Driving Big Trucks

You like driving big trucks? So do I.
Long hours versus wide open sky.
Sunrises and sunsets ingrained,
With HOS schedules maintained.
Long-distance hauls have their appeal
Seated high, open road--steer the wheel.
Many OTR's, loads, cafes, stations.
My kin have been driving for generations.
Bobtail, Cash boxes, and big slabs--
With snacks stashed away in the cab.
Hard-pressed to get sleep, but I rest
As much as I can on this quest.
Truckstop coffee's an added punch
To reach the next checkpoint by lunch.
Alert, hauling butt, watching out--
Logs, hazmats, and reefers all stout.
Skins pumped to pressure, engine serviced,
Rig in gear--there's no need to be nervous.
I count off the miles left to burn,
While loved ones wait for my return.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Keeping Up

Trends, styles, the perfect vibe
"The look" for your age, fashion-hip
Mindfulness, self-awareness
"The moves" -- shuffle, wool tang, whip
Mental-emotional health
Mood balance strong, on point
Past traumas dived in, dealt with
Working each muscle and joint
Advancing in the workplace
Certifications, degrees
Relationship-savvy, likeable
Aiming, as always, to please
So many standards, demands
Too much to attain them all
Life itself is an intricate process
Not a target that's hit by a ball
It's not ladder or catwalk or sport
Nor a double elimination
It's not formulas or tonics
Or based on any equation
There's so much to "keep up with,"
The mass can weigh you down
But only one thing is required--
It is simple yet profound
To choose a part that is good,
According to God's own plan
We're told to act justly, love mercy;
Walk humbly while holding his hand
You don't have to keep up appearance
Or bite and claw up to the peak
For unless God meets you there,
It's not the high mountain you seek
Don't try to keep up with the world
Or meet others' wild demands
The only list to keep up with
Is what you have placed in God's hands

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

You Are a Legend

Your talent is unparalleled
In many art avenues,
And everyone's amazed
By the detail that you use.
But aside from artist stylings,
You're quite the contemplator,
With many ideas and plans
Inside that formulator.
An engineer and teacher
Are all wrapped up in you.
You're even a bit zoologist
And a budding botanist too.
With all your many aptitudes,
Could there be room for one more?
You're witty and hilarious,
And you make folks roll on the floor.
What's more, you're kind and thoughtful
And love to give great gifts;
And every time I receive one,
My spirit naturally lifts.
I can't fathom my life without you.
I miss you when we are apart.
Kalina, you are a legend--
And I love you with all of my heart.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Feed Your Artistic Need

Conditions an artistic endeavor requires
Add fuel to the flame that ignites and inspires:
Peace of mind, joyful thoughts, a good night’s sleep;
Random illuminations that spark creative leaps;
Getting out in nature, by beauty surrounded.
Exposure to others’ art keeps one well-rounded.
A clean and organized, spacious workspace 
That is unshared—just yours—to find your best pace;
To know your work won’t be disturbed or moved
Helps one to get into an artistic groove.
A positive head space, good music, great snacks
Can feed imagination by oiling the tracks;

And color can add a new vibe, a bright spark
To bring dormant passions back out of the dark,
Instilling new hope in the art life you lead--
All because you have fed your artistic need.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Extra Pillowy

Extra pillowy
Well-whipped, creamy, nutty fudge
Heaven on a plate

Extra pillowy
A bed of cushioned comfort
Fluffed, with fresh linens

Extra pillowy
Mashed potatoes, whipped with loads
Of butter, cream cheese

Extra pillowy
My favorite stuffed plushie
To cuddle and love 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Family Breakfast

The family all together
Passing plates around
"Mmm" and "yumm" arise
In strong euphoric sound
Syrup being poured
Forks at sausage stabbing
Melting pats of butter
Bouts of whipped cream-grabbing
The bacon's smoky scent
Eyes lit up and gleaming
Berries of such size
The children think they're dreaming
This isn't a holiday meal
Or even a special event
It's simply family breakfast
Made with love--with loved ones spent 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Imagine It is Possible to Be Content Offline

 

There are many things on which I’d bet,

But could I live without internet?

