Remember last Friday, when I promised the babes, here in the barn, to tell you something special about each of them, one by one? Well, I didn’t forget! I’ve spent the last week observing each of them, considering what it is that makes them each so special. With this adorable bunch, it wasn’t difficult at all!

When I arrived at the barn this morning, prepared to figure out who should go first, I discovered that the party had already started… without me! In my absence, Brutus had unlocked my office door, allowing all of the little ones to basically transform things into a mini movie theatre! They’d been waiting for me… ALL night! I could have saved myself loads of time and mental energy, had I known that they’d already decided the order in which things should be done.

Upon my desk, I could see a crudely drawn picture note, as their not so good at drawing letters yet. I could see what looked like the shape of Dinky, with what looked like Boomer beside her, and then little drawings of the rest of the babes, following behind them, one after the other. I gathered that I was to go from youngest to the oldest, if I were going by the picture… it did make sense, I suppose.

If you’re wondering how Brutus had a key to my office, I often leave the barn keys with him, to unlock the food barrels for breakfast in the mornings. The babes are always awake before I get here, usually hungry enough to destroy the barn. Brutus and Tilly help me, by feeding them breakfast and playing games until I arrive. Normally, he wouldn’t ever let them into my office, as this is where the barrel of Molasses covered oats are stored. The babes are so resourceful, I’ve had to install a lock on both the barrel… and my office door!

Not only did he let them in the door, but they were having a party in the oats barrel! I was met with smiling faces, mouths full of sweet oats, and sticky fingers, as I entered my office. The moment I walked through the doorway, I was mauled by a very excited group of little ones, all trying to talk at the same time.

They’d brewed me a fresh pot of coffee, and Tilly had actually gone down the lane to the farm where we’d gotten our oats, trading a fresh ear of corn to the cow living there, for a cup of fresh cream. I was quite touched at her efforts!

My computer had been turned on, and apparently, a group of sticky fingers had fluffed all my pillows. There, sitting quietly beside my keyboard, was little Dinky Do, all ready to go!

So, here I am writing to you, of all that I love about my little Dinky Do!

Obviously, as I’m writing about her first, we know that Dinky is the youngest one living here at the barn. I discovered her inside of an old boot, here in the Barnyard, when I first arrived. In honesty, I think she must have come with the barn. For whatever reason, Dinky never grows, never changing in anyway, aside from being able to hide in plain sight by changing colors to blend with the barn… I think she is somewhat of a chameleon, but that’s just a guess.

At first, Dinky was so frightened when I tried to approach, she blew little rings of angry smoke in my direction. I saw something of myself in her that morning, though, whether it was the fear or the anger, I’m not sure. Feeling lost and alone is an awful feeling, and I just wanted to scoop her up into my arms, to bring her some reassurance. I sat there in that barn with her for several hours, cooing and singing softly to her. I actually wrote the song down later on, but in keeping with my commitment to save it til it’s published, you’ll have to wait.

To make a long story a little shorter, Dinky and I became fast and forever friends that morning, and she’s been by my side ever since! Everyone here looks out for her, and Brutus has a very soft spot for her, I think, as she’s usually found atop his shoulders wherever he goes. What I love the most about Dinky are her eyes, forever innocent and full of wonder. Whenever anyone looks upon her, they simply want to hug her and snuggle, she’s that tender and affectionate.

Whenever I’m deep in the heart of my writing, it’s Dinky who can be found beside my laptop, resting her chin on my arm, snoring softly. One might say that she embodies my childlike innocence and imagination, often giving me ideas for the very adventures you like to read.

I’m grateful that this dragon stays small,

small enough to fit in a shoe,

I’d be lost if I’d never found you,

My Little Dinky Do…