Thoreau MacDonald
Blog #1: November 1, 2025
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 black & white graphics
Thoreau’s historic home in Thornhill
J.E.H MacDonald’s The Tangled Garden