“Training Day” — A Balancing Act

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”.

Story behind “Old Swords” and “I’m Finally Ready”:

The year was 1813.

I vividly remember the recruiting sergeant regaling us with soldier stories extolling the virtues of soldiering. The descriptions of enchanted lands and the thrill of military victories were powerful indeed. All of these stories proved to be true, although most of these were only experienced in fleeting moments. 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. Yet, I was young, stout, robust and resilient.

Standing taller than the musket assured my enlistment in the infantry, although I had barely reached my 14th year. Over the next 8 1/2 years, I became a man. You could say I grew up in the army.

Thirty years had past, I was finally ready for this journey. Bespeckled in my elegant 30-year-old homecoming uniform, I set my course for the reunion. For old times sake, I left my horse in the stable and set out on foot. After all there was only a couple hundred miles separating me from my “Old Swords”. The walk will do me good.

Story behind “It’s Never Too Muddy”:

It was September 2007 in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The 10-day Eastern Primitive Rendezvous was being held at Muddy Run State Park. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends at this 18th Century-inspired encampment set the stage for my first date with Troy. With thousands of participants coming from many states, I wondered what the odds would be in finding a couple of my friends. 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. This was going to be an interesting day.
For several years, my life’s journey prevented me from attending this annual pilgrimage. I’d lost touch with some of my dear friends. Today was going to be a reunion and a first date. I was a bit apprehensive whether I was making the right decision.

As we strolled around the camp, I saw many new faces. Every once in awhile, I’d spot a familiar one. Each time there was a joyous and comforting embrace and this warmed my heart. I quickly realized with dear friends, “It’s Never Too Muddy”. With each encounter, I kept being asked — “Are you still painting?”

Troy had packed a picnic lunch, which we shared down by the lake. He spoke about the genuine care and concern my dear friends had for me.

As the light breeze created small ripples on the water’s surface . . . . we swapped stories about the old days.

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Stories in Paint is the sole originator of the printed images and the associated narrated stories.

The images and narrated stories contained in this video are copyrighted material.

*Story and Painting © 2014 by Stories in Paint*