Artist • Author • Activist • Advocate

I was recently interviewed about my benzodiazepine journey by August McLaughlin of Girl Boner Podcast. August and I “met” each other waaaaaay back in 2012 and became blogging buddies. She has stuck with me during my entire healing ordeal, and I feel like this is probably the best interview that has ever been done because she approaches the topic from a totally different angle, which speaks to the problems asscociated with Western medicine and how doctors  are getting it very wrong when it comes to women’s health. So many women find themselves “psychiatrized” after postpartum experiences, and August’s non-judgmental focus on the way I made my way to psychiatric medication is nuanced, compassionate and especially revealing, I think.

The episode is called Becoming Unf*ckwith-able, and here’s what August had to say:

After a difficult pregnancy, traumatic childbirth and near death experience in the hospital, Renée Schuls-Jacobson (Rasjacobson Art), endured “next level insomnia.” Little did she know the dark places her attempts to feel better would gradually lead to. Her story is also one of mighty healing, hope and vibrancy—in the Girl Boner department included. 😉

Renée hopes the episode will “offer hope to those moving thru #benzowithdrawal & #iatrogenicillness.” And I was personally so moved by the self-embracement and sexual empowerment she’s cultivated.

There are several places where you can listen to the podcast.

The links are included below.

Blog (includes a transcript):

https://augustmclaughlin.com/renee/

Apple Podcasts/iTunes:

https://apple.co/3HneOSZ

Amazon Music:

https://amzn.to/3ok28EF

I’d love to hear what you think and if any of my story resonates with you.

*** NOTE: This episode contains mentions of traumatic events and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling with such thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 ***

Click the link to check out my book, – Psychiatrized: Waking up after a Decade of Bad Medicine.

Thank you all so much for your continued interest in my healing journey and my artwork.

As I tap out my Annual Year-in-Review blog-post, I am in quarantine for what feels like the millionth time.

How did this happen?

Well, in late November, I made plans to help someone who claimed to “not have anywhere to go” over her holiday break from college. For those who have read my memoir, you will remember that I benefitted immensely from the kindness of a stranger who took me in when I was at my lowest low, so – in an attempt to “pay it forward, ” I invited this person to temporarily reside with me.

           All Dressed Up & Nowhere to Go

As Julia Roberts said in the film Pretty Woman: “Big mistake. Huge.”

This girl showed up to my house with a raging case of COVID, and then, upon realizing she was sick, promptly remembered that she did, in fact, have a place to go: HOME. So she packed up her stuff, leaving me with bedding to wash, a bathroom to disinfect, and a direct exposure to COVID.

Anyway, tomorrow, it’ll be five days since the exposure. According to the latest CDC guidelines, asymptomatic people who have been exposed can self-test after five days, and – given a negative test result, folks can go about their merry way, as long as they continue to mask everywhere they go for the following 10 days.

I feel fine, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a negative result.

• • •

But I digress.

For those of you who have been following me for the last few years, you know I like to do these End-of-Year Reflections during which time I do a little look back. In fact, if you really want to be creepy thorough, you can check out Year in Review 2018, Year-in-Review 2019 and Year-in-Review 2020. While some of the things I reflect upon are pretty subjective, the numbers don’t lie.

I have to say that 2021 has been a surprisingly good year for me. After many years of suffering, I feel like everything suddenly turned on a dime and all of my cosmic debts have been paid. I have been reborn and I am truly grateful to everyone who has lifted me up and helped me to arrive to see this day which I never thought would come. While I always prefer words, I have to admit this is probably the one time of the year that I really like doing a little math.

MY YEAR IN NUMBERS

1 – memoir published

(Click HERE to purchase PSYCHIATRIZED)

1,000+ – paperbacks sold

1,584 – ebooks downloaded

56 – audiobook downloads

Thanks to my friend Scott W. Fitzgerald at Roc Vox Recording & Production!

59 – Amazon reviews

9,588 – combined followers on all social media outlets

Up 921 followers from last year, I’m hoping to hit 10K followers in 2022!

2,727 – people on my mailing list

365 – unique pieces of artwork created* this year

383 – unique pieces of artwork sold* this year

318 – unique client sales

12 – private commissions

42 – Benzo Warrior Emotional Support Calls

52 – ZOOM art classes taught

Classes resume February 9, 2022. Click HERE if you’d like to learn more.

