Sometimes you fall down( stay a while), but rise from the ashes to never give in.

Hi. Longtime. No peep. It’s been a while( thank you so much Andy and Joe for my solid staind opening Segway). It’s been since 2018 since you heard from this blog. A lot has changed. A lot has happened within the course of four years. I have decided just to do a catch-up blog piece solely on myself before I dive right into writing about music and other cool jazz things.

Throughout the years I have received emotional and mental abuse from my own stepfather. It got worse when Trump was elected president. It’s caused my stepfather to believe everything the orange douche mc skat turd box spewed out of his fart box every ounce he got attention. My mom and I have been verbally abused for year’s and it got bad for my mom cause my stepfather became a controlling and stalkerish husband at the time. He tried to hire people to stalk and follow my mom around to catch my mom cheating. It got so bad my mom lost several friendships cause of him.

My mom and I during the year of 2020 besides the start of the pandemic which I have vaxxed only covid thing I will post here. Excited to see BVB again in March with MIW and INK with the Trinity of Terror tour. We made our exit plan. We got lucky finding the place I now live in. Besides going through this bullshit. In 2019, I focused on getting my last knee fixed so now I am bionic in both legs with having 2 rods each in both tibia bones. Plus in 2020 and 2021 I had numerous amounts of testing done to test for my autoimmune disease and to get a positive of seeing if there is a possibility of a leak or tiny hole in my nasal cavity that CSF fluid is coming out of. Unfortunately, both came out positive or inconclusive. It’s been tiring with constant doctors appointments. But it’s the best I can do to keep myself healthy.

May 8th, 2020 I was officially diagnosed with my rare migraine disease called Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension. I wish I could have saw BVB and ITM that day instead. Sigh.

December 8th, 2020 my mother and I officially moved out of the toxic house that we were living in. It’s been over a year and one month since we have been out of that toxic house. It took me a while to get well a bit mentally. I am still not 100 percent. I will never be. I am okay with that. I am okay with not being 100 percent ever again. It’s what makes us human. I learned on tik tok of all places that I suffer from complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I also have your roundabout depression and anxiety.

My stepfather was incredibly abusive towards me for the last 4 to 5 months I lived with him. I never caught him being abusive to my cat. But I believe he was cause he flinches every time I pet him. It hurts my soul. He got physical with my mom several times. He slammed a door on me. He threw the freezer door at my face. His last insult to me was when he told me to get the fuck out of his house and never come again. He said it so cold and callously. He also said I was something he just raised.

I plan on getting into therapy but covid has fucked things up. So I receive it online. I just take it day by day just like I do with my chronic illnesses.

I am a warrior. I plan on kicking more ass cause I have been through so much bullshit. I am happy to announce I am 5 months and 3 weeks migraine suppressed after dealing with a migraine volcano since 2009. All thanks to the CGRP protein blocker Emgality one-month migraine shot,(medical science is lit). I also get botox for migraine every three months which is fun(not).

Stay tuned. I plan on doing an album review for Black Veil Brides, “The Phantom Tomorrow.”(no publish date, I am a disabled sloth and still need time on it.) Plus a plethora of things I want to do with this blog. I am happy to finally come out of hiatus and start writing again. :’)

If you supported me from the beginning or whenever. I love you all. Thank you so much. Thank you for sticking by my side while I dealt with personal things. You all are rockstars. With that go kick ass. Drink your H20 like Bobby Bushay wants you to. Eat your potatoes. Never give in. Never back down.

Mariah Hanna aka @chronicpotatobvbqueenwriter đŸ„”đŸ’œđŸ–€

1/9/2022 *check about for sharing information. © @chronicpotatobvbqueenwriter

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence click this for the hotline and resources

Black Veil Brides: VALE review, Done By The Fans, For The Fans, and The Admin’s Final Word. Be Well and Be Strong!

Black Veil Brides: VALE review, Done By The Fans, For The Fans, and The Admin’s Final Word. Be Well and Be Strong!

Hello everyone, long time no see. I wrote a while back ago my review for The Resurrection Tour concert in Spokane, WA at the Knitting Factory for my three-year drought of no concerts for Chronic Potato Queen Writer. I hope you all caught it. But in the meantime, I am here to write a little passage before I open up this beautiful big fan lead review.

I am tired of one-sided reviews and the blant plain reviews huge media outlets give bands and solo artists their work. It’s the main reason why I chose not to work for any magazine but for myself. I agree with some of the content of with what the heavy rock and metal media outlets do but I am bored anymore with all of it. The reviews are simply not given enough time and not given enough digestion time. Its the reasoning I pleaded with the BVB army to give me their voices of Vale. I simply sat back like I did when Andy Black was watching the video in “We Don’t Have To Dance”. I sat and let these beautiful voices tell YOU the reader what they thought of Vale. I gave them my admin pen and let them say anything they wanted. They had to be fair and anything that was pinpointed as bullying wasn’t accepted but in reality, NO submission had any. I am proud of these writers. They might not know it but they ARE the future. We are the Legion of The Black. These are the voices of those who couldn’t voice theirs on a huge scale. But I GAVE THEM THAT POWER. This is for you Black Veil Brides and for the BVB army as this is your work come to light. Our gift to Andy, CC, “Former”, Jake, and Jinxx. Let’s have the church commence aka the fan reviews of Vale.

BVB Army Fan Review No.1)

Credit for work and/or name: Brianna twitter @briannahalker

There are little words that can explain how much I love Vale, and how amazing it is. The first time I heard Vale, I cried, not just because Black Veil Brides released a new album, but because they have come SO FAR since they released their last album and have progressed so much as a band. And when you look into the songs, you find that they’re more than just lyrics in a song, no, they’re more than that. The meaning behind everything, the songs, the album cover, the album name, is beautiful, and not everyone will understand or relate. Vale is truly amazing and deserves so much recognition.

BVB Army Fan Review No.2)

Credit for work and/or name: @_thespiritwolf

When the Vale album was first announced I was so hyped for it! And after finally getting the chance to listen to it, I was NOT disappointed. BVB surprises me with every album, not to mention they’re better than the last! Vale is no exception. All the songs create powerful messages that can inspire. When paired with great music it is quite the combination. I applaud BVB for their amazing job well done and thank them for this quality album to enjoy and memorize until the concert came in February!

BVB Army Fan Review No.3)

Credit for work and/or name: @ellie_reale

Vale is by far my favourite Black Veil Brides album so far. I didn’t think it was possible for them to top Wretched and Devine, but this album blew me away. I couldn’t help but tear up while listening to the new Overture. The album is a work of art and I am so proud of the band.

