I have a big announcement to make and I’m not sure how to say it but it’s all your fault. Sort of.

in FURIOUSLY HAPPY, I draw to keep my hands from destroying me, YOU ARE HERE

So.  I’ve dropped a few hints about a project I’ve been working on but I haven’t really written about it because I lost my words.  But they’re coming back and so now I’m going to try to explain it and hopefully you’ll understand why it’s important to me.

When I was on book tour last year I would sometimes share the drawings I’d make when I was locked up in my hotel each night.  I’ve always drawn.  It’s my meditation when my anxiety disorder gets out of control.  It gives my hands something to do so they don’t destroy me.  When I was young I kept a journal filled with patterns I’d perfected…ones I’d learned from others or created myself that kept my mind free…and I’d spend hours filling pages up with doodles and pictures and words and ideas and the patterns I’d found on old walls or garish carpets or bathroom stalls.  Whenever things got hard I would go back to these patterns, finding comfort in the intricate but uniform lines that would fill the page – a way of bringing order to the chaos if just for a few minutes.

"Just because

When I lived in Houston a woman moved next door to us.  She’d just moved from India and she’d often invite Hailey and I over for tea and paint mehndi designs on our hands or feet while we visited.  She had journals like mine – but different, filled with hand-drawn patterns in beautiful styles, and she explained that when she was young it was common for girl friends to share designs with each other.  She’d draw a pattern or design that she’d perfected in their book and they’d do the same in hers and in the end she’d have hundreds of ideas to use when making her henna artworks.  She tried to teach me a few but I never quite perfected them.  I shared some with her out of my books, and we experimented with them and made them more beautiful and elaborate.

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In the last few years I’ve found other people who collect patterns.  They do mandalas or tangles or textural collages.  They trade them with others to inspire and the patterns become more fantastic as each person puts their hand to them.  They -like me – take pictures of forgotten patterns on abandoned buildings, and crumbling tombstones, and resurrect them.  They see the motifs in nature – the movement of trees or the way that ivy grows and they embellish those designs.  You learn to see things in a different perspective…the patterns that make up a life, or the world, or the universe.

Click to embiggen.

Nine months ago I was on book tour.  My anxiety keeps me locked in hotel rooms when I’m not doing a reading so I often spent that time drawing, using stolen hotel pens and pilfered sharpies.  I used motel room cups and pill bottles as stencils to create overlapping circles and I’d fill the circles with patterns and with words that I needed to hear myself.  I shared a few on instagram and was shocked at how many people responded.  They’d print them out to color or frame.  They’d bring them to signings so I’d autograph them.  They’d tattoo them on their bodies.  They’d give them to friends who were struggling and needed to be reminded they weren’t alone.

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These drawings were far from perfect.  They were wrinkled and muddied and I never had the right tools or pens but still people seemed to love them.  And suddenly instead of being embarrassed about them I was happy to share them, and I had the encouragement to share the drawings that usually only lived in my head or secret sketchbooks.  I saw them shared online, brilliantly tinted by people who used coloring the same way I used sketching…as an escape, a meditation, and a way to quiet a sometimes dangerous brain.  I saw people interpret them in lovely ways I hadn’t even meant, or add their own sketches to the drawings, or hang them up in cubicles or in frames.  I got a giant unexpected package from a classroom of 4th graders who used one of my images as an inspiration to create dozens of amazing stories they invented themselves.

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Several months ago I feel into a pretty heavy depression and it’s one I’m still crawling out of.  I’m finally having more good days than bad, but one of the repercussions of this depression was that it made it almost impossible to write.  Or, I should say, it made it almost impossible to write long-form chapters.  I still wrote…but strange things that gave me strength to move forward in the dark.  Some funny, some silly, some irreverent, some dark and painfully honest.  But for some reason my head wanted a picture for each one.

I can’t quite explain it.  Maybe it’s part of my mental illness.  Maybe it was involuntary art therapy.  All I know is that I couldn’t work on the book I was supposed to be working on because this…thing got in the way.  These drawings.  These images and thoughts and patterns and words.  And once they were down on paper I could turn the page and feel free of the thought.  As if I’d archived the emotion I was stuck in and could now move forward and see the next one waiting to be acknowledged and recognized.

I felt like a failure for falling behind on life and missing deadlines, but I have no doubt that these drawing saved me.  They gave me a reason, and a creative outlet, and a way to count out the long seconds of the days with each stroke of the pen.  They were all drawn by hand, slowly and meticulously, and as I worked on them I thought of the words in my head.  Each drawing had stories written into them.  Each contained a sentence or paragraph or a page of strange thoughts that went along with it.  As they become more elaborate I shared them with my shrink and my agent and my editor and suddenly a book emerged.  It was a book that seems like it wrote itself.  Not easily.  It struggled its way out of me as if it had control more than I did at times.  Which was good, because I had very little control at the time and that can be a problem when you struggle with impulse control issues and self-harm problems.  The book found itself.  Half of it images.  Half of it words.  Some funny and irreverent and profane, and some dark and confused, and some to remind me to keep breathing and that depression lies.

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So I made a coloring book.

Sort of.

It’s a coloring book if you like to color.  It’s a journal if you like to write in books that make you question what’s going on.  It’s a set of posters that make you feel less alone.  It’s a collection of one-page stories or important sentences or pictures to tape on bathroom mirrors for strangers to see, or to hand to friends.  It’s a companion piece to Furiously Happy but it also stands alone.  It’s what saved me this year and I owe you for supporting and encouraging me whenever I hesitantly shared my work.  It turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined and hope that you like it.  I hope you like it so much you buy a dozen copies so you can color it or frame it or give it away.  If you don’t, that’s okay.  But I had to get it out of my head so I could move on.

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It probably won’t be in stores for a while because it takes time to publish books, but I should have a cover and title and all that jazz for you in the next week if things go smoothly.   In the meantime I’ll be sharing the occasional extra drawing that isn’t in the book here (most of what’s in the book is new and unpublished) and you can print it or share it or color it or post it up in your home or burn it in a fire to scare off monsters.  It’s up to you.

After all, you helped create it.

And I can’t thank you enough for that.

847 thoughts on “I have a big announcement to make and I’m not sure how to say it but it’s all your fault. Sort of.”

Read comments below or add one.

  5. I love your illustrations especially the woman with candles in her hair. You should team up with Neil Gaiman and illustrate a book for him.
    Congrats on your creative doodling!

  7. You, delicate wondress (I made that word up) and invincible wit, are legendary. Thank you for hitting publish so often and walking to the microphone despite the weight it brings. I am so grateful for you.

  9. I’m so happy for you. And I can’t wait for the book. I’ll need at least 2 copies. One to look at. One to color.

  10. Oh. My. Glob. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing, Jenny. This red dress is probably the most amazing of all. Hugs, Love, and Light.

  11. That is so beautiful. The shining girl is such an inspiration. Keep going, we have your back!
    amy from germany

  12. This. Is. Amazing. Honestly. My wife colors to help her anxiety about work and life, it’s such a great outlet for her. I think it’s beautiful that you have found yet another media to pour your soul out on and share it with the world.

  13. I can’t wait. I’m not a coloring person, but one of my daughters is and I would love to see what she would do with your words and images.

  14. I don’t think I’ve every been so excited about a coloring book. I can hardly wait to start coloring!

  16. The sketches are amazing Jenny! And I think u stole my idea cuz I started sketching recently to help even out the rough edges as well (u started long before I did, so U must have snuck into my subconscious :)) ) I’m super stoked about adding the latest Jenny Lawson book to my library when it’s available!

  18. Your drawings are AMAZING! That tree just slays me, I had to print it out immediately and hang it at my desk in my office. Can’t wait!

  19. I’ve always admired your drawings, Jenny. Congratulations on having the strength to put your thoughts on paper, cup, or napkin. I am looking forward to being able to order it.

  21. I can’t WAIT. You must tell us the instant it goes on sale. I love your drawings so much, and this is exciting. 😀

  23. How on earth could I NOT like this? I took up journaling again on my last birthday for Reasons, and it’s really helped me. Now I get to journal with you. In a non-creepy but inspirational way, I mean. Thank you.

  29. I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it and making a way for us to have it too.

  30. Very cool. I wish I could draw. I think if you color it though, you have to honor the Bloggess tradition and refuse to stay within the lines. Stay strong, Jenny. We all love you and everything you do.

  32. That’s amazing, your drawings are so beautiful and I love seeing them on instagram so I’m excited they will be in a book! I love how you incorporate words into your art, you are so talented!

  37. What a beautiful gift to us all, born out of suffering. Thank you. I already know who to gift this work to.

  38. Oh I will certainly buy your coloring book! I love your art! I am an artist but can never get intricate patterns down like you do, and it is a type of art I really like and wish I could master. Art is awesome and is great therapy don’t you think?

  40. Goodness gracious! (I’m trying to cut back on swearing) Can’t wait for this to come out; my coloring pencils are already vibrating in their box! xo

  41. This sounds cool!!! Your drawings are awesome and I can’t wait to get a copy!

  42. Your stories are told in so many ways, every one so beautiful. Thanks, Jenny!

  47. First, “I felt like a failure for falling behind on life and missing deadlines,” Jenny, no. A failure is an event, not a person. I respect your right to feel the way you feel, but I strenuously disagree with you. You are a bringer of hope even when you, yourself, have none.

    Second, what you have created here is awesome in the truest sense of the word. I’m working on shading and coloring the tree drawing and I have spent upwards of 20 hours on it. I can’t even tell you how much it has helped when I’ve been screaming inside but have to be calm on the outside. My coworkers and I own you a debt of gratitude.

    Thank you and be well.

  49. this is so wonderful, and beautiful! congratulations. looking forward to owning one!

  53. WOW!!! These are incredible and such a great idea!!! I used to draw patterns that looked like quilts in my notebooks when I was too anxious to pay attention in classes. Now I color to help ease the anxiety. This is absolutely perfect!! Thank you!!

  54. I collect colouring books and never make the time to colour in them. Must add this one to the shelf … Maybe it will be the one that helps me change that pattern 🙂

    Absolutely beautiful pictures Jenny. You are amazing!

  59. YAY. Your artwork is lovely. Tell me when I can try to find a copy!

  61. Thank you! I love your patterned drawings and have printed some out for coloring.

  62. Beautiful! I’m creative by cutting up perfectly good pieces of fabric and then sewing them back together to make a quilt.

  63. Sometimes I wonder about the old adage about artists suffering for their art. I sure hope creativity can also spring from joy. But in your case, dear Jenny, it seems you are destined to create in both the light and dark. You are a treasure.

  64. Your images and words are so soothing and beautiful. You are a beacon of love and hope for those of us who are so broken and lost. Thank you for being here and continuing to share yourself with us.

  65. Hey! That’s awesome!. I’m excited for you. And now I have all sorts of ideas about how I want to color.

  67. I used to doodle like this during classes and meetings. But mine are just chicken scratches compared with yours — yours are absolutely gorgeous. I’ll be looking for this book.

  71. I’ve been waiting for this announcement! Your drawing are gorgeous little pieces of inspiration and comfort. I’m really excited and thankful that you’re sharing them with all of us.

  72. That makes my comment the other day about making a coloring book look kind of….late. But I stand by my suggested titles.

  73. Thank you a thousand times over. I am so looking forward to the book. I’ll probably buy about 10 copies. To start.

  78. I’ve been coloring The Walking Dead graphic novels as my therapy. I’m excited to add your book to my therapy as well! Thanks for being my hero!

  80. I love to color – it’s my meditation, and I try to do it every day for at least 15 minutes. I cannot wait to buy this! I love the candle in the bare tree – the light that we all seek when we’re in the darkness. (HUGS)

  82. I love this! I guess I connect, because I have done similar in small ways over the years- really helps to be able to read this, Thank you, and Love you!

  83. Ah, Jenny, I’m crying. This post is beautiful. Your art is beautiful. I will definitely be buying the coloring book whenever it finds its way through the maze that is publishing. Thank you for sharing all these pieces of yourself with us. <3

  84. I am so happy for you! You are finding yourself and finding the light, and in doing so, you are lighting a candle for others. My sister will be receiving your book “Furiously Happy” for Christmas this year, and if the design book is out, she’ll get that, too.

    Depression lies. It says that there is ONLY one way to write or to create. You proved it a liar. Writing and creating takes so many forms. I cannot wait to see this book in print!

  85. Hey, lady! You NEVER owe us. If anything, we owe you. We need you, we appreciate you, you help us, but you never owe us.
    This, however, this I NEED!

  87. I’m so glad that your beautiful artwork was as healing to you as it is inspirational to us. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book (or two – one to keep pristine, one to color or whatnot). Thank you for being brave enough to share them with us.

  88. Okay, so now I feel normal. When I sit on the toilet and look at the travertine floor I see cherubs, puffy clouds and even panthers. I’ve contemplated tracing them. Now I will. I came out of a suicidal depression in April and find coloring these detailed drawing with sharpies a way to turn my thoughts on something positive. You are a beautiful, gifted artist. I will be supporting your newest endeavor!

  91. Congratulations! This is so exciting! and what a gift you are sharing with us all – right from your very heart. Thank you, Jenny, for continuing to share your gifts.

  92. (Fist punch in the air!). YES!!! Ian in awe of people that can take their pain and turn it into something good. Way to go, these are phenomenal drawings and it’s a wonderful idea! Yet another example of taking what you need and putting something out there for someone else. You rock, Blogess!!

  93. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. I definitely look forward to getting a copy of this.

  95. Reading this brings me to tears. I like the idea of buying several, to keep or share… or color each differently. Big scary changes happening in my life, and I can’t wait for this! But I will.

    SO GLAD YOU ARE A PART OF MY LIFE!

  96. Wow! Just…wow! I have loved these doodles as they popped up and have shared them with my best friend as we both struggle with mental and physical illness. I cannot wait to bring these into my home and carry the inspiration out into the world. You are a hero to me, Jenny, and I hope these words continue to help you.

  97. Beautiful!! And thank you for the work you put into it so we can share it with the people we love. As I was reading your words and looking at the gorgeous drawings, I kept thinking of the people I wanted to order a copy for!

  100. They are beautiful! I would love to get one as a tattoo! I love your honesty in dealing with your depression and anxieties. I’m sure you have heard it a million times, but it makes me feel so less alone when I can read the same thoughts and fears I have had, written in someone else’s voice.

  104. Pretty sure I will need a box of these! I already have a list of people I will give them too! Amazing, inspiring and wonderful! SO happy you have found such a beautiful way to crawl out of your depression…hugs and love.

  105. So touched. I’m crying right now. Your art is beautiful. So intricate & emotional. Looking forward to seeing this wonderful book. Loves and hugs.

  107. This is fantastic news! It shows how your job in life as an artist–whether with words or images or jubilant honking sounds–is so much greater and deeper than the illness that tries to stop it. You NEVER STOP CREATING.

  110. This I love. It is beautiful. And amazing. And perfect. Yes…perfect.

  111. So this is awkward; but I saw the drawing of the tree with the candle in it, and even though I love the caption of following the moon; all I could think was I bet the tree sees the dark closing in all around it and doesn’t realize where the light is coming from…

  113. I haven’t commented on your drawing before, but I absolutely love them and think they are beautiful. I’ve always thought of art as something for me to enjoy, and would never have thought gut of coloring or adding to them, so thank you for that permission. I also have a really hard time writing in books because I was taught that they are special and should not be defaced. The weird thing is that I really love reading the notes people put in margins when I find them. Thank you for this unexpected gift.

  114. Stunningly gorgeous! Can’t wait to buy many copies!! Much love to you for all that you share, from one you have helped.

  116. I LOVE this!!! You are an inspiration and beautiful and oh my god thank you!!!

  117. I will buy about ten copies of that!! ALLLLLLL my friends love you, and we’ve all been hoping a coloring book was what you were hinting at. These are goregous. You should make a Pinterest board for your fans where we upload pictures of your drawings colored. Thank you so much for sharing all your talents with us!! We love you in WV!!

  118. A coloring book (sort of) with heart and soul and life in every line. Can’t wait! I LOVE the drawings you’ve posted so far, they’re absolutely gorgeous.

  119. My friend and I used to always draw mehndi designs on all our notebooks and folders. I dunno why we went with those… but it was fairly therapeutic. I lam really excited for this!

  122. Art is so helpful with dealing with pain especially the silent types. Your drawings are beautiful. Please keep us posted on the publication. Meanwhile I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Namaste!

