Muley Sermon "Hope for the Future" 12 17 2023

Muley the Mule, Buford the Dog, Roy Duck, and Missy Mule visited First Congregational Church of Memphis on December 17, 2023, to talk about being the hope for the future, and that when worries arise kids can go to their grown-ups for help.

Missy Mule assisted by Janet Wade
Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L Williams
Buford the Dog assisted by Martheus Wade
Roy Duck assisted by DaMarco Randle

Written, Produced, and directed by Kevin Williams
Additional writing DaMarco Randle and Janet Wade
Sound by Antonious Smith
Video by First Congo

"A Million Dreams" by Karaoke-Version.com
"Eye Laugh" theme by David Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com

www.muleythemule.com
www.toshigawauniverse.com
www.damarcoarts.com
www.firstcongo.com

Sketch Cards for 901 Comics - November 2023

 901 Comics East, where the Mid-South Cartoonists Association holds several events, asked me to draw some sketch cards for their giveaways.  These are the ones I created, and I hope you like them.  Be sure to shop at 901 Comics East for your chance to snag one of these little beauties.

This was my first time drawing sketch cards, and it was fun.  It was also my first time drawing E.T., a Minion (I chose to draw Kevin), Luffy from "One PIece," and the rest are characters I've drawn time and again, because it's just fun to draw them.

Muley's 2023 First Congo Speaking Dates

 You can hear Muley's words of hope, peace, and love, by visiting First Congregational Church at 1000 S Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104, on the second Sunday of each month.  Services begin at 10:30 am Central Time both in person and online.  CLICK HERE to watch online at 10:30am Sundays.  CLICK HERE for directions.

We are also collecting the messages in books, with issue one already available.

2023 Speaking Dates

January 8

February 12

March 12

April 9

May 14

June 11

July 9

August 13

September 10

October 8 (Blessing of the pets, so he may not be there)

November 12

December 10 (Unrehearsed Kids' Pageant, so he may not be there)

(Possibly for the Christmas Eve early service.)

Muley Reads: Abner the Clown

What would you change about yourself if you could? Why would you make that change? What are things you love about yourself? What do others love about you? What do you love about others? Have you ever realized that you are perfect just as you are and don't need to change? Because YOU ARE!!

Contact Jeffrey to buy Abner the Clown for $25 + Shipping and Handling at https://jeffreybreslauer.com/contact (or on Amazon.)

Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L. Williams www.muleythemule.com Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan. https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/donate Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

50th Birthday Party Details

Though my birth was 11:09 am on August 20, 1972, the birthday party will be at 4pm on August 20, 2022.

August 20, 1972

The place will be at First Congregational Church, 1000 S Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104

(you can also GPS 973 Blythe Street, Memphis, TN 38104, for parking).

BRING NO GIFTS!  I literally have NO ROOM for anything; but I do ask that you please DONATE to the FOOD MINISTRY at First Congo which feeds many, many people in need.  I can't accept any gifts as I have no room at all anymore.  To see other charities that I support CLICK HERE.

There will be a sketchbook and art supplies for sketches, drawings, fun messages, 

Bring your good times, bring some food if you can.  

About 5:15 p.m., Muley the Mule and Friends will share a special presentation, and maybe some special guests.

EVERYONE IS INVITED!  I love my friends - the greatest gift a fella can ask for - and look forward to you being there with me as I end half a century on this planet and start the next 50 years.

Kevin in Memphis Voyager Magazine

 This online magazine represents the very best of Memphis, shining it in a great, positive way.  CLICK HERE to read the article.

Muley Reads: Six Dinner Sid

Muley the Mule loves to read, and in this edition of Muley Reads he shares Six Dinner Sid!

What happens after Sid the Cat takes advantage of 6 different families and 6 different meals and he's caught?

Lot's of "S" words in this story, so when you hear the "S" words make the sound: SSSSSSSSSS!! Also, when you read with the little kids, be sure to help them figure out what number comes next, help count down the numbers!

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L. Williams Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan, DONATE. Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

Muley Reads: Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type

Sometimes, we have disputes or misunderstandings that need some compromise.  If we can figure how to compromise quickly, our problems could be over before they start.  I bet it would help if we think ahead of things and make sure that people, especially those who help us, have what they need to continue to help us comfortably.  Compromise can end a problem quickly.

