I realized this morning that I haven’t published a single damn thing since August 13th, 2025.

Shame on me?

Nah. Not really. (lol)

Because if there is one thing I have learned to embrace in this season of my life, it is the chaos. It is the non-linear path. It is the “TRUE Andrée” in all her scattered, passionate glory.

It’s who I am. And for the first time in a long time, I know there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But I can tell it’s been too long. My thoughts are getting jumbled, stacked on top of each other like old newspapers. I know the feeling well—it’s time for the pen to hit the proverbial paper (or, you know, for my fingers to hit this keyboard).

It’s time to get these thoughts out of my brain and into some sort of sense-making.

Because life? Life has certainly been a wave.

The Shift of 2025

We’ve closed the book on 2025, and we’re already staring down the barrel of February 2026.

Looking back, last year was a wild ride. It was full of love. Laughter. Loss. And massive, shifting change.

I learned a hell of a lot in those twelve months. And honestly? I think it prepared me for exactly where I am standing today.

The biggest lesson? The one that changed everything?

I quit worrying about making anyone but ME happy.

That has been a profound experience.

I no longer feel like I’m trapped in a life that doesn’t belong to me, performing for an audience that doesn’t pay my bills or feed my soul.

I’m doing things that matter to me. Not the other way around.

I think the biggest shift is my ability to say “No” and mean it—and not feel a lick of guilt about it.

If I don’t want to do it, I don’t. If I don’t want to speak, I stay quiet. If I have something to say, I say it.

I don’t care if people like it. I don’t care if they like me. It doesn’t matter to me one bit.

I do what makes me happy.

The Ripple Effect

And here is the magic part, the part they don’t tell you about being selfish with your peace:

It has a ripple effect on everyone around you.

It seems that because I am finally being honest with myself, the people I love are able to do the same.

My relationship with Kevin and the children is truly beautiful right now. It feels sacred.

I treasure it more each day. I love to be home. I love the life Kevin and I have created, the love we have grown inside these walls.

I am so damn proud of us.

AI & Her: The New Spark

And then, there is the excitement. The new fire.

If you’ve been watching, you know about AI & Her. My newest passion project. My little personal brand obsession.

On January 18th, I stood on a stage for the Professional Photographers of Louisiana (PPLA).

And it was liberating.

I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Standing in front of a room of people who were curious, eager, and ambitious.

It was beautiful, being able to share my love of AI and the knowledge I’ve gained. We talked about using AI to market their businesses, to gain clients, to stop drowning in the noise of social media.

I truly believe they walked away with value—real, actionable tools they can use.

And it went so well that they’ve invited me back for their spring retreat in March.

We are going to serve up the value like never before. I can’t wait to get started on that presentation.

Still Here, Still Thriving

So, I guess this little brain dump is just an update.

A proof of life.

I’m still here. I’m still thriving.

I’m just working on different projects, protecting my peace, and being my normal, all-over-the-place self.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.