I’m not sure how well that would set

In fact, I would not take that bet

Now, for just a time it’d be fine,

But after a while I would pine

Not simply because “techno-stuff”

But ‘cause keeping in touch would be tough

All my people—I really like them!

And it’s easy to post or PM

What’s more, streaming flicks with the fam

(Watching movies is kind of my jam)

Then there’s video calls for the win,

So my grandkids can fill me in

And they still can see my face

While I’m home, in my own space—

It’s really a marvel of tech,

So I figure…what the heck?

I’ll enjoy this intricate plat

That allows me to blog, shop, and chat

Sometimes, yes, it is fun to look back

To when life was not at risk of “hack,”

And it’s good to keep things in check,

Especially regarding tech

To remember, it’s simply a tool—

And not meant to control us or rule

So, it’s good now and then to unhook—

Do some art, see the beach, read a book;

To remind ourselves of the simple—

Before reels of popping a pimple

For as we put first that which matters,

Our dependence on media shatters

And it’s easier to be content

When time is not wasted but spent

On the people we love—bearing fruits—

Outside of cyber pursuits

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Book Collection, Anyone?

What do you fancy most in a book?
What intrigues or piques for a second look?
Autobiographical, allegorical?
Fantasy-based? Historical?
Books with lessons, books with humor?
Medical texts--from angina to tumor?
Mystery, adventure, fables, folklore?
What kinds of books do you adore?
Would you say you're a children's book buff,
Or in favor of more grown-up stuff?
Perhaps, like most folks, it's a mix,
(Paddington, Jane Austen, Garth Nix),
An eclectic combo of reads--
Dependent on your whims and needs
Whether reading for fun or for learning,
Book-collecting's an "anyone" yearning

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Dream Everywhere

Dream when you're at home
Or when you're at school
Dream on the swingset
Dream in the pool

Imagine what's possible--
What's miraculous too
With God, there's no limit
To what you can do

So dream up the life
You are meant to pursue
It's okay if your dreams
Are bigger than you

So, dream in a coffee shop
Dream riding in a car
Dream everywhere--don't stop!
Dream wherever you are

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Cozy and Friendly

May our home ba a place
Where folks can relax
And feel a warmth inside
A cozy and friendly space
Where cares are set aside

May our home be a solace
Where friends can just rest
And have their cups refilled
A cozy and friendly foundation
Upon which we can build

And as we share life's trials,
And its joyful parts,
May God's strong love be known
And in our cozy, friendly acts
Of love, may it be shown 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Good Morning

It's time to awaken
It's time to get dressed
Wash your face and comb out your hair

It's time for alertness
It's time to rev up
Before you can go anywhere

It's time to eat breakfast
It's time for caffeine
A whole day awaits that is new

It's time to start thinking
It's time to get up
Good morning! Good morning to you!

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

One More Bite

I love all the flavors
So good, so delicious
The taste is divine,
And my appetite vicious

Each bite a mere morsel
Of full-fledged delight
I'm full now, but still
I must have one more bite

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

We Love Melon!

Some are to be fried
Some embellish a salad
Sweet or savory

Zucchini, crooked
Pumpkin, cantaloupe, and musk
Melon; honeydew

Watermelon is
Perhaps the most iconic
And summery one

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Give Love

When there's nothing left to say,
Speak love
When there's nothing left to trust,
Trust love
When there's nothing left to show,
Show love

Love is pure, love is kind
It will not rob you blind
It is patient, it's forgiving
It is a sign of living
Love is God, and He is love
Give love

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

World-class

World-class burger
Premium beef
Take a bite
This burger's chief

Squishy bun
Savory sauce
Juicy, tasty
This burger's boss

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Seek and Savor, Rise and Shine

Roll outta bed
And slump to the kitchen
How'd I get in such a condition?
I fry an egg to keep protein in line
The coffee starts and my brain starts perkin'
First sip--now it's really workin'
Every morning, seek And savor, rise and shine

Time to rise and shine, so I'm seekin' out the java
I will be just fine, like a hare escaping lava
Low on energy and can't seem to cut the mustard
It's like tryin' to make a batch of egg less custard
Rise and shine, demands are on the docket
Tryin' to get things done feels like speeding in a rocket
Age is creeping up, and there ain't no sign of slowdown
I take a breath and give myself the lowdown