That's what Farmer Brown learns when the cows and other farm animals have needs in the book 'Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type.'

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L. Williams Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan, DONATE. Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

Muley Reads: Super Circus

Muley Reads: Super Circus!  This book is based on a show from the 1950's and features many of the same popular characters: Nicky, Cliffy, Claude Kirchner, Mary Hartline, and Scampy.

At the Super Circus, clowns Nicky and Cliffy create an act that leaves little clown Scampy out!  When he realizes this, he disappears!!  Where has he gone? What will he do if he can’t be in their act?  When we get left out because we’re not “big enough,” should we just give up?  Let's read the book to see what we might do instead of giving up.

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L. Williams Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan, DONATE. Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

Kids Congo: Muley Message "Pure Imagination"

 Happy All Holidays to EVERYONE!!

On December 12, 2021, Muley the Mule and Friends visited First Congregational Church of Memphis to share a program and song dedicated to using your "pure imagination" to make the world a better place for everyone!  

First Congo meets each Sunday morning in person and online at 10:30 am Central Time.  

CAST

Narrator: Anakin Wade
Buford the Dog assisted by Martheus Wade
Missy Mule assisted by Janet Wade
Roy Duck assisted by DaMarco Randle
Muleton Mule, Jr. assisted by Kevin L. Williams

www.toshigawauniverse.com
www.firstcongo.com

MUSIC

Intro Music “Eye Laugh”
by
David Fesliyan Studios
www.fesliyanstudios.com

"Pure Imagination"
by
Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
from
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical

"Siyahamba"
A South African Zulu Hymn
Performed by First Congo Choir

Pianist
Jason Eschhofen

Drums
Chris Burgess

Musical Direction
Tammy Holt and Elicia Curry

PHOTOGRAPHY/SOUND
by
First Congregational Media Team

EDUCATIONAL ADVISOR
Steve Garcia

WRITTEN, PRODUCED, DIRECTED
by
Kevin L. Williams

Muley Reads: Little Donkey

 Ever feel like you're big enough to do something, only to learn that you're really not?  Guess what: THAT'S OK!  Even if you're not very big right now, one day you WILL be - and then you get a chance to help people smaller than you.  As a matter of fact, even now you can probably help someone smaller than you are, so why not do that thing?  

After we read the book "Little Donkey," of course!

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Muley the Mule assisted by Kevin L. Williams
Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages!  And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship.  Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book.

"Reading is fundamental!"  Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!"

Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

Important Links

Click on the images below to visit respective sites.

The short link to this page is: shorturl.at/nHJNW

Muley Reads: Daniel's Good Day

Daniel knows everyone in the neighborhood, and on his way to grandma's and back home learns what makes other people's days great for them. What makes a good day for you? What do YOU love to see happen to make it a great day?

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages!  And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship.  Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book.

"Reading is fundamental!"  Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!"

Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!! 

Muley's Kids Sermons: Holy Cow, It's Muley! (Issue 1)

 You can now own the 2011 kids' messages presented by Muley the Mule at First Congregational Church!  Including 24 pages of high quality full color photos and art, this easy to carry and read comic book style publication shares the biography of Kevin L. Williams' puppetry in church and an introduction by Pastor Cheryl Cornish.  It's a great addition to any collection, all based in a message of LOVE - for each other, for the planet, for the animals, and for YOU.

CLICK HERE to purchase!

Muley Reads: The Little Engine That Could

Ever feel like you could never beat the odds? Same goes for Little Engine, until she thinks she can! Good motto for us to all have! If we think we can, we can!

Can you go CHOO CHOO when you hear the words train, tracks, or engine?
Can you spot all the different animals?
What jobs do the different engines have?
What do they all wish to get for the good boys and girls to have?

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages!  And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship.  Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book.

"Reading is fundamental!"  Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!"

Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!! 

Muley Reads: Oscar's Half Birthday

Baby Oscar is only 6 months old, and nobody can stand to wait until the year passes so why not do a half-birthday!? Hey, who cares when you celebrate a birthday, as long as there's cake! While watching together, can you make the sounds you read about (the train, wind, cars, and more)? Can you sing along with everyone's birthday wish for Oscar? When is your birthday, and what do you hope to do to celebrate?

