Dear Friends,
The song, “Where Is Love?” has been haunting me. I couldn’t remember where I heard it. Googling it, I was reminded that the song is from the musical, “Oliver,” which was based on Charles Dickens’ book, Oliver Twist.
Sung by a young boy, the tune is, indeed, a haunting one, the wistful wish of the Oliver character who wants to know where “someone who. . . I can be something to” is. Don’t we all wish for that?
These days, love is something we all need. It is more than a simple tune, or one of the many songs with lyrics like “All You Need Is Love,” “Where is the love,” “She loves you,” and many more.
Recently, I’ve immersed myself in reading books by bestselling romance author Ali Hazelwood [AliHazelwood.com], who will be at the Tucson Festival of Books this week. Many of her books include titles with “love” in them. Her characters are scientists and often follow popular romance tropes like “enemies to lovers,” “fake relationships,” “forbidden love,” “sworn off relationships,” “emotional scars.” Her characters deal with many emotional scars and misunderstandings. Hazelwood creates relatable characters so readers will want to identify with them and wish them success.
Thinking about the troubling world issues plaguing our lives: war, death, contagious illnesses, mounting prices, and dissension everywhere, it seems like the entire world could use love, better communication, and honesty.
I say start small. Be courteous. Hold the door for the next person. Wait your turn in line. Don’t run red lights. (I’ve seen drivers rush through red lights causing accidents.) And a biggie─Thank someone when they do something nice for you!!
After the small things, remind people you love how you feel about them. And don’t do it to get them to do something for you. Just tell them with no ulterior motive. You’ll probably shock them! But say it anyway.
If our world leaders could put aside their differences and really speak to each other with honesty, I believe we’ll enhance our lives.
I don’t pretend to be perfect, but when I’m writing my books, I get philosophical. If I can change the world with one positive act, I believe it can have a ripple effect. Let’s aim for one positive act. Let me know what someone did for you that you’ve appreciated. See if you can pass it on!
And back to my theme. Where is love? I think if we meet people in a positive, hopeful way and find common ground, we can develop love. At least respect. It’s a starting place!
Have a wonderful day, week, month, and year!
PS Reading and writing romance, which I’m doing, remind me of how the world can be better. In romance, I’m eager for the “Happily Ever After.” I hope you’re living your “HEA!”
Best wishes,
Shelley Sommers
Author of Contemporary Steamy Romance