32 – memoir classes taught

7 – Podcast interviews

4 – public readings/speaking engagements

Many thanks to Tracie Glazer at the Hillel School in Rochester, NY; Renee McLain at Center of Grace in Manlius, NY; Tricia & Steve Kuntz at Fig Hollow Barn in Palmyra, NY & The Pittsford Community Library.

          Do Epic Shit

19 – best selling print: DO EPIC SHIT

9 – shows/festivals in which I participated

What a JOY to have been able to show in person at Fairport Canal Days, Themata, Bishop Kearney, Riveter Festival, Jack Craft, Purple Painted Lady Festival, Crafted and virtually via the JOYfilled Holiday Online Artist Market.

0 – First dates I went on

I had no idea how to do it before COVID, and I’m at even more of a loss now.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Some people make New Year’s Resolutions, but I prefer to select a single word to help guide me.

Between 2014-2017, my word was HEAL.

In 2018, my word was CREATE.

All I wanted to do was make and paint and sell and promote.

In 2019, my word was GROW.

(And I did!)

In 2020, my word was CLARITY.

Then COVID hit & I think many of us are finally starting to see how much we need to do to heal individually & collectively as a nation.

In 2021, my word was PURPOSE, and I truly feel that I stepped into my power in 2021. I know who I am and the reason why I am here on this planet. I’ve found a way to marry together all my interests — my writing and my artwork, my teaching skills & my editor’s eye, my creative spirit and my desire to help people into one incredible platform of goodness. Thanks to John Kissling for helping me to revamp my website!

In 2022, my word is EXPAND.

There are a bunch of things happening behind the scenes that I hope will come to fruition in 2021.

It is my intention to allow myself to move into these new opportunities without fear.

Last year I asked two questions:

  1. What can I change, realistically, given that COVID restrictions will likely continue for some time & the future is uncertain?
  2. How can I continue to thrive personally & professionally in this extremely challenging climate & culture.

I think I’ve done a really stinkin’ good job of thriving during these difficult times. I’ve managed to grow my business, maintain friendships, and even meet a few new people, too. I’ve been more willing to immediately let go of the people who can’t communicate clearly, aren’t feeding my soul, or just plain don’t show up for me in one way or another. Ending relationships is very hard for me, so I’m going to pat myself on the back for making progress in that area.

I am curious about how y’all are doing. What has worked for you this year? What has gone to shit? Please share your thoughts with me here, on Facebook, via DM or email. It always helps me to read your words, and – if you post publicly – chance are, your words will help someone else, too.

ONE LAST THING

I’ll be announcing the winner of my FREE ART BUNDLE GIVEAWAY on 1/1/22 LIVE on my Rasjacobson Art FACEBOOK Page at 1:11 PM EST! Anyone who made a purchase in December 2021 is eligible to win, so if you’d like to find out if you’re the lucky winner, be sure you are following me there! (PS: I’ll also announce a few other totally random facts like who made the first purchase of the year and who made the last purchase of the year, weird trivia like that.)

Until then, I’m wishing you all Health & Happiness for the rest of the year!

See you in 2022.

XOXO

 

 

I don’t know about you, but I can really feel the change in the season.

I’m a summer girl, so the loss of sunlight is tough on me.

Suddenly, there are fewer hours in the day to get everything done, and for a few days in there, I didn’t even manage to get outside to get my walk in.

(That is never a good thing for me.)

In an attempt combat Seasonal Affective Distress, I’ve signed up to take a class at The Warrior Factory, one of those places where people work on improving their balance and strength & then get to practice their new new and improved skills on a cool obstacle course.

Seriously though, my upper arms told me it’s was time for me to push out of my comfort zone and try something different.

I start in two weeks, and I’ll keep you posted on my progress from artist & author to super ninja.

What else do I have to tell you?

Tomorrow, November 6, 2021, I’ll be at 880 Yellow Mills Road (aka: Fig Hollow Barn) in Palmyra to talk about the dangers associated with long-term psychiatric drug use.

Here’s a link with details about the event. https://www.rasjacobson.store/events/ It is not necessary to RSVP, but it helps us to anticipate for the best set-up.

(Like… do I need a megaphone or can we sit in a small circle?)

NOTE: The venue is in a non-winterized barn, so be sure to dress accordingly.