  123. This is awesome and insanely beautiful. And reading your post I thought I need to buy this immediately but then you said it’s not in print yet. And I remember that these things actually take time no matter how much you wish they didn’t. I can’t wait to read it. You’re writing is incredible.

  124. Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing these gifts with all of us.

  125. When you described your sketching it kind of sounded like you were just doodling. Those are some amazing doodles. Beautiful artwork.

  126. It’s so beautiful!! I can’t wait to have a chance to buy this.

  127. Wow lady, talk about art therapy. This is amazeballs as per usual and I am always so proud of you when you crawl out from under your dark places. I always remember one thing you said here or in a book; “She only has one mother.” One day Hailey will really REALLY know what it means to have a mother who presses on despite the impulse to do the opposite and all for her. I had a parent who didn’t do that. Your strength is beyond what most people can ever comprehend. Much love to you.

  129. How exciting!! I’m so happy to see a book of your drawing – I’ve got a number of them up at my desk at work (they help me feel not quite so alone), and they get commented, and complemented on often. You’ve got a talent missy, an incredible talent.

  132. This is absolutely lovely and it made me cry. I remember seeing the one with the blindfold and the candles and I wanted to print it out and frame it. I don’t care for coloring books but your drawings resonate on such a deeper level for me. Thank you so much for sharing this gift you have, of bringing darkness into the light, being open about the struggles many of us face (but aren’t willing or able to share for whatever reasons). Even in the midst of a depression–or maybe because of–you have an amazing way of creating connection and community. Sending you tons of love and hope this book process moves smoothly.

  133. I had hoped this was your news. I am so happy for you but even more happy for all of us. I can’t wait to buy 12 copies.

  134. Yay, Jenny! I don’t color and I’m not artistic but I’ll buy your book because I love your drawings – and thank you for making it something we can write in, as well as color. We were hoping you’d come up with something as cool as this with your drawings. Thanks.

  135. I kind of hoped you were doing a book of your amazing drawings with the affirmations. Thank you. I’ll be watching so that I CAN buy several and share.

  136. Yay!! I’m so damn excited. I’ve been having a rough year and your posts are one of the things that I can count on to pull me out of the darkness a little bit. Thank you 😊

  137. These are exquisite — definitely a great use of your imagination when your words are stuck. I want to tell you that I had printed a few of your drawings for my own use, and a bunch of other sayings and pictures for my nine year old daughter’s room. When she saw the stack of images, she bypassed all the ones I had intended for her, and instead chose three of your drawings. They are now framed and hanging in her newly redecorated bedroom. She has anxiety and hair pulling issues just like you (and me), so I guess your beautiful weirdness resonated with her mind the way it does with mine. So thank you for giving her something to inspire her.

  138. HOLY GORGONZOLA CHEESE BATMAN!!! I love this! Congrats! I can’t wait to see it in print!

  139. These are so lovely. I can’t wait to see it and be inspired and have all the feelings and a pretty pretty book to document them in.

  141. OH. MY. GOD! I absolutely LOVE your art and I would buy a book in a flash! Not exaggerating, not trying to make you feel good. Truly, genuinely love your art!! Really, really, really hope you get these published before Christmas, as I know a lot of people who would get one as a gift from me. Amazing!

  142. Jenny this is so stunning. Your head is an absolute treasure (and of course by that I mean the thoughts therein). I can’t wait to buy it and maybe even attempt to color in it. You raise us all up with your brilliant shining strength.

  144. Coloring is my happy place activity, my therapy, my escape. I can’t wait to buy your book. Thank you for sharing with us.

  145. Jenny, you are truly an inspiration to us all. While you are struggling on the inside, many of us flock to your blog and twitter feed to find comfort in your words. You’ve hit out of the park with this one! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  147. Congratulations! Your drawings are amazing, and I love that there’s writing in almost every one (at least the ones I’ve seen).

  150. I am so excited for this book and can’t wait to buy multiple copies. I have people in my life who need this book, probably as much as you needed to create it. Thank you Jenny!

  154. I was hoping, hoping so hard, that this would happen! Thank you for sharing this part of you!

  155. So excited to have a book of your drawings. I also want to share, yesterday my kids and I were driving home from visiting family in Kansas. It was raining, traffic was horrible, people were driving like complete idiots, and we were in the middle of St. Louis so I couldn’t exactly stop and get out. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and about 500 hundred other stupid things, so when I felt the familiar tendrils of anxiety slithering around in my head, I thought ‘WWJD?’ (The J standing for Jenny.) Since I couldn’t pull out my color books or crawl into bed with a Netflix marathon of Grace and Frankie, I popped a Xanax and had my kids play several inappropriate rounds Cards Against Humanity to distract me. See? You aid and inspire in all kinds of ways.

    Disclaimer, my kids are 25, 23, and 19. I would never force young children to play the very non p.c. game of Cards Against Humanity. *pause while I think about whether or not that’s a true statement No, I probably wouldn’t let young kids play CAH…probably.

  156. Oh, Jenny! I don’t have the words to express everything this post makes me feel, but I want to say thank you – for sharing the beauty that comes from your darkness and turmoil, and the telling of how and why and of others who do the same. It’s just amazing, and I can not wait to buy the book!

  159. Thank you for being you. You are consistently a light in the darkness for all who wander.

  160. Yay! What a wonderful outlet for you and what a great way thing for us.

    One technical suggestion/hope: in your last pic, I see the drawing in a spiral notebook with perforated page. Will the book you release be the same? Or at least perforated? It’s such a great bonus (and worth paying a little more) for that kind of convenience.

  161. Will absolutely be buying. Your words are often enough to get me on the right track to find my way out of an anxiety attack. I don’t know other ways to thank you other than to buy all the things 😃 Your drawings are beautiful and I plan to frame several. Can’t wait!!

  162. These are beautiful! And I’m glad they’ve helped you. I can’t wait to buy a few copies.

  163. I havent been able to read or write or draw, but ive been crocheting the hell out of some yarn. And making a little bit of money at it, so theres a plus. But its hard when your brain doesnt brain like it should. And i get mad at my meds for not doing their job, and mad at my body for not working right, and mad at my soul for being broken, and mad at the universe for not saving me from myself. But I, like you, am slowly crawling back into myself… i saw that instead of crawling out, because i dont know that ive really been down… just not myself. So i get it, and I cant wait to read your words and color and write and try to live as furiously happy as i can while dealing with a broken mind.

  164. These are stunning!! Thank you for sharing. I know sometimes we feel trapped, like our mind is a vault and the door is set on its own random timer, but these images are proof that there is beauty in your chaos. Let it out and let it flow.

  165. Jenny, you are an artist. I mean this is the broader, more general sense, not just in the “She can draw real good” sense (although you CAN draw real good. I’m blown away.) Being an artist, encompassing some kind of genius? Is messy work. Your art comes from a little bit of chaos, and the chaos is an integral, beautiful, scary, amazing part of who you are. So deadlines and responsibilities? Those are not all that important (but like, I get it. You have a kid sooooo….maybe a little important sometimes). Just don’t beat yourself up when your art takes a turn you didn’t expect. You are changing lives here. Thank you.

  166. Is it selfish to say how glad I am that the things that help you bring ME so much joy? Your books brought me an important understanding and patience for a couple very dear people in my life and I am grateful. Glad you are feeling stronger lately and I look forward to your drawings.

  169. This is great news! I love your drawings they inspire me when everything is dark and I need that the most right now. I can’t wait for this to come out. I’ll be colouring it with copic markers so I hope the pages will be cardstock thick and one sided.

  171. I’m so glad drawing helped. When I was in the psych ward of the hospital for my depression, I discovered mandalas. I would sit with one or two other patients with mandalas and a pack of markers that we shared, and it helped. I’ve never tried drawing my own patterns, but coloring them in is so soothing for me.

  172. YESSSS! I’m so happy about this! Your drawings are AMAZING! I’ll color some, I’ll probably frame some too! Thank you for all you do!!!

  173. Wow that is AMAZEBALLS!!!!! Can’t wait to get it! A close friend who died this morning (FUCK YOU CANCER) was from India, and loved to doodle/create artwork so this post was so just right for me. I will buy it in memory of Sharon.

  176. Even on your dark days, your ability to reach out is awe-inspiring. A few words, a photo or these amazing pictures offer hope for serenity and peace to your ‘followers’. Thank you for sharing yourself; I know you’ve impacted me! Hugs~

  177. Yes! This is exactly what I hoped would happen and now I want it! Thank you for making this, Jenny!

  178. Brilliant and moving, beautiful! Thank you for drawing unspoken thoughts and processes. Thank you so very much.

  179. I’ve always loved your drawings, so I was hoping this was the announcement you had been teasing. I can’t wait.

  180. Your creative genius is amazing. Having been married to a musical artist who dealt with anxiety and depression, I feel qualified to say that most creative people have, at least a touch of, mental illness. Love you.

  181. I can’t wait to get one!! I will share it w/my kids. My son especially, his brain gets so full I must give him paper at night to “empty out my brain so I can sleep”. Playing w/color might be another “brain emptying thing so I can sleep momma” thank you for this. You have no idea how much this will help him, he is 8 and very tender.

  184. This is gorgeous! I can’t wait for the book…and I am so drawn to the whale tail drawing (oh….after reading that, thank GOODNESS it wasn’t a picture of someone’s thong peeking out of their pants) and the sentiment on it about misadventure! That could make a really cool tattoo…..
    Thank you for sharing so openly with us and inspiring us!

  185. Powerful images that tell such stories!
    I’m so impressed with your honesty and your strength in always learning and growing and trying and never giving in. I love how you’re able to channel the emotions into creative outlets. It’s something that helps me – and I try to encourage the students I work with to find their own creative outlets. Thank you – and I’ll certainly be on the Buy! list 🙂

  188. Hot Damn!!!!! Pleaseohpleaseohplease, let this be out before Christmas because I know so many people who would love to have one!! But only after I get my copy. I am so happy you are doing this- I love your drawings!! They are exquisite works of art, and I intend to frame as many as I can, hang them in my classroom, and anywhere else I need to see them. My dashboard….on the kitchen cupboard…bathroom mirror….I can’t wait to see it!

  190. YEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so excited!!!! I will have to have at least two. One I can color in and one that will stay pristine. Your art is amazing and wonderful, just like you. I just finished reading Furiously Happy for the second time. It really helped me get through a rough time where I was sick almost every day and had no idea why. I’m finally on the other side of it and so I know how it feels to be stepping back into the light, blinking at the brightness and a little wobbly. I love you. I hope you feel better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today.

  191. I just fininshed Furiously Happy and was sad when I was done because I wanted more…now you have provided it. This blog describes the creative process in a way so many would love to express but do not have any words at all. Thank you for providing the words AND the pctures. I can’t wait to see it. I hope it comes out by Christmas because I will buy it for everyone I know. if not, then it will take the thinking and decision making out of birthday presents.

  192. I was hoping this was the big news! I’m so excited for this project and can’t wait to order the book. The drawings you have shared have really spoken to me in times when I couldn’t concentrate enough on words alone…they are magical in that way. Keep drawing and doing your thing! Everything you make is lovely and profound.

  194. That “breathing room” one caught me off guard. You somehow managed to draw exactly what I need in my life right now. So much is changing and so much is too close to me, I need these beautiful things and people around me but maybe with a little space so I can enjoy them more.

    I can’t wait to see the final result of this project, it is a beautiful, amazing extension of beautiful, amazing you.

  198. I KNEW IT! I LOVE IT!!! You are so amazingly, fantastically talented & I cannot wait to own this new book! Actually, I will have to buy two: one to keep pristine & the other to frame some pieces.

  199. Oh, Jenny, this is such a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing. Really, there are no words for how much I appreciate the fact that you shine a light for those of us with panic and anxiety so that we know we’re not alone. Because it feels like that sometimes, when I’ve not left the house for two or three or sometimes a month at a time. Thank you. Truly.

  200. You made me bawl this morning, but in a good way. I’ve been stuck in hospitals for weeks and I have a picture folder saved of your art and it makes me feel so much better to look at when I’m having a shittastic day (which they’ve kinda all been). I can’t WAIT for this to hit stores!!! Love you Jenny. ❤️❤️😘

  201. I love your drawings. I love that you find a way even in the depths of depression to be creative. I love that you share them with us. Thank you.

  205. Simply gorgeous. You once again amaze and inspire! Thank you for sharing the journey that gave birth to these. I can’t wait for the book!!

  206. What an amazing project and thank you so much for sharing. The thought behind each one makes them so special and personal. I can’t wait!

  207. I’m so glad that you continue to share your art (written and visual) with us…but I can’t really explain why without getting all maudlin and mawkish. Looking forward to seeing more!

    Thank you!

  211. I love it! Especially as I am a combination doodler/colorer when my emotions get in the way of living.

  212. I love your drawings. I love your writing. Thank you for your contributions to the world.

  213. My daughter draws these elaborate tattoos all over her body. I know it’s to keep her hands busy and because she enjoys it, but I also wonder if it’s a way for her to deal with some heavy emotional stuff, including the death of her dad.

    At any rate, congrats on the book. Your drawings are lovely and complex.

  214. I have been waiting for this. I’m thankful your editor/publisher can discern the value in all your creations, for all of us, even if it’s not quite what they were expecting.

  217. Thank you, so very very much, for sharing your thoughts and these pictures with us
    Colouring-in is one of the things that keep me contented with not being able to go outside very much, and knowing that I will be able to do this with your pictures makes me happy on a day where I haven’t been feeling hugely happy.
    Thank you

  218. Thank you for your words and your art alike. As soon as it’s available for pre-order I’ll be pre-ordering. Physical book not Kindle. I’m also offering up prayers to the great gods of publishing that there is a hardcover with high quality paper that feels more like art than like an art book — and also a less expensive paperback version for those of our community who need the art and may have trouble affording it.

  219. Jenny – your drawings are amazing and I especially loved to hear your drawing evolution story because I recently found “tangling” too. I’ve done some henna designs before but the whole squirting paste out of an icing bag looking thing onto a body part was too much pressure for me 🙂 and it had never occurred to me at the time to put the designs to paper instead (duh)
    I’ve also knitted for years. Mainly simple cotton wash clothes. Lots of them, lots and lots of them. It’s a pattern that is easy to remember, has a nice rhythm, but most importantly is very quick – I can knock one out during a flight between KC & Phx which I do once or twice a month.
    I’m a miserable failure at meditating or “centering” myself, attempts at that introduced me to the fact that I do in fact have some ADD – but knitting & even more recently, drawing (because honestly how many wash cloths can one house hold? 😉 both have a very relaxing, calming effect on me when I’m feeling anxious or worried, or half crazed, or all 3.
    Anyway thanks as always for sharing these pieces of you and your journey, you are a little candle in the dark for so many of us during our own dark patches. And you inspire us all to understand that letting a little of our inner whackadoodle show on the outside is not only ok, it can actually make everything a little more fun (or at least entertaining, sometimes later on, but eventually 🙂
    So thank you! And doodle on mighty bloggess! Doodle on!

  220. SOOO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!! You can’t see me but I’m doing a wild and crazy happy dance!! Actually, even if you were here you wouldn’t be able to see it because I’m disabled, but I’m doing it in my mind!!!! And it is AWESOME just like your news!!!! Thank you so much!!

  221. Thank you for sharing your emotions on paper when your thoughts couldn’t transcend to paper. So excited to get the coloring book and will be getting numerous copies because I myself like to color sometimes, but always like to look at original artwork for inspiration! Have a wonderful day and sending lots of happy thoughts your way! Much love!

  222. Thank you for bravely sharing your struggles and gorgeous drawings! So brilliant and talented! Thank you for putting how so many feel into words and beautiful images!

  223. Why you would apologize for such beauty is a mystery! What a talented, amazing and puzzling mind you have! I wish I had a drop of your artistic abilities. You are such a gift to this world!

  224. I can’t wait to order some for my work, Jenny. I work with people living with mental illness in poverty, and I often share your writing with them–they always say “She gets it!” You are truly an inspiration, and I hope you know that you help literally thousands of people every day, just by being you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  225. Bravo! You did it!!!! So here is the honest to goodness truth ( I hate it when people say that because it sounds like they always lie otherwise but whatever you get what I’m saying) I have tried and tried to get the coloring book thang…and just can’t ….it’s too cutesy or I don’t know. It seemed dumb
    I have seen you trickle out your drawings and thought….I could color those! I would do that….that would help me. ❤️
    Thank you for following your gut even when it appears to be all tangled up. I will buy a dozen and give them as gifts and color my own and put them on mirrors and leave them as notes to random strangers.
    Be Well
    Kathleen

  226. These drawings are both beautiful and chaotic. And I mean that in the best sense😊

  227. Beautiful pictures. I’ll take a couple when it comes out. 2 for me, (1 to color, 1 to keep pristine) and 1 as a gift for a friend. She’s heading into a dark place right now and needs a lifeline. Best wishes Jenny. Hugs.

