Live. Love. Bray.

I've been a Celebrity Mule Blogger for two years now. They have been good years: I've been healthy, hearty, and hale. I've made new friends and kept the old. I've learned. I've grown (if not taller, then at least wiser). I've come to love you all.

My first post was viewed by four people. I can't be sure, but I'm guessing they were FarmWife, FarmWife's mother, FarmWife's mother-in-law, and one of my loyal Susans (I have three). Since then, I've had about 165,000 online visits from over a dozen countries. I feel that I know you all.

You've shared your tales of love, life, and loss with me. You've warmed my capacious and noble heart with your stories.

Some of you have brought the Muleness into your own homes under my example, and I've rejoiced to see your new longeared companions bringing joy into your lives. Some of you have had mules since before I was a twinkle in my donkey father's eye, and some of your are just starting to comprehend our potential. Some of you have horses, donkeys, or goats instead. Even THEY have Muleness, because Muleness grows when it's noticed and appreciated.

You can find Muleness all around you when you seek it: It's there, at the magical meeting place between boldness and caution, between affection and reserve, between passion and patience. It's the qualities of fine judgement, good character, and kind action. It's in YOU.

Below, I'd like to share some of the many, many photos you've shared with me. I am grateful for these and the dozens more that I go back to, time and again, when I think of all my friends.

Grateful ears to you,
Fenway Bartholomule