BVB Army Fan Review No.4)

Credit for work and/or name: Yaessi  @YaessiSIO

It’s amazing. I love it. It really reminds me of Wretched and Divine. W&D is my favorite album so Vale is amazing. I love every song.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 5)

Credit for work and/or name: Diana @heyheykineshi

After pre-ordering my Vale CD, I got it a week later and the best thing was that I found it in the mailbox. In the morning. I. WAS. EXCITED. My dad was driving me to school and suddenly he went: “Hey, let’s listen to this CD, you haven’t spent 20$ on nothing, right?”. He didn’t like it tho, but I appreciated the interest. BVB have found a new sound and I definitely love it. It’s more mature and more “heavy”, but still there are these traditional BVB choruses which I absolutely adore. In my opinion, the album perfectly combines anthems and ballads, and that’s what makes it so approachable for every kind of listener. You can sing it with the crowd. You can sing it by yourself. As for my favourites, those are Wake Up, The Outsider, Dead Man Walking, My Vow, and Vale. It’s interesting how my preferences changed every time I listened to the album. Wake Up, The Outsider and My Vow are these tough songs with lots of guitar solos and all the other things you usually look for in a rock record. They’re always “plugged in”, and have classic Black Veil Brides riffs. Andy’s (vocal/singing) progress is particularly noticeable in these songs. Speaking of the Dead Man Walking, this song is really special. Not only it’s twice as long as usual songs, but it’s also an overture, containing some classic elements. In this piece, we can see all members of BVB at their best. Basically, I just loved the album and I hope everyone else did as well.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 6)

Credit for work and/or name: Mary Lane @alicelane83

The album was written so well. I feel like I could relate to every song that was played especially dead man walking when they call my name and the ballad of the lonely hearts. Jinxxs solo on dead man walking gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Andy’s voice sounds amazing and healthier, Jake and “Formers” guitar playing is so amazing in this as well. Cc killed it on drums hell all of them together really killed it. This is the best CD ever.

Mary also inputted: If you haven’t picked up vale go do it now you won’t regret it.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 7)

Credit for work and/or name: Qadira @NeverTheFaithlessOne

I am about 80/10 on the entirety of Vale its self but I love it overall. I say that because it just not what I expected from them this go around but it’s still amazing. I think when they started to talk about it being a continuation of The Wild Ones, I got super hyped but was kind of let down because of how little visually they had incorporated of The Wild Ones in there. Overall, I love them and will always continue to support them all.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 8)

Credit for work and/or name: Brina W @bw94art (on Instagram)

I am so pleased to be a part of this review, especially since Vale is the first ever album I’ve bought for myself. I have decided to go track by track and listen to each song as I write this so it’s as fresh as possible. I apologize in advance if I ramble.

Incipiens Ad Finem – As short as this is, it really adds to the album. I love the spoken parts, it’s very uncommon. It gives a sense of both foreboding and the prelude to something epic, which is exactly what Vale is. I think for me, it sort of is a reassuring message. Especially with all the rumors of Black Veil Brides “breaking up” and how this tour was supposedly a “farewell tour”.

The Last One – Love the instrumentals the talent never ceases to amaze me! This one to me, speaks of the struggle of being in a band and how you get love and hate it can be overwhelming and you need to sort of reset, rise again and stand your ground.

Wake Up – I love this epic, power-house track for so many reasons. This was actually the first song I heard from the album, and I was immediately hooked and craving more!! This one to me has so many meanings. The obvious “wake up” in terms of things that you are blind to around you. Or a wake-up call to society & haters, saying you made me this way and I have achieved so much, don’t look away. Also, I love a good fuck the government theme (in the video) and a continuation of Legion of the Black, what can I say? I love concept albums.

When They Call My Name – I love this one so much! I relate to it so much, but first of all, how adorable is it that it’s about Juliet? I relate to this because my man, my husband, my “griftch” (TAS reference) has always been that one person that stood by me and at my darkest hours, he has been there to hold me and tell me everything will be alright, even if the world is burning down around me.

The Outsider – I had a hard time focusing on the lyrics because the guitars (well Jake and Jinxx) are so incredible! I feel like this song is for the BVB Army because it’s kind of how we all have come together, we’re all outsiders.

Dead Man Walking (Overture II) – I love the complexity of this song, it really shows off the talent of the band. I love the violin medley at the end, is just so beautiful.

Our Destiny – Every time I hear this I want to tell them we, the BVB army, will save their destiny (as a band). This is one of the songs that people were saying supposedly “proves” BVB is breaking up.

The King of Pain – I love how this one starts off the chill and a bit slow, but then builds. I have so many thoughts on this song but I can’t seem to make them cohesive.

My Vow – This to me is such a strong sound, very classic BVB. This is the type of song you listen to when you’re in need of motivation or if you’re working out. It’s very kickass.

Ballad of the Lonely Hearts – This is such a beautiful song. One of my favorites from Vale. I absolutely love the violin part, it blows me away every time how seamlessly they integrate it. I love everything about this song, the guitars, the drums, the violin, the lyrics, all of it.

Throw the First Stone – This is another favorite of mine. It’s another very strong sound. I love the angst and passion and anger. It gives me chills (the good kind). Expert many moons later the song is about “Former” pftthaha.

Vale (This Is Where It Ends) – Such a beautiful song. I love the hard songs but this is also so incredible on its own. It’s one of those songs that is heartbreaking and tragically beautiful. And of course the perfect song for the end of the album.

Final/Overall thoughts of Vale: This album takes you on a musical journey and every song is unique and different but yet they all work together. And at the end, you just get the feeling of “No, it can’t be over yet! I need more!” Would I change anything? Yes and no. Yes, because I’d love for Vale to have had more songs. No, because I trust them enough to know that if they had more amazing songs that would’ve fit into the album that they would have added them.

Brina also inputted: 10/10 would recommend in getting Vale and listening to the album.

BVB Army Member Review No. 9)

Credit for work and/or name: Sally Roberts  @sallyroberts11 (The Dreamer)

I cannot begin to describe what Vale means to me. I waited till midnight for its release and felt goosebumps rise on my skin when the first track filled my ears. The sound of the album reminded why I fell in love with bvb in the first place. The mixture of electric guitar and classical strings was incredible to listen to. This combination of ‘Dead Man Walking. Overture II’ brought me to tears and all the emotions that I felt just poured out of me. That is what Vale means to me. It has allowed me to get in touch with my emotions and help me deal with difficult times in my life which I am forever grateful for. I love you bvb!

BVB Army Member Review No.10)

Credit for work and/or name: Brooklynn Clement @Brooklynncleme1

Vale was an extremely story-telling album. It tells the story of the wild ones, the unbroken, the soldiers of the BVB army. The sound and story it produces are incredible. The sound of this album is slightly different than any other BVB album, but it’s still absolutely outstanding. Black veil brides never fail to make great songs. I’m very proud of this album, and all the other albums. I’m excited for what’s in store for the future.

BVB Army Member Review No. 11)

Credit for work and/or name: Ariagna @Aria910531

it’s wonderful, it’s the continuation of BVB’s legacy with new melodies and lyrics that tell a story or current things in life with which people can feel identified as all the songs that the group has composed all the spirit, the feeling, the creativity and the desire to improve things every day put into it has made VALE has become the result of that.

