40 before 40: #6 The Museum of Fine Arts

 

About a month ago I decided to make a list of 40 things I want to do before I turn 40.  When I first decided to do this I thought that it might be a difficult task to come up with 40 things, but when I started writing I was amazed at how easily it came.  There are so many things that I want to do! 

A lot of things that I enjoy my husband and friends are not interested in.  Does this mean that I cannot enjoy them alone? Is it OK to do things alone? One day while I was having coffee it clicked. Yes, it is OK to do things alone.  In fact it's enjoyable. And believe it or not sometimes I prefer it. With that being said, I made my list.  I said to myself that I was going to do the things I have been putting off  either with company or without.  My list ranges in everything from attending a symphony to eating sushi and everything in between.  I've never been one to be adventurous, so just writing things down on paper made me feel liberated. (I know, I'm such a nerd ♥)

A beautiful day in Boston.

I wasted no time getting started. One of the places I've always wanted to go is the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (#6 on my list).  Spring is an absolutely gorgeous time of year to be in the city and when I read in the paper that they were doing a special "Art in Bloom" exhibit I knew it was my calling. Art and flowers are two of my favorite things. It's a sign. So one fine Sunday morning, armed with a coffee and a camera, off I went. 

Walking into the building I was overwhelmed with a feeling of greatness.  The building itself is huge! It's also beautiful.  It has gorgeous marble staircases and ceilings that look like this:

 

I got a map and navigated myself down halls and through rooms filled with sculptures, art, jewelery, porcelain, flowers, and even instruments.  I was blown away!

  

The tea room

Picaso 

This is the entrance to a room dedicated to the works of Michelangelo. The lighting was dark so I could not get good enough photos to show you. I saw some of his original sketches for many of his famous paintings and sculptures. It was fascinating.

There was a whole exhibit decided to Blue & White!  I loved it!

  Inspiration everywhere!

 

I want all of these for my house!

 

 

And then it happened.  I was wandering through the European Art section and I entered this room. 

 

 

Claude Monet's Water Lilies right before my eyes. Shouldn't this be in Pairs or some other exotic place?  My heart skipped a tiny beat and I lost my breath for a second.  I've had a small copy of this painting in my possession for years and now here before me is the original, painted in 1905.  It's even more beautiful than I dreamed. Every stroke tells his story.

Hanging next to it were other works by Monet. I turned to my left and I saw a Vincent Van Gogh. 

  

 

This one is called Ravine and was painted by Van Gogh in 1889 while in a mental institution.  I was hoping to see Starry Nights, but it was not there.  Still, Don McLean's "Vincent" was in my head the entire time.  I love that song ♥

 

 

 

I recognized this painting of Venice by Renoir. I've seen copies of it a hundred times in books, but never the original.  In person, it's quite beautiful. 

 

 

 

I was getting tired and decided to treat myself to a snack.  I got a coffee and an apple oatmeal scone.  It tasted so good!  There is still so much to see but it's almost time for me to go.  I'll never see it all.  I'll have to come back. A promise made to myself right then and there!  

  

 

view of boston through a window

Right before I left I checked out the Contemporary Art section....

These bedazzled boxes and jars were actually on display.

Goes to show you that just about anything can be considered Art!  Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder...wink, wink.... : )

 house rules

I had a lovely time at the museum that day.  I'm so glad I went, and not once did I even think about the fact that I was alone.  If I had, then I may not have gotten to feel my heart skip a beat when I saw that Monet.  It was a feeling that I will never forget and a lesson learned for me.  Don't put off doing the things you love to do.  Happiness lies within yourself and only you can make it happen. ♥

In the weeks to come I'll be sharing with you other things off my 40 before 40 list.  I have lots to do and just about 15 months to do it in.  Wish me luck~