On a cold December evening, I had the opportunity to enjoy a long overdue date. A date I had never found time for in past visits, but one I longed to enjoy. I love art that depicts peace and oneness with nature. I think that is how I fell in love with the works of Monet. Yes, there are other great Masters but Claude Monet’s art simply stole my heart many, many years ago. So I stood in 28-degree weather, in the evening and waited for our date to begin.
One would think that the cold would minimize the lines, but oh the French, as well as the tourists, do love their art. With the swirl of many languages around me, the smell of roasted peanuts and chestnuts piercing the evening air, and the Seine River behind me, waiting did not seem long at all. At the thirty minute mark, I refreshed my lipstick and adjusted my hat. This would be an evening to remember, I was simply certain of it. I had visited Giverny twice, touched the soil and breathed in the air. That alone was an experience to remember. However now, I was going to see the originals of the work from this man I admired so. 
Here in the Musee d’Orsay, there are many works from Art Masters displayed and viewed by many. Musee d’Orsay is a former railway station, that at one time housed a hotel and a huge reception area. A pausing point for travelers near and far, this building served it’s purpose around the time of the World’s Fair. When times changed, the French Government thought it best to use this building as a museum. In 1986, the Musee d’Orsay was opened. The works of art contained within these walls date from 1848 to 1914. 
One can find the works of Degas, Van Gogh, C’ezanne, Delacroix and of course…Monet. I was pleasantly surprised that since it was after 6:00, my entry fee was only 9 euro. I was simply overjoyed when I saw the great reception hall filled with such beautifully cared for sculptures and paintings….
I saw the works of Rodin…
a little Van Gogh…
and of course the works of Monet…
and more Monet….
It was time for the best part of my date with Monet. I was simply not ready emotionally to see what I had longed to see in person. One lady in her wonderful accent asked if I was okay as my eyes glistened and eventually overflowed with tears of joy. I am sure we were quietly crying together.
My world is ever changed. My date with Claude Monet and his works are forever etched in my mind. Savoring the moments, I slowly walked away ready to dream of revisiting Giverny in a warmer season….perhaps later this year as I continue to discover Paris…
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Sharing the significance of places such as the Pantheon, the Odeon Theater and more, Tom did not disappoint as he shared history I was simply not aware of. Tom Reeves research and perspective of The Black History of Jardin du Luxembourg and the area surrounding it, left me yearning for more.
I could not leave the area without dining where some of the great men and women of color had dined in the back room as they shared ideas and felt more than welcomed in this foreign land, The Cafe Tournon. With an American coffee (I called it a large cup of warm, delicious jet fuel) the salad with ham, eggs, pickled vegetables and a dash of dressing, was all I needed to continue my journey. The two hours shared with Tom Reeves and my small group was not just food for my soul, but just enough substance to encourage me to discover more about Paris than the gardens, the fabric, and the fashion – I urge anyone visiting Paris to use 
Last year I was blessed to enjoy Jardin du Luxembourg in its summer glory, I was not aware of whose footsteps I was walking in as well. With 3 plantings a year, courtesy of the French Senate, the grounds are just as beautiful in their winter nakedness and give way to the anticipation of Spring.
