What’s Changing at Cuddle Sanctuary
Two months ago, I shared that I was pausing my monthly practice of leading cuddle events. That decision still feels clear and grounded. I even donated my floor cushions to the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica. I like the idea of them circulating in the world and...
A Change In Rhythm
Note: Since first publishing this post, I’ve gained more clarity about what this transition means. I’m stepping away from monthly event production while remaining active through private sessions, resources, select mentorship, and aligned special collaborations. For...
The Unicorn Protests
I perform my little heart out on the Santa Monica Pier with my new microphone and amp. On the walk home, I picture the project of turning this adorable character into a bona fide crowd-gathering show. But my heart isn’t in it. That week, I plan to attend an anti-ICE...
The Unicorn Considers “Crowd Work”
The last you heard from me, I was happy-as-a-clam trying new stuff as a mythical creature on the Santa Monica Pier. My experiments continue. Several times I invite tourists to do the Macarena. (It’s fun when it works.) I also offer whimsical bits of fortune-cookie...
A Unicorn Experiments (Part 5, The Unicorn Series)
I thought I’d be back at the pier right away, but I need a few days to recover. I return with a combination of joy and anxiety. The experience feels momentous, so I keep recording the process. On the Way General transcript: Holy shit. It’s one week later, and...
The Morning After (Part 4 of the Unicorn Series)
It's the morning after my debut on the Santa Monica Pier. I have an insight that feels big. I grab my phone to record it. General transcript: There's something happening with this, my desire to do this thing at the pier. I had a feeling that the reason for it would be...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn (Part 3)
In the first and second installments of my story, I describe my plan to dress up as a friendly, mythical creature and make myself available for photos with tourists. I aim to provide a deluxe experience, so I craft a pocket-sized list of services. I am excited to get...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn (Part 2)
In my first installment of this story, I told you how after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I quietly stopped performing. It wasn’t a conscious choice, but it was an appropriate one. I had spent a month - what felt like - begging people to come to my show. On the bus,...
The Debut of Jean the Magical Unicorn – Part 1
A Unicorn Prepares I’m in a public toilet at the Santa Monica Pier on a Tuesday. My heart pounds as I change from street clothes into a colorful, star-studded onesie with a horn at the top. I’ve crafted a basket with beads and a sign that says “Tips are Delightful!” ...
The Sure Thing
When I was 14 years old in 1985, a movie came out about a college guy who’s unlucky in love. He embarks on a road trip across the country - with the promise that he’ll meet a woman who’s a “sure thing.” I remember the movie fondly; I can even quote it. I bet that if...