Man 'Springs' into Kindness by Passing out Carnations in Santa Monica

A retired U.S. Coast Guard reservist marked the first day of spring today by handing out hundreds of carnations as part of a "Spring Into Kindness" campaign in Santa Monica.

Spring de Haviland passed out 300 carnations to passerby at the Santa Monica Pier for the third year to spread the message of the One Million Acts of Kindness campaign. The campaign encourages participants to spread random acts of kindness.

Wearing a bright red, floppy hat and a hoop skirt, de Haviland said she aims to bring a smile to the people she meets.

"It just infuses them with the spirit of spring," de Haviland said.

She said she sometimes gives people several flowers to pass on to others.

"People smile, they laugh it's just a positive reaction, very life affirming," de Haviland said.

To ring in spring, she waded into the ocean with a 12-foot garland of flowers.

"It's just fun for my spirit," de Haviland said. "I call it, it increases my 'en-dolphins' and for the land lovers, it is endorphins."

Learn more at http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.com/.

--City News Service