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| The popular Cargo Bike or BakFiets of Amsterdam |
"I gave flowers to strangers in the streets of Amsterdam for the first time in 2008, after I met Federico. His passion rubbed off and handing out the flowers was such a great experience! You surprise people with such a selfless act. Some people are suspicious, "What do you want in return for something I'm getting for free?!" But most people are grateful and walk away happy, with a beautiful flower and a poem about peace. When all the flowers are handed out, you bike through the city and see people walking around with VPP flowers everywhere! I do not like Valentine's Day, it's such a commercialization of real love. Giving flowers to people on this day seems to me the perfect antidote - love is about giving and not expecting something in return. It makes me feel good to participate, so I also get something out of it!"
(Participant Peace Educator Pieternel de Bie)
To join Coordinator Elena in Amsterdam contact info@valentienpeaceproject.org
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“The day of peace and happy is here.
When you have secret admirers and do not feel fear.
Hearts are drawn pink and red. The soldiers are now safe in bed. .
The world reflects back digging deep down inside . . Where light and dark combine so well . .
Cupid is here living with love . . The chocolates in the sun start to melt.
The doors are open to a whole new store . .
You miss the people that changed your world before.
The past is gone, things you must live without.
At times you thought your life was a doubt . .
Spread the care and feel for others. Treat everyone as your brothers.
Through dust and rain you ride the train.
Away, away, away, peace is everywhere.”
(Valentine's Day, Justin Ruder,
Paul Revere School, Los Angeles, CA, USA)
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14 February 2011 - Amsterdam -
Sharing Fairtrade Roses and
VPP poems in English, French, Spanish and Dutch
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"Why the Valentine Peace Project? What for?"
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| Daniel Dancer's Art for the Sky |
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Because We Can . .
Bring Peace to Love on Valentine's Day;
Connect art and community;
Transform the flower industry;
Increase economic justice in trade;
Build a better world through the artistry [and agriculture!] of peace.
"The purpose of activism and art is to make a world in which people are producers of meaning, not just consumers."
Rebecca Solnit, The Untold History of People Power
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"What is breaking through out of what is breaking down?"
Barbara Marx Hubbard
