photo by Daniel

I saw a wonderful movie today called Bottle Shock. It was based on a true story which took place in the mid-1970s. A certain group of people in Northern California decide to live their dreams, and work to create wine that has always been held in the deepest regard, up to this point, only in France.


Their mission to produce superior wine is fueled, not by commercialism, but by a passion to create a beautiful and fluid work of art. Many can relate to the love of wine, the depth of its color, the layers of subtle and pronounced tastes, the distinct aroma, and the lingering effects which stay alive on the palette.


There is a point in the movie where the hero is talking to a young female intern who has traveled many miles to learn the craft of wine making. He bends down to the earth, and scoops up some dry dirt among the vibrant grape vines. He explains to the intern that the vines thrive when the soil is dry because they know they have to struggle more to survive.

These vines that are fighting back against scarcity will always produce more complex grapes than vines that are surrounded by soil that is moist. Like humans, it seems, it is the struggle that builds depth and character.


It is challenging to put your prized plants through this grueling method. What if they are pushed to far and wither? Undeterred, these brave men and women fight against being ostracized and having financial ruin thrust upon them, and (their biggest heartbreak) losing the very thing that brought them to their own sacred vineyards.


In the end, the hero’s wine is claimed the winner in a blind taste test performed by snobbish, elite French judges in Champagne, France. News spreads like wild fire, and his “California” wine becomes sought after throughout the nation, and the world. The message is a simple one that I never grow tired of: “Never give up.” The story was told with truth, and the scenery was beautiful. The time was nostalgic and the theme is timeless.


Now what can be better than that?

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Kim McGinnis, Be Like Nature

photo by david9wong

I am sure most of you are familiar with the various ways we humans can be more green. Here are a few common ways most of us are aware of: recycling, using energy efficient light bulbs, purchasing Seventh Generation products (tissue, toilet paper, dish soap, etc.), using a water filter and forgoing the plastic water bottles, and using canvas shopping bags. We may use a combination of some of these, and some of us (me included), could do alot better…we do the best we can.

But I think there is a great way to conserve our precious natural resources that many people have not considered – working from home. Not only is this a great green alternative to driving to work, it allows you more freedom to do the things that make your life more enjoyable. If your place of employment does not offer this option, do no let this stop you.

There is a way to make more money (green) from home by working online, than you can make in your present job. Then you will have the time to do those other things that are good to the earth, like growing your own organic vegetable garden, washing your clothes in cold water, then hanging your clothes out to dry. They will smell lovely, save your energy dollars by not running the dryer, and the clothes themselves will last longer as the dryer will not make them shed wispy fibers.

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photo by ucumari

If you have ever created something from nothing you are a true artist. And you are most likely familiar with the feeling of contented satisfaction. Mix that with the excitement of being a powerful creator, and you may feel like this is your destiny. Whether it is a child, an oil painting or a novel it is as if you are presenting a little bit of you to the world.

The same feeling applies if you have created your own website. Particularly, if you have introduced an absolutely unique and patented product on this website. The web is such a wonderful window to the world. Reaching millions upon millions of people, what could be a better place to show off your “baby”?

Hold on, though. Before you get too excited, I urge you to take some very important precautions. If you were taking your baby home from the hospital, would you make sure that some details are in place first? Of course, you would! You probably would get yourself a crib, some disposable diapers, formula, a car seat, etc.

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photo by, love_child_kyoto

Hi everyone. I feel I have not been operating on all cylinders when it has come to this Be Like Nature blog. The truth is I have been spending an inordinate amount of time and energy on developing my new website, a zen gift.

So, in an effort to walk the talk, I have been trying to search for ways that I can be more like nature…thereby alleviating any excess stress (that would be the “bad” kind of stress).

So, what’s a girl to – a girl trying to beat the Google Adwords game, turning hard earned money into clicks, and hoping for the sight of the heavenly conversion. As I write this, I know the answer instantly. Just like a tree does not demand or try to grow, it just grows.

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