by Jean Franzblau | Sep 17, 2024 | Checking In, Covid Diaries, History, Video
In November 2020, I realized that Cuddle Sanctuary would soon be hitting a milestone. Six years of service to the community. I was socially isolating due to the pandemic at the time and did my best to celebrate via social media: As the years have ticked by, I’ve...
by Jean Franzblau | Nov 16, 2022 | Antiracism, History
I went to the Vancouver International Film Festival last month. At the top of the festival website is a Land Acknowledgement that includes this: As an organization founded and predominantly directed by settlers and immigrants, we understand our responsibility to seek...
by Jean Franzblau | Mar 7, 2022 | History, Professional Cuddling
I met Shayla Tumbling in 2021 through CuddleSage, the first training for professional cuddlers that centers Black women. (Shayla is a Co-Creator and Teacher.) I had no idea at the time that I was meeting a fellow pioneer in the world of cuddling. In 2014, when I was...
by Jean Franzblau | Jun 7, 2019 | Checking In, Cuddle Workshops, History
Two weeks ago I joyfully shared the ch-ch-ch changes at Cuddle Sanctuary. I’d been looking for a new space for our events and one fell into my lap like magic. On June 1st, Louis, Susan, Fei and I entered the venue for the first time and hosted a celebratory Saturday...
by Jean Franzblau | May 25, 2019 | Checking In, Cuddle Workshops, History, Video
I was amazed. A few weeks ago it occurred to me to contact Zoe, the landlord who provides the space for Cuddle Sanctuary events. I’d been halfheartedly looking for a new location with safer parking, less traffic noise and more space. (Safer parking was a big factor.)...
by Jean Franzblau | Aug 17, 2017 | History, The Faces of Cuddle Sanctuary
I came to Los Angeles when I was seventeen years old. I had a chip on my shoulder because I didn’t like when adults told me that my dream to be a working actor was too big and that finding success would be too hard. Their discouragement made me want to succeed even...
