Teaser Tuesday, Poll, and Give-Away

Isn’t it nice when multiple things roll into one?

As I continue to work on The Lure of the Moonflower, Jack and Jane have, somewhat unexpectedly, acquired a donkey. (It was a surprise for the donkey, too.)

The donkey needs a name. Henrietta thinks we should call him Donkey-the-donkey. Miles votes for Ginger. Miss Gwen just thinks of the donkey as parasol-fodder.

One more serious option is to name the donkey Miranda, since the Miranda breed of donkey is common in Portugal. (Yep, I’m learning all about donkeys, here.)

Help! What would you name Jack and Jane’s donkey? Any and all suggestions welcome.

But, wait– I did say there would be a give away, didn’t I?

One person will be chosen at random to receive a Pink Carnation anniversary mug.

Let the names begin!

77 Comments

  1. Bekah on February 10, 2015 at 9:41 am

    I like Miranda. It fits with the Portuguese area. Another idea might be Jenny. A male donkey is usually called Jack and a female is called Jenny. Since we already have a Jack in the story, we’d have to go with Jenny. Also I’m sure there’s opportunity for witty dialogue there about “Jack and Jenny”.

  2. jeffrey on February 10, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Totally unsuited for your purposes but…..I always pictured a donkey wearing a straw hat with two holes cut out for those long ears. The name “Daisy” comes to mind. Good grief, I’ve been reading too many western romances!

  3. Meredith A on February 10, 2015 at 10:42 am

    Hippolyte.

    Here is the (convoluted) reasoning: The donkey should have something to do with Napoleon and why not make reference to Bonaparte Crossing the Alps (in which he is riding a miserable looking pack-animal)? The painting does not reference Portugal, but whatever! The artist is Hippolyte Delaroche. I am going to ignore the fact that the painting was done AFTER the events of Moonflower.

  4. Joan on February 10, 2015 at 11:05 am

    Modestine was the name of Robert L. Stevenson’s donkey on his trek through the Cervennes. I seem to remember that donkey had quite a personality!

  5. Christine on February 10, 2015 at 11:25 am

    The book is set in December. There’s only one choice: Dominick. As in Dominick the Italian Christmas donkey.

    • Liz D. on February 10, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      My thoughts exactly Christine!! My sister and I love to sing the “la la lalalala, the Italian Christmas donkey” part to each other at Christmas, and the sheer randomness of that song is the best.

      • Christine on February 10, 2015 at 1:46 pm

        Jiggedy jig eee aw eee aw!

      • Katie Cortina on February 10, 2015 at 7:24 pm

        As a NYC Italian, I’m going to have to agree on Dominic. Although, I know this is surely not the direction that Lauren is thinking of going in!

  6. HJ on February 10, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Duncan the donkey. Just because it sounds a bit like Bun(ny) the bunny.

    • Kristy on February 10, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Did anyone know that there is a flower called a Donkey Orchid? Knowing Jane’s tendency towards flowery spy names, perhaps the donkey could be Diuris, the genus name for the many species of donkey orchids. I like the thought of a donkey spy reference. And, since we have double spies who may be tailing other suspects… ๐Ÿ™‚ From Wikipedia: “The scientific name is derived from the Greek words dis (double) and oura (tail), referring to the two lateral drooping sepals, giving a tailed appearance. The common name Donkey Orchid is logically derived from the appearance of the two lateral petals, protruding from the top of the flower like the two ears of a donkey. These features give Diuris its easily recognizable appearance.”

      • Lauren on February 10, 2015 at 5:36 pm

        I have a feeling something about this might make its way into the book….

        • Kristy Motz on February 12, 2015 at 4:54 pm

          That would be ultra-cool! ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Shelli on February 10, 2015 at 6:22 pm

        I second this!! I love this idea.

      • Dara on February 11, 2015 at 6:15 pm

        Brilliant!

      • Daniele K on February 12, 2015 at 12:10 am

        This is perfect

      • Pam on February 14, 2015 at 1:00 pm

        Like it

  7. Nikki B on February 10, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    I liked the Miranda suggestion.
    If I was Jane and wanted to name a donkey, I would name him after the biggest ass I knew at the time… which might be Jack (From what I have read Jack and Jane seemed to be rubbing each other the wrong way, so I am just assuming that Jane is a little annoyed with him at this time. But, I could be wrong). So I say Jack the donkey or Jackie if its a girl (said Jane with a sweet smile).

  8. Pat D on February 10, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    Nova, as in “no va.” Won’t go. I love their personalities. Perhaps a pretty name like Esmeralda would sweeten her disposition.

  9. Katelyn on February 10, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I think it might be rather fun and in character if Jack and Jane disagreed on the name. Jack, not being particularly fanciful, could be content to leave her nameless and address it as “Hey, you” when necessary, while Jane could tease him by acting sympathetic toward her and naming her something flowery like “Desdemona” (because Jack just believes the worst of her) or “Cinderella” (because she’s just so put upon).

