Introducing my friend, Linda Kennedy who is an avid gardener, retired science teacher, Conservation Steward for Columbus Recreation and Parks, creative soul, and a social justice advocate. One of her coping skills is digging in the dirt – working with nature to nurture flowers for beauty, native plants for the bees and butterflies, and veggies for her table. In “What is Your Anti-Kryptonite?” I pointed out that we all have our unique coping strategies; Linda’s includes gardening and poetry. From Linda:

I am a Northern Ohio farm girl.  The first botanist that I knew was my grandmother on her farm.  Nature has always been a source of calm and inspiration.  Nature vibrates with an energy that heals us. 

Small Things Up Close 

The dandelion wears a bridal veil. 

(Perhaps it is a seedy tail.) 

And the dill celebrates with fireworks,  

in yellows and greens, for all it’s worth.  

The early tomato in shades of green 

is surrounded by flowering flares, 

and beans! 

Whose pink ballet slippers hold tight 

to strings until the opening night. 

The foxglove, with visitor astride, 

offers a softer space to hide. 

Please, do not appease the peas 

which are locked behind bars  

awaiting a reprieve.  

The smallest things tell quite a story, 

and in the garden, are the majority.  

#icantnotthinkinpoetry 

This summer I am inviting people to share a variety of coping strategies so that we can remember that there is no one way to be resilient. Your anti-kryptonite may be similar or very different. You are welcome to share your approach through email or in the comment section. You can reach Laura at [email protected].