  228. Seriously, how many people can say that the head of their church made a coloring book? EXTRA GRAVY FOR US ALL!!!!!

  229. Your mind is a beautiful thing!! I absolutely love these drawings & can not wait to purchase the book! I have just recently “found you” & admire your courage & creativeness in expressing the sometimes scary & crazy moments in life. I struggle with expressing my feelings/thoughts into words….usually just end up all over the place & confusing my husband more than anything! Haha. I loved Furiously Happy & am getting ready to read your first book. Keep up the great work! So excited for this

  234. OMG – that is brilliant! I’m so excited for this…Thank you so much!!!

  235. Oh! I’m so excited. Your images are perfect. I can’t wait to buy the book and get colouring!

  237. And this very reason is why we provide coloring pages and blank paper in our library. My daughter and I have doodled or colored for as long as I can remember to relieve stress. This lets my community college students who have never been away from home or who are returning students have a creative outlet when they need one. It helps them be calm and manage their anxiety and stress. I would really like to add any drawings that you share to our collection of regular offerings. I think, at least for me, knowing where they came from…and that they helped someone else will make them more meaningful.

  238. You are lovely and these drawings are lovely. I’m sorry you have to deal with depression and anxiety but your coping mechanisms are genius and I’m honored you are sharing the results with us.

    Ima color em.

    Xxxx

  239. Love your work! Your drawings, your writing, basically just you overall. It’s so weird to feel connected to you when I only know you from the universe seeking me out when I was handed a copy of Let’s Pretend. And now I smile constantly when I peruse your blog, and Twitter. Such a huge fan. But even more so you’re that person we all say, “Wow, can we be friends?” Because sometimes that’s how I feel. Like we must have been friends in another life you are inspiring and so so SO much like a warm blanket of “it’s all going to be ok”. Thank yo for your courage to write and share your life. You are one of the good eggs. 💗💖

  246. I am so excited about this for so many reasons and I cannot wait to give this to my daughter. She has bought coloring books to help her anxiety but I think this one will speak deeply to her. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with us.

  247. Dude…I don’t even know why, but I totally started tearing up as I read this. I was so glad, for some reason, (and a tad envious, I ain’t gonna lie, as an amateur pattern-drawerer myself 😉 when you started sharing your pictures. I can’t explain what it was/is about them that just pops me right in the ol’ soul, but they’re so bizarrely comforting to me. I can’t wait to pre-order this book, and I am so happy that you’re making it.

  248. My dear–1 0your drawings are pasted up in my home and at my job. @at my second job I sell books (in Austin). I have seen every journal out there. none is quite right. I would buy one of these—special request—could the writing pages be blank, NOT RULED…?please???we all have our crazies and mine seem most impacted by stationery supplies. In the meantime feel good. Do noe make this something to pressure yourself with.Thanks you for being beauty to naming the crazy.

  251. Your drawings are great and I wish I could draw that good. I’m so happy that you have found another outlet for your madness.

  252. Oops! I just posted with an error. I meant “baring” your soul, not “bearing.” I was confused by your love of bears and taxidermy and animals and creatures big and small. Pardon me. This is what it should say:

    Just when I thought you couldn’t be any more talented, these drawings surface! Thank you for baring your soul and your words and drawings for the good of the world. They are stunning and remarkable, just like you!

    http://tyannsheldonrouw.weebly.com/blog/meeting-the-bloggess

  253. So, so beautiful. I’ll buy a copy as soon as it’s available. Thank you <3

  256. Art can be such a huge part of managing depression. I don’t believe in “recovery” for everyone, but we can make suffering more manageable, we can change it. Art can do that. Does writing have the same effect?

  257. These are beautiful, my hands are itching to color them!! I just got into the adult-coloring-book game and it has become an amazing stress-reliever; I will be buying this as soon as it comes out. The fact that you were still creating even while going through a low point in your depression is inspirational; feel well!

  258. We are always here for you and each other! Way to fight the demons.

  260. *squee!!
    I’m so excited. Thank you for sharing yourself in this way…
    And thank you for encouraging all of us through your art!!

  262. Coloring in your coloring book will be like getting a hug from you when I need a hug really badly. I can’t wait! Thank you Jenny.

  264. Beautiful and wonderful. There is no surprise, because I see repeatedly how amazing you are. Can’t wait to get these.

  265. Your drawings are amazing and I’m so glad that you’ll be publishing them. I’m also delighted to know that creating them is an outlet rather than a drain.

    Just wanted to add to the chorus of people or here who care and whose lives are better because you exist.

  268. This is beautiful and you are amazing! Thank you, Jenny. Today I really need this inspiration!

  270. OMGosh, I love it! I love to draw and doodle too, but my skills are limited to your basic trees and flowers. I do have a coloring app on my phone, which helps. I can’t wait to see the finished version. 🙂

  271. Very cool. A dream of mine would be to take all the doodles I ever did and make them a coloring book. Of course, I would have to locate all my old high school notebooks, etc:) Long gone, sadly. I like your idea of collecting patterns. Thanks for sharing!

  272. Jenny, thank you for sharing something so personal and intimate. Yours is a light that shines to all of us who are in that dark place too. I’m glad it’s easing for you, for now. Please keep shining. We all love you!

  273. I was hoping this was your news! I absolutely adore your “doodle” drawings and always save them when you post. I don’t believe these should ever be called doodles, you are Making Good Art.

  275. You are such an inspiration. Speaking out when you’ve struggled helps so many others with their struggles. Sharing your coping via artwork, or laughter through your stories, will enhance other peoples ability to cope. Blessings be with you, always. I can’t wait to buy two copies: one for me and one to share with my mom <3

  276. I’ve never had a tattoo but if I knew an ink artist talented enough, I’d get your feather tattooed forever on my person. You are amazing and you surely help me know that I’m not alone.

  277. You are amazingly talented, and I’ll be among your first customers when this is available.
    I. Need. This. Book.

    Thank you for sharing your struggles, your achievements and your progress. I find you an inspiration in many ways.

  285. I’m not sure what I love most about this! I love that you are finding another way to wring goodgreatwonderful out of your sometimesverybad. My boyfriend is in the deathgrips of a very bad cycle of bipolar disorder and I wish so much he had any outlet at all that made the BP into sometimesablessingifyouturnyourheadandsquint. I’m so proud of your insistence on the book’s interactivity…or not. Thank you for allowing us to co-create with you! And on that note, I’m very happy for me, that I’ll someday get to color something so lovely on the ironing board in the other room while I’m momentarily surrendering my sunshine-bringing when his infernal, eternal pessimism invades the space between atoms. Thank you and congrats!

  286. Thank you for being the light in the dark. Your drawings are beautiful. Your books are wonderful. I will add this one to my Jenny Lawson collection!

  288. These are amazing. I want a copy for myself when it comes out, of course, but I would love to be able to give these to clients as well. (I’m a counselor – currently not yet employed as such but hopefully I will be soon.) Such beautiful images with such inspiring messages. You’ve provided a concrete reminder that it is possible to find and even create beauty in the darkness. When this is released, would it be permissible to copy pages to share with clients?

  289. Thank you for opening the door and facilitating a few more baby steps on my own journey….

  290. Omg, I’m not crying, you are! dries eyes
    I’m so happy for you and I’m so grateful that you want to share this with us.
    I love your work and I’m soo looking forward to this <3

  292. Can’t wait to buy this for my daughter who’s leaving for college next month. You and your art are amazing! Sending hugs.

  293. What you do to keep yourself safe, keeps other people safe too. I hope you know that and remember it when you need to.

  295. This. Is. So. Fucking. Amazing. I love everything about this – and I hope – PLEASE – that when published it will be spiral-bound. Colonists/journalers totally dig spiral-bound books! Thanks for sharing even more of you, Jenny. ❤️

  296. Thank you, Jenny. This is so so much more than a coloring book, or a journal…..and it’s an amazing gift to all of us. Knowing a little of what it took to bring it to life is incredibly inspiring and humbling. As Dory would say….”just keep drawing, just keep drawing…………” Love to you.

  297. Wow, everything I can think of and felt has been posted. Thank you Jenny for letting us into your world.

  301. This is so fantastic. It’s amazing that something so beautiful and productive could come from something so harmful and destructive. You’ve inspired so many people to find the beauty inside their own messed up brains, me included. Thank you for staying with us.

  305. You are just too damn talented! I look forward to buying your coloring book.
    I read your first book flying home to WV from Phoenix and I made a spectacle of myself. As I was reading, I kept choking and making uncontrollable weird squeals, squeaks and snorts. Thanks a lot. : )

  308. This is so beautiful! I’m already making a list of my friends who need a copy, mostly for the words, but also to color these gorgeous drawings. Thank you!!

  309. WOOOO!!!! The first time I saw one of your drawings, I thought, “I want a coloring book full of these!” As more kept coming, and more people started saying the same thing, and then you said you had a big announcement coming, I was SO hoping this would be it, and it is!! I know the dangerous parts of your brain have been saying very loudly that this is a mistake, and I know from personal experience how monumental an effort it is to ignore those voices and move forward. HUGE congratulations for being strong and brave enough to do so, and equally huge thanks for doing so in a way that gives such a beautiful, healing gift to so many.

  311. Yeay!!! I am so Furiously Happy right now!!! (Ok, that was beyond cheesy, but also very true.) I am glad to have seen this mold itself from the beginning. Can not wait to pre-order. So very proud of you. ❤

  312. This is amazing! Your drawings are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your artwork and stories with the world, we need them.

  313. So wonderful, I can’t wait to buy them for everyone I know who will love them as much as I do!

  315. We are all artists. Some of us just don’t know it. Putting clean dishes away can be art. So can cooking for a loved one. Hell – scrubbing a toilet can be art if done with grace and care. And then there are those of us who are artists of an altogether different ilk. Hallelujah – you are One.

  316. Inspiring!!! I took up quilting many years ago due to a love of patterns and the puzzling challenge of making pieces fit together. I think you are creating your quilt. I can see these prints dripping with watercolors. Glad you are on the upswing.

  318. Your drawings are absolutely incredible!

    I’m so grateful to the friend of mine who recommended your blog. You’ve helped me in ways I can never quite put into the right words, other than to say thank you, as I continue to keep fighting my own struggles, ever-racing mind and the tangled web that is me. I’ve recently jumped on the adult coloring bandwagon as another form of therapy, so I’m very excited for the future publication of this next book!

  319. This is awesome. I’m so excited to see the finished book. I love the pictures you’ve already shared, they hold so much of you in them. The way that you incorporate words in the design and the words that you use to help people (including yourself) stop and take a moment to think, to rally their courage, and to keep fighting is amazing. I look forward to adding it to my bookshelf along with your other amazing books. Thank you Jenny!!

  320. It’s funny, I keep thinking you should make a coloring book whenever I see your drawings. I’ll be getting one, and if I don’t drop out of law school/these are out in time for finals, I’ll grab extra copies for my classmates to use during reading period.

  321. You have such a gift in how you offer things to the world. You acknowledge these are your drawings, your doodles, your healing, but they are also communal drawings and doodles and healings. They are the seeing and the sharing of patterns, collecting and connecting the dots, a web of creativity woven through the lives of … everyone.

    Thank you for connecting us.

  323. YAY JENNY YAY!!!!
    As I read this my excitement was growing hoping that you would say what I hoped you would say, that you were putting these wonderful creations together in a book, after I’ve been saving them and printing them out. I will buy lots of these, for me and my kids to color, to hang up as posters, to give to people for encouragement… I’m genuinely thrilled.
    Thank you, you precious treasure. Thank you for sharing yourself so openly, showing us by your brave example that it’s okay to be who we really are.

  324. You are a beacon of light, Jenny. When your whole world is dark and you can’t see any way out of it, the sudden appearance of a light to point the way is salvation. Thank you.

  325. Jenny, you are so brave to “live out loud “and share so much of your experiences with us, the good, the bad, the hilarious, and the really tough too. It’s obvious you’re helping a lot of people to understand themselves, and feel less alone with her and struggles, including me. Thank you for that. And thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork! You may have started off thinking it was just random doodles, or nothing special, but it has a beauty and grace and I’m sure it will be as inspiring in its own way as your words have been and continue to be. Hug
    I am a big believer in the concept of namaste, and so I bow to you as the light and darkness in me recognizes the light and darkness in you.

  326. Hurrah!!!! An adult, non-childish coloring book! I use my cross-stitch patterns to color when I am stressed. But then I see the world in terms of colors…

  328. I hope, for sure, that you have the feathery/ leafy one in your book. That’s my favorite. I hope you feel better soon.

  329. Oh, Jenny. I’m crying. The love and good you put out in the world is overwhelmingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing you with all of us. The drawings are saving you; you are saving some of us; and the world goes round in love.

  330. Thank you for writing how these drawings came to be. Such an organic, necessary, honest process and sharing. So grateful. xo

  332. beautiful, maybe this is how your mind keeps the beat until your thoughts can dance again

  333. Fantastic! I am so happy you did This! I love your art and think this will be so helpful and inspirational for us all. 😍

  334. Very, very cool and I am so looking forward to buying a lot of copies and sharing them with friends. Thanks so much for providing such life-affirming stories and pictures.

  335. Love these!

    Amazing how much the lady with the candle hair reminds me of some rubber stamps I have from Paula Best.

  339. I think I now know where I’m going to get the idea for my second tattoo from….

  340. I think maybe your drawings have some sort of magical medicinal power.

    Lemme ‘splain.

    I have a headache, per usual. So very per usual that I don’t really register this fact.

    I don’t register it until I scroll to your first drawing, my eyes find their focus, and my whole head goes, “Ahhhhhh, relief,” like a big sigh.

    I carry on reading and enjoying your words and I don’t register the headache or the pressure behind my eyes until the next drawing relieves me of them. Rinse and repeat.

    There’s magic in your mandalas, Jenny.

  341. You have a whole lot of talent in your being. I think it’s wonderful you’re allowing yourself to share more and more of it with us. <3

  342. I cannot wait to colour these! Jenny, you are astounding and beautiful, and your work, in whatever form it takes, makes me feel warm and welcome and thoughtful and witty. We will probably never meet, but like so many other people who love you through the internet, you somehow feel like a soulmate. Maybe someday we could be room-mates in a big old house somewhere – you, and me, and Mallory Ortberg, and Mindy Kaling. Like the Golden Girls. I hope that’s not creepy. Love from Canada.

  343. I love it and I am FURIOUSLY HAPPY!!!! Yes, I am one of the many who print out the drawings and keep them safe for those moments when I need them. Then one day I took a chance to make my own little doodle. I liked it and I have continued for me and my brain. Again, you have inspired and helped your tribe in ways you never intended.

    THANK YOU from the bottom of my broken heart and mind!!!!

  344. Beautiful. I can’t wait to see the book! Thank you for sharing your mind with us.

  345. Oh! I am so excited! I love to color, and I have always wanted to learn to doodle better, so thank you so much for sharing your patterns! 🙂 So excellent

  346. I don’t actually like to color, but some of your drawings really move me. I especially like the blind woman in the dark with lanterns one… That one really hit home with me.

  347. Jenny, I know you’re a bit of a nerd. Go and watch the scene where the 11th Doctor talks to the curator at the Van Gough exhibit. What the curator says is pretty much how I feel about your artwork. You take all that pain and insecurity and everything your going through and create something so beautiful. You are truly magical. Love to you and yours.

  348. All I can say is Thank You. Thank you for Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. Thank you for Furiously Happy. Thank for this soon-to-be coloring book. Thank you for being you. You (among a few others) make me believe that I am exactly who I am supposed to be and that I am a good person for being who I am. Thank you.

  349. These drawings are so moving and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your humanity with us at great peril of vulnerability to cruelty. I am grateful for your courage. <3

  351. I have a theory: The most creative people are fucked up….Van Gogh for example or Heath Ledger. I struggle with depression but I refuse the meds because they shut down my ability to create and to, you know….um….enjoy the bedroom. Does this even make sense? It’s like someone puts a blindfold on me…..sure, I can function in the real world at a fairly high level but I can’t find any inspiration. I’m not saying that UN-fucked up people can’t create, I’m just saying that the MOST creative people are fucked up.