    • Lauren on February 10, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Your instincts about these characters are so spot on! I just deleted a passage today where Jack informed Jane that if she needed a name for the donkey she could refer to it as “Hey, you”. But it sounded a bit modern, so I changed it to “ho, there!” and then just cut it altogether. But it may yet reappear….

      • Lynne on February 11, 2015 at 12:35 am

        Probably a good call, Lauren – I remember Jack as a bit uptight.

        • Betty S. on February 12, 2015 at 2:51 pm

          Also, ho could take on a meaning best done without.

  10. Karen on February 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I think Miranda is very sensible and that reminds me of Jane. When I first read this the word/name that immediately popped into my mind was “Pip”. No reason why, just random thought at 6am. But Pip would be too English for this time period and place, wouldn’t it?

  11. Elizabeth on February 10, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    I think Humphrey is a donkey-esque name! It may be too English, but unfortunately I don’t know any Portuguese names

  12. Miss Eliza on February 10, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    Like Miranda, but totally going to suggest Cannon Fodder.

  13. LMT on February 10, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Lupeldinha- the name of my sister’s mean-as-a-snake great-aunt-in-law from the Azores. As intractable as a donkey…

  14. Lynn on February 10, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    I like Nikki’s suggestion of naming the donkey after Jack. What about Jacinto? It is Spanish and Portuguese word meaning Hyacinth. (The English nickname is “Jack”, per wikipedia.)

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacinto

  15. Sharlene Martin Moore on February 10, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    I totally agree with the others, my suggestion was going to be Dominick.

    Of course it is female, then Sofia, which means wisdom.

  16. Rosemary on February 10, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    Valiant. He can be their Valiant and noble steed!

  17. Katie on February 10, 2015 at 6:29 pm

    I rather like the idea of naming it after a flower. I don’t know how far back the meaning of each flower goes, but a Lobelia is supposed to represent “malevolence” (appropriate for if said donkey is troublesome) and a Geranium is supposed to represent “determination” (appropriate for typically stubborn donkeys). Snapdragon, Buttercup, or Petunia might also be fun for their sheer ridiculousness.

  18. Christy Kirby on February 10, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    “I will hug him and squeeze him… And name him George”. I always thought George was the perfect pet name, both unassuming and will Loony Tunes references. Plus its name has the same first sound as Jane and Jack. A little alliteration isn’t below dear Jane. You’re welcome! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  19. Karen on February 10, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Hotey. As in Donkey Hotey.

    or if it is a much put upon donkey, Rocinante.

    But I agree with the suggestion of naming it Jack!

  20. Whitney Jennings on February 10, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    I rather like Graciosa…also native to Portugal and if the donkey plays a significant role in assisting Jane and Jack, it would be like a foreshadowing of thank you. ๐Ÿ˜€

  21. Jennifer Williams on February 10, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    Jane should name the donkey after Jack. For I’m certain he is making an ass of himself.

    • Lynne on February 11, 2015 at 12:38 am

      Thanks, Jennifer – that idea made my evening. Poor Jack.

  22. Flora on February 10, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    Going with the theme, why not just Flor (flower)? She could come with a little garland and everything.

    Or Cardo (thistle) if it’s male.

  23. Valinda on February 10, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    I dug into my family tree for this one, but why not Parthenia if its a girl. Its so random and off the wall, Jack could spend hours (well half a page or less) rambling on and on about what the heck is a Parthenia. BTW Parthenia is both a town in the late Roman province of Mauretania Sitifensis, the easternmost part of ancient Mauretania, in what is now northern Algeria and the first printed collection of music for keyboard in England. Now I just want to find out how a donkey comes in to play….

  24. Diana P on February 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    I was going to say Molly, Joรฅo (Jack in Portuguese), or Rocinante. I like Duiris.

  25. Jessica S. on February 10, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    Oh! Nick, as in Nick Bottom from A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

    But Miranda’s nice, too. Or Frank.

  26. Debbie on February 10, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    Dorothea the Donkey…

  27. Whitney H on February 10, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    Sancho but I liked the Rocinante idea.

  28. Pam on February 10, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    If this darling creature is a boy donkey, rather than a lady donkey, then you could riff on the “Miranda” donkey breed and name him Ferdinand, since Ferdinand is Miranda’s male counterpart in The Tempest. I could picture Jane protesting, quite sensibly and placidly that “it’s Shakespearean,” while Jack crosses his arms and says “it’s ridiculous is what it is,” or something. Plus Ferdinand the donkey rather reminds me of Ferdinand the Bull and Ferdinand the Bull is adorable.

  29. Cate on February 10, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Well the Portuguese for carrot is Cenoura (which is pretty), but I know a donkey called Humphrey who’s a bit of a stroppy sweetheart !

  30. Sue Luce on February 10, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    I like the Valiant suggestion. Something no nonsense for Jane…and I think it would annoy Jack to hear it called something noble.