BVB Army Member Review No. 12)

Credit for work and/or name: Leila Garcia @leilaga56607575

I believe that Vale is an amazing album. It connects to many people (including me) and helps us so much to go through tough times. Vale has many great songs and connects to other albums.

Leila also inputted that: The band has created albums in the past but this one has to be the best.

BVB Army Member Review No. 13)

Credit for work and/or name: Roxy @XOXROXYOXO

In my opinion, Vale contains every element needed to create a musical masterpiece. All 4 members talents have continued to grow over the years & the passion they’ve had throughout this journey definitely resonates on this album. BVB have a bright future ahead of them & I look forward to watching them shine.

I decided to also do “Honorable Mentions” part of my fan lead review. These are people who couldn’t articulate well, shy, etc to give me a response on my safe form I gave people to fill out for their thoughts and feelings on Vale. I asked over a course of 4 months now about this via my twitter. Plus gave BVB army members an option to give me their feelings on Vale but not be apart of the big review segment. This is their shining moment. I believe in Ohana. No one gets left behind. We in the BVB army are family. We are legion. We are one. If we stand together, we will be unbroken. Here are those “Honorable Mentions”. With there credit to their words and usernames to credit their “Honorable Mention”.

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No.1)

Credit to their quote and name: Sissy @sissyhinz3

“All I can say is I feel feels like a much more mature BVB with songs about the world concerns like wake up, and I feel dead man walking is one of there best songs its so relevant to today”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No.2)

Credit to their quote and name: Pippy @BlackVeilAngels

“I’m not good at putting stuff into words but think I mentioned my feelings about vale and how it is both magical and wonderful and made me all emotional, and give me butterflies and goosebumps I blurted like a baby, the album is just so beautiful”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 3)

Credit to their quote and name: Cherry @all_things_andyb

“The BVB Army was a natural development with the intention of rallying together to show support for Black Veil Brides the band and their music. To unite with one thing in common. Our love for BVB. Yes, with the advent of social media, it is our natural inclination to want to know more about the personal lives of our idols. But that shouldn’t be our main focus. We should appreciate what they are willing to share with us and not be trying to fill in the gaps. We wouldn’t want anyone trying to fill in the gaps in our lives and spread rumors about us. Let’s try our best to get back to what the BVB army once was. A community of people that share a love for Black Veil Brides music, where friendships are developed and trust is gained. I have met some of the most AMAZING, LOVING, CARING, women and men through the BVB army. I’m blessed beyond words to have them in my life. They have helped me through some dark periods. They have been a source of light and wisdom. They breathe positivity into my life. They understand me when no-one else does. They put a smile on my face and make me laugh when I most need it. They love me for who I am. This is what the world needs. The worlds need more love, acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding. So please join me in my efforts to spread positivity by focusing on the things that are good, things that you love, things that bring you JOY! Make a personal choice not to fuel the hate flame. If we stop arguing with hate and stop talking about them, we can take their power away. Instead, we should support one another, lift each other up. Live, laugh, sing, and love. The world has already lost way too many precious lives this year. Let’s not add to it by fueling hate. Choose to #livemorelovemore”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 4)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @QUEENSHENA77

“It is the whole band still standing up for what they truly believe in and showing that to the world without fear !!! stand up, be strong and be you !!! that’s what Andy, “Former”,C.C Jinxx, and Jake want us-their fans to do in life.”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 5)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @annaoggier1994

“VALE is the coolest album ever and I love the songs. It is by the best album ever”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 5)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @Majik5SOS

“Vale was like a whole new level for me. When it came out, cried, not joking. I laid on the ground with the album blasting thinking “wow”. It’s an amazing album that deserves to be number one.”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 6)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Tammy @Teja6

“I think it’s the best one they ever did. I always wonder how they are gonna top the last one and they always amaze me. Not a bad song on the whole album. Love it, love it, love it!”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 7)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Lara @LaraWatson1313

“Vale has been in my car’s CD player since it arrived and I purchased more than one copy. To me, the album has taken BVB to new heights and every song is powerful in its own way. I also loved that you can tell it was a nod to Wretched and Divine but also is its own album.”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 8)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Brianna @not.your.average.bri (Instagram)

“To me, I feel like Vale was BVB coming into their own. Ever since the beginning, they’ve been experimenting with their sound, with what works and what doesn’t. Everything they’ve put out has been amazing, but Vale felt like it was the ultimate accumulation of everything they’ve learned and mastered from their past albums. It feels like a blend of Wretched and Devine, BVBIV, and even Set The World On Fire in a beautiful masterpiece of songs in which any one of them could be singles. All of them feel like the perfect song to blast in the car or to scream the lyrics to at a concert. I love it and I’m proud of how far they’ve come in the short 5 years I’ve been a fan. I can’t wait to see where they go in the future.”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 9)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Alex @Shadowofalexsow

“Vale is a really amazing album. I am really proud of the Black Veil Brides guys and how far they came. Two of my favorite songs are Dead Man Walking and Vale (This Is Where It Ends). Both of those songs mean the world to me and they really get to me. This album is one of my favorite albums of Black Veil Brides”

Admins Final thoughts and her personal review of Vale;

I am at the conclusion part to this beautiful piece of our big BVB fan review for “Vale”. I, the writer for Chronic Potato Queen Writer. I like to do out-of-the-box things for my writing. With critics giving one-sided reviews of bands albums. Often releasing them on the day the band releases the album is a swift punch in the face. It’s like saying here’s our article and what we think. Without properly digesting the record and giving it the time it really needs mental, emotional, and physical time. That’s why I NEVER read big publications reviews for albums. I like to call out this to ALL publications in good nature and on respectful terms. I think its time to re-think “The Review” really. You all are very dull. That’s why, I, a disabled writer will give bands that I love the reviews they deserve and more. It’s ridiculous anyway. But besides the moot point here. You all came here for the potato queens conclusion and her thoughts on Black Veil Brides “Vale”. I am very privileged to be able to review such a great album as well as let the beautiful BVB army review it as well. I am still stunned with the whole album. I am still trying to digest it after 6 months being released to the world audience on January 12, 201 on Republic/Universal Records. The artwork was done by Richard Villa III(The featured album picture). I am honored to have Richards artwork tattooed on me with the Black Legion of the Black rosary with the signature Richard Villa III mourning star on it. Its one of my most treasured BVB merch pieces I own.

With Vale being a concept record about closing chapters in one’s life, being whatever it is. Finding one’s self. Finding new purpose in the material that has been already been born into a reality. I feel Vale is a growth album of the musicians themselves finding their own self-worth and sharing their own stories through music and lyrics. I knew from the moment Andy tweeted a cryptic hint what Vale was going to be like the hashtag of #BeWellBeStrong. I knew Vale was going to be a path of big Black Veil Brides revolution. With the Maury Povich lie detector test coming to Black Veil Brides defense of the rumors of Vale meaning they are done after this record is a lie and simply untrue. Vale’s epithet is about is about BVB’s ever-evolving revolution, self-worth, growth, individual maturity, and their own personal battles each member goes through and uses the BVB compass to message a bigger message of perseverance, courage, strength, and self-worth.

