Thoreau’s black & white graphics

JOURNEY TRILOGY: From SEA to SAND to SNOW

STORIES, UPDATES & REFLECTIONS

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BLOG # 1: November 1, 2025

TOPIC: Thoreau MacDonald

The thought came to me today to write a blog to keep in touch with all you wonderful readers out there. I have received many emails and messages from so many people, asking questions, wanting to communicate, that I thought: why not reach out in a way that is long-lasting, meaningful, and continues to connect us? Hence, a blog!

My first thought to share with you today is an article I saw the other day on Thoreau MacDonald. Remember him in my book RESCUED?

• Thoreau was the son of J.E.H. MacDonald, one of the Group of Seven, whose famous painting - The Tangled Garden - was inspired by the flowers and plants on his beautiful Thornhill property

• He was an artist and graphic designer who lived in one of the most peaceful places off the beaten track in Thornhill; I remember walking onto his property from the noisy traffic on Yonge Street and feeling immense peace and serenity

• Thoreau was named after Henry David Thoreau who coined the phrase “simplicity, simplicity, simplicity”; which in turn inspired Thoreau himself to live in his Thornhill home for over 50 years with no electricity or running water

• As well, Thoreau was inspiration to my ex-husband, an artist, and to me, with his love of documenting the beauty around him; when our first son was born, we decided to call him Nicholas Thoreau

• I’ll always be thankful to Thoreau for allowing me to practise using his wood stove, especially making bread!

  Today I found out Thoreau was colour-blind, which is why he created his art in black and white. I also found out his home is still standing in Thornhill on 125 Centre Street, and his property and gardens are open to the public. I can’t wait to visit!

  * Have you ever visited Thoreau MacDonald's home? Or do you have a mentor or inspiration who shaped your life path? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

Thoreau’s historic home in Thornhill

J.E.H. MacDonald’s The Tangled Garden

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Blog # 2: November 4, 2025

TOPIC: Book Talk

It’s not easy standing up in front a group of people and speaking. Don’t they say it’s the number one fear for most people? It has a name too: glossophobia. I guess the more you do it, the more you overcome your fear.

I’ve been invited to a Local Author Showcase in November (see details below). There are 15 of us and we each have 15 minutes to share our book. That’s not a long time, right? I can do it. I can do it. I think I can. I think I can. Just like the little train engine, right?

Writing is a lone activity. It’s done in the silence of a room, alone, totally alone with your thoughts. So for many writers, to go from that solitary space to a room full of curious readers is a bit daunting. I just have to know my stuff, right? And that I do. I wrote that story I’m about to share. I know every word, sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, beginning to end. So…I can do this! Hope to see you there! Bring your copy of RESCUED, and I will sign it; and if you don’t have one, there will be copies for sale. And wave to me with a smile from the audience! Your support means the world.

* Are you someone who struggles with public speaking? Or do you love being in front of an audience? Tell me in the comments!

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Where: Keswick Public Library

When: Saturday November 29/25

10:00 am - 4:00 pm (my time slot is 11:50 - 12:05)

#GPLLocalAuthorShowcase 

 #GPLReadLocal 

 #GeorginaPublicLibrary

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Blog # 3: November 10, 2025

TOPIC: J___ C_______ Can you guess who?

Hint:

This man is famous. He’s 63 years old, ten years younger than me. He’s also Canadian, born in Newmarket. And slapstick funny. Can you guess who he is?

If I told you he was kicked out of a house my Dad rented to his family in Jackson’s Point—-so I could move in with my family, would you believe me?? He used to go across the lane to my grandparents’ home and do comedic performances for them, making them laugh until they almost burst. My grandfather actually said to him, “you’ll be famous one day”. Can you guess now?

That’s right, you guessed correctly…Jim Carrey! His family were struggling financially to the point that they asked my dad to go halves on laying carpet down in the house they rented. A few years later, when I left Newfoundland and needed a place to live as a single parent with my 3 children, my dad asked Jim and his family to move out. I never did get to meet the man, but I love this story. Because he DID become famous! My partner, Wally, who loves this story too, recently found out Jim’s address and sent him a copy of my book, RESCUED…but sadly it was “returned to sender”. I guess when you climb that high, you don’t have time for the little guys down below. Sad 😢

But heh, we wish you only the best Jim Carrey!👍

• Have you ever encountered anyone famous? I’de love to hear your story!