    Or not. Maybe I’m just full of shit. But until someone proves me wrong I’m sticking with the Theory. You’re completely fucked up but your creativity is amazing.

  352. I was so hoping that this would be what the news was!!! I already bought and framed a print to help keep the demons at bay, and I love to color, and I just can’t wait. You touch so many lives, and I’m so glad you are here. 🙂

  353. I just can’t even. No words for how _______this is. All good thoughts, but simply, no words.

  354. Thank you for your art and your courage in sharing. You help me get through the dark places.

  355. I read this post and took my first full breath in a month. Thank you, Jenny.

  356. Pingback: Jenny Lawson to release her own hand-drawn coloring book – Entertainment Weekly

  359. throwing your own beautiful words right back atcha…
    jenny, you may not see the light you bring, but never doubt that you shine.
    looking forward to purchasing this book. many times. love to you.

  360. My eyes are all watery reading this, a little from sadness for what you (me and so many others) go through, but mostly from the beauty of it all. From the beauty of your drawings and my extreme excitement over your book!!!! From the beauty that emerges from what we all go through. From the beauty of your words and all you share in your blog, and your books and now this, this amazing new creation.
    Thank you so much Jenny for all you do and share and your light in this world. And thank you to this tribe that shares and uplifts and inspires. No matter how many of us are down sometimes, there is always, ALWAYS, enough to keep a spark going so our lights don’t go out. I am so grateful.

  362. Gorgeous, haunting sketches and inspiring words. (You know you shouldn’t be able to do both. It’s not fair. Sigh.) Cannot wait to have one of these in my hands.

  363. Amazing art, dear one! So beautiful. Your tree helped me at a dark time and I got to share it with a dear friend, so that will be 2 copy’s please 😉

  364. Sometimes I can’t even believe how fabulous you are, and I am so glad that you share so much of yourself. I hope that most of the time you love yourself even half as much as we do, because we (your fans, friends, and followers) love you a lot! I can’t wait to buy, color, share, and be inspired by your new book 🙂 Thank You!!!

  365. I can’t explain this feeling, which as a writer means I fail, but it’s something like… relief… that you’ve done this. And gratitude, like the kind with tears welling up. You are putting so many gifts into this world, and I can’t wait to unwrap this one!

  368. I had your ‘Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not real’ on my fridge for MONTHS.
    I found this brilliant quote last week: “You must transform your pain, or else you will transmit it.”
    Transforming your anxiety into these beautiful whirled images is just brilliant. Thank you for not leaving and reminding us how depression lies. You are a light.

  369. “And once they were down on paper I could turn the page and feel free of the thought. As if I’d archived the emotion I was stuck in and could now move forward and see the next one waiting to be acknowledged and recognized.”

    This. All of it. I have had this nearly my entire life – thoughts going around and around and around that I could only put to rest by writing them down. Once they were safe on paper I could let them go and stop obsessing. You’re SO not alone, Jenny.

    Cannot wait! for this lovely present you’re making for us.

  372. This is beautiful in both concept and execution. I know a couple people who I will give it to already.

  376. I’m so excited about this! I love, love, love your drawings and I want to play with them. Thank you for sharing them.

  378. Jenny, your soul is emerging for all of us to see and appreciate and take comfort from and love! Thank you for sharing what is arguable the best part of you!

  381. So excited for you and for us. I’ve love your pictures so much. I don’t color, but your pictures inspired me to write sometimes. I have a small story about your tentacle picture. It’s a very short story that I wouldn’t share with most people but it inspired me. You inspire me. I’m so looking forward to your book.

  382. I want to add to the chorus of ‘You are amazing!’ for so many reasons, but especially for being so giving of yourself.

  384. All those drawings and art you make is so beautiful! I am really excited that you’re making a coloring book with your art and drawings. I love coloring, although I don’t make nearly enough time for it. It’s a great way to relax and not think and just colour.

  385. Self preservation therapy… You instinctively on a subconscious level helped yourself. The other upside is you also help the rest of us struggling with anxiety and depression. Win win in my book. I’m not good at drawing or painting but my go to anxiety relievers are crochet and knitting, working out to les mills combat or doing some yoga and meditation depending on my energy level. It fluctuates each day. I used to write in a journal… Since the age of ten or so. Then I began writing poetry, short fiction stories… None of which has ever been completed. I have a mental block about calling a project done lol.

    Thank you so much for letting us see you at not only your best but your worst too. It’s hard enough to not feel alone in our struggles… Just knowing you and other fans of yours struggle sometimes helps me. Keep being a rockstar, Jenny!

  386. I have your Not Real Ship poster on my kitchen table at home and a cup full of Sharpies next to it. I color a bit almost every night, so I am elated to hear I am not abnormal in wanting to do this. Or I am, and I’m in wonderful company. 😉

  387. I absolutely cannot wait for this to be published! I’ve been hoping this was what you were up to ever since you teased us with the girl/tree picture. The amount of Love & Light this project will add to the world is going to be huge! 💜✨

  389. I am so moved by your words & drawings. I can hardly wait for the book. Thank you for….well….thank you.

  390. We loved them as you gave them to us–wrinkled and muddied and not quite perfect–because that is who we are. At least some of us. Me. I can’t speak for anyone else.

    I photograph environments in the same way. Light, texture, stuff speaks to me and the way my brain works.

  391. You’re so fracking awesome! I’m glad that you are in the same universe as me.

  392. I posted this on Twitter, but I’ll put it here, too: These drawings are lovely, moving, unique and wonderful, Jenny – just like you. I’m so excited about this project and I can’t wait to get my hands on this colouring book!

  393. Oh I just love this so very much! I do want to buy ten copies and give them away! I wish it was available right this minute, as it would be a perfect gift for something I need a present for next week.

  395. Every time I read your blog I am reminded of how much I respect and admire the way your mind works. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, tangled, silly, honest, creative, amazing thoughts and helping us all celebrate the strange uniqueness in each one of us.

  398. I think this is when the kids say “Shut up and take my money!” I WILL own the entire Jenny Lawson collection of books – both colouring and written.

  399. Jenny, you just don’t realize how much I love your crazy, tortured, brilliant, funny as hell, irreverent, singularly unique soul. I wish I could express the things you say half as eloquently (or blatantly at times) and my heart just bursts every time something you say hits me right in the feels (or gut, it’s hard to tell sometimes). I hate that you struggle with so much so often but I think you were also given your amazing drive and ability to keep moving forward, even an inch at a time, and inspire others who struggle to do the same. Shrinks can say nice things to you, but having someone like you out there giving all she’s got to keep fighting amidst the raging war zone in her head and turning it into hope for others just makes me… well, FURIOUSLY HAPPY!!! I can’t wait to get this book!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  400. Yay! I’m running in circles yelling, “W00t! W00t! W000000t!” (Which is a problem because I work in a library. Oops.)

  401. Love it! I just got into Zentangle and find it works great for calming the monkey mind.

  402. Breathtaking and healing! Thank you! Can’t wait to buy one or fifty!

  404. I cannot wait to get my hands on this! I love to color! Your designs are so beautiful, and I love that there are sayings on them too. I hope you know how much you mean to the people who come here. You are extraordinary—you beat depression again and again by giving your light to the world.

  406. How exciting!!! I definitely want one as soon as you have copies to sell. Just tell me how much they are.

  407. Jenny, I am so excited! I was hoping this was your big surprise. I got into coloring last summer after a friend shared hers with me, but I haven’t felt like I could spare the time on myself during the school year (I teach). Now that it’s summer again, I have still felt guilty about “wasting time” on coloring. As of today, I’m digging out my pencils and books and starting again. It’s soothing, and it helps center my scattered brain. So as long as I accomplish my must-dos each day, I refuse to feel bad about taking this time for myself. Thank you for reminding me. Much love!

  408. YAAASSSSSSSSS! This is a wonderful, awful, beautiful, terrible, phenomenal idea. You’re talented and amazing and a savior to more than can be counted, and I know you don’t believe me, but that’s ok, because we’re all together holding that here for you in the times it feels too heavy to bear. But once in awhile, please hold it for a moment. It might leave a lovely mark on you, I hope. It might be so filled with shock and awe that you’ll need to hand it back after a second. But that’s ok, too, because we’ll be right here holding it for you until you feel well enough that you can take it for another second. And repeat. And even if you can’t hold it for more than a second, it burns so brightly that the lovely mark it leaves behind can softly lend you a little magical power to walk a little farther.
    After all is said and done, you have your Victor, your hailey, your lovingly bequeathed gifts from your tribe, your tribe (duh), and a knitted ballsack of magical beans. After all is said and done, what more do you need?
    God, I love you, woman. And I’m sorry if that’s weird because we only met twice. But I’m not the only one. And I swear to Thor and Loki that if we ever met in a library, we’d start whispering obnoxiously loud at each other until the librarian threw us out, because OBVIOUSLY she doesn’t understand maximum awesome when she sees it. And then we could go to the nearest bar and drink and tell each other our great and terrible stories until we passed out on the table and the bartender called a couple cabs and put us in them headed back to our homes. Because OBVIOUSLY she WOULD understand maximum awesome, and hear me now and believe me later, WE WOULD BE IT. Unequivocally, irrevocably, unapologetically FUCKING IT.
    And this was so delicious AND nutritious to write that I just did a copy/paste just in case Teh Innernetz eats it, I can say, NOT TODAY, TEH INNERNETZ; not today. Except this paragraph, because, NOT kidding (I just thought of the sad dog on YouTube who gets teased by his owner with bacon), I super really did copy/paste. I’m not sure how long my clipboard can hold it because of like, the metric shit long ton of sheer maximum awesome it can barely contain, because unlike the imaginary librarian with her stupid tight sphincter, my clipboard CAN and DOES recognize. And I mean that like, RECOGNIZE. RESPECT MAH AUTHORAHTEE.
    Ok, I’m gonna stop, because there’s the ever so slight but probably certain chance that I’ve scared you. I’m backing away now. And feeling like the emporer’s taken my clothes (the cheeky, newly-enlightened fucker.
    (WOW. That’s the first time in years that I felt satisfied with something I wrote. Like when you have a massive dump, and you know your large intestine gave it everything it possibly could. Except less disgusting and more genteel.)
    (Who am I kidding; the word “genteel” will NEVER in the history of EVER be used to describe me.)
    (I better copy again. On second thought, my clipboard can’t take it. It could before; it can’t now.)
    (Ok, I’m really done.)
    (I lied. I’m not. I love you.)
    (Ok, NOW I’m done. Really. Until the next time I verbally diarrhea in your comment section. I do feel sorta mad; I’ll send The Rug Doctor in. It’s on me.)

  409. I have nothing interesting to add here but since you specifically requested that we “Please, please like this” I want to let you know: I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS

    YOUR DRAWINGS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL
    I LOVE THEM
    I LOVE THIS
    I CAN’T WAIT TO OWN THIS WONDERFUL COLORING BOOK / JOURNAL / COLLECTION OF ONE PAGE STORIES WITH BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGS THAT CAN CALL THEMSELVES WHATEVER THEY LIKE (in a reasonable amount of time, with great patience in the meantime)
    DID I MENTION I LOVE THIS?
    I’m sorry for yelling.

    You’re wonderful, Jenny.

  410. I love it! I want a book now! when I started buying coloring books, it really helped my anxiety. I truly thought I was the only one. I thought I was a weirdo. I am so glad I am not. Thank you so much! I cannot wait to purchase the book

  412. This is wonderful, and also good news for your readers. I paint – it saves my sanity and then some, on the really bad days. Thanks for this… Cheers – s

  413. So excited! I’m glad you were able to share your amazing work so that we could tell you how amazing it is. And it inspires me to draw more. Color more. Write more. Create more.

  414. This warms my expressive art therapist heart. I love you and your ‘involuntary art therapy.’ Thank you for sharing your process and your art with us.

  415. I cannot wait till I find a job again and have the money to be able to buy this and Furiously Happy. Reading your blog really helps with my depression and while I do cry like a baby, it’s also and great help to remember that there are ways to combat it. With laughter mainly from your twitter postings or silly ramblings here on your blog. I want to be able to lose myself in coloring sometimes. I hope to order the Oatmeal’s NSFW coloring book as well, the title alone makes me giggle. Thank you for being you and sharing your awesome self with us.

  418. I cannot wait to get a copy of this book into my hands! Beautiful artwork and you are an inspiration to the rest of us struggling with our own demons. Thank you and love you!

  419. As I was reading and seeing your drawings, I was thinking “please be a coloring book, I hope it’s a coloring book”. Can’t wait!

  421. We have art so that we may not die by the truth. (Friedrich Nietzsche)
    that goes for pictures AND words.

  422. Absolutely stunning!!!! Thanks for sharing it means more than you will ever know.

  423. I’ve been getting back into colouring. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. And I’ve been deciding on a book to get. (For now, I’ve been creating random — totally nothing like yours — doodles and filling them in.) I’ll have to wait for yours, so I’ll find another for now. But trust that I will be buying yours. Your drawings are complex and beautiful and challenging and frightening and engaging and an invitation to reflection. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

  425. I’M SO EXCITED!!!!! Yes to the coloring and yes to pre-ordering as soon as I can and YES TO YOU AND THANK YOU!!!!

  426. Why would anyone hate this? This is your soul beautiful. Because even when we’re sad, there is beauty coming from us. Because no matter how much depression lies about it, we matter. We touch people. I cannot wait to get one, and then buy a dozen to give as Christmas and birthday gifts.

  427. I have been battling depression over the lost of my dog recently and you have been a small beacon of light for me. Your drawings inspired me to try a little. Its one small step and i have you to thank for it. Will be buying your book from a real bookstore when its available. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  428. They are beautiful. Breathtaking. And speak volumes. I am grateful every day that you’ve chosen to share your journey with us. That the #depressionlies has come to unite so many people. Thank you, Jenny

  430. These are breathtakingly beautiful. I love them all. Thank you for sharing these gifts with us!

  431. I teared up reading this. Thank you for sharing you, and the drawings are gorgeous. I love looking at them!

    My bossy request / hope: could the pages be printed blank on one side? I have the “Secret Garden” book, and even pencils show through the pages. My friend has a mandala coloring book and it’s printed one sided. What a difference that makes!

  432. Dearest Jenny,
    I don’t think I can tell you how excited I am about this announcement. I’m excited for you, because you have taken super tough things and made them into beautiful things that we can take in, hold onto, and then share with friends who need them. I am excited for me, because OMG Jenny your work is BEAUTIFUL and I can’t wait to color it!
    I will probably color mine and then mail them to people. Thank you for sharing the love, for being honest, and for being you. <3
    Love,
    Me

  435. I KNEW it! This is so effin’ awesome… It doesn’t seem fair that we get a ‘gift’ because of your struggle…but Thank You all the same.

  436. How incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with all of us, and thank you for all that you do. Your work often makes me feel better or at least less alone about struggle.

  437. This looks exactly like what I would love to put down on paper if I had the talent. Bless you. Remember that depression lies and you have friends and family and friends and fans and ferns and familiars and… feathers and other f words I can’t think of. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, it is so appreciated.

  439. Your angels are helping you through this! And your drawings are simply amazing. Good luck with your new venture! You are so talented on so many levels.

  441. That’s amazing!!! I was hoping you would come out with a book of your beautiful drawings! Congrats! Can’t wait!

  442. Pingback: I have a big announcement to make and I’m not sure how to say it but it’s all your fault. Sort of. | WerdyNerdyNDirty

  443. Oh, hooray! I was hoping your project involved your drawings which are beautiful and haunting and comforting all at the same time. I can’t wait for it to come out.

  444. I cannot WAIT for your coloring book to come out – I’ll be first in line! ❤️

  445. Holy shit. Just…holy ever-loving shitcakes. I will gladly buy/print/color/love these and hang them in every room in my home. Thank you for sharing.

  446. Wow Jenny Lawson. Just Wow. You won’t believe it when we tell you this. Because you won’t. But …. You. Are. An. AWESOME. TALENTED. being. That’s all.

  449. Jenny, this is absolutely amazing. I am so excited for this book to come out! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. Your stories and struggles have helped me so much!

  450. I’m so happy about this book. I will be waiting in breathless anticipation for its arrival. You know people will be snapping them up, and I won’t be sharing this one with friends. They’ll have to buy their own.

  451. OH. MY. GOD.
    I am so unbelievably incredibly fucking excited for this!!!
    Your drawings are haunting and beautiful and amazing. Just like all of our brains.

