Just a girl, her cat, and a good book. Jessica Locklar

Art can tell a simple story. Art can simply be beautiful. Art can be soft edges. Art can be about fabric and swirls and yellow and dreams.

As a woman who loves her cats and good books, and aspires to channel her inner goddess who celebrates rest and all things gentle, my eyes were drawn to this mural. I did not really even notice the particulars of the work until I saw Locklar’s post on Instagram featuring this mural.

My interest in the mural started while running. I was immediately drawn to the expression on her face. I missed the book and cat all together. I could have thought that she was wielding a sword and that the black cat around her lap was a dark snake charmed into protecting her from evil, if I had stopped to pay attention.

Meaning is always in the details. We are multitudes. We are warriors and goddesses, readers and animal lovers, sometimes yellow and sometimes red, fantasy and reality. I like to think that murals can be windows into other spaces, perhaps our dream selves.

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. I have personally photographed the images I will share. My hope is to write about it — its art, trees, landmarks, etc.— for the next few weeks as spring unfolds.