Dogwood Blooms, By Julie Ann McKevitt

Westside Trail under Westview Drive

I first saw this mural in spring of 2021. New to Atlanta, it was the first time in years I lived in a place where trees blossomed all around me. (I soon learned Atlanta is called, “A city in a forrest.”) This mural lives on a large overpass and invites us all to the feel the happiness of a perpetual spring. I moved to Atlanta in the spring. It felt like every blossom bloomed for me. It felt like every blossom was a promise of new life. It felt like the earth itself was sending a fragrant invitation to learn about how sweet it all is.

Butterflies are important to me for many reasons. I love their natural wisdom as they understand the exact right time to leave their chrysalis. I love their absolute strength as they persist and break through, flapping their wings knowing their life depends on it. I love their unique beauty as they embrace every moment of life’s sweet brevity. These larger than life butterflies remind every who sees them of our wisdom, strength, and beauty.

A Note on my Atlanta Beltline Writing Project

I am practicing paying attention. I am practicing noticing beauty. I am practicing getting in touch with my artist self. I am practicing connecting with the outdoors. I am practicing my inner Mary Oliver. I live in Atlanta, “the city in a forest.” I live on the Atlanta Beltline, an interurban trail that graces the city. The Beltline is part arboretum, part art gallery, part park. It connects shops and restaurants and homes with people of all descriptions. I walk on the Beltline 4 or 5 times a week. I have spent the last year appreciating all that it is. My hope is to write about it — its artwork, trees, landmarks, etc.— for the next few weeks as spring unfolds. I want to soak it all in.