  453. I am speechless. I am without speech. These are totes awesome.
    (Um, speaking of totes…. would make super bags). <– you heard it here first

  454. OMG OMG OMG! I do the SAME THING for the same reason—“I have no doubt that these drawings saved me.” And they are in a style that speaks to me. Jenny, YOU ARE A LIGHTHOUSE! When I need to get back to shore, you help me! I will buy three: one for my studio, one for work and one hug repeatedly.

  455. I am so excited for this. I love your drawings. They make me feel. Period. I need that. I have a feeling I am going to buy two, one to use for framing or to give individual drawings to friends as needed; and one to color.

    Thank you for sharing your brain’s inner workings and heart and soul with us.

  460. I cannot begin to read the 450 comments ahead of me, but I kind of feel I know what they will all say. Thank you. We don’t just save you, you bring light to all of us also. And smiles. And tears. But always light.

  461. Jenny, as always thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us who love you so. I look forward to this book like everything else you create. I am in awe of your amazing ability to reach in and bring out all the things I feel but can not always express.

  464. I adore these. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents and spirit. You’re an inspiration. Can’t wait until the book is ready!

  466. Thank you! Over the last week I’ve had a fibromyalgia flare but at the same time a burning desire to create. I’ve tried all sorts crafts over the years but never found one that I was passionate about our felt connected to, but I doodle with no particular path. Yesterday at my counselors, we had a conversation about finding an outlet and she recommended art journaling and today… you are here, and I see stories in your art and journeys waiting to start! Thank you for your willingness to share with all of us, I believe that each of us can help another by being open about our struggles, for then we are not alone.

  467. Jenny, you are an amazing, wonderful artist. Your artwork is inextricably linked with your life, and your storytelling. Embracing that chaotic mix and turning it into something cohesive that embiggens the soul is what makes you a true original. You create a generous invitation to us strangers. I am so lucky because I get to glimpse into your world.

    You mentioned ‘perfection’ several times. Perfection is silly. And unattainable. Just ask Dali. Please walk away from that idea.

    Perfection is boring. Getting better is where all the fun is. Dragos Roua
    https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/category/designers/quoted/

    All my love and support from San Francisco, xo Alys

  470. That’s so awesome! I’m a firm believer in keeping a well-stocked toolbox: art therapy, journaling, music therapy, chocolate, wine, therapeutic pups and kitties. You can never have too many. 🙂

  471. On tough days, remind yourself of how beautiful a gift it is to be so talented in more ways than one as you put pen to paper. Amazing Jenny! Amazing!

  473. Fantastic, wonderful, out standing (I try not to use the word awesome, it is so over used!) I can’t wait to get my hands on one!! I plan to colour them and then secretly tape them into the bathrooms at work to help other nurses relax their minds. Help them broaden their minds, to think beyond their textbooks!! Big Hugs to your struggle to climb up and out of your depression. Love Dawn

  474. I am so excited that you are making a (sort of) coloring book! Your drawings are fantastic and they need to be shared.

  475. OH M GEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED for this! And so impressed, thrilled, gobsmacked! Your talent is just BEYOND amazing!!! <3 <3 <3 I WILL buy MANY of the books and in the meantime, I will continue to collect the images and tape them on my wall (I know like a teenaged fan girl—whatever!).

  476. Can’t wait! I’ll be getting one for me, both my daughters and
    my sister. You are a blessing to so many people 😘

  477. YAY! I don’t care how long it takes – I love that your self-care can be turned into something to help others. Can’t wait to buy one!

  478. #artheals I love this. The world is your canvas, Jenny. I love that you can still astound me with your capacity for beauty. Thank you.

  479. THAT.IS.AMAZING!!! I love your art!!! Art is how I deal too. I am a goofball, social-anxiety wreck when I open my mouth, so art is the only way I can really say how I feel. I think I’d have lost the battle long ago without it. I love seeing your drawings. They are gorgeous, and different, and make you look. Life is too crazy. Art is great because it makes you look at something new that 100% came out of another human’s mind.

  482. I’ve always felt that the thing that makes us creative can destroy us. The sensitivity required to be an artist can make it difficult to live with our emotions, in an overwhelming world. Creativity is such a powerful force, and sometimes we bleed for it. We torture ourselves over trying to get a project done, and done to perfection. Sometimes we need to back off and recharge. Sometimes some other project is pushing to be born and we need to honor that. What you’re experiencing is part of the flow of being a creative person. It’s natural.

    Well done, getting that coloring book into the world. Speaking as a book buyer who sees tons of coloring books in publisher’s catalogs, and frankly won’t buy another one unless it’s something new, your book, if I had seen it in a catalog, would have made me sit up and take notice. And order.

    Looking forward to the finished product!

  484. AAAAACKKKK!!!! This news just MADE MY SUMMER!!!!!

    I love you. That is all.

  485. Jenny, you are great at everything you do–these are wonderful, and so “you.” Whether you’re ‘wording’ or ‘drawing’ or just thinking out loud, we are the lucky ones you share it all with, so thank you! I am now going to get my Tangle book out (or whatever it’s called), draw a little, then work on my ms…b/c you’ve inspired me, and isn’t that cool? xo

  486. I hope you are able to appreciate how important you are to people, and what a difference you make in so many lives. The way you openly share about your worst days, the way you let us watch you as come back into the light-I don’t doubt for a second that you have saved lives. This book is a little slice of your soul that you are sharing, and so many need it. They need to see how someone faced some of their darkest days and worked their way back. I own and cherish your other books, and I’ve bought many as presents for others. I can’t wait for this one so I can continue sharing with others and reminding them, DEPRESSION LIES.

  487. I’m so glad to hear you are winning your battles. That we get lovely art is a bonus.

  489. I love this! One of my three wishes to make if I find a genie is to be able to draw. I have always imagined it to be brilliant therapy, but because I suck at it, its not. Congratulations!

  490. OMG, Jenny, I was SO HOPING that you would do this!!!!!
    I want this so badly, I could scream for joy!!

  492. Patterns mean comfort to me in some undescribable way. I very much look forward to seeing more of yours.

  494. Great rejoicing! I can’t wait to see it. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, even the dark, confusing stuff. It helps me so much with my own.

  496. These are remarkably beautiful!! I CAN’T WAIT to buy and frame some of them! Also – I’m currently reading (and LOVING) Furiously Happy. Thank you so much for everything you put out into this world.

  497. This line: “But I had to get it out of my head so I could move on.” YES. Stop making me cry. My mother recently passed away and I had this image in my head of what she was doing now – that came into my head when we were writing her obituary. It was so clear. But it was in my head only and that was driving me insane. So I asked an artist-friend if I could describe to him what I was seeing and if he could draw it. He said yes and we worked on it – and because of him, I now have a tangible piece of what was in my head on paper. And I didn’t realize I needed it so I could move on. I thought I just needed to “see” it and for others to see what I was seeing. It will always live in my head – just like her – but getting it out of my head I hope will allow me to move past it. To no longer NEED to place it in front of the door where I’ll constantly bump into so I don’t forget it. So I can move on. Thanks for that line.

  498. Your drawings are magical. I remember seeing them on Ibstagram and hoped that maybe one day you would share more. I cannot wait to buy a copy (or three!). Congratulations Jenny.

  499. What beautiful, intricate drawings. I’m like #163, crocheting to manage the life and I delight in the patterns it makes. But oh, I miss drawing.

  502. Jenny – they are gorgeous! I am an artist and love what you’ve done. I also do embroidery and know your drawings would be so cool on pillows, tees, purses… There is a website that buys designs. Urban Threads. Check them out. I would buy them!!

    http://www.urbanthreads.com

  503. Awesome!!! I haven’t gotten into the coloring book craze yet, but now I’ll have to! Furiously Happy has helped me get past the worst lies of my depression/anxiety/ptsd by reminding me that, when I’m not in the clutches of my mental illnesses, my life fucking rocks and I just have to make it through the lows, no matter how deep they go, so I can get back to the highs and really enjoy the shit out of my life! It’s awesome how you have taken your experiences and used them to help so many like me! Thank you!

  504. I can’t wait to buy 5!!!! I LOVE to color and this will be the perfect thing to calm my mind and enjoy the messages that I also need to hear so often. THANK YOU!!!!

  507. You are a comfort and beacon to those of us travelling a similar path. Please tell you publisher we Canadians need this colouring book as soon as possible too!

  508. I remember you wrote once that you knew what resonated with your readers by the responses you got after posting. I am STUNNED, not by the responses you got, but the quickness of people to react to your announcement. This should tell you, absolutely, that you nailed it. If colouring books can make the bestseller list, you’ve got it! Love you, Jenny, and you should never doubt yourself with the tribe you’ve got behind you.

  509. Wow! You are so super talented. I loved Furiously Happy, and I love your drawings too. Keep up the great work. You are fabulous!

  512. I fervently prayed that this would happen as soon as I saw your first artwork. For it is art: deep, beautiful, poignant art. Thank you for everything you share with all of us, and now this. <3

  513. I am amazed.by your love and compassion. Most of all I am really proud of you.

  517. You truly are a gift to me… I’m in tears reading this post… your art work is so visually pleasing – and very very very beautiful… I stand beside you with anxiety that is near paralyzing… depression that I fear I won’t climb out of – but I’m functioning. Thank you for being so open, and allowing us all to feel that we are less alone.

  518. I’m so happy for you and yes I’ll definitely buy several copies so I can give them to my family and friends.

  519. Cool! You draw so very well and I believe that one can draw or write oneself out of a depression or anxiety. Not always, but drawing or writing helps. You do not need anyone else to do this. Just yourself and your tools. Room service helps also. One gets into a zone and out of time. So, pleased that you are doing this. I hope it encourages others to do the same.

  520. Your pain breaks my heart. You are beautiful. This world is cruel. Thank you for your beauty

  521. I well and truly cried. Big ugly tears, but good tears because I know it was hard for you to share such a personal part of you but it helps me (and others) so much to see what beauty you create from your struggles. i’m not sure i’d be where i am today without you and your stories and drawings. you remind me that i’m not alone, and more importantly, that depression lies.

  522. I always love you and everything you do! Please let me know when I can pre-order copies of your new coloring book.

  525. This is all absolutely gorgeous, and touching, and gut-wrenching, and I can’t wait to buy at least two, one to keep and one to colour. You are so wonderful and talented.

  527. YES! The very first time you shared one of your drawings, I hoped that this type of project would be the result! I’m thrilled for you and, much more selfishly, thrilled for me. I can’t wait to buy it!

  528. They are so beautiful and dark and light and sad but cheerful and soothing. They make me cry, but in a good way I think, I’m not really sure.

  529. I’m so looking forward to this! I’ve already printed off several pictures from this post so I can color them while I’m sitting here in the hospital with my sister.

  530. So excited! Excited for you that this helped you move forward…and excited for us as we reap the rewards. I color to help with my anxiety…so yeah, will be buying as soon as it’s available. Love you!!!

  532. Oh my God, Jenny, congratulations, and thank you. What a gift you are giving…and have received. Knowing those circle started as coffee cups and pill bottles makes them even more beautiful.

  533. Wow! I mean, WOW! I love them. Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to the book.

  534. I was so hoping that your news would be a coloring book. I am so impressed with your drawings and words, I can’t wait until I can purchase this. Congratulations Jenny, and thank you!

  536. I know what I’m asking for Christmas this year along with the new mini Nintendo! Love everything you do Jenny. Thank you for sharing your thought, feelings, fears, and joys with us.

  537. I feel lucky to have been a part of this in some small way. Even if I wasn’t really vocal about it, I LOVED these when you first started sharing them here and there. This new book is already a huge success, and YOU made that happen. I’m so proud of you, happy for you, and thrilled for all those who will get to enjoy such meaningful artwork. <3

  538. I had no idea that you could create beautiful art like this! Huge congratulations on your new book and the inspiration that it will pay forward!! I create in fiber (quilts) and this is my sanity when the dark times hit, which fortunately for me, aren’t often or too terribly dark. Sadly in the place I’ve been lately with the death of my Mom, I have to force myself to work on things and when I do, it always brings me happiness for that time.

  539. I know this feeling of something trying to be created and how it drives and pulls and pushes. This looks like a great book. Wishing you great success.

  540. The girl in the boat reminded me of the book “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making” by Cat Valente. These are fabulous.

  541. Your beautiful words flow into my heart and make tears flow form my eyes. Some are happy, some are sad and some are in wonderment of you.

  542. I am so excited! I can’t wait to get one of these (or 12 of them)! Your artwork is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  543. Yay! I’m so glad you’re releasing this, I love your art! I love to doodle like that too, I started when they taught us about tessellations in art class, and somehow it morphed to that. I think the focusing on just drawing those lines and details helps us to just breath and not think as much.

    I’m gonna buy, like, six. <4

  544. YOU….GO….Girl! I bought coloring book from the margin of your blog and love it! I CAN’T WAIT for yours!

  545. Your description of the gestation of this effort moved me to tears. It’s like life tells us to take on one task, and then the real, sometimes unconsciously-secret work begins. Your stories, your struggles and now also your art brings me joy, strength and hope. Thank you, Jenny. I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

  547. take this for what it’s worth, from a 64 year old white guy: you go, girl!

  548. Thank you, Jenny, so much for sharing your words and your thoughts and your pictures. You are an amazing gift to all of us out here who suffer alone, in silence, trying to tough it out because there is no other option. You make it okay because the loneliness is what makes the bad so much stronger. I will be waiting anxiously for the link to buy your book, all of your books, all of your thoughts and words and drawings, so that I can hold them, and you, closer to my heart, where you have been for such a long time. Thank you.

  549. Your drawings astound me. You are an amazing and incredibly talented person. I am consistently awed and inspired by you. So much so that I can’t really word right now. Can’t wait for this to happen so I can buy many copies.

  550. Not that you wouldn’t rather have skipped the 7 month THING… but it occurs to me that it was necessary in order for this book to find it’s way out of you. How could it have happened any other way? Would these drawings have come out of you had you not been unable to write? I don’t know – but it seems to me as though this is one really, really good thing that came out of the depression.

  552. I don’t even have words for how these drawings touch me. I cannot WAIT for this book to be available. Your work is simply incredible. THANK YOU!

  553. Amazing work! Thank you so much for sharing yet another piece of yourself.

  554. The tears are running down my cheeks. What you wrote are many of the thoughts that float around in my head that I didn’t know how to express. I am an artist as well; my art is not anywhere near the caliber of yours, but it’s art all the same and it’s mine. I am an artist, and creating keeps me sane.
    Thank you for sharing how important art is to many of us who have demons in our head and use creativity to make them go away.

  555. This is awesome!! I love your drawings. They are intricate and strong, yet understated and simple all at the same time. The words are so powerful and they touch the heart. And I completely understand needing to keep your hands busy. If my hands are busy, then my brain doesn’t have as much energy to hurt me.

  557. I love you so hard right now, Jenny. Spectacular news!

  560. You never fail to amaze. So much talent, creativity, compassion and love in one woman!

  562. I’m so excited for this! I bought a set of colored pencils just so I could color in one of your “doodles”. And I wanted to tell you this: I have a friend who has been having a very, very hard time. I printed out the one with the woman with candles for hair and put it in her mailbox, half-colored, with some colored pencils. She told me that it saved her life. She was thinking seriously of suicide but getting that in her mailbox steadied her, gave her something else to think about, and got her through that long night. So thank you from her and from me.

  563. I am not doing so well right now. I want to scream I want to cry. I am angry. I don’t know what to do. I need to get the fuck away. Hopeless. When everything is black or white and you try, really try to see gray but you just don’t see it? I don’t want to be a waste of space. I hurt. I need help but there are even obsticals to asking for help. Asked for some but will it help in time?

    I just want to get off disability and work. But it is destroying me! I’m dieing inside. I’ve never been a quitter so I’ve continued to push myself through. But things I care about are already slipping from my grasp.

    To be honest I just dont want to acsept that I can’t do this job. I want to be able to so much. There are opportunities if I keep it up for a few months. But this is only the third week, and things have gotten a so bad.

    This morning when I tried to explain to my boss that I’m a little distracted because I just lost someone the night before I started the job, boss said I’m sorry and then I was told when you get to work your personal life has no place, to leave it at the door.

    The world won’t end nor will my life if this job does not work out. It just feels that way. (Fact checking) I’m using my DBT skills. I’m using a lot of them.

    you can only do your best and try. Problem is so often my best is not good enough. But I keep trying because I’ve never been able to give up. It’s why I’m still alive.

