![]() Shelly his wife has a very rare skill as a painter especially about the Revolution, its painters, and the American Colonial Period. Troy, as a former Valley Forge National Historical Park Interpretive Ranger, knows the American Revolution and its personalities inside out, all for the good. They are a remarkable couple whom God is using in a very special way for the benefit of the nation and both are uniquely qualified for the task. from James McCord, former President of the McCord SocietyIt has been a great pleasure to have known Troy and Shelly Shirley for several years. *Story and Painting © 2014 by Stories in Paint* Play Video Click To Play ![]() The images and narrated stories contained in this video are copyrighted material. Stories in Paint is the sole originator of the printed images and the associated narrated stories. He spoke about the genuine care and concern my dear friends had for me.Īs the light breeze created small ripples on the water’s surface. Troy had packed a picnic lunch, which we shared down by the lake. With each encounter, I kept being asked - “Are you still painting?” I quickly realized with dear friends, “It’s Never Too Muddy”. Each time there was a joyous and comforting embrace and this warmed my heart. Every once in awhile, I’d spot a familiar one. I was a bit apprehensive whether I was making the right decision.Īs we strolled around the camp, I saw many new faces. Today was going to be a reunion and a first date. I’d lost touch with some of my dear friends. This was going to be an interesting day.įor several years, my life’s journey prevented me from attending this annual pilgrimage. As fate would have it, the very first person we saw at the entrance gate recognized me - and we hadn’t even gotten out of the car yet. With thousands of participants coming from many states, I wondered what the odds would be in finding a couple of my friends. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends at this 18th Century-inspired encampment set the stage for my first date with Troy. The 10-day Eastern Primitive Rendezvous was being held at Muddy Run State Park. It was September 2007 in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After all there was only a couple hundred miles separating me from my “Old Swords”. For old times sake, I left my horse in the stable and set out on foot. Bespeckled in my elegant 30-year-old homecoming uniform, I set my course for the reunion. Thirty years had past, I was finally ready for this journey. Over the next 8 1/2 years, I became a man. Standing taller than the musket assured my enlistment in the infantry, although I had barely reached my 14th year. Yet, I was young, stout, robust and resilient. The long fatiguing marches, the indescribable thirst, the pain of hunger, bouts of homesickness and the loss of dear friends was almost too much to bear at times - the sergeant failed to mention these realities. All of these stories proved to be true, although most of these were only experienced in fleeting moments. The descriptions of enchanted lands and the thrill of military victories were powerful indeed. I vividly remember the recruiting sergeant regaling us with soldier stories extolling the virtues of soldiering. Story behind “Old Swords” and “I’m Finally Ready”: In this 6 minute video, get a unique perspective on Stories in Paint and learn the story behind original paintings “Old Swords”, “I’m Finally Ready”, and “It’s Never Too Muddy”. ![]()
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