Vale is a unique record that it wasn’t a concept record but it was. It had a lot of visualizations of the wild ones and BVB in a new aged force. I believe we haven’t seen the best of BVB yet. They are only just getting started. Vale is their fifth studio record to date. But yet I feel that in their records BVB leave their listener’s yearning for more. I believe they themselves still have the Charmander fire under their asses to keep the BVB flag high, strong, and proud. Vale is just an earmarked album in their career that is setting the tone of what we will be seeing or hearing from them in the future with The Wild One’s final chapter coming to end soon. BVB’s evolution is only starting. I feel their 5 individual musical talents are only maturing and getting better as musicians in the industry.

With Vale being co-produced by our Jake Pitts and John Feldmann really brought the album to light and brought it out sonically well-engineered, mixed, and produced by both Foxy Studios and Iron Audio studios. With Jake at the helm again for the second time for a co-producer credit on another Black Veil record. Jakes producing skills are phenomenal and to know that the organic and natural rooted BVB sounds were used in Vale as well as he did on BVB4 while both John Feldmann and Bob Rock allowed Jake to do what he wanted to do with the BVB songs. Cause I can HEAR the organic and what makes BVB tick. Makes John and Bob cool laid back producers. John and Bob have both huge different producing fields that catered to the benefit of building BVB into a better band musically and performance wise as individual musicians. Both producers pulled gardener attributes out of Andy, Jake, Jinxx, CC, and “Former” as a whole and individually. With Jake helping with the music production side for the second time with Vale as he did with BVB4. It really showed and harnessed BVB’s talents as musicians. I will argue with anyone with the “BVB doesn’t have any talent” offense cause clearly they haven’t taken the time to grasp the knowledge that their guitarist has a co-producing credit on not only one but two of their CD’s, plus BVB has a guitarist of a string of jack of all trades when it comes to classical music and the use of many different orchestrated strings being used on BVB’s album’s, plus you got a bassist with mad vocals, and a drummer that knows a pug from a donkey in the drummer world of drumming, and a lead singer who has evolved with his lyrically writing and his performance and vocals has not only matured but have soared. Plus not to mention the band gathers for gang vocals in most of Vales tracks. Its an element in any band that gets lost in translation in the industry cause everyone is conforming to to trends. BVB is old-fashioned in the since they keep the gang vocals high and proud in them. They say rock and roll is dead. Nope its not. It just goes to prove to naysayers that BVB DOES have the talent. People just need to deep clean their ears and eyes. Both Bob and John have illicit so much musical power from “Former”, Andy, Jinxx, Jake, and CC that the albums speak for themselves. John happened to pick up Andy’s side project “Andy Black”(The Shadow Side, My Review for Andy’s album will be linked below) from the whole process building a big production history with Black Veil Brides. It really says something.

Andy Black The Shadow Side Album Review

Vale I stated is growth album but its one that puts the Wild Ones to rest in a most beautiful send-off. But the album starts with a track called “Incipiens Ad Finem” in translation means “Starting at the end”. It’s a call the arms to the Legion Of The Black one last time for battle. Its a beautiful intro into what I want to call a rollercoaster of a ride of the album with heavy ballads, heavy bangers, and all around great tunes that anyone of any age can love and adore. If they keep their mind open of course.

The Last One-

I am over the moon with the how much the 80’s, punk, and anthemic this song is. Andy’s full lyrics to the song are a positive view of how the whole album opens up. I read somewhere that this song had too many of the “Woah-Oh’s” in it. But people haven’t obviously listened to bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, KISS, Skid Row, etc cause they used A LOT of the “Woah-Oh’s”. So this song is perfect to get a modernized view of what the 80’s where like. Black Veil Brides is one of those rare bands keeping that 80’s spirit alive in their music and I LIVE for it. I am proud to finally see it and have an open mind to it now. I was a just too much stubborn ass to see it. I was very lucky to see it sooner rather than later. I love this song. It will never get too old to listen to.

Wake Up-

BVB’s head leading single. This single is a huge headbanger. The theme and lyrical standpoint of the song are very on cue of what is going on in the world today. The song is up to any interpretation. Political or not. I chose to not state ANY political factors in my review due to the reason of trying to stay neutral to sides. I was a journalist feel that. But from an inspirational standpoint, the song is a huge help in waking up(realizing that bad people are harming you) and not letting people control you. You hold the key to your own destiny. Never give in on your dreams and hang in there.

Wake Up Official Music Video

Wake Up fan made a video by Sarah Mestdag and The BVB Army

When They Call My Name-

BVB’s first ballad hitter off of Vale. I know that Andy wrote the lyrics about and to his wife Juliet. But after seeing the rendition of what visuals and throwback videos(Made by Pat Fogarty and Dan Sturgess) their lighting crew put on the monitor every night during the Resurrection Tour makes me believe that even though the song is dedicated to his wife. It’s also dedicated to the people who have helped created and helped Black Veil Brides get to where they are today. It has different aspects to the song. I feel the special meaning in the song. The personal connection in the song is amazing. I feel it’s going to be one of BVB’s underrated ballads such as “Walk Away” off of BVB4.

When They Call My Name Official Music Video

The Outsider-

The Outsider was the first to ever be released by BVB through Alternative Press magazine to get a glimpse of what BVB5 at the time was going to feel like. It was released back in December of 2016 a part of hold over Black Veil Brides special AP series to let the BVB army know they’re not dead. The song holds a lot of angst and huge riffs. I remember almost losing my shit listening to the track the first time. It’s a great banger and the lyrics are dark as hell. But it offers an ode to the BVB army that its okay to be outsiders. It’s okay to be weird. Continue to let your weird flag fly high. I do. I love potatoes. I don’t care one bit what one thinks. Hang in there. Don’t cater to “Outsider” gimmicks either.

The Outsider Official Audio Release

Dead Man Walking (Overture II)-

I personally believe Bob Rock helped influenced this song as in this song couldn’t have happened in the time length if it weren’t for BVB creating BVB4 with Bob Rock. Having Metallica’s engineer’s and Rock for BVB4 there to help them become even more well-rounded musicians that they are today. I believe Bob Rock’s influence helped with this song and John Feldmann helped make it into  8:32 minute masterpiece that is breathtakingly amazing. I know the lyrics are politically charged. But in hindsight, the entirety of the song from start to finish is a fucking masterpiece of a ballad. I can go on a 10-20 day binge and talk about how amazing Jinxx outdid himself with this beautiful song with the strings and how beautifully laid out the music structure of the song was crafted. It all happened for reason. This song happened for a reason. I am so glad it did. Hell yeah is all.

Our Destiny-

An inspirational charged song towards the BVB army. It is a song that tells the listener to follow your aspirations and dreams. No matter what drives you. Go kickass. You will have ups and downs in your journey along the way. But as a community I know we all can support each other’s dreams and aspirations. It’s up to use to save our destinies but YOU all matter. Hang in there. Never give in. Never back down. No matter what the odds are.