    This is my fist blog post. I just Needed to share this with someone. Not sure if these can be responded to but if you can would someone out there send a note of encouragement? Thank you for taking the time to read this. And whoever you are I wish you the best in life.

  564. I am so glad that you are finding a way through and that you have an outlet. I’m so excited to see more of your wonderful work. You are a marvel.

  565. Amazing! Congratulations! Your post today immediately came to mind later on while I was watching the trailer for “A Monster Calls.” The artistry and the storyline seem to go hand in hand with your daily message.

  566. Oh Jenny!! I can’t wait to get one. Your art is absofuckinglutly beautiful. Thank you for sharing!!

  569. I was hoping that would be the announcement!! Your drawings are so incredibly beautiful and intricate – they always seemed perfect for a coloring book for those of us who aren’t good at the creating side, but still want to participate in the beauty 🙂

  570. I knew you were doing a coloring book! Can’t wait till it is out so I can buy one for my dtr and for myself. Waiting with anticipation

  574. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you turned this into a book! It’s what I was really, really hoping was going to happen with those amazing drawings of yours!

  575. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL JENNY!!! I’ll be the first in line to get on the pre-order list!!!

  576. Wow wow wow…wow.
    There is beauty in ashes after all. I can’t wait to get my copy. Thanks for sharing the exciting news with us, Jenny.

  577. I think the correct title for this is “I have a badass announcement.”

  582. Jenny – these are beautiful! I would buy the fuck out of this coloring book. <3

  583. Oh sweet Jenny, here, take my money!!! When this becomes available I shall want multiple copies for my crazy ass self and my deeply worrying friends…You are saving so many of us from despair dear child, what a gift you are!

  585. Jenny, thank you for sharing something so personal and intimate. Yours is a light that shines to all of us who are in that dark place too. I’m glad it’s easing for you, for now. Please keep shining. We all love you!

  586. I am so excited! I need this at work with me to help calm me down when I get stuck inside my own head. Can’t wait x

  587. Sometimes I wonder if the depression cycles are ruled by the universe somehow – the moon, the tides, the atmospheric pressure, something like that. It seems as though I am crawling out of the spiral at the same time you are, and at the same time as other friends. In a way it’s nice, because it makes me feel less alone; but on the other hand, the people in my tribe who truly understand how it feels are in the same spot I’m in and are not in a position to help me any more than I am to help them.

    I think your coloring book might be exactly what we need. Every single illustration you have ever shared with us has spoken to me on a level much deeper than most imagery. I can imagine myself starting at the beginning of the book, possibly coloring the whole thing in shades of grey and black, and by the end there is finally color peeking through the dark. I am very excited for the book’s release… and even more excited that you and I are both crawling up into a space where we can BE excited.

    Thank you. For everything. Really, really, thank you.

  588. Your depression is just trying to tell you…trust yourself. In the zillions of DNA strands that comprise each of us, we’re all unique, in infinitely different ways. It’s what makes your creative energy so wonderful. You can’t put an impassable deadline on that. Thank your depression for rejecting the roadblocks around you, because this time it pushed you to a breakthrough in your art. It’s brilliant.

    Trust.

  590. As I scrolled down this post, I came to the tree and I just burst into tears. That one says so much.

    Jenny, you’ve spoken for so many of us who just can’t, or haven’t found the words. Thank you.

  591. What a beautiful project. I want to buy this for my 10 year old. He has so much anxiety, and his favorite art projects have been drawn patterns like the ones in your drawing. I never put the 2 together until this post. He loves coloring intricate, tiny shapes and I feel like he would get so much out of this book. Your words always touch me, and I’m sure they’d touch him too.

  592. Wow! Look at the number of comments! Judging by that alone, I can see the impact this project has on everyone, including me! Not that I would EVER wish depression on anyone, Lord knows I’ve been there and still go there sometimes, but maybe there was a purpose to your depression this time around. Depression lies! But, maybe, just maybe, sometimes it has a purpose and a higher calling. I LOVE this project! I think it represents all the beauty that we can find and that can truly come out of the dark places in our lives, if only we hold on and make it through. And these drawings and these words help to make it through. They helped you, and they have inspired me and I am sure hundreds or thousands of other people!

  593. I do the same thing! I don’t think I have ever met someone like me in that respect. How awesome to be able to have your works published. I cannot wait to get the coloring book.

  596. You continue to inspire and entertain just by being your flawed and wonderful self. Congrats, Jenny!

  597. Thank you, Jenny, for all you have done for your followers. You are such an amazing person! I always look forward to seeing what you have to share–whether it be a funny story, a dialogue between you & Victor, even a sad story–because I can always find something I identify with. I am so excited about your new book & I know I’ll be buying a few for myself & friends (& sisters) I know will enjoy it. Congratulations!! We all love you!! 🙂

  599. First of all, I will not apologize for my part in “making you” create the amazing piece of work that you did Madam! Seconditional, it’s a little unfair that you received the amazing humor gene, the incredible writer gene, AND the phenomenal doodles/artistic gene. Can you leave some for the rest of us non-creative folks? With all of that being said, I adore you; I LOVE your books & your doodles & phrases are both breath-taking & inspiring! Well done Jenny!

  600. I am so incredibly sorry that you had to go through that dark, ugly place to get this beautiful work out. I am selfishly happy for all of us and so glad something incredible came out of it.

  602. Congratulations – this is great news! I have a mental list of 8 or so people I plan to give one to, plus I’ll get at least a couple for myself to use in some of the different ways you’ve mentioned. Thank you for this, and for all you’ve done in the past to lead me and some of my friends out of darkness.

  603. Thank you Jenny for your beautiful drawings and all you share with so many people.

  604. I can not tell you how excited I am for this book – both as a testament to how truly amazing you are, but as a big, giant f*ck you to the things that drag us down. Thank you for reminding us, each and every day, that our illnesses, our damages – however large or small – are not an end, but a stepping off point into something more profound and more amazing that we know.

  605. I cannot wait for this!!! Your books, blog and tweets have literally made me feel so much better and different about myself and my own mental issues, but in a good way! I really love your work and I can honestly say that I would probably be in a much darker place in my life if not for you. So for that, and this up and coming coloring book, thank you 🙂

  606. I love everything about this. Well, not everything – that whole depression and anxiety thing is the utter pits. I’m always banging on about the benefits of creativity to our mental health, our wellness… And there you go offering up the best explanation ever. Thank you! These drawings are delicious amazingness and I can’t wait to get a copy of this.

  607. This is so amazing! You are amazing! This community you’ve inspired is amazing!

  608. I think now you can show your depression that even when it tries it’s hardest to fuck with you, your spirit can and will overwhelm it and something great and wonderful is the outcome. I can hardly wait to get your book!!

  611. Can. Not. Wait! I knew this was going to happen the first time you posted one of your drawings. They reach out and draw you in, inviting you to see the detail and add your own. I am so furiously happy that this will be a real, physical thing one day soon! All my friends will be getting a copy. Well done, you.

  612. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been kind of mad at you for not blogging your usual blogs. I thought it was the usual, “I wrote a book, so I don’t need to blog anymore” thing, and I was sad and cynical. I’m sorry for feeling that way when you were having such a hard time and creating something so magical at the same time. It’s an awesome project.

  615. Yay! I can’t wait to see this! I love all your drawings! I use them as inspiration to stop farting around (heh) and start drawing again.

  616. Something tells me you can’t paint this with your vagina;).

    Inspirational and admiration –

    XStacy

  617. Thank you for the news I’ve been waiting to hear.
    I “caught” my 10yo with print outs of some of your images the other day (she’s become hooked after watching me giggle reading Furiously Happy on the ferry). Needless to say, we’ll be buying multiple copies for this household alone.
    Can’t wait… I hope this publishing and stocking business doesn’t take too long.

  618. Love love love love love love love love love love love love love love!

  619. Thank you for sharing your drawings. They are amazing. Can’t wait for them to be available. I love them, and make me want to fill them with color. Thank you again for sharing

  620. I was so hoping this was what you were doing! I’m excited! runs in a circle, flailing her hands Once again, you’ve taken the bad things and turned them into your minions, and that makes you Grade-A Badass. Much love!

  621. I am an AFOC (Adult Fan of Coloring) and love your illustrations. Really impressive you’ve been able to take something painful and make something so beautiful. Coloring is my zen, but it seemed a little–pointless…? I guess is the right word–until I found a book that had inspirational comments worked into the images. I color them and then use them as a mood board of sorts for the month. And your idea of a coloring book with words, either expressing what you’re going through or to inspire out of it, is so perfect. Thank you for finding an outlet and sharing it to inspire others. I guess that also makes me an AFOJ 🙂

  622. My first thought was that you were PREGNANT!! AND YOU WERE, only with a Book.

  623. De-lurking to say: I LOVE THIS AND I’M SO HAPPY ABOUT IT I’M DOING A LITTLE DANCE!!! Ahem. Sorry for the yelling. Your drawings are amazing, and I’ve been looking at them for awhile thinking: “These would make a great coloring book.” So, yay!!!

    Reactivating Lurking Device.

  627. Happy for you and soon for us, will pre-order ASAP. Thank you for sharing your life and art.

    #564 (hope minus the less please) shook me to my core. Please know that many readers can identify with your comments, depression lies and you ARE using your DBT skills just by writing this post. Please search out some help online if you don’t have a local support group or suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255. Help is available, just reach out. I hope you post again to say that things have improved. Take care.

  629. Jenny, I was first made aware of your drawing skills when you posted a month or so ago. Now I see you will publish your work. You are very very skilled and interesting. In many ways. My brother Chip Bradley has of late been drawing mandalas and most recently even more abstract stuff. I own and have read your books, bought extra copies and sent them to friends. I also work with a woman Shelly Castiolla (The Pattern Maker) who draws marvellous things. Good luck with the drawing book. I will of course buy it. Lee Bradley

  630. Bravo Jenny :-). Thanks for being you and sharing your writing, drawing and awesomely bizarre life with the world. Looking forward to your next book. You rock!

  631. So excited to see this and so proud of you for doing it. I wonder if it wasn’t your depression taking you this time though, but your creativity screaming for a new release? Because I feel like this is something that is so uniquely you that it could never be brought to being otherwise. And I’m with other commenters I’ve seen, I’ve been supremely uninterested in this whole adult coloring thing, until now. Thank you so much for being exactly who and what you are, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Will definitely purchase the finished product. 🙂

  633. Oh, I’m so pleased you are doing this! I’m having 2 copies (at least!) one for me because I like pretty, profound and difficult things and one for a friend who needs a lift. Well done, you, your art is fabulous in a Gieger/Escher/weirdandsometimesscarey way.

  634. You’ve no idea how badly I would like to color that breathing room one right now. Unfortunately about 16 hours from home for the last week with no printer. Also love the whale tail one something fierce.

    Congrats on the new book!

  635. that’s a wonderfull wonderfull thing, and I’m glad your pictures have fought their way out of your pen and onto pages, so that we can love them. congratulations on another book!!

  636. I’ve never written here and don’t know if you’ll even see it (being comment number 220+) but as a fellow mental illness-haver (mental illness-ette? Mental illness in law? Words are weird), I know the power of just a few more words.

    My coping mechanism is writing out quotes. Whenever I find a quote I love, I bookmark it, and when I have a rough day or week or month, I spend time copying them into a little Harry Potter journal I have (It’s a Slytherin journal, don’t judge me).

    I just thought you should know I’m new around these parts (I just read both your books while on vacation and laughed until I cried, and also cried, and also wrote a bunch of parentheticals), and I can’t wait for this book. I already took screenshots of these quotes so they can join my little book the next time I need to hear them and read them and write them. And considering they’re GORGEOUS, I’m equally excited to frame them and hang them on my walls.

    Okay, love you, bye.

  637. I have so much love for you, Jenny. Thank you for sharing. Sharing your art, sharing your stories, sharing yourself.
    I know I feel less alone.

  640. Thank you. Furiously Happy made me feel as though you had peeked in my windows and written my biography. You made me laugh more than possible in a very long time, and for things that were so hopelessly not funny when they happened to me, until now. The 10 daily meds that keep me going, but keep me off the stage. The doctor appts. which my father drives me to because I don’t drive anymore. The exhaustion from taking the broom to the living room floor. The overwhelming desire to be creative without the energy to act on it. Hope is a dangerous thing. It can lift you up, and drop you flat worse than anything. But having done an armlode of musicals, it still lives inside me.

  642. Beautiful drawings!!!! This coloring book is going to help so many people (myself included!). You’re wonderful for sharing your art and coping mechanisms with all of us 🙂 can’t wait to get (multiple copies!?) of the book!

  644. Amazing! Have you ever looked at Tim Burton sketches? I’m feeling the same kind of love for yours 🙂

  648. Amazing! I can’t wait to buy it!
    you know, I have developed some skills while trying to find something that could distract me from my own mind. We might be kind of a mess, but at least we are a creative kind of mess.

    Btw, I would love to have the candelabra girl tattooed, if you don’t mind. I have it on my wall and it helps me and my partner a lot. I just really want to carry it with me all the time <3

  651. I LOVE THIS!

    Thank you! I used to draw like this a LOT many years ago. Then I was in a bad relationship where drawing, reading, joking, dancing, whistling and singing were forbidden. I escaped that a few years ago, and have made a few sputtering, false starts to draw again. I’ve been caught up with taking care of my kids, but I really need to share my love of joyous creativity with them as well. I think your book will be a fantastic help, and I’m so grateful you persisted in finishing it!

    Best Love!

  652. I LOVE your drawings, and the words that go with them. Thank YOU for trusting us enough to share them. Namaste.

  655. I know you’ve heard it over and over now… But there is never enough positive feedback! Thank you for getting this out of your head, into your hands, and (with any luck) into the hands of others – then to their heads and hearts. What you have created is scary, but it reminds us that we aren’t the only ones scared. It is beautiful, which can be hard to see in the dark. It is touching, and I hope it is very well received. I can’t wait to see it on the shelves so that I can liberate a few copies!

  656. I just got diagnosed with ADD at 39 years of age, on top of my 25 year history of depression and anxiety. I’m barely holding on with my teeth right now, but I’m holding on. I need like, 40000 of these. Thank you <3

  660. Doodling and coloring have always helped me. I am now 56, and was thrilled when adult coloring books came out. I can’t wait to see yours!

  662. Jenny – I was hoping the announcement would be related to your amazeballs drawings, either in the form of a coloring book or a children’s illustrated book! I am so excited for this! Everyone’s getting them as birthday/Christmas/Monday Funday presents! So happy that you are feeling more yourself. Thank you for sharing with us.

    And to #564 – Your best is good enough. I believe it. I hope you believe it, too. And you are the exact opposite of a waste of space – you are a beautiful individual. Writing your post took courage. Please call a friend, a relative, a hotline, anyone who is supportive. #628 had kind words for you and made the excellent suggestion of calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. We will be thinking of you.

  665. Oh, yes! Oh, yes! I want one I want one I want one! We love you, Jenny!

  666. I’m so happy you have such a beautiful outlet to the darkness. These are stunning. I can’t wait to see the book.

  667. It’s even more wonderful than I could imagine because you added your words from your heart.

  668. Thank you Jenny!! Your pictures are a delight! Your courage to live creatively and boldly never fails to inspire me. I am humbled and awed. So much love to you!

  669. I have one of your drawings. It’s hanging on my wall. I can’t wait for this collection.

  670. Jenny, your drawings are beautiful and they also make me kind of sad. As a college student I doodles in patterns. I also worked in an adolescent treatment facility. The art therapist there saw my doodles one day and told me they represented adolescent thinking and were, in her opinion, age inappropriate. I stopped doodling. And now, I will celebrate your amazing work!

  671. Pure. That’s what I love. People, intentions, meanings … anything that’s pure. Brilliant. And hugs to you. (I only say that when I mean it.)

  672. I’m so glad! I don’t even color but I’m going to buy several of these, keep one and give the rest away.

  674. The minute I hear it’s out, I’m buying it, coloring it and hanging some in my home…because just thinking of you makes me happy. You’re amazing.

  676. I’ve never commented on your blog before, but I’m am so super excited for this book. I love your drawings!

  677. Yessss!! This makes me so excited for you! And for me of course. 😉

  678. So excited! Your drawings are so wonderful and meaningful…. I sent your candelabra girl to a friend who was struggling… It made us both cry… Thank you for sharing this with the world. ❤️

  679. Thank you! I am envious. I can “draw” with fabric (quilt), but my mind “sees” designs my hands can’t recreate. May someday. Meanwhile, congratulations!

