Oh, man, that's a bummer. It still looks very long and full, though, and had you not mentioned the trim I probably wouldn't have noticed, except that getting rid of the soul patch makes your mustache really pop!

On the ties, dennis warned me that using them too tight could cause breakage, so I wonder if that's what happened. When I use them I always make sure there's plenty of ease, especially if there's not braid to disperse the stress.

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard