10 megapixel digital slr cameras

“There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

The benefits of recycling are far-reaching. It is easy not to participate in a movement when you are not aware that a movement (or problem) exists. But ignorance is not an excuse. Signs are presented to us every day. The forces in the world we live in speak to us in mysterious and beautiful ways.

The communication may start out gently, but the longer we continue to pretend we haven’t heard a message, the communication will become more aggressive.

So remember the next time the wind, a bird or a crack in the road tries to get your attention – listen. It’s always a choice. Choose well and wake up feeling more alive.

Kim McGinnis
Be Like Nature

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photo by ichiro kishimi

Earth Day has come and gone, but the planet we inhabit still remains with its beauty and with its issues and challenges.

It is easy to appreciate our lush surroundings and majestic scenery, but do you ever stop to think what needs to be done to protect it?

If you are like most people, you do sometimes. You understand about the whole responsibility issue. So, I won’t even go there.

I will just leave you with a related quote…

“Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure.”

— John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day

And for those of you that would like more information on the benefits of recycling, visit benefits-of-recycling.com.

Kim McGinnis
Be Like Nature

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photo by Hadassah28

This post is for all the Moms out there.

My Mom passed away a couple of years ago, but I think about her often.

I found this poem and it reminded me of her…

Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children.  ~Sam Levenson

I wasn’t the easiest kid to raise. But, I think we both benefited enormously from the journey. I  know when I see my Mom again, we will laugh about the whole experience.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Kim McGinnis
Be Like Nature

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photo by Miguel Van Dijk Grilo

Give up all bad qualities in you,

banish the ego, and develop the spirit of surrender.

Then you will experience Bliss.

–Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Kim McGinnis
Be Like Nature

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photo by S.M.

Do you sometimes feel like a tree is whispering to you? Or the night air is calling? I know it may sound a little strange, but I think nature tries to communicate to us humans just as it does with other parts of nature. I mean I know I try to talk to my dogs all the time. And I swear they understand me.

Of course, what they are hearing is the feeling that is being emitted from me. Their response is usually appreciation or love, because they are simply reflecting the feelings I am communicating. This is all getting a little wordy, isn’t it? That’s why I posted the beautiful picture. I will let that do the talking.
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Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

photo by Love Chaos

I’ve always loved books. Not reading so much all the time, but I really do love books. Maybe it’s all that goes into writing one. When I visit the library or, better yet, visit a book shop filled with used books, the history seems to seep from every surface. Not so nice if you’re a germaphobic, but I think many can appreciate the feeling.

These days I read a few pages and I have to shut my eyes. Not sure what’s up with that. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the content of what I’m reading. Maybe I’m unconsciously trying to dream what I’ve picked up from the text.

Books are like nature. There are made from nature’s resources, and filled with stories that nature inspired. Simply holding a book can make me feel more grounded, like I’m getting in touch with the best part of myself.

I have about 5 different books going on right now. I wonder which one will draw me in tonight…
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Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

This lovely picture was taken by Ilonquayou. Do you sometimes just like to look at beautiful pictures? Me too. Words can not compete with the feelings that can be evoked by seeing something pure and beautiful. Luckily for us nature shows them to us free of charge.

Kim McGinnis
Be Like Nature

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photo by Visserligen


President Bush gave a speech last night about the state of the economy. It wasn’t good. As it turns out the taxpayers are going to be bailing our some institutions that got carried away with greed. Isn’t that nice of us!

But, it’s all good. There really was not a better choice. Hopefully stronger regulations will be in place to make sure the people in charge of so much power don’t wield it in ways that are bad for the people…time will tell.

In the mean time, my husband, Mark, and I have taken our financial destiny in our own hands and started a new website, Manifest-Passive-Income, http://www.Manifest-Passive-Income.com
Mark and I are very passionate about the kind of lifestyle that is possible with passive income, and we want to present to others how this lifestyle is not only possible to attain, it is impossible to avoid, if you practice diligently, and act on the tools and techniques presented on our website.

Life is short. Don’t allow your lives to be consumed with work that brings you nothing but swollen feet, a pounding head, a bitter attitude. Instead, Be Like Nature. Sit quietly, and rest for a moment, in all your inherent glory. Imagine the kind of life you really want. Think back to when you were a little kid, when the idea of possibilities, excited and motivated you.

That’s what Mark and I did. And that’s why we started Manifest-Passive-Income. That is also why we are going to be presenting a seminar in Denver on the very same topic. Go to Manifest-Passive-Income to check it out. Just click on the Seminars button on the bottom left-hand side of the home page.

That’s it for now, gotta go. Till then, be like nature…

Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

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Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

photo by tsevis’

I just watched the Obama speech online. Even if I was unsure about this guy before, all misgivings have disappeared. His speech was more than one of promises, it was also about responsibility. He could not have been more right on.

I have had this conversation before with others that are against any sort of socialism. Their argument is that we should be responsible entirely for ourselves . That if we are in a certain situation, whether it is homeless or living in a gang-infested neighborhood…we made our bed so we should just lie in it. I understand where they are coming from, I really do. I am not a big fan of the victim mentality.

But I can’t help but feel there is something inherently wrong about the lack of compassion in this argument. Don’t we as human beings have a responsibility to other things or people other than ourselves? Do we not have a responsibility to keep our families provided for, to extend a hand to someone who really needs a little help, to call our friends that we have lost touch with because they were in our thoughts and we know it matters to connect, to offer a kind word to a cashier that is having a bad day, to call your mom even though you really do not want to, to leave a ridiculous tip because you have a feeling the waitress needs it even more than you do.

And don’t we have a responsibility to keep our homes in order, to keep debris off our driveways, to keep our cars clean, to abstain from throwing litter in public places, to drive at a safe speed, to keep on cell phones off while we are concentrating on the road, to be aware of the laws, and respect that most of them make alot of sense.

Many of us do many of these things. We have moments of kindness, and generosity. Personally, I know I could do better. Unfortunately there are those that do barely anything to give back, to extend their sense of responsibility. Interestingly, sometimes the people that are in need of the most help, take their sense of responsibility the most seriously.

They champion for their children, they fight the insurance companies, they demand justice when they get laid off due to outsourcing, and they raise the awareness of the world when their cries are drowned out with rhetoric.

I think I have always routed for the underdog. Not sure why. Maybe I also grouped myself in that category. I came from a below middle class family, my family always struggled with money issues, and I was often made fun of because of my ways.

It made me stronger in a way. It was never so bad that I could not go to college or find some kind of work or pick myself up out of an undesirable situation. I was very fortunate.

I know others are not so fortunate. And I don’t believe it’s because they deserve it. No one deserves to not be seen. It boggles my mind and saddens me to realize that some people have this point of view. Hopefully, they are in the minority. I truly believe that is the case.

I guess we will find out soon enough. Come November we will have more of the same “take what you can get mentality” or it will be one human responsibility and compassion. Which one will you vote for?

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Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

Guest Blog from the Sydney Observatory blog…

August 2008 night sky podcast transcript

Published by sebc August 1st, 2008 in Sky guide transcripts

photo by chipdatajeffb

This is a transcript of a podcast of the August 2008 night sky guide. Download and listen to the podcast as you gaze up at the night sky.

Stephanie Parello: This is the guide to the night sky for August 2008. My name is Stephanie Parello. I’m Senior Astronomy Educator at Sydney Observatory. If you’d like to become familiar with the night sky, you’ll want to spend some time outside at night. But first, get ready with a few simple things. Print off the sky map at www.sydneyobservatory.com/blog and download this podcast. Prepare a torch fitted with a red filter. You can use red cellophane or tissue paper and secure it with tape or a rubber band. This is important because you want your eyes to adapt to the dark so you can see as much as possible in the night sky and the red light helps keep your dark adaption better than white light. Dress warmly and grab your gear. Go outside on a cloudless night, sit or lay yourself down comfortable, look up and listen to this guide.

Do you remember where the sun set? I hope so because that’s going to help you to find your way around now. The sun sets in the western part of the sky. In August it sets just a bit north of due west. But that’s OK. Once you know where west is, the other directions fall into place. Facing west, north is to your right, south is to your left and east is behind you. Of course you don’t have to face west the whole time. Just so you remember which direction is which.

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