  683. Jenny, you are such an inspiration! You took the darkest moments and turned them into beauty! We augment that beauty when we color it or add to it or share it. You ORIGINATE it! That is a gift! Do not put yourself down as a failure because of deadlines etc. You are a creator, and we are all in awe of your work.

  685. I saw the “candle woman” when you first posted her… I’m as blown away today as I was then.,she is nothing short of remarkable.

  686. Oh, dear. I hope your publisher has at least a thousand copies planned for a first run! Congrats, Jenny. You deserve this because you’ve chosen to share your joy and pain with those of us who could never do so. Let us know when to pre-order. <3

  687. I love the ones you put here. They are lovely,complex, mysterious, flowing,symbolic, uplifting, multifaceted, like visual poetry. You have so much to share. Thank you.

  688. So beautiful and inspiring. You have so many gifts. Thank you for sharing them all so bravely.

  689. You mentioned this beginning in a hotel room nine months ago while on tour. The time line itself is a metaphor for the book, for after months of ups and downs, difficulty and expectation, here you are birthing something new and beautiful. It is from the deepest parts of you, but will take on a life of its own. Congratulations and thank you for sharing this with the world.

  690. Please look at Zentangle.com
    Your work is lovely and I think you will like what you see and read on
    That site

  692. Absolutely lovely. A calendar would be nice. I would buy it for my daughter. (I’ll buy the coloring book as well, of course.) Bless you. 🙂

  693. UH MAY ZING! Amazingly brilliant and astoundingly beautiful. Can’t wait to buy it.

  694. You are a beautiful person Jenny. Thank you so much for sharing every part of yourself with us. You are truly a blessing.

  695. Can somebody tell me the rest of the quote: “If you cannot teach me to sing….”
    I am not strong enough to turn the computer upside down, thanks!

  697. I teach creative writing here in Houston with Writers in the Schools. These pictures/illustrations/stories will rival The Mysteries of Harris Burdock as a source of inspiration for my students (and me, cuz I always have to write a sample!) I’m glad art and writing saved you for us.

  698. These are beautiful. I would love to have the coloring book. Best Wishes.

  699. What wonderful news! I will buy multiple copies as I will love to use my colored pencils and relax my day away. Other copies I will share and one perhaps I will cut out the pages and frame them. My son once made a picture in art, alternating the layers of a women’s painted face. I instantly fell in love with it as it portrayed exactly as I felt with my daily headaches. I really thought he had made it for me but he was just a project for school. I still have it displayed today. I can’t wait to see your book and see if you made something for me.

  700. Your line work is exemplary. Such beautiful detail and loving attention to form and composition. Bravo!

  701. Hi, #564- Hope minus the less please
    I’m sorry to know that you’re going through some difficult times, while in a work environment that doesn’t sound supportive. But please do never believe that you’re a waste of space! You’re important and you deserve all the happiness!
    I don’t know your circumstances, but remember that there is nothing wrong in giving up on a job that is unhealthy for you. As you said, the world nor your life are going to end if the job doesn’t work out. Sometimes it helps me to write some of those reminders down, so I can revisit them when my mind is telling me lies. Maybe it can also help you keep your thoughts in order.
    Also, GJ (#628) and Kathy (#663) gave you some tips on places you can get help. I hope you can find someone to talk to and that you keep posting and participating in our community here. A lot of us have been there, and we know how hard it is.
    Take care and keep in touch!

  702. So excited to see more of your gorgeous, inspiring, humbling, heart-warming, doubt banishing, beautiful art. Thank you for sharing your weakness and making it our strength.

  703. Your honesty about your struggles has already helped so many and this book and the meditation of coloring and patterns will help many more. Do you know about changedirection.org? Please check it out because your message, mission and spirit align with theirs. Hope you like it – guarantee if you reach out to Barbara VanDahlen (the founder) she would love to work with you!

  705. Ive never bought an adult coloring book but I really can’t wait for this one. You made a lot of people happy. It’s kind of funny (in a sad way) that you felt like you were failing for not reaching deadlines when in reality you created a new book in a very short amount of time. I think you need to reevaluate your idea of failing because it sounds like winning to me. Never forget Jenny your awesome and amazing. Even if you were to fail we all still love you. 1% or 100% we’re along for the crazy fun ride.

  707. THIS STATEMENT SHOOK ME:
    And once they were down on paper I could turn the page and feel free of the thought. As if I’d archived the emotion I was stuck in and could now move forward and see the next one waiting to be acknowledged and recognized.

    You have finally put into words how I survived my childhood. One piece of writing/art at a time, tackling one feeling at a time because all of them together would make me go mad.

    You are an angel and a goddess, a muse for those of us who can’t find words to explain how we feel.

  708. #564 when I saw I know how you feel please understand it’s not just words. I was in the same place as you just two months ago. Please get help!!!! You deserve to be happy and see the light. Your boss is an a$$ and you deserve better. He only told you that because he’s unhappy with his life or himself that he has to make other people feel bad it had nothing to do with you or how you do your job. You may not believe your worth more but I believe it. I believe you have a light in you that wants to shine it’s just sometimes people like us get lost in the dark. That’s why Jenny’s so awesome she brought us together so when we’re stuck in the darkness the others can light a candle to help us find our way out. I know this is true because they lit candles for me till I could find my way out. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have lived to see my next birthday. 564 I’ll lite a candle for you just don’t give up get help breathe and tell yourself your not alone the darkness will pass. Your best is good enough your good enough. Ps if nothing works hug a cat you’d be surprised how well it works.

  709. All the loves, Jenny. All the loves.

    And several copies of the book when it comes out. Quite possibly retailed through where I work, if I can make that happen.

    All the loves.

  710. Love this and your drawings are amazing! I can’t wait for this to come out!

  711. I want 5 books! These are amazing and I can not wait to be soothed by your drawings as I color outside the lines

  712. You are, even in the dark spots of your life, a shining light. Your joy sometimes has to peep out from under the cover of depression but it is there and your heart is warm and open and honest. Your writing helped ME and I thank you even as you thank us and I think I can speak for everyone here in that. You helped me through my own dark hallways, short and sporadic but still there. You helped me through a baffling, stunning break-up. I wish I had found you years ago. Keep shining, Jenny. Keep being the awesome you that you are. <3

  714. These are lovely, Jenny. And I’m glad they helped you find your way through the dark. I love your written work, too.

  715. Absolutely brilliant. I am grateful that you’re out there because you are a lot like me, a lot like many of us (but far more clever and artistic than most) and you make it OK for me and others to spend a day in fetal position, rocking back and forth saying over and over ‘you will feel OK again, you will feel OK again’ and somewhere in the bleakness of our minds believing it enough to hold on. Our fathers are a bit alike, too. I have a deer head named Dear, an elk head named Norther Winslow and a boar’s head named Socrates (Bill and Ted pronunciation). Thanks for giving us a voice.

  716. I do not suffer from depression, nor am I very arty. But when things get overwhelming, I find myself sitting at my desk filling in coloring books with sharpies. They way the ink slowly grows to fill in the lines is so gratifying, I don’t know how to explain it to others. I really love using the ulta fine sharpies to fill in little spaces. Great artwork!

  717. Hot damn this is awesome! After my son’s friend being over here for 5 hours, I grabbed my coloring book: Calm the F*ck Down to color. This child was driving me to drink….before 9. Your drawings are amazing and you are truly gifted. I can’t take my anti-depressants for 5 more years b/c of my tamoxifen so coloring is just 1 of several ways I’m attempting to cope with my depression. Good luck and you are going to be ok. I hope I am going to be ok too. 🙂

  721. YAY! I’ve got my markers at the ready! Where’s the pre-order button?? Love it!

  722. I am SO EXCITED about this! I can finally stop begging for a coloring book! 😆

    Seriously, though, thank you for sharing your art. I color almost every day, at least a little, to de-stress and clear my mind, and the drawings you’ve shared always make my fingers itch for my Sharpies. It’s very exciting to have this to look forward to.

  723. I have tears welling up now. Thank you Jenny for sharing. Glad you’re feeling better. =)

  724. You are beautiful. I get this on many levels. I do this so I can cut out the head static and focus. This is and has always been how I listen. These are amazing.

  725. #564: You are enough. And you are absolutely in the right place amongst this tribe. We love you.

  726. YOU. BLOW. MY. MIND. I suffer from many of the same mental and physical health problems as you and you are definitely one of the lights in my life that guides me amongst the rocks . THANK YOU

  728. Pingback: The Bloggess makes an Announcement | Madame Wong

  729. Extraordinary! Thanks for what you do, keep on keeping on cause you hit it dead on DEPRESSION LIES! When we give it an inch well ya know.

  732. Jenny, (sorry to use your name like we know each other, but maybe we should). I don’t know how I missed your fabulousness before this, but I just jumped on the “I love Jenny Lawson” train when I accidentally read your book because of the raccoon on the cover. Anyway, to jump ahead to why I’m writing you, it’s a thank you note. My daughter has JRA (but they call it JIA now to be obnoxious and confuse people who already don’t know what Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is) and your book literally kept me from tearing my hair out in a doctor’s waiting room from stress. Then I started reading your next book, because I tend to chain -book (like chain-smoking, but with books, obviously) and I read your chapter about your RA. You nailed it. I can’t wait until she’s old enough to read books with profanity and multiple vagina references (she’s only 9, so it will be at least a year and a half) because she’s going to love having a kick-ass partner in joint pain along with her. I think you could be besties, because yesterday she was watching “Soul Surfer” (the story about Bethany Hamilton who had a shark bite her arm off) and she said, “Arthritis sucks, but at least my arm didn’t get bitten off by a shark,” which I think shows a lot of perspective and genius for a kid who still has pictures of strawberries on her underpants. Anyway, thank you from the bottom of my anxious heart for what you do. I try to do it myself, but on a smaller less successful scale. I do the doodle thing as well, but mine tend to be quotes like “Let it go or be dragged,” or “Oh shit, not again.” Alright, so have a wonderful, wonderful day, and I’m super glad you put a raccoon on your book cover which is the reason I still have a full head of hair without any bald spots. xoxox Laura Goodman

  733. Pingback: I have a big announcement to make and I’m not sure how to say it but it’s all your fault. Sort of. – "It's Time To Begin"…

  734. It is beautiful!!!

    I’m in a deep depression myself – my situation sucks – mom passed away – dad went ape shit crazy (sorry but he did – and is in a Alzheimer home now) – he does not know mom passed away – then two police shootings – then Dallas (home is Fort Worth) – then France – …. and I keep saying Depression LIES and I keep going to my shrink – and I know this is just now and not forever – but seeing your images does make me smile. And there isn’t much smiling going on right now…… Thank you so much for sharing and for being so honest with the world. Now – go find a kitty and give you some love from me…..

  736. That is fantastic! This looks like it will be an amazing project, and I can’t wait to see it!

  737. I just printed out the first drawing (with tentacles) to hang in my cubicle because I need it Today. I cant wait for the coloring/jourinaling book! I need at least two copies right away, one to use and one to keep to look at. I might need a mug with the tentacles one on it and a big tee shirt too for sleeping and dreaming in. Your drawing sums up my life and I thank you. Day-me in the cubicle, bustling along like the little ship, busy at home and at work, intent on making progress, and yet down below, the real me, in the depths, the vast bejewelled byzantine creature slumbering, dreaming, creating.

  738. Wow! I got here through a retweet from
    Mr.Gaiman. Incredible drawings with a story that resonates. I find solace comfort inspiration in doodling also. I look forward to your book whenever it’s released.

  739. Jenny, your writing is poetry and your drawings are incredible. As I read this post, it struck me that many creative people are also, at times, tortured souls. I am so very sorry for your pain. But, thank you for sharing your journey. Can’t wait to see the book. You help others on so many levels, even in your struggles to deal with your illness. I wish you many less gray and dark days and many more of the light and sparkling days you are brave enough to gift us with through your sharing.

  740. I love love love this. And you! And everyone here who is as excited for this book as I am. 😀 (Can’t wait!)

  741. I love what StaceyLrn says way up at #219. The next time my 9yo says “let’s paint Tshirts” I think I’ll be going all out crazypants with some variation on your phrase for the caption: “Letting a little inner whackadoodle show on the outside is okay and can even make things better.”

  742. YAY!! This is great news Jenny – your beautiful drawings need to be shared with the rest of the world.

  744. I love your drawings..mostly because I have those things in my head too. I am still climbing out of the giant yawning chasm but I will get there..into the light…one step at a time. Can’t wait until the book come out!

  745. Oh, my. This is exactly what I needed to see and to read this morning. It helped me untangle a dreadful snarl in my head that has held me in a dark swamp for a long time. I’m on dryer ground in a brighter place now. Thank you so much. Blessed be.

  746. You are a beautiful soul, Jenny Lawson. Whether you have your words or have not, whether you are drawing, doodling, being artsy fartsy or not, YOU. ARE. A. BEAUTIFUL. SOUL. Never, ever forget that. And if you every begin to doubt your soulfulness, let me know, and I will remind you that you are. It’s the least I can do because of everything you have done for me during the darkest, loneliness times during my bouts with depression. It was your words, your blog, Twitter and Instagram posts and, especially, your books which kept reminding me that my depression was a lying filthy mother-clucking bastard, that it was more than okay to talk about what it was doing to me, and, most importantly, you reassured me that I would, indeed, come out of the mother-clucking abyss and laugh again. There are not enough words in the entire universe to adequately express how grateful I am to you for that, you dear sweet beautiful soul.

    If you or any of your readers need to be reminded of your beautiful soul(s), please drop me a line at talesfromthecabbagepatch@gmail.com. I am only a couple of words away.

  747. Dearest Jenny – Your brain may be an asshole, but I am ever so grateful that your heart and spirit are the exact opposite…of an asshole. Okay, maybe this analogy needs some work, but I know that you understand what I mean.

  748. Pingback: There is enough, and Wordy Weekend Links | Wordsremember

  749. Jenny –
    I know that you know this, but here goes anyway. You say that you felt like a failure for falling behind in everyday life. I’m a doctoral student, and last year I started therapy because I was struggling with depression and had lost my motivation to progress in my degree. I felt guilty just like you did. Then, this March I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. EVERYTHING was set aside to focus on chemo and pain reduction. Weirdly, a part of me felt relief because now I have an “excuse” to fall behind in everyday life. But in continuing to talk with my therapist, I began to see that we don’t have to have cancer (!) to legitimately need care, time and healing. Your mental illness needs, and your non-mental illness needs, are valid. Remember this when your depression lies to you, and try to ditch the guilt if you can. You are not alone!
    Shannon

  750. I really needed a gift today. I am ripped up with sadness over what happened in Nice and relief that my ex, who was there with his new companion, is still alive. You remind me that all of the mess of it, of life, the confusion and beauty, the pain and wonder, are ok.
    Thank you Jenny.

  751. I am so happy for you Jenny. The whole world is happy and grateful for you. Love, Cousin Sally

  752. Definitely planning on getting lost of copies, one to keep Black and White another to get pages framed and several to colour as I get better and more confident at it 🙂

  753. I love the story of how these patterns come to you. It’s like making a quilt and the patches are pieces of your life. Better still that so many are shared pieces, coming to and from you from and to others. It’s a quilt that flows.

  754. I have had several people ask me to illustrate children’s books for them over the years, but the projects never got off the ground. Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and do my own book…

  756. As I started reading this I was thinking, “please let it be another book, please let it be another book”. AND ITS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK!!! I cannot wait for it and please can we in SOUTH AFRICA get it as soon as possible!! 😁😁😁 I got so much out of Lets Pretend This Never Happend and Furiously Happy and its shown me that you dont need to be afraid when your brain is being an ass hole and that you just need to push through it and really appreciate the people who support you through those dark times. Love your work Jenny. FUCKING LOVE IT. Love from AFRICA -Robin

  757. Thank you, thank you! I needed to see all those pictures after this week of feeling not myself and out of control – my perfectionism was rearing its head this week and in my mind, small mistakes were overshadowing everything I did this week. Hearing your story and seeing what you created during that time is a true inspiration – tears running down my face as I read the blog. I can’t wait till the book is released and it will also make a great gift for my friends. Lots of love to you.

  758. Thank you. As a writer who has lost her words and is isolating due to depression, this creative and beautiful coping mechanism is inspirational.