The King Of Pain-

The lyrical standpoint of this song is very emotionally and mentally personal to me. I understand pain. I live in pain 24/7. 365. With no breaks whatsoever from pain. The musical plea and Andy’s inspiring quote and lyrics of what stands out to me most in the song.

“Don’t ever look to the sun
He will burn your eyes with the fire of his light
And never pray in the house of eternal sight 
Where the spirit goes to die
So now we stand up and again we cry for the passion of his name
It’s where we love, where we hate
It’s the price we pay when our love is out of time
Where is the spark that won’t fade away?
And where is the queen to my kind of pain?
Say my name, never leave your side, I will be your shadow in the night
Love and fear cannot win the fight
Even with the army behind your life
So don’t walk away, I’ll keep you safe, forget promises that we made
Say my name, never leave your side, I will be your shadow here tonight
When we find what we need from these broken hearts
And what was missing from the start
Speak the words of a God that refuse to lie
To a believer then won’t try
I want to give up as my vision fades
I’m left alone and now I’m blind
Don’t let me go to the desert that I left behind
With the ashes of a fate that died”
This is the song to me is like the bookend song to “In The End” to me. It reflects the mirror image of the song. It’s the sun to its night. I like how all the songs from each individual album of BVB’s curtail each other and tell a story. It never gets me bored and I am wanting more. Even though I will patiently wait for more. But this song is very personal to me in that I deal with 15 medical conditions that deal with widespread chronic pain day in and day out. The entirety of the lyrics is the daily hell I go through every day. It’s a bastion to the healthcare system that has always failed me. I am always guinea pig for new things, new procedures, tests, etc. I feel like a human medical test experiment. But hearing songs like this is like washing away all the mental and emotional anguish that I go through on 24/7;365 basis. I applaud the strength all of BVB went through to be able to create such a healing song. Their own personal struggles. I remember silently “We are all in this together. If we stand together, we will be unbroken”
My Vow-
This song from start to finish is another BVB banger classic hit. I praise the rocker lords for the cake boss of hell of how the cards played right and this beautiful banger was baked to perfection. It’s the second hint song off of Vale we got to hear what a taste of the album was going to be like. I just knew after hearing this badass song, BVB has done it again. Like they have with hits such as “Faithless”, “Heart Of Fire”, “The Legacy”, “Perfect Weapon”, “I Am Bulletproof”, “Stolen Omen”, “Last Rites”, etc. I also want to talk about the weird kaleidoscope Alice in Wonderland adventure it brings me on with just the music instrumentals. The Misfits come to mind of how heavily influenced the song makes the song feel. By far will be an outstanding BVB hit for sure.
The Ballad Of The Lonely Hearts-
This song is such an emotional and heartful song. With the suicide rates being very high like they are. Mental health care in a crisis. Sometimes people are forced into relying on pseudo-therapy. Music being a top contender in self-care or self-help. Many bands have been very contrite and very philanthropic to their own fanbases when It comes to helping them through bad times. The music community has its ups and downs. BVB has been their for their fanbase from the very beginning. This song just proves their love and devotion to a fanbase that helped build there careers that they have today. Its humbling to have a band like there’s write a song for their fans as a way in telling them “Hey. I know its shit right now. But its okay to be sad right now. But always know to pick yourself up from the ashes and move on.” Bands and public figures who monopolize their fanbases for gimmick uses of anti-cutting, its okay to be lonely, etc are a dime a dozen. Bands like BVB will soar cause they don’t pander to anything. To me BVB’s message of self-worth and perseverance is unique. Long live BVB and the BVB army. My About has everything you need to know for suicide prevention hotlines and resources.
Throw The First Stone-
The angst and deliverance in this song are breathtakingly mind-blowingly potatoes. I am going to say it. Can you call a song sexy? Well yes. This song has it all. It has the “It” factor in the song. I crave to listen to songs like this. To get songs by my favorite like this is a royal treat. I remember first listening to this track. It made my entire body erupt in goosebumps. I just know this is going to be one of those underrated BVB banger hits. I am very, very happy with this song. It’s the potatoes for sure. 14/10 Russet potatoes agree. Pfttthahah a song about the “Former”. Clever Andy is poetically clever.
Vale (This Is Where It Ends)-
A perfect song to end a beautifully laid out album from start to finish. Even though those speculated that BVB was done after this song was made the rumor mill go off with false rumors of BVB ending. But with BVB NOT ending. Vale has a different meaning. It means to “Be well, Be Strong.” This may be the end of a big chapter in BVB’s career but people often forget that bands evolve and that’s exactly what BVB is doing. They made a brisk ode and final goodbye to this chapter in the BVB saga. I can’t wait to see what is in store in the future. But for now, I am cherishing BVB in the last bits of The Wild Ones 2.0 journey  A great ballad to say goodbye but to say hello again. Always remember to “Never give in, Never back down” and “Be well and Be Strong”
Last but not least, it’s the ending of such a beautiful huge fan lead article. I want to thank each and every person who participated in this article or helped spread the word about it to help bring together this beautifully laid out review of Vale made by our Black Veil Brides. Your names are listed above in the review section and honorable mentions part of those who helped out. I also want to thank Chris and Amy Biersack and Mark Pitts for their continued support in my blog here at Chronic Potato Queen Writer, It honestly means the world to me, you have no idea. Special thank you to awesome BVB Army member Anna B. for showing me the Google safe forms app that made all this possible(Nugget seal of chirpy approval). Plus Its cause of the BVB army and Black Veil Brides. That this was all made possible. I love to think out of the box. I am so happy and honored to have been able to given 13 beautiful BVB army members my admin pen to write whatever they wanted about Vale(Which in my opinion is another one of BVB’s all killer and no filler albums, I am in love with it). All of this is raw and completely 100% their voices. They own their work.  Its the main reason why I am proud of my decision on letting people be honorable mentions to as well. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for everything. This project was such a fun and awesome thing to amass it from idea to final product ready for BVB day. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you for taking the time to do it. This is our gift to BVB. Happy Black Veil Brides day. Have a great day BVB army.
Copyrights go to all 13 reviewers above as well as the honorable mentions respected Instagrams and Twitters.
Sharing inquires(if you want to re-post word for word) are asked by main article writer: Mariah Hanna @PotatoBVBQueen 6/17/2018, Please and Thank you.
*This project took months to do. Please be kind to others work if you plan on re-sharing. Give credit to everyone and my It’s all I ask.

 

 

 

Second Chances: A Black Veil Brides and BVB Army dedication!

I was inspired by this article by Mandy on twitter. She has helped me among others counsel me to the point where they helped get rid of the BVB hater I once was. This month will be my one year anniversary of being in the BVB army what better way to celebrate it than in a positive light and in teaching or advice manner. Mandy, Amy, and Cindy helped me and give me that well need slap or cold water in my on my face to wake my up. They talked me out of the guilt and shame of being a past BVB hater. The passed is no more and I am ready to live the future and present. Without them I have no clue what I would do. I will express my opinions, advice, and inspiration to people who are afraid to take that step into giving things a second chance even if you absolutely hated it before. I will talk about my experience and counter-act it so that you the reader can use it as your own advantage point to try new music, food, etc.