Try not to rush, wanna seek and savor
Take deep breaths in, do myself a favor
Prioritize, take one step at a time
You're in the same boat with a lotta your peers
Makin' the most of your senior life years
Be intentional 'cause you can't turn your life on a dime

Time to rise and shine, so I'm seekin' out the java
I will be just fine, like a hare escaping lava
Low on energy and can't seem to cut the mustard
It's like tryin' to make a batch of egg less custard
Rise and shine, demands are on the docket
Tryin' to get things done feels like speeding in a rocket
Age is creeping up, and there ain't no sign of slowdown
I take a breath and give myself the lowdown
Rise and shine, give yourself a new perspective
Seek And savor life, and it will not be defective
Make some changes now; you'll surely not regret it
And the life you have, live for now; go and get it

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Extravagant, Elegant, Many-layered, Personal, Rich Scent

Versace, Chanel,
Miss Dior, Elle, Cartier
Extravagant scents

Elegant fragrance
To grace one's neck or wrist or
Dab behind the ear

A many-layered
Formula for those
Romantic moments

Feeling beautiful?
You deserve a special and
Personal bouquet

But you don't have to
Be sophisticated to
Enjoy a rich scent

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Born to Age With Rhythm & Wrinkles

My mom loved rhythm. She was always tapping her foot or clapping to the beat when a song was playing on the radio or my dad’s record player. She didn't let age slow down her enthusiasm for the tempo and lilt of good times. 

As she got older, she didn't have many wrinkles, except for her hands. And her head of gray hairs (in between colorings) indicated her many years of earning them. Her hands though--they were beautiful, with a rugged, honest quality about them. They were hands that had not sat idly by--these hands had worked...hard. But they also had a gentle contour and a tangible affection--these hands spoke love...abundantly.  

If I can keep my exuberance and infuse life with rhythm, welcoming the wrinkles as they appear--because they mean I've lived hard and authentically, I will have aged well. For I was born not to age with plastic surgery or with a schedule book filled with appointments but with the rhythm of a band and the wrinkles of a seasoned warrior princess, like my mom. Bring it on.

Authentic Personality

Be authentic, be yourself.
You're not a copy of anyone else.
You can be different, a solo act;
Your you-ness has a big impact.
But also, in your unique fashion,
Strive to be kind; practice compassion.
Be honest, have integrity--
And mix these with humility.
We all have spots where we are weak,
So help and growth we all must seek.
And when another shares their stuff,
Don't fill the air with extra fluff
Or try to one-up what they've said.
Use empathy and love instead.
To listen with your ears and heart,
You must be real right from the start.
No pretense, front, or falsity--
Let what they get be what they see.
Show authentic mercy and care.
Be down-to-earth and self-aware
So folks know, without searching far
The kind of person you truly are.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Generations Starter Pack

When our time is spent in joyous praise to God,
Joy is a natural byproduct of that devotion.
Teach joy. Teach gratefulness. Model them.
Demonstrate the love you receive from God.
He loves unconditionally, and that love is worth more than any monetary amount.
Because of God's genuine adoration of you,
He is personally interested in all your happenings.
Let your children see and know He is there for them and cherishes them.
With gratitude, teach perspective.
No idols, no vain pursuits,  no compromise.
Raise strong generations--stronger than the blackest coffee.
Raise awareness. Of God's abiding presence, even in hard times. Especially in those.
Teach faith to flatten the enemy--as powerful as the heaviest rolling pin.
May the dough you teach them to make be the bread of hard work and industry.
And may the future generations remember you in blessed praise--because you taught them the way.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Creating Now

A fresh-lit fire
A lawn just mowed
A sudden rain
The qwarking croaks
Of Mr. Toad
A butterfly landing
On a flower
A clock bell tolling
From its tower
A small child's laugh
A boxer's "pow!"
They all evoke
A sense of now
And so it seems
That now will be
Found in spontaneity
So worry less
Of 'why' or 'how'
And blissfully
Create the now

