I had a rough night last night. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I have been feeling a bit separate from everything, not that time has stopped for me but more that I am an observer to what is happening around me. I have been witnessing other people's reactions in those that I've told. I've had… Continue reading Right Now, the Waiting is the Hardest Part
Author: Melissa Gerdes Zapanta
Blogger. Writer. Digital Creator.
Published author, essayist, and poet.
(Former journalist.)
What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
This is my diagnosis and I needed to know more and to know what my chances are for survival and what me treatment will look like. So, in this blog post, I will explain what I have learned as a newly diagnosed person, that what invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is, which is a type of… Continue reading What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
Facing the Strange Changes
Not All Surprises are Good The thing about this stage of life is that you are sailing along enjoying yourself and then bam, life knocks you down with a massive wallop. What were you thinking? That the good times last forever? Every GenX knows better. Time and tide become acutely precious when you are facing… Continue reading Facing the Strange Changes
Poem: Carolina Dunes
Carolina Dunes Crinkle crackle crunch… they break… With the pounding surf against the sand Broken shells seeking solace from beneath the waves Outside the social contract and norms In a desolate sacred place Finding carcasses strewn from storms Ginger footprints seeking calm In the rhythm of the comforting tide Just a strip of land between… Continue reading Poem: Carolina Dunes
Thoughts on Legacy
A couple of days ago I was thinking about legacy. I've been having those thoughts more frequently with one brother who died last year and one sister currently battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. As the family historian, I do know facts about the lives of many of my ancestors. But much of their stories and… Continue reading Thoughts on Legacy
Poem: The Shop in the Forest
The Shop in the Forest There was a shop near the town of Slade that sold, Ice cream and rock-climbing gear. A curious mix, some might think, But it was a favorite of the climbing pioneers. They came from near and far to scale, The rugged sandstone walls of Red River Gorge. And after a… Continue reading Poem: The Shop in the Forest
Poem: Sleeping Beneath the Joshua Tree
When It’s Time to Unplug
How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen? I know it's time to unplug and recharge myself when I start to feel overwhelmed or stressed out by my daily routine and it feels like being in a rut. When I'm not sleeping well and feeling malaise… Continue reading When It’s Time to Unplug
Ancestry Research – Brick Wall Tips
If you're into genealogy, you've probably encountered some brick walls in your research. You know, those frustrating dead ends where you can't find any records or clues about your ancestors. You might feel like giving up or smashing your computer, but don't despair! There are some tips and tricks that can help you break through… Continue reading Ancestry Research – Brick Wall Tips
A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
The Kids Are Alright... If you are a GenXer who's facing an empty nest... If you are/not feeling lonely or lost after your children have left home... I'm here to say after the initial adjustment, life is great and you're not alone. I've been swimming in this new ocean for five years and it's been… Continue reading A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
Walk with Me to the River
From my little corner of the world travelling down our humble road, on this calm, quiet Mother's Day I am pensive. It's an overcast day but I am surrounded by my comforts, a loving, thoughtful husband, a lifetime of books, nearly 1000 in my personal library, among the other things that bring joy. We don't… Continue reading Walk with Me to the River
The Fun in Geneology
Expectations vs. Reality... I saw this meme on social med and have no idea who to credit. It accurately represents the adventure that is digging through the past. The fun in genealogy is all the twists and turns and discovering long forgotten relatives and facts forgotten. It's also in connecting to distant family members who… Continue reading The Fun in Geneology
Empty Nest Life: A Visit to Verona Vineyard
I have enjoyed a Verona Vineyard's wines over the past decade, after finding their Rabbit Hash, KY tasting room. I recommend the Petit Verdot. But I had never been to the vineyard until last weekend. I had been looking forward to the guest Colorado chef but we received an email that morning that he was… Continue reading Empty Nest Life: A Visit to Verona Vineyard
Serendipity: Finding One’s Self in a Eulogy
I believe in serendipity. Today I was going through paperwork on my desk and found the eulogy that I wrote and delivered to family and friends for my brother's celebration of life just over a year ago. The memories provoked a year ago when I wrote it were intense, and so are my memories today.… Continue reading Serendipity: Finding One’s Self in a Eulogy
Cosmic Dancer to Cosmic Couch Potato: The Plan to get Rid of My ‘Pandemic Bulge’
I find myself three years since the beginning of the pandemic twenty pounds heavier. When one is height challenged like I am, that's a big deal. With working long hours at a desk at home in close proximity to my refrigerator and not enough physical activity, the pounds crept up one me without me realizing… Continue reading Cosmic Dancer to Cosmic Couch Potato: The Plan to get Rid of My ‘Pandemic Bulge’
Advice Please… family photos
I inherited a massive amount of photos from my mom that included her photos and my grandmother's photos. These old albums are a nightmare. The photos in the albums are adhered and I haven't found a way to get them out off the album page without destroying them. So, I'm stuck. I've been looking at… Continue reading Advice Please… family photos
An Easter Visit to Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati
Nestled in Cincinnati's Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory is a great place to visit on a spring day. The conservatory is filled with Art Deco details and contemporary art surrounded by plants from around the world. There are several greenhouses to tour, each maintaining different climates for the plants that they house. As a native Cincinnatian… Continue reading An Easter Visit to Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati
Dinner for Two at Bonefish Grill
Dinner out a couple of weeks ago was good. Bonefish is reliable for a good Saturday night out. Herbs in Olive Oil with Crusty Bread Ahi Tune Poke Cosmo Old Fashioned House Salad Bacon Mac & Cheese Sirloin & Shrimp, Coleslaw Cold Water Lobster Tails Creamed Spinach
A Visit to Gideon Owen Winery & Speakeasy
Catawba Island, OH This was not my first visit to Gideon Owen Winery, but it was the best so far. I had a great dinner in one of the glass houses with our friends up north. Even though it was a cold, windy evening, we were toasty in the beautiful setting inside the glass house.… Continue reading A Visit to Gideon Owen Winery & Speakeasy
On Life Changes Due to Covid-19 Pandemic
Daily writing promptWhat's the biggest change in your life from the Covid-19 pandemic?View all responses I have found that I am more cautious about being in crowds. I am selective in who I spend time with. I haven't heard a live band play in three years, which is something I did on the regular pre-pandemic.… Continue reading On Life Changes Due to Covid-19 Pandemic
Our Humble Road 