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Thoreau’s 200th Anniversary of his Birth – July 12, 2017

Today – July 12th, 2017 – is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great writer, philosopher, and environmentalist Henry David Thoreau.  He was born in Concord, MA….and he lived in Chelmsford, MA as a young boy, from 1818 until 1821.  Thoreau’s sister Sophia was born in Chelmsford in 1818.

To honor the memory of Henry David Thoreau, I decided to paint this watercolor yesterday, on a pen & ink portrait of Thoreau that I drew many years ago.   In my opinion, Henry David Thoreau was one of the greatest Americans who has ever lived.  If we all followed his example of living simply and wisely, the earth would be in a much more sustainable.. cleaner…and peaceful  position today.

I am planning to take a ride to Walden Pond today, to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Thoreau’s birth.  I am expecting many people there today.  Here’s another quote by Thoreau:

“I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one’s self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we live simply and wisely.”

Henry David Thoreau
WALDEN