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Living Rural Life

Quietness, country
Friendly neighbors and small stores
Surrounding farmland

Appreciation
Of sweet, simple things
And a slower pace

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Kids Want Your Time

It's not about places
Or gifts or possessions;
No need to spend oodles
On every obsession.
The thing that most matters
When kids are all grown
Is not what you bought them
But how you were known.
For kids want your time,
Undivided, all theirs--
'Cause you being present
Fills up more than chairs.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

It's Time to Play

If you're a kid,
There are blocks and games,
Hot-Wheels cars,
And long wooden trains;
Pretend play kitchens,
Play dough, puppet shows,
Dolls to dress
In colorful clothes.
But consideration
Of toys aside,
Imagination
Will always provide.
And when you are grown,
Adult tasks each day
Take much of the space
That was once meant for play.
It's a life-giving tool
To never forget
How life felt before cares
Or stress or regret.
Keep play in your spirit,
No matter how old--
Let fun be a staple
From which joys unfold.
You're never too formal,
Too big, or too good
To find time to play--
As everyone should.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Ask Teresa

QUESTION 1:

Dear Teresa:

What happened to all the dragons?

Signed,
Dragonheart

ANSWER:

Dear Dragonheart:

It is my opinion that something catastrophic occurred that resulted in stunting or preventing their reproduction.  They may have been trained to only fight, thus shortening their lifespan. At any rate, it is saddening that they are no longer here.

T.

QUESTION 2:

Dear Teresa:

How does one regulate themselves in the moment.?

Signed,
Dysregulated

ANSWER:

Dear Dysregulated:

It is difficult to regulate in the moment.

The steps I would suggest:
• Identify triggers: What situations, thoughts, or individuals tend to make you angry? I would recommend that you make a list or even a chart of these. You may need outside input in order to recall some of them.
• Watch for warning signs: What physical or emotional cues indicate that you're on the verge of becoming angry?
• Keep a regulation journal: Track your anger episodes, noting the triggers, your reactions, and the situations. 
• When a trigger presents itself, empower YOURSELF,  not the trigger. Breathe in deeply and consciously.
•  Have a grounding scene for your brain, something that pulls you in and away from the emotions so you can properly distance yourself from them.

Most importantly, recognize that this is a process and that you can only improve as you are persistent to keep working the strategies.

T.

QUESTION 3:

Dear Teresa:

Is it okay to just run away?

Signed,
Ready to Run

ANSWER:

Dear Ready to Run:

Sometimes it IS okay to run away. It depends on what you are running away from--and the definition of "running" is also important.

Running away from life's pressures and responsibilities for a brief period, just to refocus, re-energize, or reset can be a healthy thing. But if running away amounts to avoidance of responsibilities that need to be carried out, that can be a bad road to go down.

This all begs the question, 'What DOES need to be carried out?' And along with that, 'Are you the only person who can do it?' If you are, make sure you get the support you need, which should include periods of respite.

Yes, sometimes it all can feel like too much--and every cell in your body is telling you to run. In those moments,  I think it's important to ask one's self, 'What am I wanting to run away from?' See if you can narrow it down--and identify the things you can control.

There will be SOMETHING,  however small. Maybe it's the temperature of the room or your tone of voice or what kind of cheese is purchased. Whatever it is, find it. And each time you find one such thing, take a deep breath because you are doing things. You are making life work. You are moving forward.

T.

QUESTIONS 4/5:

Dear Teresa:

Why did the dinosaurs die? And furthermore...why am I so fat?

Signed,
Tired & Saur

ANSWER:

Dear Tired & Saur:

I don't have a definitive answer as to the fate of our dearly departed dinosaurs, but I do think they were commonplace at one time, possibly at the same time as humans, if you ascribe to biblical references. 

My theory is that they were designed for a world that looked a certain way, during a specific age. I posit that they didn't possess the same adaptations as other members of the animal kingdom in order to survive. In many ways hearty, they may have had some deficits. It is impossible to know what those may have been.

As for your other question, I can only speculate. It could be age (changes in metabolism and the like), eating habits, lack of exercise, or a combination of any of those. 

Excess weight is frustrating, to say the least. A little activity is better than none. Making healthy food choices can be hard--especially for any of us who grew up with poor eating habits. These habits become a way of life that is hard to break out of. Age can't be helped, so the best we can do is take one day at a time and see how many good choices we can make.

T.