After that event, the next thing that is coming up is my:

ZOOM ART Liquidation Sale!

The nice thing about this event is that EVERYONE can participate. Whether you live five minutes away or five time zones away, this is a great way to connect and do a little shopping at the same time! Honestly, I had so much fun sharing my artwork LIVE via ZOOM last year! If there was a silver lining to the COVID quarantine, that was it.

This year, there will be 3 opportunities for you to purchase my wares online. I’ll be showing tons of items that are not on my website, most are $30 or less.

Everything must go, so shop early for the best selection!

Purchase over $100 & shipping is FREE!

Nov. 9 & 23 & Dec. 7 • 7:15pm – 9pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7899257474?pwd=NXVyN25tVm9EQzMzdlNmaHZtdUxoQT09

Meeting ID: 789 925 7474

Passcode: RASJ2021

Even if you can’t stay the entire time, I’d love for you to stop by at the beginning to say hi! My friend, Trish Campbell, will act as moderator & make sure everything runs smoothly. There will be several opportunities to win FREE STUFF, and it’s going to be a lot of fun!

After that, I’m packing up everything I have & heading to Syracuse to attend a unique shopping event in Syracuse.

The Crafted Underground Indie Market is already in full swing weekends between now and Christmas Eve at 217 S. Salina Street in Syracuse, New York

I’ll be there:

Nov 20 & 21 and Nov 27 & 28 from 11am-7pm.

I’ll have FREE GIFTS for the first 50 people to make a purchase.

That’s it for now.

I hope you all get outside to enjoy these last few days of beautiful fall colors.

Oh oh oh!

One more thing!

If you’ve read my book — PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine — I would really appreciate it if you’d send me a photo of yourself with my book for publication on my social media pages.

PS: When you send me a photo, you will be automatically entered to win my November FREE PRINT giveaway!

Okay, now I’m done.

XOXO

 

 

We’ve already starting to hear grumbles about the chain of supply in 2021, and consumers are being encouraged to start their holiday shopping early this year.

Lucky for you all, this Fall there will be multiple options to find me both IRL & online.

• • •

IN-PERSON in SYRACUSE, NY

Nov. 20 & 21, 27 & 28

Dec. 18 & 19

11am – 7pm

Crafted Underground

217 S. Salina Street

Syracuse, New York

• • •

IN-PERSON in ROCHESTER, NY

Saturday, Dec. 4

10am – 4pm

Bishop Kearney Holiday Art Show

125 Kings Highway S.

Rochester, NY 14617

• • •

IN-PERSON in BUFFALO, NY

Saturday, December 11th

11am – 5pm

140 Lee Street, Buffalo, NY

This event will take place at The Powerhouse, a gorgeous new industrial event space located in Buffalo. In keeping with the mission of the Jack Craft Fair, this event will showcase a highly curated list of local, handmade vendors and is free to the public. Food and drinks will be served throughout the day.

 

ONLINE VIA ZOOM HOLIDAY SHOPPING

I had so much fun sharing my artwork LIVE via ZOOM last year! This year, there will be 3 opportunities for you to purchase my wares online. And everything must go, so shop early for the best selection!

Nearly everything is $30 or less!

Purchase over $100 & shipping is FREE!

Nov. 9 & 23 • Dec. 7

7:15pm – 9pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7899257474?pwd=NXVyN25tVm9EQzMzdlNmaHZtdUxoQT09

Meeting ID: 789 925 7474

Passcode: RASJ2021

• • •

VIA MY WEBSITE

You can always stock up on prints, magnets & tiles 24/7 at MY WEBSITE!

Looking forward to seeing you later this month!

PS: This 9×12 original watercolor is available for $55, shipped anywhere is the continental USA.

If you want it, simply respond to this email. First person to call dibs wins!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve finalized my Fall schedule for 2021, and I wanted to let you know what’s going on and where you can find me over the next few months.

BOOK UPDATE

Book sales for PSYCHIATRIZED have continued to be strong. If you haven’t purchased your copy of my memoir yet, you can get it HERE.

So far, 55 people have sent me photos of themselves holding my book for me to post on my social media pages! I *really* appreciate this! And if you’d like to be part of the fun, all you have to do is take a selfie (with book) and send it to me! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

I also wanted to mention that I really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to leave me an Amazon review about the book. This is incredibly helpful for indie authors, as it helps to gain exposure.