  31. Lora Lynn on February 10, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    Lotus. For irony.

  32. HJ on February 10, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    I can’t believe the very high quality of these suggestions! I’m glad I don’t have to choose. But the one which made me really laugh is Donkey Hotey. That’s brilliant.

  33. LynnS on February 10, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    I was thinking Bottom for the Shakespeare reference, but these are all such great ideas, I think Jack and Jane will need more donkeys… maybe they will acquire a herd of donkeys…maybe I should just stop now!

  34. Catie on February 10, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    Badonk-a-donkey.

  35. Brittany B on February 10, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    Apollo

    Donkeys can be prophetic, help heal the sick, and create melodious music.

  36. Amanda on February 10, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Miranda is the name!

  37. bn100 on February 10, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    Don

  38. Sue Gorman on February 10, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    Miranda!

  39. Nancy Kvorka on February 10, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    After reading these great suggestions, I say nameless and Jack and Jane name it at the end in complete accord with each other. Or Miranda, seems like a good name for a donkey in Portugal.

  40. Paige on February 10, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I vote for Ferdinand. A cute name-and who doesn’t love a cute nickname (Ferdie) that also gives a nod to a famous Portugal trailblazer. And who is Jane if not a trailblazer of her own?

  41. Diane on February 10, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Don the donkey. Either as in “lord donkey” (because who will be running the show?) or as in the head of the college of Jane and Jack’s hard knocks.

    I like all the other names as wellโ€ฆa flower name would be appropriate!

  42. Katie on February 10, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    We actually have pet donkeys named Lucy (the mom) and Fiona (her baby). They are lovely girls and very sweet. I don’t have a smart reason for naming them that…they just looked like a Lucy and a Fiona to me ๐Ÿ™‚

  43. Hannah G on February 10, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    I would name it Nibbles. Because that sounds adorable. ๐Ÿ˜€

  44. Yvette R on February 10, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    First I thought that Miranda was great, and then I remembered that at some point I had heard of a donkey named Daisy, and thought of suggesting that. (Jeremy has heard of the same donkey?)

    I also really liked Jacinto, it’s great in so many ways!

    I hope that this was helpful?!?!?

  45. Gina on February 10, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    Sebastian. Vaughn would be scandalized.

  46. Kristine M. on February 10, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    Penelope. That is a very proper donkey name.

  47. Chanpreet on February 11, 2015 at 12:26 am

    Boney. It seems fitting the donkey would have a name that made fun of the man they were trying to overthrow!

  48. Am7 on February 11, 2015 at 1:34 am

    From others’s suggestions:
    I like Donkey as name. Also Miranda and Diuris. I also like Bottom and Canon Fodder.

    I like Dianthus the donkey. Dianthus Caryophyllus is the scientific name for Carnation.
    Also Delphinium nicknamed Del. Maybe Reid in honor of Jack or Woolly in honor of Jane.
    I could go on, but I should probably stop there.

  49. TDS on February 11, 2015 at 7:45 am

    It depends on the donkey’s personaility. Marigold might be an option, as Jane might be amused by the flower reference. Or, if it is a very sensible and calm donkey, Demon might be good.

  50. Erica on February 11, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Petunia. There. I win. ;D

  51. Patricia on February 11, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Rosebud – Especially if it is a sweet natured donkey, but I can see Jack saying, “Oh Heavens, its JUST a donkey!”, but didn’t he have an affectionate name for his horse in Blood Lily? Or to really push Jack’s pseudonym, Luna – as in Moon flower…

  52. Ella on February 11, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    I like Miranda! Or maybe Queenie?

  53. Patrica on February 11, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    I would vote for Bottom (MND). If it wasn’t so ahistorical (after the period in question), I would say Milne or Eeyore.

  54. Ashleigh on February 11, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    Donkey Jote. Like Don Quixote.

  55. Aleen Davis on February 11, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    I always loved Donkey from Shrek. I would probably name it Eddie or Murphy. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  56. Elizabeth Kales on February 11, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    How about “Donk” which is what Lord Grantham’s little granddaughter on Downtown Abbey is calling him now.

  57. Daniele K on February 12, 2015 at 12:12 am

    At first I thought Miranda would be just right, but after reading Kristy’s comment about the orchids I think that just might be perfect.

  58. Dara on February 12, 2015 at 1:04 am

    Balam from the Bible story

  59. Olivia on February 12, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    Definitely Sebastian

  60. Betty S. on February 12, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I like Miranda, Ferdinand, and Sebastian. Definitely think Donkey Hotey is cute, and in keeping with that story, I would suggest Dulcinea – so lyrical and ‘sweet’. But maybe it wouldn’t fit this donkey’s personality.

  61. Rachel on February 13, 2015 at 12:31 am

    Nathaniel; the name of the donkey an old nativity play

  62. Pam on February 14, 2015 at 3:12 am

    King William or Emanuel for a male donkey. Queen Anne for a female.

  63. Kim on February 19, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    How about naming the donkey Jenny? It’s a girl’s name sure, but it’s also another term for a female donkey.

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