I took this picture on February 5, 2023 at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
This is what I wrote that day after seeing his work:
“I’m drunk off the art, standing in front of a Monet painting, and eyes watering from the disbelief that I am standing in front of a painting that Monet once painted, once stood before. Years later, and much work from the universe to get us to this exact spot in time, I stand before it— appreciating the work, the beauty. The Railroad Bridge painted in 1873.
Perhaps not a well-known painting, like his famous Lily mural, but a still great painting nonetheless.
The Japanese Footbridge painted in 1895 was one of Monet’s first attempts to paint his garden.
He probably had no idea that his most regarded painting, the Lily mural, would even grow to such fame. I feel like this is a nice reminder to keep following what you love, we don’t know the direct path or what the outcome will be, but we do know that following our passions, our inspirations from the heart will never steer us wrong.”
Fast Forward to today, September 27, 2023: I went to Musee Marmottan Monet in Paris, that houses one the largest Monet collections (donated by his youngest son).
Back Track to September 14, 2023: I went to Musee D’Orsay and got to see more works of Monet.
In February, I had already had the idea of going to Paris but wasn’t sure if it was going to be a reality.
What I was sure of was that I wanted to spend more quality time with myself and doing more “artist’s dates”. (Reference to The Artist’s Way). The museum was one of my first one’s and it was so special to me.
Now, being in Paris and my trip coming to a close, I feel so grateful for the month long worth of “artist dates” with myself as I ventured into this beautiful journey and came out with some beautiful memories I will always cherish and hold in my heart and soul, a beautiful community, and some lessons learned and *in the process* of learning.
As I move forward beyond this trip, I am so excited to see all that life has to offer me, and all that I have to grow as I build and create new opportunities for my heart and soul and community.
Much Love and Much Gratitude,
Cindy 🫶🏼