Muley Reads is a volume of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!! www.muleythemule.com 

www.muleyshow.com 

Muley Reads: When Aidan Became a Brother

With so many species of animals, the MuleyVerse has always been inclusive and appreciative of people because of their individualities and differences, the things that make them special! Mules, dogs, ducks, horses, donkeys, and cows - all friends!

This sweet #ownvoices picture book by Kyle Lukoff, almost autobiographical, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother.

Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages! And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship. Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book. Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan. "Reading is fundamental!" Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!" Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!! www.muleythemule.com www.muleyshow.com

Lee & Low Publishers has a teacher's guide.

MuleyVerse Exhibition: Muley Through The Years

In 2018, Muley the Mule and Friends hosted a show produced by Joel Chapman called "The Congo Cabaret: That's Entertainment!" to raise money for the Food Ministry of First Congo of Memphis.  As part of the show, there was a display of MuleyVerse stuff.  Here is a re-cap of that exhibit with the descriptions from the cards you see in front of the exhibited pieces in the photos.

MULEY: THROUGH THE AGES EXHIBIT

Please check out this display of somewhat rare Muley memorabilia.

Then, look around behind it to the Food Pantry, which your ticket helps support tonight!

Inspired by friends and church family, the live "Muley and Friends Show" from conventions in years' past made a debut on television.  "Millionaire Magazines" explained how to help properly, while "Easter Eggheads" explained why not to eat all your candy at once, and also about the resurrection.

After many years of appearing at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL, a decision was made to create an alter-ego for Muley, that of SuperMule!  The "M" logo is based on the shape of Muley's ears, while the suit is the reverse colors of Superman.  To great audience glee, "SuperMule and the Cookie Caper" made it's debut in Metropolis!

Muley is seen flying high above the Food Pantry in his SuperMule uniform, which is based on his personality: blue briefs, blue towel cape, red pajamas, and blue canvas sneakers. The uniform of all great crime fighters.

Muley version 2.5, body constructed circa 2000, an upgrade around 2002.  This version of Muley went along on a Carnival Cruise, and participated in Guest Talent Night singing "Soul Mule."  Also shown is the award he won!

ORIGINAL MULEY CAST

To coincide with his original creation date, the first Muley puppet was constructed on January 1, 1990, followed soon by Missy Mule in the same year.

Buford the Dog was originally created for a church puppet team, but was purchased and added to the MuleyVerse.  Here, you see the original, and Buford version 2.0.

In late 1979, Kevin L. Williams created a character that, on January 1, 1980, would be named Muley the Mule.  This page is the earliest (third) drawing of Muley.  In front is a Sculpey Muley statue made in 1989.

Fan art happens to be one of our greatest treasures.

A Christmas Ball by Angela Williams.

A Pez Dispenser by Lin Workman.

And a Muley Sketch Card by Missy Mule's Assistant, Janet Wade, and her son, Anakin!

Muley's original life was in comics.  Here, you see the cover of 2007's collection of "Muley's Comix and Stories"  This full color comic book collected over 30 comic strips and 3 comic stories, including Muley's biography.

Muley's pet charity is The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.  He has not only helped host many fund-raising events over the years, but was named the "Official Spokes-Mule."  His certificate and an award are on display here, along with a photo taken at a charity art show.

On display here are the front and back covers of a coloring book based on another highly acclaimed show, "Muley's Talent(less) Revue," which featured his friends and other characters from the MuleyVerse of puppets in their quest to win the talent revue.  Nobody won.  It was a draw.

Over the years, Muley has had the opportunity to meet some heroes.  In 2008, Muley was invited to speak at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA where he was able to meet Jeannie Schulz, wife of "Peanuts" creator, Charles Schulz.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

Meeting other great heroes have been a huge joy for Muley.  In this photo, from September 2015, Muley is pictured with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch performer, Carrol Spinney, and his wife Debra.  There was a brief conversation between Muley and the spirit-voice of Big Bird.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

(Will post this photo when/if we find it...)

The Moanful Missy

By Mulinardo di Pinchy

Prismacolor on Black Construction Paper.

c. 1989

On Loan from the Loo Museum

Loo Loo, Skip to the Loo, My Darling.

The Art of the Process

This display exhibits the work that is done in the sequence prior to the creation of the final comic strip. The original note pad notes of the comic strip idea.  Pencils to work out the comic strip idea, and a sketch of Muley and Calvin Cow from behind. 

Below, the finished comic strip, ink on bristol.