, around this time of year I start searching through Donkey World's cards for Christmas. I am always stunned by the beauty, and gentle cleverness of the artists. I was particularly struck by "The Journey". There are two versions of the image, one with a foal, one without. The new version with the foal brought to mind a book I read entitled, "The Secret Magdalene", by Ki Longfellow. Though this is the story of Mary Magdalene, it is also very much the story of her relationship with one very special Donkey named Eio. Eio also being the ancient egyptian name for Donkey. The book also follows the life of this foal, her friendship with Jesus and Mary Magdalene and her important role she played throughout their lives. A remarkable account! The most poignant quote from the book is one those who love Donkeys can relate to: " Leading Eio, I am content to be doing anything". This book will make you "re-think" the Donkey you see in the Flight to Egypt, the Entry into Jerusalem and the Crucifixion. I wrote the poem "Enter Into O, Jerusalem...Donkey" after reading this book. Eio also being the impetus for the title of that poem! A book to give for any occasion. It will help you to realize, as Mary Magdalene did, to continue unceasingly to introduce into all our actions, even the most banal and everyday, just a little more consciousness and love.

-Jenny B.