  759. You continue to amaze me with your talent and resilience. Thanks for sharing this.

  760. Thank you so much for doing this book! I love your drawing and your patterns, and can’t wait to color them!

  761. Jenny I’m assuming you’ve stopped reading these by now but as one of the commenters who clamorred for a Bloggess coloring book I’m so happy you did this. I love that it’s not exactly a coloring book but a what you want it to be book.

    So Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!

  762. Zen-tango! My mom has a book called zen-tango and your work looks like the drawings in that book. It’ supposed to be exactly what you say- like a meditation. Beautiful work!

  763. This is the best news I’ve heard this week! You are so spectacular and inspiring! GO YOU!

  764. I love your art along with the sayings. My daughter said she would give me the gift of a new tattoo for a combo Mother’s Day/Birthday present. I wasn’t sure what to get. I have struggled with my own mental health issues and even thought of getting one that says “Surviving Myself”. I might use one of your drawings if that is ok? I will attribute the drawing to you. You have an amazing gift of helping others and finding a way to cope with your own issues. Let us know when your art book comes out.

  765. Title suggestions: Furiously Doodling or Dudiously Happy

    You signed the Whale one for me in Pasadena, because my Mommy had always had adventures, but her final one turned out to be a mis-adventure. Still. I love the doodle, and I love it even better with your autograph on it.

    Everyone I know probably deserves to have this new coloring book. I wish I could buy a bunch and hand ’em out.

  769. I’m speechless for a couple of reasons… they are beautiful and another wonderful facet of you. I’ve always been a doodler, a noodler and sharpie snatcher when I feel inspired, alone or need space. I like knowing there are others out there too. Though I’m not sure I’ll want to share mine anytime soon. Congratulations… it’s another big step in your you-journey. Enjoy the scenery, enjoy your personal triumphs. I’ll be it he one in line doodling on a receipt while waiting to buy a copy of your book!

  770. Hi. I’m a clinical therapist working with children and I am wondering if it would be possible to use one of your drawings as an intervention with the kids I work with. I would love to use your “Breathing Room” drawing with my kids working through crisis and trauma. I would be willing to pay for the drawing and would like to share it with my team with your permission.

  771. I haven’t bought an adult coloring book yet, kind of like I was waiting for something, even though I lingered in front of a big ol’ pack of Sharpies at Wal-Mart last night when I wandered there. Yours, I’ll probably get.

  772. Jenny, Thank you for sharing your drawings – love them all & looking forward to your new book. I would really like to see a Jenny version of a love:peace:acceptance type drawing because it’s hard to watch the news anymore. We all need to accept each other and stop the senseless violence. PEACE everyone.

  773. Yay!
    One for my ex-stepdaughter-yet-still-daughter who I gave my hard copies of both Furiously Happy and Let’s Pretend This Never Happened to. An awesome emotional self-care artist herself.
    Four for myself (maaaaaybe I can let some go as gifts!)😉
    For all of you writers posting who feel stuck… creating a book, a blog, anything… our tribal leader found her unstickiness! You will too. I know it.
    There is no number five.

    Angela – fellow maker of words for film, and often over hyphenates.

  774. Had numbers by each comment. Without them, the last comment makes no sense.

    However, “There is no number five,” may make sense to someone. They are probably a little drunk.

    -Angela

  775. Kudos on this. Your art deserves a platform! The beauty of this is that it serves your need to draw for therapy, and the desires of your tribe to share in your journey. Very, very, even furiously happy for you.

  776. JENNY!!!! I am sooooooooo excited about this coloring, looking at, reading, whatever we need it to be book!!! I’m so sorry that it has taken a year in hell to produce it. I’m so grateful that you are willing to share your pain and struggle in such a real way. I’m so grateful to you for showing the world that depression is real and that it’s terrible and that it is, in its own strange and convoluted way, beautiful. Thank you Jenny Lawson! And I’m SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED about your new book!,

  777. Excellent. I will need a minimum of 3 copies. Cause this epic thing is gonna need sharing and/or framing.

    P.S. I adore how precise and definite and perfect your art is… there is no hesitation nor mistakes (or if there is, they meld perfectly into the whole).

  781. I CANNOT tell you how EXCITED I am about this news!!!!! From the first “doodle” you shared, I absolutely knew that the world needed a collection of your “doodles”—that was AGES ago, but I’m just THRILLED this is coming to fruition!

    Kudos to you & your mad skills. To create something marketable while in the throes of a horrid depression is, in itself, AMAZING!!! (I’m lucky if I can shower, and I’m definitely not able to do anything that would be desired by even loved ones.) 😉

    Thank you for sharing each aspect of your mental & creative state.

  782. This whole post you sounded like you expected us to be surprised. But I assure you that those of us waiting for you to emerge from your personal darkness had no doubt that it was coming. You are wonderfully talented, and the world is a better place with you in it. 🙂

  783. I actually printed the Breathing Room drawing, colored it (because coloring is cathartic) and hung it up in my classroom. I look at it when I need a reminder to just breathe…

  784. There aren’t enough adjectives in my limited public-school vocabulary to describe how overwhelmingly beautiful this is.

    You gots talent, lady. In spades.

  785. So excited – have us my fingers crossed that you would publish these. Every time you have shared one … It just touches something in such a deep level …

  786. So excited!! Have had my fingers crossed that you would so this! Every time you share one of these – it just touches something in auch a deep level….

  787. Truly beautiful…your words & your drawings. You are rare, you are unique, and you bring so much beauty to the world. Congrats

  788. I created this blog account, in part, because of you. I would love to write things that literally change peoples’ lives as you have. You are an inspiration to so many, including myself. I haven’t actually written anything yet, maybe someday I will get the courage, but I thought of the name and wanted to save it because it’s kind of kick ass.

    Anyway, your drawings are amazing. Beautiful and insightful. I am so happy for you that this is happening.

  791. Too beautiful. Please keep writing AND drawing. You make me feel like I’m not alone.
    I will buy multiple copies to color, share, and burn in a fire. (Stupid monsters)

  793. I neeeeeeed it right now. I was all ready to click the preorder link but I guess the publishing stuff has to happen first. Poo.

    And yeah. There’s a future tattoo here. I can’t wait to find out what it is. Keep up the good fight, Jenny. We’re all there with you. <3

  797. You are a great artist! Also, your book really helped me when I was in a bad place. You are very talented and I wish you the best.

  799. I love this awesome drawings. I am so sorry you had to get to slow to create such beauty. you are inspiration. thank you

  801. Your drawings are beautiful and I’m so glad you managed to create something that not only helped you work through particular emotions, but created such beauty and joy for others in the process! xo

  802. I was just wondering but if you write a third book, will you be going on tour again? If you do would there be any chance of you coming to Canada? Like in the Ontario region? I would love to meet you, your books and blog has helped me so much. You make my day when I see a new post and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard reading a book. 🙂

  805. Very inspiring. Will definitely get a copy.
    PS This post made my day. I could relate to it on so many levels. Thank you!

  807. I’m so very proud of you. It’s amazing that the very brain that wants to trap you inside, let’s this beauty out! I’m so thankful you have this outlet, keep drawing chikita! Amy Johnson
    Muralsbyamy@yahoo.com

  808. I’m so very proud of you. It’s amazing that the very brain that wants to trap you inside, let’s this beauty out! I’m so thankful you have this outlet, keep drawing chikita!

  809. So glad to see that your doing this! The drawings you make are wonderful and extremely detailed. Your posts always give a bad day some light !

  810. Thank you for sharing. I also have had this happen… I sit at work and stare at the screen and just want to work on my project of preparing to bike across the world. I also blog about anxiety/depression at tripthelife.com. We are not alone. 🙂

  811. You inspire me – the drawings are beautiful! I love patterns. I grew up in my parents’ print shop, and the clickety clack sound patterns of the presses are a lullaby in my mind. 🙂

  813. The header image, bloggess, like mother teresa, only better, made me laugh. Creative and brilliant. I spent some of my schooling years in Calcutta so there is some connection with Mother Teresa. Your images do have a henna design influence, only better !

  814. Yes, please. I’ve been struggling with the most toxic work environment I’ve ever experienced. I’ve been working since I was 14 and I’m in my 40s now. I’ve NEVER worked for a place this bad. A place that spends most of the minutes of every hour that you are there telling you how awful you are, how stupid you are, how terrible a person and how terrible at your job that you are. I’ve spent over 2 years in rather major depression because of this awful place. One of the ways that I used to re-direct my own impulses towards self harm is color. I spin yarn, I knit, I weave… but these aren’t things I can do easily at work. So I kept pens and drew on my skin. Lines, dots, swirls… if I had fountain pens, I’d touch them to my skin to watch the ink flow through the tiny wrinkles in my skin. Your pictures started up and I found something that I wanted to add my own colors to… sometimes. Sometimes, I just wanted the image because it’s what I saw in my head along with words to remind me that others had the same or similar issues. I keep some of the pictures on my phone. I want to import some of them into one of my coloring book programs, I have some incorporated into my computer screensaver. Because they help.

    Thank you for believing us when we say your art is beautiful and helpful. Thank you for being so brave as to put your art and soul out there for us to see. Thank you for caring so hard that you keep putting your hand out for others, no matter how many times it gets hurt from your own self. It helps. You help. You are amazing, and strong, and beautiful, and even if that isn’t something that you can believe right now, there’s always tomorrow. It will still be true tomorrow and maybe it will feel more believable tomorrow. And if you need to hear it again, I will post it again. I will post it every day because it is true.

    I’ve never met you (sorry, I just couldn’t deal with going out when you were in Seattle last time or the time before).. But you still help. You help me every day. I see your posts on my blog reader, and they help. I see your posts on Instagram and they help too.

    Now I need to go find a tissue. I seem to have sprung a small leak. 🙂

  817. Oh, Jenny. I know you don’t believe it, but you have such strengths, such (good) depths, such grace. I rarely delve into depression these days (sadly, because that’s where the words are for me) but even at that, looking at your images moves me more than you can imagine. I think they speak to everyone, at some deep level.
    When this one is published, this is the one I want. The stores now are filled with “adult coloring books” but this one matters. Really.

  818. I am so sorry to hear you were struggling. Your one quote about Light, I just immediately sent to my daughter. The drawings are beautiful – the words are beautiful – YOU are beautiful and a Light for us all. Continue to shine.. you’re a lighthouse to many. Tell all the book people to hurry up – I can’t wait to get this one. Love to you.

  819. Pingback: Wanna see the cover of my next book? « Fribliss

  820. Jenny, one thing I know about you is this: God so loved the world that God gave us you. You are a gift, a treasure, a woman that speaks on behalf of other women, a woman that has courage to live honestly, you are a “permission giver” so we might do the same. Thank you. You are a person who is “full”, thank you for being…

  821. Remember the big box of crayons with the built in sharpener? I’m getting all 101 of ’em ready right now!

  822. Sometimes you say something and I think….OH YEAH….and then I think, man I wish I’d have figure that out for myself 30 years ago, when I was your age instead of now that I’m old and decrepped (it’s a word, I just can’t spell it). Then there are days like this when I look at your drawings and see my own notebooks, message pads, edges of every steno book in every office I’ve ever worked. Little corners and backs of envelops filled with undulating lines that give me comfort and I think, OH YEAH, that too. Thanks for being my voice.

  823. Omg this is amazing. awesome news! I can’t wait to see it/get one! 🙂

  824. Your artwork is amazing! Many blessings and good luck on your publishings!

  826. Jeezuz this makes me Furiously Happy (pun intended, and not intended, because that’s exactly what it makes me!) I’m so glad that you are coming out of your latest depressive episode, and more importantly that you had an outlet to keep you sane. I sorta just wallow and stay in bed. But I’m happy for you and I will pre order your book asap. 🙂 <3

  827. Pingback: Show and Tell II

  828. Jenny, I’m writing to thank you tons and tons and tons — for sharing your gorgeous work and for inspiring me to do some therapeutic doodling of my own.

    I’ve been going through a tough time lately, and picking up my pens and colored pencils again feels amazing. Since I read you post I’ve worked on 11 different journal pages, and I’ve seen my anxiety and depression levels plummet.

    (Drawing was especially helpful when I, newly single after 10 years, found myself in a situation where a neighbor dude’s tongue was literally IN MY EAR. So much nope! My dating mantra is now “pencils, not penises.” Um… did that sound wrong to you? I didn’t mean it that way!)

    Thanks again for the inspiration and the lifeline. You’ve done more for this gal than you know!

    xoxo,

    PJ

  829. Jenny, we are kindred spirits … or maybe you’re my spirit animal. In human form. I thought I was the only one who did elaborate patterns when my anxiety and OCD were out of control. Every time I read your blog I remember I am not alone in my crazy. This will join the same sacred spot as my Doctor Who coloring book. Thank you for being a fabulously flawed yet perfect you.

  831. Have you read the book “Big Magic”? I see some of that in what you describe as the process which your new book was born and that’s awesome! I love it! Thank you for inspiring ❤️

  832. Pingback: Best of July - Julia K. Garza

  834. I would love to be able to purchase a digital copy, so that it could be digitally colored in something like Photoshop. I have wanted to try my hand at digital coloring, but have not found something that I think I would like to start with. I think your pics would be perfect. Do you know if a digital copy might be in the future?

    Thanks so much Jenny…the pics are really amazing!
    Ellie

  835. Watching Inspector Lewis on PBS and there’s a taxidermy twist! I thought of you. Shine on!

  836. immediatly made the leaves picture my screensaver for both my phone and computer. you are truly amazing. i never could have done anything like that. ;P

  837. I don’t know if you read the comments on such an old post. But I wanted to say that in the last month I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I collect patterns too, but I had no idea that other people did this, or that the reason why I did was maybe related to anxiety. It’s been helpful to have something new to try when my brain is being an asshole. So Thanks

  838. Beautiful, coming from a person who can’t get a job because of mental illness. I hope somebody buys my work, too, and I don’t have to rely on my sister for food.

  839. Lovely images. Honestly, I’ve been looking for a tattoo design idea paired maybe with some words that I can look at and help me get through the day. I know some people like semi colon ones but idk, its not quite what I am looking for. Anyway, love you images <3 looking forward to the book!

  840. Jenny, we are super fans, from long before ‘Furiously Happy” so of course when we learned that you wrote abut derma, we turned into frothing fans, just shy of stalker level. Please tell your publisher we’ll take 200 books ASAP (well, depending on price because we’re nonprofit and that stuff matters). The BFRB / skin picking community, our members and followers and event-goers, would LOVE to fill in the white spaces. Thank you for being a voice out there

  841. Pingback: You are here. And I am too. - News

  842. Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your website
    accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence didn’t happened in advance!
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Flourish in Progress: (T)hug Life: Part hood. Part good.

Pregnancy Calendar at Alpha Mom: Amalah’s week-by-week guide to the miracle of pregnancy and all the various indignities that come with it.

The Mack Files: Digesting life in bite-sized pieces through the lens of clichés, quotes & “truisms”.  Often irreverent, always honest.

Barking at the Moon: If your dog is your furry child, you will laugh out loud at Tracy Beckerman’s book about her family & a one-dog wrecking ball named Riley.

Kieran’s Humor: Not suitable for children, the sensitive or those hoping to get into heaven.

Go Doc Yourself Podcast: When a good doc ends, the klatch begins… Join hosts, scientists, and friends, Erin McCourt and Erin McCartt in weekly documentary dissection.

Welcome to xanaru: A mostly funny blog about the quest for happiness through authenticity, Great Danes and indiscriminate swearing. Plus hand-painted, custom artwork on bags, jackets, backpacks & more.

How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: Humorist Lucie Frost shares daily Instagram reels with learnings of the day—words, music, whatever–with plenty of laughs and all the curse words.

Beautiful Writers book: Writers! This coming-of-career memoir (w/ the BEST advice from celeb authors, real shit you haven’t heard) is life. A page-turning beach read doubling as how-to. #Magic

The Dating Days of Marta O: When I told my sister I was building a blog she said: “Do people still read blogs?” I do not know, but if YOU want to read it, here it is. Keep in mind, my stories about dating after 40 are for the brave.

Where Do I Belong? A memoir of Sarah Carrington: The unbelievable story of growing up in a religious cult in the mountains of Northern British Columbia. What happens to you in life doesn’t make you strong; rising above it does.

CONNECTED: A Personal Journal for Ketamine Therapy Created by writer & patient Katherine Davis for this powerful clinical treatment. If considering ketamine for major depression, check out this essential tool.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh: SO GOOD.

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