On January 27th of last year was forever a changing day in my life. I planned on ending my life that day but I ended up killing the BVB hater that was inside of me. I had written my suicide note in full on a document on my computer and obituary. I was going to end my life cause I was tired of being in pain all the time twenty-four seven three hundred sixty-five days out of the year due to my permanent headache conditions that make life a living hell. It wasn’t till a cancer scare sent me over the edge to further go with my plans of doing the disheartening deed. It wasn’t until my plans go intercepted by a band that I did not particularly like at the time I was at my wit’s end. All lost hope was gone. I clicked on they’re video cause I was in a shitty rock bottom mood. But what happened was beautiful. I am still lost for words on it. Andy spoke to me the fucking BVB hater who was going through shit that his fan base has some struggles with. Him and his band mates reached their hand out to me. Told me it was okay. Sometimes we all fall down. To never give in, never back down all in the music video “In The End”. Every inch of my heart that falsely hated BVB was filled with love, admiration, inspiration, respect, and support. They rose me from the ashes and helped guide me on that path that I should have been on cause I was a lost soul for years. I am proud to be a BVB army family member. I have been utterly blessed with love each day by the lovely members of BVB army and who they are as people. I love them all so very much. With all my heart.

YOU the reader can rise from the ashes and have your New Years Day too. Again try new things. Unlike I did I tried a band out for a “Second” time in a disheartening circumstances. BVB where their when I needed someone the most. They understood me and understood what I was going through.  They still even help me out. I can’t believe the wonder and power behind their music. They are one of a kind band. One that can’t be re-created. They have that spark, powerhouse, and magic about them that makes them such an epic fucking band live and I can’t even explain it on CD.

Many people have asked me, told me, or yelled at me. Why do you like this band? Black Veil Brides is a faggot ass band why do you like them so much? You should kill yourself if you like Black Veil Brides so much? How on earth can you stand those freaks? Are you retard? Etc?

What I will aptly reply to all of that. Do your research about the band. Listen to their music. Get educated. Even before you come to me ask me those questions. It’s quite stupid day in and day out to read, hear, or behind someones back receive hate that is just stupid to begin with. So do the world a favor and get educated.

My thoughts on “Second Chances” everyone deserves them. Even the dreaded Black Veil Brides haters. Why? The BVB haters cause some of them are just guided into wrong crowds or social interactions in life. Plus some of the biased media plays a huge role in falsely making BVB haters. Some of the media asshats wants you to believe that BVB are monsters, their out to get you, they are terrible people, and they make shitty music. That they do so and so. When in doubt they do the exact opposite. People, bands, things, etc ALL deserve a “Second” chance whether you like it or not at the time. I absolutely hated BVB falsely not knowing the reasons I hated them were all plagued by the media and people I was hanging out with via the internet. I got rid of those people by extensive research, deleted people out of my life on my social medias, and then started my new life with the BVB army.

It’s quite simple go on the internet preferably on Spotify or YouTube. Type in keyword: Black Veil Brides, Potatoes, or what the fuck it is your afraid or need to put F.E.A.R in its asshole.  My whole world changed when the magic and love of Black Veil Brides music was let in my heart. It was a very beautiful day to be certain. I didn’t go see the clouds that day. The BVB hater that I was did. People who give “Second Chances” to things are amazing people.

It’s just like people who give a dog or kitty cat a “Second Chance” rescue them from the shelter and adopted them. It’s very heartwarming that the person or person’s took that animal into their home to give it love, shelter, and food. So why can’t this happen to people too. Give pets and people “Second Chances”. You may never know YOU might get a grumpy cat person to adopt or the next Lil Bub.

What has my “Second Chance” by allowing Black Veil Brides music into my heart. Its given me friends from all over the world I can count on. Its given me my life back. Its helped me find my person. Its helped me find who I am in the world. Its helped me guide myself to finding my future career which you are reading the words now of it. Its has completed me. Its helped me in ways I can’t explain. I am forever grateful, thankful, and every most overjoyed Black Veil Brides and the BVB army came into my life. YOU all deserve some sort of potato plaque with loads of potato made products.

A “Second Chance” doesn’t mean the end of the world is coming. It means that you are open-minded and stepping out of the box of what is normal. People often think its okay to just live with monotonous lives. People can live that way. I have no problems with it all. To each their own and to their own opinions. Which by the way you are entitled to. I will respect it and you shall respect mine. But don’t have it so it crosses the line period. But people live such monotonous lives that they don’t even try. I am glad I have grown up with a sense of an open mind. So it’s not the end of the world to try something new. Even if it’s once in a while.

Even if you have to give it a third chance so be it. Do what you please. Sing the songs you love. Eat the food that pleases you. Do the activities that make you happy. Do what makes YOU happy. Cause at the end of the day, I am quoting Andy Biersack here, YOU are your own best fan and YOU don’t want to hurt that person. 😉 Treat YOU right. Get help for self harm, suicidal tendencies, etc. Cause its better to have done it verses than I am “Thinking about” it.

I truly hope the best for every one of my readers that comes along and reads my articles old and new. It means a lot to me. Each reader sincerely means the world to me. I can’t explain to all of you that. This is to some of the most lovely fans out their who believed in me when no one else did. Thank you. Here is to your “Second Chances” cause you all deserve them too from people. I wish you all the best wishes in the world along with Black Veil Brides and their families/friends.

I will wrap this article up telling you all what is coming up in with “The Potato Queen” in 2014.  I am hoping to go back to college this year to get a business degree and a minor in either English or creative writing. Preferably creative writing. I hope everything works out cause I had to take an infinite withdrawal from college back in 2011 for a while to get myself well cause I have 6 chronic illnesses and 5 of them are permanent. 2 are life threatening. I have been through so much medically and this a little glimmer of hope that I have for myself In hopes that I can make it in the world without feeling like a failure in society cause of being constantly sick as fuck 24/7 around the calendar. Nothing makes me proud and internally happy than writing. Knowing I have a huge potential in making it as a huge rock and roll journalist proves that “Second Chances” are infinite and real. It’s a true blessing and one that changed my life forever. To know I can get a degree that isn’t going to stress me the fuck out and put my health in to jeopardy is a blessing disguise. This all happened and in thank you’s of Black Veil Brides. I couldn’t thank them enough if I were to meet them face to face. They mean the world to me. I am happy and blessed that I became a loyal fan of theirs. I am overjoyed. Words can’t express my gratitude towards Black Veil Brides, what they stand for, and who they are because they are wonderful, epic , crazy, kind, gentle, beautiful, charismatic, cheerful, supportive, and loving human beings inside and out.

