pssst.
Hey…
Hey you…
Yes, you!
HIIIIIII ! *waving*
My name is A’Driane, but every writer should have a cool pen name, so I go by addyeB.
Background info:
I started this blog in November 2o10 in an attempt to hold my racing thoughts captive long enough to understand them. In my past lives I’ve been an employee of Sam Goody, Commerce Bank, Target, and the good ‘ol USAF where I was a police officer. (People who know me still can’t believe the government let me carry weapons) I’m currently a full-time student and a single mama to 2 hilarious boys who are polar opposites but somehow two peas in the same pod. The journey through motherhood hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since childhood but I missed the memo that having these conditions put me at high risk for developing PPD. My youngest was 10 months old before I found Postpartum Progress, the #PPDChat Army, and a whole new world of support, friends & most of all HELP. Even with this new world of resources my symptoms continued to worsen, leading to a bus ride to the VA Medical Center in Philly. There I was diagnosed by the intake psych as rapid cycling Bipolar Disorder II, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Living with a chronic illness isn’t easy peasy, but at least it’s manageable and in my darkest moments what keeps me going is the thought that it could be much worse…If I can survive childhood & sexual abuse, and being a single parent, what’s a little BP & sweat-inducing anxiety? 
This blog is a place for me to own my story i.e. lay my humanity bare in the hopes that you’re encouraged to do the same-ya know, like that game you used to play as a kid, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” I believe in the power of things like faith, transparency and vulnerability…my writing is usually flavored with heaping cups of all three, so I understand if you need a chaser to swallow it all in one gulp.
OKAY enough seriousness, let’s get to the important stuff…
Want to web’stalk me or a summary of everything on this page? One click is all you need: http://about.me/addyeB
Things I love: Jesus, Dancing, Prince, Music, anything techy or geeky in nature, FOOD, Unicorns, bright colors, butterflies….and peanut butter sandwiches laced with honey & bananas.
Addictions include but are never limited to: Pinterest, Etsy , Prince, laughing at inappropriate things, good writers and did I mention Prince?
I’m passionate about: Mental Health (particularly women & teen girls), Veteran’s issues, Advocacy, & showing the love of the One who always loves me…especially in the moments when I don’t love myself.
Career goals include: Social Work, Therapist/Life Coach, Dance Movement Therapist, contributor to BP Hope Magazine, and Dodgeball league MVP.
You’ll probably hate that I:
- Write. A LOT. My posts
arecan be long. (Sorry) - am not that funny. BUT if you want to read someone who is, check out TheBlogess. You’re welcome.
- don’t know what “niche” my blog fits into…so…yea. I’m just me
And last but definitely not least, this…..
Mama, Alex and Brennan
…..is my family . Cute aren’t they? Don’t be fooled. They only look harmless.
Welcome to this butterfly’s confessions. I hope you always feel free to share yours.
Hi Addy,
I love your piece “Skin Color, Nappy Hair, & Other Black Girl Hangups”. I would love to have your permission to cross-post on our non-profit site http://www.adiosbarbie.com. It is an important message that needs to be shared. We would credit you and your site of course. I look forward to hearing from you.
Warmly,
Pia Guerrero
Co/Founder/Editor
Adios Barbie
Live Fully, Think Freely
pia@adiosbarbie.com
WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! I’d LOVE to have the chance to be featured on a site such as yours, in fact I’m honored you even read my post and would like to feature it. I love your site and your mission at Adios Barbie. Redefining people’s definitions of and changing their perspectives on “beauty” is something I’m very passionate about and that’s why I love reading your site. I can’t thank you enough, I really appreciate your comment
I am a Prince fan, too, and I adore PB with bananas & honey, especially on an English muffin or a bagel. Mmmm… Writing has also been a huge part of my life since I was a pre-teen. So, yeah, we have a few things in common.
english muffins-MUST try that
Mmmm yea… def looks like we have some things in common 
I love it! Thanks for commenting 
Oh dear Addy…I’m so glad we have come into each other’s lives….
So am I Pam….you have no idea…so grateful for you….
How wonderful to hear from you! I just encountered your beautiful and brave blog via Chookooloonks RT. I admire you enormously on many levels: your bravery in calling it all what it is, your bravery and honesty in your writing, your gorgeous photos. I’m in the process of developing a cooking blog after leaving a job that was eating my soul alive every single day. I loved the job (I mean seriously loved), but the facility director created impossible and downright hostile working conditions. I’m in the process of reviving a long-standing goal to start a food blog. Love to you!
I’m sorry to hear you had such an awful working experience! I’m glad that you are pursuing your passion though
I feel honored that you read my posts and enjoy my writing, thank you for your kind words. Love and hugs to you!
This is my new favorite blog. You had me at Butterflies, single parenting, and black girl hangups. Don’t know how you found my blog, but glad you did, so I could find yours.
Oh and the Brene Brown stickers.
Peace
HAHAHAHHAHA I found it from the parenting tag on WordPress, and I’m so glad I did-LOVE your blog! It sounds like we are kindred spirits, my friend
Thank you for reading and for the kind words 
I’m thrilled we found each other…and I am a HUGE butterfly and Brene Brown fan!
You’re family is freakin’ adorable. Be true and you will heal.
how nice to meet you, i can’t wait to read more posts from you
I nominated your blog for the “Sunshine Award.” Thanks for spreading sunshine to me and to others: http://michelewhitney.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/the-sunshine-award/