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.

Place

Whatever you're doing,
Wherever you are--
Make it your place for the moment.
Possess the memory;
Count your blessings--
So you will not later lament.
Be present, grounded, real--
Not counting down;
Rendering it a wonder all its own.
A place is what you make,
Senses filling the oceans of time,
Like a fondly kept stone.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Water

Vital life substance
Flowing free and clear throughout
The varied landscape

Hot, cold, cleansing, fresh
Soak your feet and drink a glass
Prepare some pasta

Cascading off cliffs
Pouring off rooftops, dripping
From trees and flowers

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Play Your Song

What is the song of your life?
Do people gather with smiles,
Or do they run from the sound
Covering their ears in strife?
Is it a song of blended parts,
Of harmonic soothing notes
And fondly recalled melodies
Or dissonant stops and starts?
Does it tell a triumphant story
Of overcoming the odds
And much to be grateful for
Or is it a woeful allegory?
If it isn't the music of gladness,
Of time well spent, and of love
You can change the record
To joy and peace from sadness
Yes, trials in the mix may be long
But even when baked in a pie
A bird has been known to sing
So begin anew--play your song.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Built On a Challenge

Life is built on a challenge--
Or many a challenge, in fact.
It's the challenges we accept
That can make a true impact.
The challenge to follow dreams;
The challenge to be a friend;
The challenge to have good health--
The challenges never end.
We're challenged in academics,
Or sports if we're so inclined.
We're challenged to solve problems
To get ourselves out of a bind.
We're challenged by everyday choices--
And whether those choices will hold
Is the challenge to learn and grow,
That continues on til we're old.
Yes, life is built on a challenge
To be who we're meant to be,
So along the way, I'll challenge you--
And in turn, you can challenge me.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

In the Middle of It All

Buttin' in like a bunny in a cabbage patch
Pushin' like a chick that's about to hatch
Pouncin' in like a cat does, to catch a mouse
Diggin' dirt like a dog does 'round its house
If it ain't your business, just stay in your lane
'Stead of up in the middle drivin' folks insane 

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Creepy

Strangely-shaped mushrooms and odd ocean creatures
Misshapen forms with unsettling features
Nocturnal goblins and dark things with wings
These are a few of the creepiest things

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Innovative Beyond the Ordinary

Every newfangled invention
That makes its way into our hands
Helps make daily life smoother
And meet the public's demands:
Exercise, sleep, mattress comfort--
Each day more needs are addressed;
Kitchen tools, weight loss, storage--
Solutions that leave us impressed.
But every new innovation
Or discovery that sets the pace
Was extraordinary at first,
Before it became commonplace.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

To, From

To my daughter, my niece, my aunt,
My love, my son, cousin, and bro;
My co-worker, counselor, colleague,
My pastor, a friend that I know,
My sister, my nephew, my grams,
My uncle, my gramps, aesthetician,
Granddaughter, grandson, or boss,
My coach, my penpal, beautician,
My nail salon tech, my instructor,
My mentor, my sponsor, my pet,
My Amazon driver, my mailman,
The cashier I will not forget,
My food delivery person,
My Uber driver, my plumber,
My HVAC guy, my housekeeper,
The guy who sold me my Hummer,
My neighbor, my make-up supplier,
My publisher, manager, agent,
And even to Jake from State Farm--
And the doctor, when I am a patient:
I appreciate you wholeheartedly;
Just making sure you are aware.
From me to you, let it be known--
You're important; I see you; I care.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Your Home, Your Garden

Sometimes a home or garden
So exemplifies a look
That it winds up being featured
In a magazine or book.
But I've found what really matters
In such considerations
Is what truly makes you happy,
Whether rocks or pink impatiens
Or succulents 'round yard ponds
Or bushes sculpted prim,
A wishing well or birdbath--
Whatever strikes your whim.
A home can also spotlight
One's personality
In color or in content
Or both, as it may be.
Are tribal masks your thing
Or floral prints and hues
Or are hand-crafted woodworks
The elements you'd use?
Do you lean into boho
Or maybe minimalistic?
Perhaps you favor coastal
Or veer more realistic,
With traditional rich textures,
Damask, and even lines--
Or maybe gardenista
With lots of hanging vines.
The point is: what you choose
Is completely up to you,
Whether it be old-fashioned
Or a style that's completely new.
It is your home, your garden;
So remember, in your quest--
If you do you, the outcome
Will always suit you best.

© 2025 Teresa Miles Kephart 

Mom: Force of Nature

My mom was a force of nature-- 
Like a thunderstorm when mad,
But she'd always make me laugh 
If I was feeling sad.
She was my greatest champion, 
Even when I'd erred.
She loved without condition.
Her actions showed she cared.
She wanted to protect me
From hurts that she'd lived through; 
To spare me pain and sorrow, 
She'd do all she could do

My mom was a force of nature. 
Her laughter filled a space. 
And when she sang, her joy was like 
The sunshine on her face.
She liked to act "tough" sometimes; 
And tough she was, for sure-- 
For she'd suffered things that no one
Should ever have to endure.
Yet her generosity flourished;

Her heart was as big as the sky,
And she'd give you the shirt off her back 
Without a mere blink of an eye.

My mom was a force of nature--
A lightning bolt of spunk--
Not clouded by others' opinions;
She'd chalk them up as bunk.
She wasn't an intellectual 
And didn’t like watching the news;
And when politics came up,
Her "discussion" was to refuse.
She possessed a deeper wisdom 
And a faith like a mighty tree.
Yes, Mom was a force of nature, 
And that nature lives in me.