“The Potato Queen’s Articles, Reviews, and fun tiddly bits for 2014”

The Potato Queen’s top Albums for 2013

Reviewing Ronnie Radke’s mix-tape with various artists

Going to Review the hilarious Average Joe: Season 2

Review any band that wants me to review their music

Going to write a few medical pieces

Reviewing We Stitch These Wounds Re-Release whenever the announcement and release of it comes

Going to do small little inspiring articles while BVB is in studio producing CD number 4

January 27th is a little holiday with me. It’s the day I repented. Come celebrate with me on my twitter as I will think of something special to do for BVB that day in commemoration. It also marks a year that I haven’t had one single suicidal thought ever. It’s the small feats that counts. \m/

Throughout the year just keep checking my blog for updates, articles, rants, reviews, etc  to come your way. I am excited to start my journey as an amateur journalist. I send my love and wishes to everyone. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year. A kick ass one too.

Happy New Year and here is to “Second Chances” in 2014,

Written By: Mariah L. Hanna

Copyright @PotatoBVBQueen 1/8/14

*Journalists Note moved to About page in archives. Thank you for your concern. Best of wishes.

NEVER GIVE IN..NEVER BACK DOWN..NEVER GIVE IN..NEVER BACK DOWN…WHEN YOUR LIFE FEELS LOST(FIGHT AGAINST ALL ODDS!).. NEVER GIVE IN..NEVER BACK DOWN- BLACK VEIL BRIDES

What is it like living with debilitating headache disorders?

People tend to ask me everyday what is it like to live with pain. Pain. Its a simple four letter word which brings an apocalyptic destruction to this Earth with drug abuse which I am guilty of, deception, and tears families apart. Without getting too detailed with how society got so messed up in the first place. Those were my perceptions on why this world is going to hell in hay basket. LOL.

I did admit that I had a drug addiction. I was taking cocktails after special remedies of Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Tylenol, Headache Relief, and over the counter pain reliever. I took those meds for 3 plus years not knowing the harm it was causing me. I couldn’t help myself because I was in chronic pain all the time. So I HAD to self medicate myself. Which led to one of the major factors as why I have permanent headaches for the rest of my life. I would like to say I am 8 months clean for the record. It hasn’t been easy. But I have been surprising myself day by day.  

I would like to describe in detail what disorders I have. I have three headache conditions. I have two stomach and GI disorders. I have one female disorder. Among other minor disorders.

I have had Attention Deficit Disorder all my life. I have had to take medications with it. There was one medication that fucked up my sleeping schedule till this day. Its called Concerta. Its a 24/7 365 stimulant. That keeps the brain active. So when the fucking kid needs to sleep their minds are still awake at night because of the fucking drug was a 24 hour fucking stimulant. Kids aren’t programed to have this such medication in their systems. I rebelled against taking my ADD medication due to the reason I wanted my precious sleep at night and I wasn’t getting any. Parents need to realize that their are natural remedies out there for their children. I chose to drink a little coffee to get the natural alert feeling and I did my school work fine. Parents YOU don’t have to give you kids a SHIT LOAD of coffee to the point they become tweakers. 8 oz cup of coffee should last a kid throughout the day but please be sure to give them brain foods such as oatmeal and breakfast in the morning. THAT is my take on ADD and the fuck ups in the world of that one.

I have Gastroesophageal Reflux disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These syndromes fuck up everything I eat and drink. I of course eat healthy and eat whole foods. Fruits and vegetables especially the POTATO are my favorites. I love eating healthy. I DON’T believe in diets. I go by what my body wants me to do. I stay away from spicy foods. If I do eat spicy foods I usually drink water. Water is the key to life here. Love water. Water loves you. Eat healthy proteins and all that good stuff. Find healthy recipes on google to make. 🙂 I also take meds for these disorders if I haven’t taken the Prevacid I would be fucked. The prevacid helps balance my acid in my stomach. I have too much acid in my stomach that is being produced.

My female problem disorder I have is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This basically gives me sideburns like a man and I produce a little too much man testosterone in my hormones. I also have very extreme periods. Its like a huge murder scene but someone killed a cat on the way its that bad. Its so bad sometimes I lay on the couch in a fetal position. I take medication for this its called metformin. Enough of that awkward shit.

Now on to the biggies. Why I woke up to be a normal teenager one day in November of 2009 and the next day in November of 2009 to the worlds most excruciating headache words can’t even describe. I baffled doctors so bad that one ER doctor wrote in my doctor notes “I am just their to get pain meds, that I drug addict, It was all in my head, and I was hypochondriac.” I have battle with neurologists that I have them tell me “ I have nothing more to do for you. You need to choose  a new doctor.” The physical, mental, and emotional pain I go through with these severe headaches is very astounding.

What are these three disorders I have. Well for starters I have Chronic Migraine Daily Syndrome, Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension(My rare disorder), and Fibromyalgia of the brain and throughout my body.

What CMDS means if you have 15 or more chronic headache days a month you have that syndrome. What SIH means is I had leak somewhere in my spinal column or in my nasal intracranial passage that slowly dripped out spinal fluid. When I lay down the pain is dormant at a horizontal state but when I stand in a vertical state the increased pressure goes into my brain cause an excruciating headache. I also have tiny veins throughout my body which provided a viable clue to the rare syndrome. THIS can be life threatening if I don’t take precautions and take care of health properly and get MRI’s, Cat Scans, etc once in awhile to keep everything in check. Yes one can get Fibromyalgia in their brain. Which means all my nerves in my brain are over stimulated and need to be balanced out with medications and severe pain blockers.  

 

What is it like living with these debilitating headache disorders? one word. HELL. Hell is the best way to describe this pain I live in. I ask for help from the right outlets only to get turned down, get called a drug addict(In their standards meth, cocaine, etc. which I NEVER touched in my life), and get called a mental insane person.

A day in the life of my headaches. I wake up and take my morning medication. I try to do as much housework as I can. I get so dizzy and sick when I do such activities such as mopping, doing the dishes, etc. It’s disheartening when an average person can get household chores done in 1-2 hours it takes me all day cause if I over do something. I will blackout or faint.

I can’t go out and enjoy a social life because of them. I had to put college on hold because of them. I can’t get a full time job cause I am considered disabled. I have to have odd ball cleaning jobs for income. Its just irritating as hell. Hell is a good way to put it all. LOL.  

I take a whole glob of meds for these. I won’t even begin to list them. Its just frustrating to live with pain day in and day out. I have want to commit suicide three times because of the pain. But I know I have a purpose on this planet and I need to see where this road to my legacy leads me. Cause I will never give in, and never back down. Its very eye opening that my rare disorder only happens in 1 in 50,000 births and their is only 60 something case reported including mine in the whole world. I can tell you this. Its very eye opening.

I don’t take my life grant anymore. I enjoy all the small things. I appreciate everyone that has come into my life. I am forever grateful and thankful for everything. It means a lot.

