What The World Needs Now – written in 1965, by Hal David, music composed by Burt Bacharach, recorded by Jackie DeShannon

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

No, not just for some but for everyone.

Good Morning Everyone:

It is almost Valentine’s Day.  That special day of the year when we tell others we love them, purchase flowers, buy sweets, propose, get married and the list is endless.  But, Valentine’s Day this year finds me thinking of love in a different way.  Maybe it is age – maybe not.  Whatever the cause, here are a few thoughts.

I believe everyone will agree, our world is currently not a happy place.  We seem to have lost our way,  forgotten common courtesy and kindness.  We are lacking love.  And, I believe a first step toward restoring a sweeter world,  is becoming fully aware of the lack of love.  As individuals trying to walk a better path, we must keep kindness and love in the front of our minds.  Show kindness to strangers, and set an example for others to follow.

In our country `Grass Roots Efforts` have been responsible for many wonderful achievements and many have altered the course of history.  Examples:  The Women’s Right to Vote, started in 1873 by Susan B. Anthony;  1962, Rachel Carson’s powerful book, Silent Spring, which ignited the Environmental Movement; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), began in 1980 by Candace Lightner of California  – just to name a few.  And, my humble blog, “Maison De Jardin,” began in hopes to serve as a source of  inspiration.   Inspiration to scatter joy, love and kindness.  Inspiration to create and deepen an appreciation of beauty.

I believe, with all my heart, loving actions are contagious.  And, can therefore be a powerful, driving force in returning our world to a kinder place.  So, let’s each do our part to right the ship – we must.  Truly, we will be forever grateful.

Additionally,  I want to share a few words from Alexandra Stoddard’s latest newsletter  (alexandrastoddard.com)  It is a quote from a letter written to her by her dear friend, Ann.  It reads:   “It is imperative that I focus on joy, love, beauty and HAPPINESS.  That is not a luxury to do so, but an imperative, a responsibility.”  Ann hit the mark, and we can too!

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Thanks for visiting today.  Wishing you and yours a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Authors Notes:  The flowers in the photo are Lilies of the Valley.  Their meaning is:  Love and a return to happiness.

If you have not read The Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, it is a worthy read which will increase your awareness of environmental issues of the past, and perhaps the present.  We can be thankful to Ms. Carson for her work and her voice.