An Afternoon for Learning

So we went to the Louvre today as a class, and I thought that I covered most of what I wanted to see when  I was there last week...boy, was I wrong! I discovered I am hugely fascinated with eighteenth century French painting, which I never would have know without Mikkel guiding us around. He never said much about the art, but he said enough to spark brilliant a-ha moments and long thought processes. I didn't take any pictures of the art, because it just feels cheap to me...I'd rather experience it. But if you are curious, feel free to do some google image searches. Some of my favorite works were done by a few of the following (brace yourselves):
Poussin
Claude Gelee/Lorrain
Louis/Antoine Le Nain
Louise Moillon
La Tour
Jan Van Goyen
Jan Van OS
Camille Corot
Rousseau
Alexandre Gabrielle Decamps
Vernet
Greuze
Hubert Robert
Rigaud
Nicolas de Largillierre
Watteau
Lancret
Boucher
Chardin
Fragonard
Regnault
Vigee le Brun
Francois Andre Vincent
Donovy
Valenciennes
Bidauld
Baron Francois Gerard
Gericault
Benoist
Ingres
Delacroix
Biard
Dupre
Caruelle d'Aligny
Charles Gleyre

Wow. So that's basically all of the French artists in the Lourve, plus or minus a few...

I said it was a day of learning, and it was. I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days, and I decided what I really love more than anything else is thinking. Thinking hard, long, simply, with complexity, out of the box, upside down, in the bath, over breakfast, everything! And this trip to Paris has made me realize that while I LOVE to write, I love it because it drives and derives from thinking, and it something I can make concrete, for personal or public admiration. (um, yeah, I totally admire my own thoughts sometimes. . . )
So I don't think that my current major is the one for me anymore, which is interesting because I only applied for graduation....last week. So we will see what happens. Sorry, Mom and Dad for the frantic messaging...you know it isn't any different than having me at home!

So because I haven't been posting any pictures lately, I'll show you my two favorite things at the Louvre.

This is my favorite room, photo courtesy of the Louvre. For some sizing, those doors are traditional double wides, extra tall, obviously. 

And this is why it's my favorite room! Vaulted ceilings with some of my favorite decorations in Paris, GIANT paintings, great light, hidden doors, and a constant stream of people in and out who never stop to notice that you have. 

My favorite statue in the
Jardin des Tuileries, she is my best friend in Paris. 

I'm sorry for my apparent insanity, but I guess it's about time you realize that I truly am insane. Love you, parents! (And friends, I love you too!)