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Mariahs ending praises: Don’t let the world come crashing on to you. YOU have the keys to control your life. YOU are worth it in the end. YOU are amazing. No matter what you go through in life always smile, keep a level head, stay positive, stay strong, and always remember someone else out their has it way worse than you. I only wish YOU the reader reading this the best in life to whatever it is you want to do in life. Take your dreams and achieve them. Make them happen. Actions speak louder than words. YOU are in control.  

NEVER GIVE IN, NEVER BACK DOWN-Black Veil Brides

Always know if you need to speak to me my twitter handle is @PotatoBVBQueen if you just need to talk.

 

All rights and credits of the quote “Never give in, Never back down.” all go to Black Veil Brides in their inspirational song on We Stitch These Wounds “Never Give In” written by: Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Ashley Purdy, Jeremy Ferguson, and Sandra Alvarenga.

Copyright to @PotatoBVBQueen words If you steal my hard work and handwritten material no potatoes for you.

My whole life I have battled medical issues: but I overcame every obstacle.

Hi, my name is Mariah. I have gone through so many medical issues through out my life. When I was young I gotten sick more than the average kids while growing up. I suffered and overcame Attention Deficit Disorder. I took medication for it till I was a sophomore in high school. I didn’t like the side effects what the medications gave me. One in particular gave me sleep insomnia and screwed up my sleep clock schedule. That medication is called Concerta. I don’t condone parents of kids who have ADD or ADHD to use medications first to solve the problem. Since kids of young ages have rapidly growing bodies and to have this chemical in their bodies is just wrong. I would seek different ways to cope with the ADD or ADHD. Here’s how I have managed to stay off the medication 10 years. Its hard for one to stay on task. Especially if you have ADD or ADHD. Ones brain is constantly active 24/7; 365. I have found that coffee and tea was a natural stimulant to keep one focused with ADD and ADHD. Sitting in front of the classroom was a great way to stay focused with what was going on the white board and what the teacher or college professor was doing. I find that in daily life people can slack off and things. I have this get everything important done when your an adult before play. If you have this mindset. You will be set to be successful in life. 

I have had female problems throughout my life. I just learn to deal with them. I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome last year after years of suffering horrible periods and cramps. I tried everything for them exercise and everything in the book but I finally consulted my doctor about it. If you want to know this personal story contact me on here or via on twitter @PotatoBVBQueen. I am open about my medical things but some of it to a certain extent. 

I also was bullied too thought out my life. With my learning disabilities and other outstanding disabilities. I have learned to stick up for myself. Bullying is not okay. I hope one day it is abolished. I got called several names. To many to mention here. I will make a post later on about my bullying story. But anyways, on too my biggest medical obstacle I have ever overcame and still am struggling till this day. 

I was enjoying my last year of high school the best I could. I was overjoyed that I made it to my senior year of high school cause the doctors told me that I would never receive a high school diploma or go to college. I DID BOTH. Not to mention I got accepted into my nursing program. With being diagnosed with ADD. Until one day in November of 2009 changed my life forever. I was seemingly ordinarily teenager like everyone else listening to music like Black Veil Brides, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, etc. Doing ordinary teenage stuff until that day came I got excruciating headaches. The pain is almost undescribable. Some days I just want to sleep the whole day through or just lay in my famous awkward position that semi helps. lol. But as the title of this blog aptly puts I overcome every obstacle. The pain in my head hurts so bad that I sometimes pass out or black out from intense pressure that has built in my head. I have gone to 10 Neurologists and one Neurosurgeon. I have been admitted 12 times in the hospital for my severe headaches. Some of the doctors think its “All in my head” and I am simply their to get pain killers cause they think I am pain killer addict when simply I am not. I go their for answers but simply get turned down cause I am an unsolved mystery. Until I met my one neurologist. Dr. Dunn. He has helped me tremendously and has gotten me on a path to probably solving or helping cure some of my headaches. 

To everyone that is reading this. I have rare headache syndrome called Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension. 60 people in the world have this rare syndrome. 1 in 50,000 births have this rare disease. Its potentially life threatening. I got diagnosed with this last year as well. It forever changed my life March of 2011 of months of going through hell with the doctors and the headaches weren’t getting any better. But I stayed positive and strong throughout the whole thing. Music, family, and friends helped through that difficult time in my life. 

I had to get a spinal tap with this as well. Plus several CAT SCAN’s and MRI’s. Luckily one of the MRI’s should my rare syndrome. I was born with tiny veins through out my body. It is extremely difficult to retrieve blood from me for tests. 

Plus with my headaches I have had other medical issues as well that has been associated with my severe headaches. I have severe Gastro-intestinal issues, GERD( Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease),  and feet pain issues which is called Athromylagia. 

The doctor said I have microscopic CSF( Cerebrospinal Leak) in my head somewhere since their is no one in my spinal column. I had to take a test and my left nostril was negative and my right nostril was positive for the leak. 

I have to be knocked out for my next test before I have brain surgery to fix the leak. The ENT has to pack my nostrils and pour contrast up their to see if they can find the leak that way if they do. Then they will set my brain surgery. I am fully confident that the doctors are going to help cure some of my headache pain. I am very strong and positive about everything. 

I also have taken several medications for my severe headaches but I have become immune to them that I have just resorted to suffering with the pain. Pain medication just coat the issue. Plus one can get addict. So I have forced myself to cope and deal with all these issues with out any pain medication what so ever. I would like to say my headaches are like a hangover but without the alcohol involved. 

I also was diagnosed with Chronic Migraine Daily Syndrome. If I have to life with a life long headache for the rest of my life, I sure as hell need to make it great, positive, awesome, amazing, and phenomenal experience. Cause what is life with a self wallowing pity party. With my headaches it has inspired me and also helped me find what I want to do with my life in the future. 

I want to become a disabilities psychotherapist for the elderly and children of all ages. My life’s mission is to help others and make others feel good about themselves. If you are reading this you are amazing. Know someone out their loves you for who you are. 

I also want to add that the pain that I have gone through for 2 plus years has gave me some depression. I have had my bouts with suicidal thoughts but I have overcame them.

I am so glad that I have gotten this all blogged out. If you have read this blog. Thank you for doing so. I plan on doing great things in the future with all this. But right now I am currently on a Speed Bump in my life. Everyone has them. This won’t be last one neither.

I live by the saying “Shit Happens” shit does happen for reason. Either in a funny way or a bad way. I say it numerous times a day. Plus my other famous saying “You get shit in one hand and roses and tulips in the other” lol.

On my end note. I want everyone that has read this think to themselves. Be grateful for what you have in your life. Cause someone else out their has it worse than you. Don’t take shit from no body. You all are amazing. Know that somewhere out their someone loves you. Some way somehow we are all connected together by common roots and grounds. Life has brought me beautiful things to see in life. I don’t take nothing for grant.

I wish all of you the best in health, life, and endeavors. Vibes from Potatoland. Know that YOU are worth it and best of wishes. 

With lots of love, 

Mariah L, Hanna 8/11/2012 *Revised 2/9/2017 

Words by Mariah L, Hanna: If you steal from me I will haunt you down and make you give my words back and potatoes.