• • •

AUDIOBOOK ANNOUNCEMENT

This Wednesday, I’m starting to work on the audiobook version of PSYCHIATRIZED with Scott W. Fitzgerald of ROC VOX Recording & Production. I’m very excited about this endeavor. I know that when I was sick, it was very difficult (and sometimes impossible) for me to read. Hopefully, an audiobook will provide an addition option for people who’d rather listen than read.

• • •

BOOK LAUNCH in SYRACUSE, NY

             This is Renee McLain, y’all.

Sunday, October 3, 2021

4:30-6:30pm

8219 Marketplace, Building #10

Manlius, NY

This Sunday, I’ll be in Manlius, New York for my BOOK LAUNCH! I’ll be talking about my experience of healing after longterm prescription benzodiazepine use. Those of you who have read my book know that when I was at my lowest low, a woman named Renee McLain brought me home with her and took care of me for an extended period of time.

Many people have asked if I was imagining Renee, if she was real or a figment of my imagination.

The answer is, of course, she’s real!

Renee McLain happens to be the owner of Center of Grace Wellness Center in Manlius, New York, which is where my first book talk will take place! Renee will be at the venue and, after I speak, she will talk about what she does to help people to release repressed trauma(s). After the presentation, I’ll be signing books, and there will be a curated selection of my artwork for people to purchase. There will also be a small reception after the presentation for folks to enjoy.

To reserve your seat(s) HERE — or call BJ at Center of Grace at 607-227-3878. Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP.

• • •

BOOK TALK in ROCHESTER

PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine 

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Hillel Community Day School

191 Fairfield Drive

Rochester, NY • 6:30 – 8:30pm

I’ll be talking about my experience of healing after longterm prescription benzodiazepine use. Renee McLain will be present to talk about Somato Respiro Integration, and (finger-crossed), I’m hoping that my former therapist Vickijo Campanaro will be in attendance, too.  After the presentation, I’ll sign books, and there will be a curated selection of my artwork for people to purchase. For more details about the event and to reserve your seat(s) HERE. Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP.

• • •

ZOOM ART CLASSES

If you’d like to join me Wednesday nights for my ZOOM ART CLASS for ADULTS, a small group of us meet weekly from 7-8:30PM EST. People can sign up for a month at a time or for the next three months. These classes are no pressure, and they are designed for connection and relaxation. For more information & details about supplies, click HERE.

And if you’d like to see an example of the kinds of things we do, click HERE.

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler temperatures!

I’ll be in Booth #33 in the GREEN SECTION

845 Yellow Mills Road

Palmyra, New York 14522

Saturday 9/18 •  9am-5pm

Sunday 9/19 • 10am-4pm

 **$5 ENTRANCE FEE TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES

Children under 12 are FREE.

FREE Parking.

I’ll have magnets, tiles, prints, ornaments, original watercolors & acrylic paintings!

• • •

For more details about the show, click HERE.

Thanks to everyone who pre-ordered a copy of my memoir! Books are scheduled to arrive on August 12, 2021. As soon as they get here, I’ll start signing them & sending them out as quickly as I can.

The book is called PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine, and even if you missed out on the opportunity to get a signed copy, paperback & ebook versions are available via Amazon. Click HERE to get yours!

SYNOPSIS

When a trusted physician tells Renée Schuls-Jacobson that he has the solution for her chronic insomnia — a “tried and true medication without any side effects,” she believes him. For seven years, she takes her clonazepam exactly as prescribed until, one day, she learns that her doctor is wrong: long-term benzodiazepine use causes all kinds of problems including profound changes in brain function.

With the help of an addiction specialist, Renée embarks on a slow, medically supervised taper, only to find herself cognitively scrambled and stuck in the nightmare of benzodiazepine withdrawal. For nearly four years, she endures hundreds of terrifying physical, emotional and psychological symptoms – none of which were present before taking the medication.

While healing from an iatrogenic brain injury that is not widely recognized by doctors, Renée leaves everything familiar behind and goes on a journey, meeting scientists and sages, healers and hucksters, who all teach her the same hard lesson: to stop seeking the help of experts and to trust her intuition.

In PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine, the author contemplates the cost of compliance and exposes the truth about the dangers of psychiatric drugs as well as a discontinuation syndrome, which affects thousands of men and women worldwide.

Information about my upcoming book tour to follow.

Look for the hashtag #psychiatrized!

When you finish reading my memoir, I’d *really* appreciate it if you’d leave a written review on Amazon. Reviews helps indie authors to obtain more of a reach across the Amazon Books platform. 

During COVID quarantine, I decided it was time to finish my memoir.

And so I did.

I’m thrilled to announce the release of PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine.

I’m currently taking payment for signed, paperback copies until July 31, 2021.

Copies will be shipped in August.

If you’d like to order a copy (or copies), CLICK HERE:

Or you can Venmo me at @rasjacobson.

Thank you all so much for your support during these last eight years of crazy-town.

SYNOPSIS

When a trusted physician tells Renée Schuls-Jacobson that he has the solution for her chronic insomnia — a “tried and true medication without any side effects,” she believes him. For seven years, she takes her clonazepam exactly as prescribed until, one day, she learns that her doctor is wrong: long-term benzodiazepine use causes all kinds of problems including profound changes in brain function.

With the help of an addiction specialist, Renée embarks on a slow, medically supervised taper, only to find herself cognitively scrambled and stuck in the nightmare of benzodiazepine withdrawal. For nearly four years, she endures hundreds of terrifying physical, emotional and psychological symptoms – none of which were present before taking the medication.

While healing from an iatrogenic brain injury that is not widely recognized by doctors, Renée leaves everything familiar behind and goes on a journey, meeting scientists and sages, healers and hucksters, who all teach her the same hard lesson: to stop seeking the help of experts and to trust her intuition.

In PSYCHIATRIZED: Waking Up After a Decade of Bad Medicine, Renée Schuls-Jacobson contemplates the cost of compliance and exposes the truth about the dangers of psychiatric drugs as well as a discontinuation syndrome, which affects thousands of men and women worldwide.

More information to follow under the hashtag #psychiatrized!

 

 

I’m excited to be able to enjoy post-Covid festivals and outdoor gatherings again. I’m vaccinated and will have hand-sanitizer; I’ve also changed my display to make it more Covid-friendly. This list will be updated frequently. Hope to see you there.

Festival Season 2021

June 5 & 6 • Fairport Canal Days  • Cannery Lot, Fairport NY • 10am-5pm

June 19 • Themata • Culver Road Armory, Rochester NY • 11am-4pm

June 26 • Pop-up at Purple Painted • 77 West Main Street Macedon NY • 10am-4pm

July 10 • Bishop Kearny Craft Sale • 125 Kings Hwy S, Rochester •10am-4pm

June 24  • Themata • Culver Rd. Armory, Rochester NY • 11am-4pm

August 14 • Jack Craft Fair • Buffalo Outer Harbor, Buffalo • 11am-5pm

Sept 18-19 • Purple Painted Lady Festival • 845 Yellow Mills Rd, Palmyra • 9am-5pm

NOTE: If you can’t make these festivals in person, I also take credit card orders via my website.

PS: Make a purchase during the month of June and you will be automatically entered to win my FREE ART GIVEAWAY. Drawing to take place on June 30, 2021 and the winner will be announced on July 1, 2021.

Many of you know that I started teaching online art classes via ZOOM during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

My GROUP CLASSES meet Wednesday nights (via ZOOM) and run for a full month between 7-8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.

During any month-long set of classes, we focus on trusting our intuition, trying new techniques and — most importantly — gathering together with like-minded people online for relaxation and play. Some of the things we might paint include characters, critters, squiggles, abstracts, florals, high inaccurate figures and wonky portraits.

While I like to encourage people to experiment with watercolor, acrylic and multimedia, all you *really* need to participate is an open mind — and a few basic supplies.

People frequently ask me about which supplies I like, so I’ve finally compiled a list of some of my faves.

SUPPLY LIST:

If you’d like to join my Wednesday night ZOOM class, click HERE. Classes run September – May.

Sign up for September classes before August 15, 2021 and use the code RASJ10 to receive 10% off your first month of classes! Refer a friend and receive a free gift!

DISCLOSURE: I am part of the Amazon Affiliates Program, and I receive a few cents from every purchase made thru one of my links. I am grateful to you for clicking thru and helping me in this way!

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop